Research Papers N° 52

European Post Graduate School of International & Development Studies

Influence of the European Media on Formation of the Image of the Republic of

H.E. Ambassador Rustamjon Soliev

2015

Influence of the European Media on Formation of the Image of the Republic of Tajikistan

The foreign policy concept of the Republic of Tajikistan, specifically in the “Information Diplomacy” section, considers the following as the principal objectives of information diplomacy of the Republic of Tajikistan: “encouraging real and accurate communication to the wider international community perception of domestic and foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan; present and promote achievements and prospects of socio-economic development of the country and its cultural and scientific progress; promote the country's friendly climate for investment, fruitful economic cooperation and tourism development; deliver aid to creating effective means of information impact on foreign public opinion in order to encourage positive recognition of Tajikistan abroad.”1 It is on the basis of these goals and objectives that the diplomatic mission of the country in Brussels is purposefully and steadily promoting in its daily activities the State interests of the Republic of Tajikistan in the European Union. Mutually beneficial cooperation with influential international organizations – UN, OSCE, OIC, the European Union, CIS, EAEC, SCO and others occupy a special place in the foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan. It is worth noting that mutually beneficial cooperation introduced Tajikistan to the international community, acquainted the world with domestic and foreign policy of our democratic and lawful State. Having established fruitful cooperation with Tajikistan, these organizations (including the EU) supported and contributed not only to the attainment of peace, but also in organizing projects of postwar reconstruction and support of economic development of the country. 2 The European media plays an important role in the process of formation of the image of the Republic of Tajikistan in the European Union. Such well-known European media outlets as the media-holding and television channel “Euronews”, media and consulting company “Big Media Group” and “The European Times” magazine, the newspaper of the European Parliament “EP Today”, authoritative media-holding and weekly “New Europe”, diplomatic magazine of the Kingdom of the Netherlands “Diplomat Magazine” and pan-European magazines “Diplomatic World” and “The Brussels Times”, research center of the Energy Charter “Knowledge Center” and its newsletter “Knowledge Center Review” became effective instruments for promotion of the image and credibility of the Republic of Tajikistan on the European arena and formation of a positive view of the European society on the history and culture of , foreign and domestic policy, economic, energy and investment potential, and tourist attractiveness of Tajikistan. The European mouthpiece was also utilized to acquaint the political and academic communities and local audience with the history of civil war in Tajikistan, and to broadly communicate the international significance of the experience of attaining intra-Tajik peace and the possibility of its practical application in other hotspots of our planet. In this context, the special issue of the magazine “The European Times” (Brussels, 2012) completely dedicated to Tajikistan is particularly noteworthy. 3 General information on the country, articles and interviews with representatives of public and private sector are given in the special issue of the magazine. In addition, the issue describes the enormous economic, energy, investment, and tourist potential of Tajikistan. Five hundred thousand copies of the publication were successfully disseminated across the European Union. President of the “Big Media Group” company Thieu Cuypers made a presentation on this special issue in the framework of the 21st anniversary of independence of the Republic of Tajikistan in Brussels.4 The present article is divided into the following separate topics for a more detailed and concrete examination of the influence of the European media on the image of the Republic of Tajikistan at the European scale.

Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy of the Republic of Tajikistan is primarily reflected in the high- level political events in the framework of joint cooperation structures, which are held regularly and are covered by the media, on the foreground of the European Union. These political events are usually reflected in television channels, as well as in the press releases of the official websites of the political institutions of the European Union. The two high-level visits to the European Union, which took place in 2011 and 2013, should be emphasized in particular. The official visit of the Tajik president Emomali Rahmon to the headquarters of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on June 5-6, 2011 turned a new page in Tajik-European contacts on the highest level. During the course of his visit, President E.Rahmon met with the President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek and with the heads of the EP committees. On 9-12 April of 2013, another visit of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to the EU institutions took place. During the course of the visit, meetings of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon with top officials of the EU took place. In the framework of the visit of April 11, 2013, a Forum “New Investment Opportunities in Energy Sector of Tajikistan” was held under the chairmanship of the member of the European Parliament Struan Stevenson. Emomali Rahmon presented on the investment opportunities in the Tajik economy and favorable political and legal conditions established for entrepreneurs and investors. Furthermore, detailed information was provided concerning the big investment opportunities in various sectors of Tajik economy, including in the spheres of hydro energy, oil and gas, industry, mining and processing of minerals, production and processing of agricultural products, etc.5 The visit gave a strong impetus to the development of complex ties between the Republic of Tajikistan and the European Union.

