DUSHANBE (TCA) — A High-Level EU mission has paid an official visit to Tajikistan. The mission consisted of Mr. Stefano Manservisi, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Cooperation, and Mr. Peter Burian, EU Special Representative for Central Asia. They arrived to look into the current EU–Tajikistan relations, in particular in the process of implementation of the country`s New Development Strategy 2016–2030, the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan reported.
The EU mission on July 12 visited the Shamsiddin-Shohin district, at the Tajik-Afghan border, where the EU launched a new project, in agreement with the Tajik and Afghan governments, for building of a bridge in Farkhor district, the rehabilitation of a road and river bank stabilization. The project will foster local private sector and markets development contributing to peace, resilience and trade facilitation in the region. The project will be implemented by Aga Khan Foundation and PATRIP Foundation. The project has a budget of EUR 16 million and is funded by the European Union.
During the visit, the EU officials had an opportunity to further discuss the EU-Tajikistan cooperation with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, First Deputy Prime Minister Davlatali Said, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the Ministry of Finance.
The EU reiterated its support to Tajikistan to accompany the implementation of reforms and to Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy through its financial and technical assistance focused on health, education and rural development.
Development Cooperation Director General Stefano Manservisi pointed that “By supporting the education and health sectors as the first priority, Tajikistan has chosen the right path for development. Yet, development requires strong institutions and respect for the rule of law, and that the civil society has a key role to play in these social sectors.”
