Distinguished Professors and Students,
Dear Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to extend my congratulations on the occasion of the commissioning of one more higher education institution – University of Central Asia, to all of the distinguished professors, students, guests, parents and every resident of our country.

During the recent years, the Government of Tajikistan, alongside with implementing continuous reforms at all levels of education, accomplished a significant amount of activities to bring the higher education system of the country in line with international standards.

I have to note that thanks to our independence, currently 43 higher education institutions operate in our country that train highly qualified professionals for different sectors of our national economy.

The University of Central Asia in Khorog, by starting its activities through introduction of its curriculum based on international standards, is opening a new page in our country’s education system.

With a view to training professionals meeting international standards, the Government of Tajikistan has undertaken a number of activities. Establishment of the Centre of International Programs and ‘Durakhshandagon’ Scholarship of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan are among these initiatives, which are aimed to send young Tajik talents for study in prestigious universities abroad.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

The Republic of Tajikistan has established multifaceted cooperation with its development partners to improve the education system’s physical infrastructure at all levels, primarily the higher education institutions. In the context of this cooperation, we signed a joint agreement on establishment of the University of Central Asia with the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ismaili Imamat in August 2000.

The university construction activities have been accomplished in a relatively short period within this Agreement and today we witness the launch of the newly established facility.

The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan was the initiator of this educational project and we supported it since we believed that the creation of such an international institution would be important for Central Asian countries.

I am convinced that operation of this newly established facility will benefit not only our country but it will also strengthen the multifaceted cooperation between the countries of the region in the field of education.

The university founders established its modern academic and residential campuses of identical design with all necessary conditions for study and leisure of faculty members and students in Khorog of Tajikistan, Naryn of the Kyrgyz Republic and Tekeli of Kazakhstan.

Currently the University of Central Asia in Khorog has 150 students in total with 55% female students from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic.

Today we got familiar with the administrative and academic activities of the University and got convinced that it provides a very advanced environment for education.

The University has academic buildings equipped with modern education equipment, computer labs, a fancy leisure and communications facility, administrative buildings, library, various sports playgrounds and other necessary infrastructure.

This educational institution will be training highly qualified professionals in the areas of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the International Economics.

The University will also have Travel Preparation Department. The courses will be taught in English and its faculty membership will include professors from Tajikistan and other countries.

The institution’s curriculum are developed in accordance with the Tajik legislation by taking into account the nationally compulsory subjects and approved by the Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan.

The university management and professors will have to run their activities within the approved curriculum approved by the Ministry and respect the national and overall human customs and traditions in educating the young professionals.

This educational facility will attract students representing different nations from various countries of the world in the future. With this regard, it is important to follow the noble customs and traditions of the Tajik people and other nations alongside with introducing education process based on the standards of internationally advanced higher education institutions as well as respecting the existing legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan.

I also would like to outline that the university will admit the best applicants from various towns and districts on merit basis. It will also grant preferences to full orphans, persons with disabilities of the 1st and 2nd categories as well as winners of international, regional and national educational competitions.

The University also established a good framework for learning occupations, i.e. training of qualified labour force. It already trains such specialists on a number of occupations for several years. I believe that it will expand its list of occupations for training once it has strengthened its financial viability.

I also would like to highlight that upon starting its activities, the institution will employs dozens of our citizens, including the local inhabitants.

Distinguished Friends!

Since the creation of this type of educational facility is a new experience for our country, its faculty and students will have a significant responsibility. The university faculty will need to educate their students in the spirit of noble humanity such as patriotism and kindness, tolerance and sense of responsibility. Hence following these features is more important than ever before in the current situation.

At the conclusion, let me once again to offer my congratulations on the launch of the University of Central Asia in Khorog to all of the professors and students of this brand new facility and the entire staff of the education sector and wish everybody of you continued health, happiness and good luck in your future endeavours.

Thank you!