Article 4
A regular and constant political dialogue shall be established between the Parties, which they intend to develop and intensify. It shall accompany and consolidate the rapprochement between the Community and the Republic of Tajikistan, support the political and socioeconomic changes underway in the Republic of Tajikistan and contribute to the establishment of new forms of cooperation. The political dialogue: — will strengthen the links of the Republic of Tajikistan with the Community and its Member States, and thus with the community of democratic nations as a whole. The economic convergence achieved through this Agreement will lead to more intense political relations, — will bring about an increasing convergence of positions on international issues of mutual concern thus increasing security and stability in the region, — will encourage the Parties to cooperate on matters pertaining to the observance of the principles of democracy, and the respect, protection and promotion of human rights, including those of persons belonging to minorities, and to hold consultations, if necessary, on relevant matters. The Parties consider that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery, both to state and non-state actors, represents one of the most serious threats to international stability and security. The Parties therefore agree to cooperate and to contribute to countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery through full compliance with and national implementation of their existing obligations under international disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements and other relevant international obligations. The Parties agree that this provision constitutes an essential element of this agreement and will be part of the political dialogue that will accompany and consolidate these elements. The Parties furthermore agree to cooperate and to contribute to countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery by: — taking steps to sign, ratify, or accede to, as appropriate, and fully implement all other relevant international instruments, — the establishment of an effective system of national export controls, controlling the export as well as transit of WMD-related goods, including a WMD end-use control on dual-use technologies and containing effective sanctions for breaches of export controls. Such dialogue may take place on a regional basis.