DUSHANBE, September 21, Asia-Plus — Tajik President Emomali Rahmon today received visiting Eurasian Economic Community (EAEC) Secretary General Grigory Rapota.

After a meeting with the Tajik head of state, Rapota told journalists that they had discussed the agenda of the upcoming EAEC summit which is scheduled to be held in Dushanbe in early October. 

“I informed President Rahmon of issues related to laying legal foundation of the Customs Union,” said the secretary general, “Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan have projected draft documents on this subject and some of these documents are expected to be signed here in October and others will be signed later, at a session of the interstate council of prime ministers.”

He also noted that a concept of water and energy regulation in Central Asia having been prepared for along time, “but some points have not yet specified.”

Asked about Uzbekistan’s position on cancellation of visa regime for Tajik citizens, Rapota said that to join the Community Uzbekistan had to date signed a number of documents.  As far as cancellation of the visa regime is concerned, this issue requires legal coordination.  “This issue is still under consideration,” he said.       

Asked about obstacles impeding integration, the EAEC secretary general said, ‘’Since gaining independence, each state has resolved, first all,  issues of its sovereignty; we now have to combine all efforts to project common  economic philosophy, which is the most difficult thing.”    

The Eurasian Economic Community (EAEC) secretary general Grigory Rapota arrived in Tajikistan yesterday for a three day working visit.      

During his stay in Dushanbe, the EAEC secretary general is also scheduled to hold talks with  Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi, Economic Development and Trade Minister Ghulomjon Bobozoda and energy and Industries Minister Sherali Gulov.