DUSHANBE, April 23, 2011, Asia-Plus -- On Friday April 22, President Emomali Rahmon received Mr. Alexander Zouev, new UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative in Tajikistan.

According to the presidential press service, in the discussion following the credentials-presenting ceremony, Rahmon and Zouev exchanged views on cooperation between Tajikistan and the United Nations.

Tajik leader expressed satisfaction with activities of the UN agencies in Tajikistan, noting that the United Nations has provided an active support for strengthening of peace and stability both at the national and the regional levels.

The sides also touched upon issues related to settlement of socioeconomic problems and ways of achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Tajikistan.  They reportedly noted that the main tasks of MDGs were in promoting implementation of energy, transportation and agricultural development projects as well as creation of new jobs, social protection of the population and enhancement of education and health sectors.

In the course of the talks, Rahmon and Zouev also discussed ways to remove problems and obstacles impeding regional cooperation in Central Asia.

Noting that the UN General Assembly adopted by consensus the resolution entitled “International Year of Water Cooperation - 2013” submitted by delegation of Tajikistan in co-sponsorship with a number of other UN member states, the sides expressed confidence that the regional problems in Central Asia would be tackled through constructive dialogues, the presidential press service said.