DUSHANBE, February 17, 2016, Asia-Plus – Tajik President Emomali Rahmon today received visiting UK Minister of State for International Development Desmond Swayne, according to the Tajik president’s official website.

The two sides reportedly discussed state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and the United Kingdom (UK).

In the course of the talks, President Rahmon reportedly expressed satisfaction with the current level of cooperation between Dushanbe and London.

Rahmon and Swayne exchanged views on bilateral cooperation between the two countries in enhancing the agrarian sector, developing social welfare, ensuring economic development of rural areas, and developing the private sector in Tajikistan.

Both sides reportedly expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries.

Rahmon expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom for allocation of 37 million U.S. dollars for implementation of the CASA 1000 Project.

The two sides also discussed issues related to seeking solution to the Afghan problems, global financial and economic crisis, and attracting investments in Tajikistan’s economy.

The Right Honorable Desmond Swayne MP, Minister of State for International Development arrived in Tajikistan on February 15 to meet with senior government officials, members of civil society and the business community to discuss the UK’s ongoing and future cooperation.  The Minister’s visit focused on the bilateral relationship between the Government of Tajikistan and the United Kingdom, in particular, the UK’s support to economic development, good governance and resilience.

The Minister of State for International Development represents DFID in the House of Commons.  DFID leads the UK’s work to end extreme poverty.

DFID works with a range of implementing partners in Tajikistan including multilateral development banks such as the World Bank; international government agencies such as the German Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ); and Non-Governmental Organizations like Save the Children Fund.

DFID also provides financing to global funds which work in Tajikistan and play an important role in development. These include: the Climate Investment Fund, the Global Fund for Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria; and the fund to support Scaling up Nutrition.