By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo

On April 3, in the city of Samarkand, on the sidelines of the “Central Asia and the European Union” Summit, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, HE. Mr. Emomali Rahmon, met with the President of the European Council, H.E. Mr. Antonio Costa.

The two sides discussed issues of cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union. The President Emomali Rahmon, emphasized that “we consider the European Union to be one of our important partners in the international arena.”

Antonio Costa stressed the importance of resolving border issues between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, and congratulated the Head of State and the people of Tajikistan on this historic event.

The parties exchanged views on the importance of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Tajikistan and the European Union, the coordination of which has reached the final stage.

The use of Tajikistan’s vast natural resources, hydropower, important raw materials, agricultural, industrial and transit potential was considered beneficial for the development of trade with the European Union.

The cooperation between the two sides in the process of reform, development of the energy sector, reconstruction and construction of hydropower facilities was called an example of a stable partnership.

It was noted that Tajikistan is interested in attracting European investment and technologies in the implementation of energy projects, including the construction of the Rogun hydroelectric power station and the reconstruction of the Nurek hydroelectric power station.

It was emphasized that Tajikistan is on the same page with the European Union in promoting the “green economy” policy. In this context, the Strategy for the development of the “green economy” of Tajikistan and the issue of the production and export of “green energy” were discussed.

An exchange of views took place on the development of cooperation in the fields of healthcare, social protection, education, the expansion of scholarship programs and further support for vocational education.

The need to continue cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union within the framework of the BOMCA and CADAP programs was highlighted.

There was also a fruitful discussion on the increase in environmental disasters and the catastrophic consequences of climate change in the world and the implementation of Tajikistan's global initiatives to address these problems.

At the same day President Emomali Rahmon, met with the President of the European Commission, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen.

The meeting reviewed issues of cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union.

The Tajikistan President emphasized that “Tajikistan supports the initiative to elevate relations to a strategic level.”

Great attention was paid to the expansion of economic and trade ties, attracting European investment and new technologies to the Tajik economy.

The issues of signing the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Tajikistan and the European Union, as well as ways to implement the Roadmap for deepening interregional relations, were among the important topics of discussion.

It was emphasized that Tajikistan is ready to participate in the European Union-Central Asia satellite communication project.

The enhancement of cooperation in the field of digitalization, the transition to e-government and the development of artificial intelligence was considered important.

The importance of the European Union Strategy for Central Asia, the new “Global Gateway” initiative and multi-annual indicative programs was highlighted.

In terms of addressing global challenges, it was expressed hope that the European Union will participate at an appropriate level in the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation in Dushanbe in May of this year.

Also, on April 3, 2025 President of the Republic of Tajikistan H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon also met with the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Ms. Odile Renaud-Basso.

As it was noted, during the period of cooperation, the EBRD has implemented 184 projects in Tajikistan, the total amount of which exceeds one billion dollars. These projects are mainly implemented in the areas of strengthening the financial system, private sector development, and the transport and energy sectors.

Projects related to providing the population with water and improving the level of municipal services were considered among other areas of cooperation between Tajikistan and the EBRD, and Tajikistan’s relevance to the development of cooperation was emphasized.

The Head of State, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, highly appreciated the level of cooperation with the bank and stated that the implementation of joint projects is very important in the current conditions, given the negative impact of external factors on the economy of Tajikistan.

The need to expand cooperation to continue economic reforms and make the Tajik economy more resilient to current risks and attract grant and concessional funds from development partners was emphasized.

It was expressed confidence that Tajikistan's cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in implementing priority projects within the framework of the "green agenda" will be further intensified.