DUSHANBE, April 8, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- On Thursday April 7, Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi attended the EU-Central Asia Ministerial Troika in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The EU Troika met the Foreign Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as well as Deputy Kazakh Foreign Minister to continue developing the partnership between the EU and Central Asia.

Implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia, regional issues including cooperation in fields of economy, trade, energy and environment, water resources as well as common threats and challenges (border management, the fight against drug trafficking) were among major topics of the meeting.

According to the Tajik MFA information department, Hamrokhon Zarifi delivered a statement on the process of implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia, trade and economic cooperation, regional security.  He also stated Tajikistan’s position and shared his view on ways of seeking solution to problems existing in the region and the role of the European Union in this process.

Touching upon on the energy and environmental protection issues, Tajik minister outlined Tajikistan’s priorities for development of the energy sector.

The meeting participants also discussed a number of international and regional issues, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, the MFA information department noted.

Yesterday afternoon, Zarifi met the European Union delegation, led by Hungarian Foreign Minister Janos Martoni.  Hungary chairs the EU Presidency in the first half of 2011.

In the course of the talks, Mr. Martoni noted that a level of relations between the European Union and Tajikistan was good and the European Union has successfully implemented its projects in the country.  He also appreciated Tajik side’s support for implementation of the EU-sponsored programs and projects in Tajikistan.

Zarifi, for his part, expressed gratitude to the European Union for assistance provided to Tajikistan in various fields, including financial system reforms, enhancement of agrarian sector, border management strengthening, poverty reduction and social sector reforms, the source said.