Ways to strengthen bilateral ties and regional developments were discussed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, on Friday during his visit to the Republic of Tajikistan, the first visit by a Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus to the country, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of Higher Education and Research with Tajikistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry noted that the visit forms part of efforts to strengthen the diplomatic footprint of the Republic of Cyprus in Central Asia, further develop bilateral relations with Tajikistan, and promote cooperation between the European Union and the region, also in the context of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
While in Dushanbe, as part of his Central Asia tour, Kombos was received by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon. ‘During the meeting, the bilateral relations between Cyprus and Tajikistan were reviewed, while international and regional challenges were also discussed,’ the statement said.
Kombos also held talks with Tajikistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, with whom he exchanged views on the further deepening of bilateral relations and the strengthening of cooperation in areas of mutual interest, as well as on regional developments. It was noted that, the two Ministers signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of Higher Education and Research, establishing a framework for enhanced cooperation between the two sides on matters relating to higher education, academic exchanges and scientific research.
Cyprus’ Foreign Minister also met with the Speaker of Tajikistan’s Assembly of Representatives, Faizali Idizoda, during which ways of strengthening bilateral ties and parliamentary cooperation between Cyprus and Tajikistan were discussed, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.