Brussels, 28/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 27 February, the Cooperation Council between the European Union and the Republic of Tajikistan restated its commitment to step up EU-Tajikistan relations. It also took stock of progress made since the first Council in December 2010, including with regard to the importance of comprehensive implementation of the EU strategy for Central Asia. Denmark's foreign minister, Villy Sovndal, stressed that Tajikistan is a key player of Central Asia. He said they wish to maintain the momentum and safeguard and strengthen their cooperation and relations. Among other things, both parties discussed political reform, the primacy of law and human rights, as well as trade and economic relations.
The EU and Tajikistan discussed regional cooperation in Central Asia and international issues, such as Afghanistan in particular. The foreign minister of Tajikistan, Hamrokhon Zarifi, said: “We spoke of the coalition withdrawal after 2014, and of what Tajikistan can do after this withdrawal so that the country is safe and neighbouring countries are not faced with threats”. The Cooperation Council underlined the importance of cooperation in the region and called on the partners of Central Asia to seek a lasting settlement on issues relating to water management, security and energy in the region. (CG/transl.jl)