DUSHANBE, August 6, 2014, Asia-Plus -- Outgoing Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan, Ambassador Eduard Auer, today conferred here with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon at the end of his tenure to Tajikistan.

According to the Tajik president’s official website, the sides discussed a broad range of issues related to state and prospects of further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union.

President Rahmon and Ambassador Auer reportedly also discussed a number of regional and international issues being of mutual interest.

Ambassador Auer noted that he would continue making efforts to promote further expansion cooperation between the European Union and Tajikistan, the source said.     

The European Union is pursuing a closer relationship with Tajikistan, targeting its cooperation, to facilitate Tajikistan economic transition, promoting inclusive, sustainable human and economic development.  Tajikistan is becoming an increasing priority partner country within the Central Asia cooperation program.

Signed in 2004, the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement (PCA) entered into force in the beginning of 2010.  It provides a comprehensive and ambitious framework for joint work with Tajikistan, in all key areas of reform.  The EU is assisting the Government of Tajikistan in its structural reform process as well as enhancing civil society capacity, working in partnership with local and international NGOs.  At the regional level, political relations with Tajikistan come under the European Union and Central Asia: Strategy for a New Partnership, adopted by the European Council in June 2007.