Mr. Donald Tusk’s visit to Tajikistan comes shortly after the launch of the European Union's new Strategy for Central Asia Strategy and he is the first President of the European Council to visit Tajikistan.
In his public statement after the meeting with President Emomali Rahmon, Mr. Tusk noted on June 30 that Central Asia’s strategic location at the crossroads between Europe and Asia and the recent positive developments in the region have opened opportunities for a stronger, modern partnership.
“The EU is proposing to share high standards, quality investment, education and trade opportunities and to promote transport, energy and digital connections, in full respect of your sovereignty and interests,” said Tusk. “One reason I came here, is that I know how important you are for the security of the entire region. I am grateful for the opportunity to have seen the border with Afghanistan today. And I was really impressed by how much you are doing to protect it. I am happy to say that we will seriously increase our support of the Border Management Project in Central Asia.”
He further noted that the European Union remains strongly committed to cooperating with all of the Central Asian countries on fighting terrorism, drug trafficking and violent extremism.
“Today I also visited the Pamir Glaciers. I was impressed by the beauty but also by the visible impact of climate change. This is not only a major concern for your country, but for the region and the whole world. The EU remains committed to fighting climate change. And I am sure Tajikistan will be the best partner in this,” said Mr. Tusk said. “In this context, let me also say that the efforts your country puts into regional water management are valued.”
According to him, President Rahmon and he also discussed the bilateral relations between Tajikistan and the EU and he confirmed that the EU is ready to improve Tajikistan’s access to Europe’s markets, as soon as the necessary conditions are met. “We also discussed the prospect of negotiating a new bilateral agreement. That would be a positive development in our relations,” Mr. Tusk said.
“The highest goal of every politician is to ensure security but also human rights and freedoms,” Tusk said, addressing Rahmon in person. “To achieve that, strength, courage and goodwill are needed. You have it all, Mister President. I would also like to underline the importance of your personal role and the role of your country in the political stabilization not only in Tajikistan but in the whole region. Because of geography, your efforts are much more important than only in this local, regional context. In fact today your efforts, your activities, your impact also in a global context. And in these efforts for stabilization and security, you can always count on Europe, and me personally.”
