16/02/2016 (Agence Europe) - EU and Tajikistan want to strengthen their cooperation. During their fifth Cooperation Council on Tuesday 16 February, the EU and Tajikistan underlined their intention to strengthen their bilateral and regional cooperation. The Cooperation Council reiterated the importance of fully implementing the EU strategy for Central Asia. On behalf of the EU, Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders stated that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and an open political arena had to be ensured. Both parties discussed political and administrative reforms in Tajikistan, economic and trade relations, energy and security. Over the course of the meeting, the European Commission reaffirmed its commitment to new development financing of €251 million for Tajikistan for 2014-2020 - funding which will focus on rural development, health and education. (CG)