As interviewers, the European media outlets also report on the essence of Tajikistan’s foreign policy in the questions and answers format. For instance, on March 30, 2012, reporters of a big European media holding “Euronews” held an exclusive interview with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, during which the President gave thorough answers to questions related to traditions of celebration of Nawruz, the current state and prospects of socio-economic development of the republic, regional cooperation and security, as well as ensuring security on Tajik- Afghan border.6 At the same time, during the course of a week, the “Euronews” journalists also prepared and broadcasted TV reports on celebration of Nawruz in Tajikistan. On October 18, 2014, an interview of Tajik Foreign Minister S.Aslov with the President of “Big Media Group” (an authoritative and influential media and consultancy company of the European Union) Thieu Cuypers and journalists of prestigious European magazine “The European Times” was held.7 During the course of the interview, the Foreign Minister answered to questions related to priorities and achievements of foreign policy of the Republic of Tajikistan in 2013 and 2014, prospects of development of Tajikistan-EU cooperation, attraction of European investments to Tajikistan, investment and entrepreneurial climate in the country, as well as pressing regional and international issues. It should be noted that “The European Times” magazine, which also owns a web portal, has over 1 million subscribers. On the same day in Brussels, an interview of the Foreign Minister S.Aslov with Basil Coronakis (the President of a group of authoritative media companies of the EU “New Europe”) and Costas Tsagigas (editor-in-chief of the European political newspaper “New Europe”) was held. During the course of the interview, the Foreign Minister answered to questions related to Tajikistan-EU cooperation, strategic relations between Tajikistan, , and China, including in the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, countering terrorism and extremism, situation in Afghanistan and impact of withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force on situation in Central Asian countries, pressing issues of regional energy cooperation, including construction of energy infrastructure. It should be noted that the European political newspaper “New Europe” has a 20-year history and also owns a TV Channel and a special filming studio for holding interviews. On March 5, 2014, article written by Foreign Minister S.Aslov under the heading “Regional Security after 2014: Tajikistan’s Viewpoint” and analyzing prospects of future developments in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force and the initiative of our country to support Afghanistan in socio-economic reconstruction was published in “The European Times”.8 The potential of the European media outlets was extensively employed in covering the outcomes of the summit of the Heads of States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization held in in 2014 which were reflected in the article by the Foreign Minister of Tajikistan S.Aslov published in “Diplomat Magazine” on 3 November, 2014.9 Furthermore, in the “Diplomat Magazine” and “The European Times”, the process of preparing and holding high-level international conference on the implementation of results of International Decade for Action “Water for Life” , 2005-2015 (June 9-11, 2015)10 was covered, as well as participation and address of President E.Rahmon on the Seventh World Water Forum (Daegu, Republic of Korea, April 12), during which the head of State presented the initiative of Tajikistan to announce the Second International Decade for Action under the slogan of “Water for Sustainable Development”. 11 At the end of August 2015, Herbert Dorfman, member of the European Parliament and Chairman of Tajikistan-European Parliament Friendship Group, wrote an article under the heading “Emomali Rahmon and the Independence of Tajikistan”, which was published in the weekly “The Brussels Times”. The article analyzes the initial period of achievement of national independence of Tajikistan through difficult years of civil war, unique contribution of the head of State Emomali Rahmon in reaching peace and unity, as well as international initiatives of the President of Tajikistan and his efforts in deepening cooperation with the European Union.12

