Tajik President Emomali Rahmon yesterday met with the President of the European Council, Mr.  Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, in Samarkand on the sidelines of the Central Asia-European Union summit.  The Tajik president’s official website says the parties discussed issues related to cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union (EU) countries.

During the meeting, Mr. Costa, in particular, stressed the importance of resolving border issues between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

The parties reportedly exchanged views on the importance of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Tajikistan and the European Union, the coordination of which has reached the final stage.

It was emphasized that Tajikistan is on the same page with the European Union in promoting the “green economy” policy.  In this context, the Strategy for the development of the “green economy” of Tajikistan and the issue of the production and export of “green energy” were discussed.

The parties also exchanged views on the development of cooperation in the fields of healthcare, social protection, education, the expansion of scholarship programs and further support for vocational education.

The need to continue cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union within the framework of the BOMCA and CADAP programs was highlighted.

The meeting between Emomali Rahmon and  Ursula von der Leyen reportedly focused on the expansion of economic and trade ties, attraction of European investment and new technologies to the Tajik economy.

The issues of signing the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Tajikistan and the European Union, as well as ways to implement the Roadmap for deepening interregional relations, were among the important topics of discussion.

It was emphasized that Tajikistan is ready to participate in the European Union-Central Asia satellite communication project.

The enhancement of cooperation in the field of digitalization, the transition to e-government and the development of artificial intelligence was considered important.

The importance of the European Union Strategy for Central Asia, the new “Global Gateway” initiative and multi-annual indicative programs was highlighted.

In terms of addressing global challenges, it was expressed hope that the European Union will participate at an appropriate level in the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation in Dushanbe in May of this year.