Emomali Rahmon received the visiting UN Special Rapporteur on torture Juan Mendez whose eight-day visit to Tajikistan ends today.

The sides discussed protection of human rights and freedoms and talked about development of Tajik-UN relations in this area, President’s press service reports.

Juan Mendez told about his meetings with Tajik officials and thanked the Government of the country for its assistance. UN Special Rapporteur stressed that he “visited all those structured he planned to visit and met with all those people he wanted to meet with.”

UN Special Rapporteur said that governmental structures have eagerly accepted his recommendations.

“Tajik President told the visiting UN official that the Government prioritizes the supremacy of law, implementation of the national legislation development concept. E.Rahmon also stressed that Tajikistan is currently at the crucial stage of its independence and freedom and human rights form the basis of its policy,” President’s press service reports.

President also said that “the country has a series of problems with regard to human rights and freedoms but the Government works hard to remove them.” “We are true to our goal to promote human rights and freedoms,” Rahmon said.

The sides have expressed their confidence that UN structures will provide further assistance to Tajikistan for resolution of current problems in this direction.

In the second half of the day Juan Mendez will meet with the reporters.