High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell met the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, Sirojiddin Muhriddin

11.12.2019
Brussels

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, today met the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, Sirojiddin Muhriddin.

High Representative Borrell and Minister Muhriddin discussed ways to upgrade EU-Tajikistan bilateral relations, building on the EU’s new Central Asia Strategy, which was adopted in June 2019. They also reviewed the progress of economic reforms in Tajikistan, as well as human rights issues and the rule of law. High Representative/Vice-President Borrell stressed the need for progress in these areas, not least in the context of Tajikistan's ambition to benefit from the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) – the EU’s unilateral special incentive trade arrangement. This is also particularly relevant in the context of the approaching parliamentary and presidential elections due to take place in Tajikistan in 2020.

In addition to bilateral matters, they discussed a number of regional issues, including the promotion of Euro-Asia connectivity, regional water management, as well as fight against terrorism and border security. The High Representative welcomed Tajikistan’s active role in promoting regional cooperation in Central Asia, including in relation to Afghanistan.

Peter Stano
Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
+32 (0)460 75 45 53