European Commission Vice President visits Tajikistan

On 16 January 2024, the Vice President of the European Commission, Mr Margaritis Schinas, paid official visit to Tajikistan as part of a broader outreach to Central Asia.

 

The visit provided an important opportunity to discuss the priorities of cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union (EU).

Vice President Schinas met with Prime Minister of Tajikistan Qohir Rasulzoda, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sirojiddin Muhriddin, and Minister of Industry and New Technologies Sherali Kabir. Connectivity issues in the context of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy were at the centre of the discussions. In particular, the sides zoomed in on transport, digital connectivity and the water-energy nexus. Important topics such as investment potential, climate change and security threats, including the fight against terrorism were also discussed.

 

European Commission Vice President visits Tajikistan

 

The European Union and Tajikistan discussed the upcoming EU-Central Asia Investors Forum to be held in Brussels on 29-30 January 2024. They also touched upon support to border management with Afghanistan, and priorities of cooperation, including  in the areas of sustainable development and good governance, democracy and human rights.

 

European Commission Vice President visits Tajikistan

 

The parties highlighted that EU-Tajikistan relations are on a positive trajectory, as demonstrated by the ongoing negotiations of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which will bring the relations to a new level. Tajikistan is a key partner for the European Union in Central Asia and the EU is determined to continue its strong cooperation in priority areas, such as green and digital economy, human development, and natural resources management.