History and Culture of Tajiks

Fashion being one of the aspects of culture of Tajikistan, a fashion show was held in the political capital of the EU, Brussels, on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of independence of Tajikistan. The Tajik fashion designers have pleasantly surprised the audience. Among them was Umed Kuchkaliev and Mavluda Khamraeva, who presented an impressive collection of contemporary Tajik fashion.13 Traditions related to celebrating Nawruz and participation of the heads of Afghan and Iranian States, as well as representatives of other countries in celebrations in Dushanbe, was extensively covered by “Euronews” (March 20, 2012), which enlightened the European viewers and readers on Tajik culture and the principal annual ancient holiday. 14 Publications in English and French languages and their wide dissemination among political, academic and societal communities are among the most effective mechanisms of extensive promotion of culture and history of Tajik people. A vivid illustration of this point is a publication about ancient history and culture of Tajiks as part of the book by President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon under the title “Tajiks in the Mirror of History”15, which was originally published in French language on March 10, 2014 by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Tajikistan to the European Union in cooperation with authoritative European media and consultancy company “Big Media Gorup” (Brussels) and which includes two volumes of the present book and photographs depicting the ancient Tajik history. The book was presented on March 19 of the same year in the European Parliament and on May 8, 2014 in the building of the Royal Museum of Arts and History of Belgium. During the event, the curator of the Royal Museum of Arts and History of the Kingdom of Belgium, Doctor of History and Archeology, Professor of Ghent University Bruno Overlaet, as the editor of the book, presented to the audience detailed information on the general content of the book, which reflects on the history of Tajiks. The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Tajikistan to the European Union, Ambassador Rustamjon Soliev described the publication of the book as a very symbolic and important event, and also emphasized that it will serve as a mouthpiece for representing ancient history and culture of Tajik people to the French-speaking people of the world. He added that the publication of such masterpiece of the head of State will contribute to promotion of the knowledge about Tajikistan in the world community and among tourists. On June 2, 2014, the editor of the present book wrote an article in “The European Times” magazine16, in which he very vividly and concisely describes the content of the present masterpiece. In his book “Tajiks in the Mirror of History”, E.Rahmon underlines: “As the foundation for future development of society in the 21th century, fostering relations with the East, the Islamic world and the European civilization is one of the most significant objectives of our sovereign State”.1718 In the second volume of the “History of Tajik People”, our historians, analyzing relations between our peoples in the Middle Ages, emphasize that “Muslim and Christian peoples have deep layers of spiritual culture tied with ancient, Old Testament, and, to a certain extent, Zoroastraian heritage of the ancient world. Thus, it is not surprising that after the turbulent times of the early Middle Ages, with destruction of great empires, conquests and resettlement of peoples, in the epoch of stability and socio-political elevation of life, growth of the cities and increasing number of educated people firstly in the East (especially within the Samanid State) and later in the Christian West as well, beginning with Italy, cultural life (similar in many aspects) clearly emerged, which is quite nominally accepted as Renaissance”.19 It should be noted that already on October 29, 2013, Professor Bruno Overlaet in his article under the heading “Tajikistan, on the road to its discovery”, published in “The European Times”20, presented an interesting historical overview of Tajikistan, its historical findings and historic-tourist attractions, such as Khulbuk and Karon, and also described the dynamics of contemporary development and prosperity of the country. The article is also an original example presenting Tajikistan as an attractive destination for European tourists. An important role in promoting the ideas of cultural diplomacy is also given to the demonstration of cultural values of the ancient Tajik land. For this purpose, on November 9, 2013, an evening devoted to Tajik art (organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in cooperation with the Ghent’s City Hall on the occasion of 21th anniversary of XVI Session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan) was held in the concert hall of the intercultural center “De Centrale” of the city of Ghent, Kingdom of Belgium. Within the framework of the event, a concert by a famous Tajik singer and composer Davlatmand Kholov and a fashion show dedicated to traditional Tajik design chakan and suzani were held. While Davlatmand Kholov was performing in a well-known genre of Tajik music “falak”, the Tajik ladies demonstrated ancient, traditional, bright national Tajik dress “chakan” to the audience. The event was attended by over 300 people, among which were intellectuals, art critics, academics from well-known European universities, diplomatic corps accredited to Belgium, representatives of authoritative media outlets of the European Union and Tajik diaspora.21 In September 2014, with the support of the Embassy of Tajikistan, Tajik diaspora in the Netherlands established a “Tajik Cultural Center” in the city of Rotterdam. During the opening ceremony of the Center, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Kingdom of Netherlands Rustamjon Soliev presented the guests with information on socio-economic development of the Republic, its economic, hydro energy, investment, cultural, agricultural and tourism potential. In the Cultural Center, one can acquaint himself with a wide range of non-fiction (political, economic, historical, cultural, tourist, popular science), as well as fiction books.22 In the framework of the joint event, with participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, a photographic exhibition “Tajiks in the Mirror of History” was opened following the inaugural address by Minister S.Aslov in the Goethe Institute on October 21, 2014 (in Brussels). The head of Tajikistan’s Foreign Ministry invited those present to visit his country and to acquaint themselves with paradisiacal nature and cultural and historical attractions of the land. 23 On February 13, 2015, under the patronage of Namur’s City Hall, the opening ceremony of photographic exhibition under the title “Tajiks in the Mirror of History”, which was organized by the Embassy of Tajikistan, took place in the hall of the “BNP Paribas Fortis” office in Namur, the capital of Walloon region of the Kingdom of Belgium. Namur is twinned with Tajik city of . The photographic exhibition, the demonstration of which continued until February 26, was organized in the framework of development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Tajikistan and Belgium. In his speech, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Kingdom of Belgium Rustamjon Soliev drew attention to the rich and ancient history, culture and art of Tajiks, which were reflected in the exhibited photographs. Ambassador of Tajikistan also informed the audience on the achievements of his country in the political, economic, social, cultural and humanitarian fields during independence years. The photographic exhibition was announced on the official website of Namur city, the capital of Wallonia.24 Participation of Tajikistan in the Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse) on October 9-13th, 2013 and in Brussels Book Fair of French-speaking publications of the world on February 20-24, 2014 allowed to acquaint thousands of visitors of these events coming from various countries of the European Union and the world with the history, policies, culture and art, tourism potential and priority spheres of Tajik economy, thus contributing to the enhancement of the image and credibility of the country on international arena.25 Starting from 2011, on the initiative of the diplomatic mission of Tajikistan in Brussels and with participation of diplomatic missions of co-sponsoring countries of the UN resolution on celebration of International Nawruz Day, events dedicated to Nawruz are held annually. On March 17, 2015, with participation of diplomatic missions of countries celebrating Nawruz and with the direct support of the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, Nawruz was celebrated in the headquarters of the European Parliament on the initiative of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Tajikistan to the European Union. On behalf of the organizers, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Tajikistan to the European Union, Ambassador Rustamjon Soliev, as well as the head of the delegation of the European Parliament for relations with Central Asian Countries Iveta Grigule and the Permanent Representative of UNESCO to the European Union, Ambassador Marie Paule Roudile, addressed the guests with a congratulation speech. This event, which contributes to rapprochement of Eastern and Western cultures, was vividly covered by the “The European Times” magazine.26

