On behalf of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, Malta's Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella called on Tajikistan, on Monday 15 May, to respect human rights.
"The EU recognises the need for the authorities of Tajikistan to protect the country's integrity and state institutions (...) However, we underlined that human rights and fundamental freedoms need to be ensured at all times, and that an open political space is in the interest of the long-term stability both of Tajikistan and the region", Vella said at a press conference following the sixth meeting of the EU-Tajikistan Cooperation Council.
"Tajikistan places great importance on its relations with the European Union", the country's Foreign Minister Sirodjidin Aslov stated. According to a Council press release, the Cooperation Council reaffirmed both parties' commitment to strengthening their relations in a number of cooperation areas.
During the course of the meeting, the two parties discussed the EU strategy for central Asia, recent economic and financial developments, the rule of law, environmental protection, energy, border security, regional security and challenges stemming from religious radicalism and violent extremism. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)