On the sidelines of the High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018-2028, the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon received Neven Mimica, the European Union Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development.

In the course of the talks the President of the country Emomali Rahmon pointed out that "We attach great importance to Tajikistan’s cooperation with the European Union and consider the EU as one of our important partners in the international arena."

The parties expressed satisfaction with the adoption of the EU’s Central Asia Strategy for a new Partnership through 2020 and National Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan for the period up to 2030. It was noted that the objectives of its adoption are the implementation of further strategic goals.

It was emphasized that within the framework of this strategy, the national and transnational projects in the spheres of trade and economy, energy, education, culture and welfare are being implemented, and the dialogue of the sides on issues of security, stability and human rights is expanding.

In addition, it was considered necessary to attract investments from the European Union and its active participation in the development and implementation of regional projects, support Tajikistan's national budget in the field of healthcare, investment, economy within the framework of the EU Central Asia Invest Programme.

The two sides exchanged their views on the issues regarding ensuring security and stability in Central Asia and security situation in Afghanistan and expressed concern over the spread of terrorism and the manifestation of extremism in the region.

Special attention was paid to the fruitful cooperation of Tajikistan with the European Union through the BOMCA Program.