On July 8, 2015, on the initiative of the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in Brussels and under patronage of the President of the Eurasian Fund of Support for Art (Brugge) Vladimir Chikin, a photographic exhibition “Ballet and City: Tajikistan” was held in the central gallery of Bruges, Kingdom of Belgium. The exhibition continued until July 22. It should be noted that the materials for the present exhibition were prepared by V.Chikin in the course of his creative visit to Tajikistan in May 2015. The goal of the exhibition was to present the achievements of the Republic of Tajikistan on the secular and democratic path to development during the independence years, principal aspects of its unique picturesque nature, architectural, historic and modern buildings and attractions in Dushanbe and surrounding areas with participation of ballet troupe of the State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet named after , which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. In the framework of this event, a video on attractions of the country’s capital Dushanbe was also shown.27

Experience of Intra-Tajik Peace Attainment

International significance of the experience of attainment of intra-Tajik peace and the possibility of its application in other hotspots of our planet were thoroughly described on the pages of the “Architect of Peace” book published in English and French languages in Brussels in 2012.28 This unique experience was subsequently presented by the Permanent Representation of Tajikistan to the European Union in UNESCO (Paris), the European Parliament, International Press Club (Brussels), and the Clingendael Institute of International Relations in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Also, on October 2, 2012, a bilingual (in French and English languages) authoritative magazine “Diplomatic World” (Brussels) published an article describing the twenty-year rule of Emomali Rahmon as the head of State and his crucial role in restoring peace and national unity and comprehensive development in Tajikistan. 29

