Tajikistan and the European Union discuss cooperation

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Tajikistan and the European Union discuss cooperation

The European Union and the Republic of Tajikistan held their eleventh annual Cooperation Committee meeting on 16 July in Dushanbe.

© EU DEL

The two sides reviewed the state of play of their bilateral relations, exchanged views on the most topical political and socio-economic developments, and discussed cooperation in a vast array of areas, including water, environment, energy,trade and investment. They also touched upon regional and international issues. The meeting took place in an open and constructive atmosphere, reflecting the strengthening of relations between the EU and Tajikistan.

Noting the positive trajectory of the bilateral EU-Tajik agenda, the parties took stock of the ongoing negotiations of the EU-Tajikistan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement(EPCA), which they aim to finalise in the near future. The EPCA will deepen the existing EU-Tajik partnership and expand bilateral cooperation into new areas, bringing the relations to a new, more ambitious, level. The EU confirmed its continued supportto the stability and prosperityof Tajikistan and its reform efforts.

It was highlighted that progress in the area of human rights and fundamental freedomsis essential for the benefit of the Tajik society. The EU expressed appreciation for the adoption by the Tajik Government of the first National Human Rights Strategy until 2038and Action Plan for 2023-2025 and stressed the importance of following up to the recommendations issued by UN and OSCE specialised bodies in the area of fundamental freedoms. The EU also recalled the importance to thoroughly investigate human rights violations, especially in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) and expressed its concern about the imprisoned human rights defenders, journalists and bloggers. An independent and vibrant civil society, together with free media, are essential to the development of a democratic society.

Reviewing their bilateral and regional development cooperation, the sides recalled the EU Budget Support programme for Technical and Vocational Educationand Training and the two Team Europe Initiatives (by EU and its Member States) on Water, Energy and ClimateChange and on Digital Connectivity, which have the potential to greatly contribute to the development of Tajikistan. The EU supports the development of the vast hydropowerpotential of Tajikistan, as well as its efforts to improvewaterand irrigation management. EU support will also focus on trade facilitationalong the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, and explore possibilities for Critical Raw Materialsengagement. The EU encouraged Tajik participation in EU-funded academic mobility andscientific researchprogrammes such as the Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ programmes.

The EU also encouraged regional cooperationamong Central Asia countries, welcoming Tajikistan's constructive role for deepening cooperation within the region and beyond, in particular in the regional electricity market. EU appreciates Tajikistan's leading role in the United Nations on water diplomacy and climate change, recalling the successful Third Dushanbe Water Action Decade Conference, of 10-13 June 2024.The EU and Tajikistan also discussed cooperation on security issues, drawing on the recent EU-Central Asia High-level Political and Security Dialogue (5 June 2024). They recalled the importance of cooperation in the fight against trafficking in human beings and illicit drugs, and expressed appreciation for the ongoing cooperation in counter-terrorismas well as for EU support in border security. The EU informed about the new phases of the two key regional EU programmes which contribute to the stability and security of Tajikistan, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA)and the Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP), which will refocus to adapt to the new challenges to international security.

During the discussions, the two sides also exchanged views on matters of regional and internationalinterest, including the situation in Afghanistan, the increased threat of international terrorism and violent extremism.

The Cooperation Committee was co-chaired by the Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mr. Ahliddin Nuriddinzoda and European External Action Service Deputy Managing Director Mr. Luc Devigne.