21/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - €251 million for Tajikistan. On the sidelines of their Cooperation Council on Monday 20 October, the EU and Tajikistan signed a new €251 million development funding agreement for the period from 2014 to 2020. The funds will focus on “vital sectors for growth and social stability, such as rural development, health and education”, stated the Commission. Tajikistan's Foreign Minister Sirodjidin Aslov said that the EU had to play a visible role in Central Asia. The Cooperation Council reiterated the importance of comprehensive implementation of the EU strategy for Central Asia, both regionally and nationally, and called for the countries of the region to seek a sustainable solution to energy, water management and environmental issues. The EU underlined the need for open and transparent elections to be held and for long-term political stability in the country. It also highlighted how important it was for Tajikistan to further integrate into the world economy. (CG)