DUSHANBE, August 2, Asia-Plus — Austrian Ambassador to Tajikistan Ursula Faringer (phonetically spelled) today presented credentials to President Emomali Rahmon.  

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with President Rahmon, Austrian Ambassador said, “Our countries have good potentials for expansion of bilateral relations.”  She noted that President Rahmon had proposed to intensify presence of Austria in Tajikistan and consider the issue of opening of the Austrian Embassy in Dushanbe.   

“Austria actively supported elaboration of a new strategy of the European Union for Central Asia, underlining the importance of individual approach to each of countries of the region,” said Ms. Faringer, “Besides, we also participate in implementation of European Commission’s program in Central Asia, and financing of this program for the period till 2013 has been increased, reaching more than 750 million euros.” 

According to her, Austria is interested in participation in implementation of a number of large and small projects in Tajikistan, in particular in the sectors like education  and hydropower.