Brussels, 13/10/2004 (Agence Europe) - CFSP High Representative Javier Solana held an exchange of views on Tuesday with the president of Tajikistan Emomali Rakhmonov, which focused on recent developments in Afghanistan. The High Representative underlined, according to a declaration made by his spokesperson Christina Gallach, the important role played by Tajikistan in central Asia, and encouraged the authorities of the country to continue their efforts towards stabilising the region and fighting against drugs. Mr Solana considered that recent changes introduced to the electoral law in Tajikistan would contribute to the holding of free, democratic and fair parliamentary elections in 2005. According to his spokesperson, Solana took note of the president's invitation to visit his country in the near future. Mr Solana welcomed Monday's conclusion of a Cooperation and Partnership Agreement between the EU and Tajikistan.The signing ceremony for the Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CPA) between the EU and the Republic of Tajikistan took place on Monday in Luxembourg. It was attended by Tajik president Emomali Rakhmonov, Dutch minister of foreign affairs, Bernard Bot and Commissioner for external relations, Chris Patten. The signing of such an agreement is proof of the progress accomplished by the country, noted a press release. As was the case for Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kirghizstan, the CPA focuses on traditional cooperation, particularly in relation to politics, trade, democracy and human rights etc but for the first time now included clauses on weapons of mass destruction, immigration and terrorism.