Sara Rinaldi, the head of the European Commission's Directorate for International Partnerships in the Middle East and Central Asia, visited Tajikistan to co-chair the fourth meeting of the Subcommittee on Cooperation for Development between the European Union and Tajikistan.
During this annual meeting, representatives from the EU and the Tajik government discussed collaboration within the EU's bilateral program for Tajikistan for the years 2021-2027. The discussions focused on cooperation in the context of the EU's Global Gateway strategy, with particular attention given to digitalization and regional aspects of transportation.
The meeting, chaired by Ms. Rinaldi, Ramunas Karoblis, the EU Ambassador to Tajikistan, and Ashurboy Solehzoda, the Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan, also saw Sara Rinaldi visiting the construction site of the EU-funded Sebzor Hydro Power Plant in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO).
This funding will not only contribute to the energy security of the population in GBAO but also help provide access to clean energy to support basic needs and livelihoods in four districts of Badakhshan in Afghanistan. The electricity will benefit households, schools, businesses, and hospitals in both Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
Ms. Rinaldi also visited other EU projects, including the Central District Hospital and the Innovation Lab for teenagers at School No. 63 in the Rudaki district, as well as the cotton cleaning enterprise "Juntai Dangara Sin Silu Tekstil" in Dangara.
Furthermore, Sara Rinaldi held several meetings with representatives of the Tajik government, development partners, and civil society. The visit reaffirmed the strong relations between the EU and Tajikistan and provided an opportunity for fruitful discussions on how to further enhance efficiency and strengthen cooperation within current and future programs.