On November 12, 2012, on the initiative of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Tajikistan to the European Union, a presentation of the book «Architect of Peace» about the historical role of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in ensuring peace and national harmony in the country, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the historical XVI Session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan was held in the international press club “Brussels- Europe” in Brussels. The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Tajikistan to the European Union, Ambassador Rustamjon Soliev, delivering a welcoming remark, briefly discussed the conceptual significance of the book both for the Tajik and foreign readers. At the same time, he particularly stressed the role of the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in establishing a sovereign, democratic and secular state; ensuring peace and harmony in the country and conducting political and economic reforms. The first deputy of the Chairman of the Assembly of the Representatives of the Supreme Assembly Amirsho Miraliev discussed the historical role of President E.Rahmon in ensuring national harmony and restoring peace in the republic; developing the statehood during the independence years and socio-economic achievements and the reforms conducted in the country. On December 3-4, 2013, organized by the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Tajikistan to the European Union in cooperation with the Universal Peace Federation, a conference «Eurasia and Europe: Cooperation for Culture, Peace and Human Development» was held in Paris. The Permanent Representative of Tajikistan to the EU Rustamjon Soliev and the authors of «Architect of Peace» Sharifzoda Abdufattoh and Abdullo Ghafurov presented the unique experience of intra-Tajik peace during the conference. Ambassador R.Soliev emphasized the international significance of the Tajik experience in extinguishing the flames of civil war and ensuring peace and harmony under the leadership of President Emomali Rahmon; the necessity and relevance of applying this model for resolving conflicts in other regions of the world. He drew attention to the fact that the Tajik model of achieving peace was recognized as unique by many international and regional organizations, including the UN and OSCE. The Tajik diplomat highlighted the opportunity for resolving the Afghan conflict by applying the model of resolving intra-Tajik conflict, restoring peace, ensuring national conciliation and unity. Over 300 people from 30 countries participated in the conference – political scientists, academics, officers of international and regional organizations, institutions and centers, journalists and other public figures. The speakers highly commended the experience of peaceful resolution of intra-Tajik conflict and emphasized its international significance. On June 28, 2014, a gala reception on the occasion of the 17th anniversary of the National Unity Day and the signing of the General Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Accord in Tajikistan was held in the building of the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in Brussels, Belgium. In his speech, the Minister of Education and Science of Tajikistan Nuriddin Said congratulated the participants with the holiday of national revival, unity, self-consciousness, peace, stability and solid step on the path to building of a free civil society. He stressed the particular importance of the achieved harmony and unity, which actively contributed to sustainable socio-economic development of the country. The Minister of Education and Science underlined that every citizen of Tajikistan must value the national independence, peace, stability and social peace, and should strive to protect the interests of his nation and State. During the event, a one hour long movie “Architect of Peace”, books on the achievement of peace, stability and national harmony in the country, history and culture of Tajikistan, and works of famous national painters depicting unique nature of Tajik land, livelihood, culture and art of its people were presented.30 On June 26, 2015, on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of the National Unity Day, a roundtable on “Architect of Peace in Tajikistan” dedicated to the historical role of President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in achieving peace and national harmony in the country was held in the office of the Council of Europe in Brussels.31 The representatives of the Council of Europe in Brussels, ambassadors and representatives of the embassies of the guarantor states, representatives of the European Parliament, the European Union, and several international organizations took part in the roundtable. A documentary film dedicated to the crucial role of President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in achieving peace and national harmony in the country was shown to the participants of the roundtable. The participants of this event commended achievement of national unity in Tajikistan and emphasized the necessity of examining and employing this unique experience for peaceful resolution of local conflicts. On June 27, 2015, on the occasion of the remarkable date of signing General Agreement on Establishment of Peace and National Accord in Tajikistan, the prestigious weekly of the European Union “New Europe” published an article by Ambassador of Tajikistan in Brussels R.Soliev under the heading “Emomali Rahmon: Architect of Peace in Tajikistan” (in English language), which provided an overview of the history of negotiations on ending the civil war and experience in achieving intra- Tajik peace. 32

