The EU Council adopted, on 17 November, a decision approving the conclusion of a partnership and cooperation agreement with Tajikistan. The agreement is aimed at strengthening the independence of Tajikistan and consolidating its democracy, achieving its transition to a market economy, providing a framework for political dialogue, promoting trade and investment and providing a basis for cooperation in other fields, such as economy and science. The Council also adopted a decision approving the conclusion of a protocol to the agreement so as to take into account the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU.