DUSHANBE, April 9, Asia-Plus  -- European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy, Mrs. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, yesterday met with President Emomali Rahmon to discuss cooperation issues.   

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with President Rahmon, Mrs. Benita Ferrero-Waldner noted that the European Union (EU) had worked out a new regional cooperation strategy for Central Asia.  Besides, bilateral cooperation has been established with each of the countries in the region.   

On aid provided by the EU to Tajikistan, Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said that the EU has earmarked 66 million euros for assistance programs in Tajikistan between 2007 and 2010.  They will focus on health, education, tackling poverty, promoting economic reforms including the development of the private sector with a view to boosting Tajikistan''s economic development.

Noting that besides the head of state, she also held talks with Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi and Economic Development and Trade Minister Ghulomjon Bobozoda, Mrs. Benita Ferrero-Waldner noted that she had assured them of the EU’s further support for the country.

According to her, they discussed a joint document on priorities of cooperation and after signing and ratification of the document relations will strengthen more.   

The EC Commissioner outlined social sphere, support for enhancement of financial system, private sector, information system, health sector and food security in the country as main directions of relations between Tajikistan and the European Union.   

She added that assistance to effective border management in the country, especially along Tajik-Afghan border will remain a priority and further cooperation in this area is envisaged.  Mrs. Benita Ferrero-Waldner said that the EU Border Management Program in Central Asia (BOMCA) will promote strengthening of the border control.    

Asked about cooperation in agrarian sector, Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner noted the EU’s position on giving farmer freedom of choice of agricultural crops.   

On the energy cooperation, she noted that the possibility of participation in construction of small hydropower plants in Tajikistan, while the main player in construction of large hydroelectric power stations (HPS) is the World Bank.  Mrs. Ferrero-Waldner also pointed to the necessity of rehabilitating existing capacities.