Economic, Energy and Investment Potential

The rich potential of Tajikistan in economic, energy and priority spheres for investment in Tajik economy for attraction of European investors was presented in numerous events organized by the diplomatic mission of Tajikistan in Brussels. Materials were widely disseminated through European media outlets. On January 2011, Tajikistan-Luxembourg Friendship Society was established by an action team of 37 people in Luxembourg. During one of the organizational meetings, Samvel Arakelyan was elected the chairman of the present society, the presidium of which currently consists of one member of Luxembourg's Parliament, three jurists, two engineers and businessmen and university professors. 33 In the beginning of April 2011, Tajikistan-Netherlands business club was established in the Hague. The organizational session of the club took place with participation of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands Rustamjon Soliev and high representatives of business, financial and investment communities of the Netherlands. Ambassador of Tajikistan, addressing the participants during the opening ceremony, gave a detailed account on the Republic's investment climate, economic, hydro energy potential and natural resources, as well as called upon the Dutch investors to actively deploy capital in various spheres of Tajikistan's economy, in particular in hydro energy field. 34 On May 6, 2011, an opening ceremony of Belgium-Tajikistan business club, in which representatives of various EU institutions, Energy Charter, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, business and financial communities of this country took part, was held in the Embassy of Tajikistan in Brussels, Belgium. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to Belgium Rustamjon Soliev made an introductory speech during the opening ceremony. Having provided a detailed account on favourable investment climate, economic potential, natural resources, hydro energy, tourism of the country, he called upon the business and financial community of Belgium to invest capital in various sectors of Tajik economy, especially in hydro energy projects. 35 On November 6, 2012, on the initiative of the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Kingdom of Belgium and with support of the management of «Saturn Group» and «Cliniques de l'Europe» companies, Tajikistan-Belgium investment forum was held in Brussels with the participation of large investors of the host country. The official delegation of Tajikistan, which arrived in Brussels for holding the second session of Tajikistan-EU Cooperation Committee, also attended the forum. The purpose of this event was to present the economic and investment potential of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Belgian business community, in order to increase investment flows into priority sectors of economy and realization of promising national projects. The present forum also served as a platform for establishing and fostering contacts with potential investors from the European Union.36 The participants were provided with information on the vast investment potential of the Republic in various sectors of the economy, especially in the spheres of hydro energy and industry, transport and communication, agriculture, as well as tourism, education, healthcare and IT-technology. Taking into account Tajikistan’s vast hydro energy potential, considerable importance is given to the promotion of pragmatic water energy policy of the Republic on the European arena. Another high profile event that should be highlighted is a Conference on “Water and Energy as Instruments for Ensuring Peace”, which was organized by the members of the European Parliament Struan Stevenson, the head of inter- parliamentary group for climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development Cristina Gutierrez, the head of the EP’s Group on water issues, and held in the building of the European Parliament and the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Tajikistan to the European Union on January 28, 2014 in Brussels. The Conference consisted of two panels: “Water as Instrument for Ensuring Peace” and “Energy as Instrument for Ensuring Peace”. The water and energy potential of Tajikistan and public policy in these spheres was presented by the first deputy of the Minister of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan Sulton Rahimov in the two panels of the conference. He emphasized that Tajikistan’s water policy is based on the concept that water must be the subject of collaboration. S.Rahimov also informed the participants of the conference on the existing mechanisms of regional cooperation of Central Asian countries in the spheres of water resources management.37 In the course of promoting the interests of the country in the water and energy sector, on February 9, 2014, the newspaper of the European Parliament “EP Today” published an article by Sulton Rahimov, the first deputy of the Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan, under the heading “Tajikistan: Turn Water Into Cooperation” (in English language), in which the author provided detailed data on water resources of Tajikistan, their significance for sustainable development of our country and the region as a whole; discussed the regional and global water policy of the country, as well as described the global and regional water challenges in the Central Asian region. The article clearly outlines and substantiates the advantages of employing the hydro energy potential of Tajikistan to the benefit of the country and the region as a whole. 38 Thus, on June 5-6, 2015, under patronage of the European Parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, Trade and Business Fair of the New European Business Confederation “UNITEE” was held in Brussels, in which, among other European countries, the European Union, Asia, CIS, Africa and Latin America, Tajikistan’s stand was also presented.39 Of particular note, Tajikistan’s exhibition stand, which was organized on the initiative of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Tajikistan to the European Union, drew the attention of the visitors – representatives of the leading business communities of the EU, trade agencies, authoritative companies of the world – to the various books, brochures and discs, informing on priority sectors of Tajikistan’s economy, on favorable conditions for foreign investors and development of trade and entrepreneurial climate in the country. On June 9, 2015, on the initiative of the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan and in cooperation with Wallonia agency on external trade and investment “AWEX”, “Belgium-Tajikistan” roundtable for acquainting the business community of the host country with economic opportunities of Tajikistan was held in Brussels. Representatives of the Wallonia agency for external trade and investment “AWEX”, Flemish agency for development of trade and investments “FIT”, Brussels agency for attraction of investments and promotion of export “BIE”, as well as various Belgian companies and firms, took part in the event. The first deputy of the Minister of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic Saidrahmon Nazriev made a presentation outlining the economic potential and priorities of the economic development of Tajikistan, promising spheres for investment in Tajik economy.40 The participants were provided with information on vast investment potential of the republic in various sectors of the economy, especially in the spheres of hydro energy and industry, transport and communications, agriculture, as well as tourism, education, healthcare, and IT-technologies. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that effective and purposeful employment of European media contributed to the extensive promotion of foreign and domestic policies of Tajikistan, socio-economic achievements during the independence years, economic, investment, hydro energy, cultural and tourism potential in the European Union, and to the positive formation of the image of the republic on the European arena. The originality of the undertaken study and analysis consists in the fact that the expert community has not conducted analogous academic work thus far.

