DUSHANBE, December 13, 2013, Asia-Plus -- Issues related to cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union, human rights reforms and rule of law in Tajikistan, as well as environmental protection and water resources management were discussed here yesterday at a meeting of Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Aslov with the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia, Ambassador Patricia Flor, according to the Tajik MFA information department.

The two also discussed the current situation in the Central Asian region and exchanged views on implementation of the EU-sponsored bilateral and regional projects in Tajikistan within the framework of the EU’s Strategy for Central Asia.

The European Union is expected to allocate 250 million Euros to Tajikistan for implementation of bilateral projects under the cooperation program designed for 2014-2020.

Aslov and Ambassador Flor also discussed the impact of developments in Afghanistan on Central Asia and the forthcoming second high level security dialogue between the EU and Central Asia that is scheduled to take place in Dushanbe in May 2014.

Tajik minister reportedly appreciated the European Union’s support for enhancing Tajikistan’s educational and health sectors, strengthening border control, improving social care and ensuring rule of law in Tajikistan.