DUSHANBE, July 17, 2012, Asia-Plus — On Monday July 16, President Emomali Rahmon received a group of members of the European Parliament (MEPs), led by Struan Stevenson.
The Tajik president’s official website says state and prospects of further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union were a major topic of the meeting.
The sides reportedly expressed satisfaction with a high level of bilateral, regional and international cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union. They, in particular, noted that Tajikistan and the European Union could play an active role in seeking solution to the majority of problems facing Central Asia and Afghanistan.
Making special mention of an important role of Tajikistan in this strategic region, MEPs stressed that the European Union would increase technical assistance for strengthening of border control and management of Tajikistan’s common border with Afghanistan in order to prevent spread of threat of terrorism, extremism and illicit drug trafficking.
The sides also discussed issues related to reconstruction of Afghanistan’s economy. They expressed confidence that a wide use of water and power resources of Tajikistan, connection of power transmission networks of Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, as well as through implementation of the Central Asia South Asia Electricity Trade and Transmission Project (CASA 1000), would serve interests of the whole region.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting with President Rahmon, MEP Struan Stevenson noted that efficient use of Tajikistan’s water and energy resources would promote development of economy and agrarian sector of the whole Central Asia and could play an import role in establishing peace and accord in Afghanistan.
We will recall that a group of members of the European Parliament (MEPs) arrived in Dushanbe on July 15 for a four-day visit.
Local experts consider that MEP Struan Stevenson plays an important role in building the positive image for Tajikistan in the European Union. Mr. Stevenson has visited Tajikistan several times. He is an author of a series of articles and statements declaring for construction of the Roghun HPP and its benefits to the whole Central Asian region.
Struan Stevenson, 64, is a Scottish politician. He is a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Scotland and Vice Chair of the Committee on Fisheries, in addition to which, he is member of the Executive of the Scottish Conservative party.