Influence of the European Media On Formation of the Image of the Republic of Tajikistan

R.Soliev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to the European Union, PhD of Political Sciences (rustam.soliev @ gmail.com)

Keywords:The Republic of Tajikistan, the European Union, the European media, enhancement of the image of the Republic of Tajikistan. The article analyzes in detail the process of forming of the image of the Republic of Tajikistan in the European Union. To this end, the mechanism of the use of the European media for the general promotion of political and economic achievements of the country, implementing creative programs in the country, economic, investment, hydropower, tourism and cultural potential of the republic is researched. The ways of promoting national interests of Tajikistan at the European arena have been considered. The article reviews the process of formation of the image of the country from 2011 up to 2015.

List of References

1Official website of the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs of RT, http://mfa.tj/ru/pravovaya-osnova- vp/kontceptciya-vneshney-politiki-respubliki-tadzhikistan.html

2Architect of Peace, А. Sharifzoda, А.Gafurov, Brussels, 2012., 263 pages, p. 215.

3 Official website of the “The European Times” magazine, http://emagazine.european- times.com/tajikistan;

4 Official website of the Emabssy of RT in Brussels http://www.tajikembassy.be/content/celebration- 21st-anniversary-independence-republic-tajikistan-brussels;

5 Archive materials of the website of Permanent Representation of the RT to the EU, www.tajikembassy.be;

6 Official website of the media holding “Euronews” http://www.euronews.com/2012/03/30/president- emomali-rahmon-there-is-no-short-cut-to-democracy/;

7 Official website of the “The European Times” magazine, http://www.european- times.com/countries/interview-minister-foreign-affairs-republic-tajikistan-european-times-magazine/ ;

8 Official website of the “The European Times” magazine, http://www.european- times.com/countries/minister-sirodjidin-aslov/;

9 Official website of the “Diplomat Magazine”, http://www.diplomatmagazine.nl/2014/11/03/results- sco-summit-dushanbe-2014/;

10 Pages of the official website of the “Diplomat Magazine” and “The European Times”, http://www.diplomatmagazine.nl/2015/03/01/water-life-2005-2015/, http://www.diplomatmagazine.nl/2015/05/25/the-international-decade-for-action-water-for-life/, http://www.diplomatmagazine.nl/2015/05/03/water-for-life-tajikistan-june-9-to-11-2015/, http://www.european-times.com/sector/energy-basic-materials/water-life-press-release-tajikistan- 2015/;

11 Pages of the official website of the “Diplomat Magazine” and “The European Times”, http://www.european-times.com/sector/government/world-water/, http://www.diplomatmagazine.nl/2015/05/03/the-president-of-the-republic-of-tajikistan-at-the-7th- world-water-forum/

12 Official website of the “The Brussels Times”, http://www.brusselstimes.com/opinion/3917/emomali-rahmon-and-the-independence-of-tajikistan;

13 Website of the IA “Asia-plus”, http://news.tj/ru/news/v-bryussele-otmetili-den-nezavisimosti- tadzhikistana

14 Official website of the media holding “Euronews”, http://www.euronews.com/2012/03/20/tajikistan-hosts-international--celebrations/;

15Emomali Rahmonov. Les Tadjiks dans le miroir de l'histoire. Volume 1 & 2. Des Aryens aux Samanides. 2014, Bruxelles: Big Media Group. 257 p.

