Tajikistan is one of the most real contenders for joining the customs union of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) member states, the EurAsEC secretary-general, Tair Mansurov, told journalists today, following a meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

He underlined that the necessary criteria for this was [the existence of] a common customs space, borders and tariffs.

"I reported to Emomali Rahmon, who is the chairman of the EurAsEC this year, about formation of the customs union, which already comprises Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, as well about the pace of preparations for the forthcoming sitting of the Interstate Council at the level of the heads of governments scheduled for 21 December in Moscow," the secretary-general said to journalists.

He said the meeting also discussed the further development of the processes of working out a blueprint for the rational use of Central Asian countries’ water and energy resources.

"International experts, who could help in drafting it, may be engaged in this," Mansurov said.

Asked about the [possible] abolition of the visa system between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the EurAsEC secretary-general said: "This is a pressing issue. We are working on this, but bilateral decisions are required for this."