A+ A-

EU seeks to boost cooperation with Tajikistan

BRUSSELS, Feb 27 (KUNA) -- The European Union and Tajikistan held their second Cooperation Council meeting in Brussels Monday night and discussed bilateral ties and issues of mutual interest.
Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Danish Foreign Minister Villy Sovndal, whose country holds the current EU Presidency said "we want to strengthen the relationship between the EU and Tajikistan. We want to make a new partnership with Central Asia".
The meeting discussed political reforms and human rights in Tajkistan as well, economic, trade and foreign issues, he noted.
On his part, Tajik foreign ministers Hamrokhon Zarifi said they also discussed regional cooperation and Afghanistan especially after the withdrawal of NATO forces in 2014 and how to keep the region secure.
"We found many good understanding between Tajikistan and the EU," he added.
The Cooperation Council in a statement underlined the importance of regional cooperation in Central Asia as an effective means of conflict prevention and socio-economic development in the region.
It called on the Central Asian partners to search for a sustainable settlement regarding water management, security and energy issues in the region, which would take into account all interests and preserve unity in the region. (end) nk.mt KUNA 272315 Feb 12NNNN