16 Official website of the “The European Times” magazine, http://www.european- times.com/countries/tajiks-mirror-history/;

17 Emomali Rahmon « Tajiks in the Mirror of History». Second book. «From Aryans to Samandis». 2002, Dushaneb: Irfon, - p 128 ., p. 18.

18Emomali Rahmon. «Les Tadjiks dans le miroir de l'histoire». Volume 1 & 2. Des Aryens aux Samanides. 2014, Bruxelles: Big Media Group. 257 p., p. 154.

19 «History of Tajik People». Т2. Dushanbe. 1999. p.21

20 Official website of the “The European Times” magazine, http://www.european- times.com/news/tajikistan-on-the-road-to-its-discovery/;

21 Archive materials of the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in the Kingdom of Belgium, http://www.tajikembassy.be/content/evening-tajik-arts-ghent-belgium;

22 Website of information agency “Avesta”, http://www.avesta.tj/sociaty/27785-kulturnyy-centr- tadzhikov-otkrylsya-v-niderlandah.html;

23 Archive materials of the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in the Kingdom of Belgium, http://www.tajikembassy.be/content/speech-minister-foreign-affairs-tajikistan-goethe- institute;

24 Official website of Namur city, http://www.namur.be/news.htm?lng=fr&action=read&id=175;

25 Archive materials of the website of Permanent Representation of the RT to the EU, http://www.tajikembassy.be/content/tajikistan-presented-frankfurt-book-fair, http://www.tajikembassy.be/content/tajikistan-presented-international-brussels-francophone-book- fair;

26 Official website of the “The European Times” magazine, http://www.european- times.com/sector/government/navruz/;

27 Official website of the Eurasian Fund of Support for Art (Brugges), http://deve- gallery.com/en/balletcity-the-photo-project-by-vladimir-chikin/;

28 “L’Architecte de la Paix, The Architect of Peace”, Sharifzoda A., Gafurov А., responsible for publication Soliev R. Brussels, 2012., 263 pages.

29 Archive materials of the website of the “Diplomatic World” magazine, http://smooz.4your.net/diplomatic-world/files/TAJIKISTANPUNCH.pdf;

30 Official archive materials of the Embassy of RT in Brussels, http://www.tajikembassy.be/content/17th-anniversary-national-unity-day-tajikistan-celebrated- brussels;

31 Official archive materials of the Embassy of RT in Brussels

32«New Europe», “Emomali Rahmon: Tajikistan’s Architect of Peace”, New Europe, Issue 1127, p.06, 28 June-4 July 2015;

33 Website of IA “Asia-plus”, http://ap.news.tj/ru/news/v-lyuksemburge-organizovano-obshchestvo- druzhby-s-tadzhikistanom

34 Website of IA “Asia-plus”, http://www.news.tj/ru/news/gollandiya-i-tadzhikistan-sozdali-svoi- biznes-klub

35 Website of TopTJ.com http://www.toptj.com/News/2011/05/09/v_bryussele_otkryt_ biznes_klub_bel_giya_tadzhikistan;

36 Archive materials of the website of the Embassy of RT in the Kingdom of Belgium, http://www.tajikembassy.be/content/invest-forum-tajikistan-%E2%80%93-belgium-brussels;

37 Official website of the “The European Times” magazine, http://www.european- times.com/sector/speech-struan-stevenson/;

38 Official website of the newspaper of the European Parliament “EP Today”, http://eptoday.com/tajikistan-turn-water-cooperation/;

39 Official website of the New European Business Confederation «UNITEE», http://www.unitee.eu/unitee/unitee-business-and-trade-fair;

40 Official archive materials of the Embassy of RT in Brussels