Rustam Soliev, Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the EU, NATO, UNESCO and the Council of Europe, discusses his role in representing his country abroad.
European Times: What are your responsibilities as ambassador?
Rustam Soliev: Diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Belgium were established in 1992, and our embassy in Brussels opened in 2001. The embassy in Brussels also handles our relations with the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, NATO , the EU, UNESCO and the Council of Europe. As the Ambassador of Tajikistan, I represent my country, pursue Tajikistan’s foreign policy, and protect and defend national interests. My mission is also to foster cooperation between Tajikistan and the other countries.
European Times: Can you describe Tajikistan’s relations with the EU?
Rustam Soliev: Tajikistan considers the EU our major international partner. The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement Tajikistan signed with the EU came into force in January 2010 and we held two sessions of the Tajik-EU Cooperation Council in December 2010 and February 2011 in Brussels. In June 2011, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Mr. Emomali Rahmon began a European tour. We have succeeded in establishing regular political dialogue between the EU and Central Asia at the foreign-minister level as well as EU-Tajik Cooperation Committee sessions, dialogue on human rights and dynamically increasing inter-parliamentary cooperation between the two sides. Tajikistan is interested in furthering the development of beneficial relations with the EU in the framework of the new EU Strategy for Central Asia, and there is now greater scope for broader and more active cooperation in this respect. High on our agenda with the EU are the development of energy and communications, water management, environmental protection, trade and investment, border management, mine clearance, negotiations on Tajikistan joining the WTO, combating drug trafficking, enhancement of education, agriculture and health, culture and science, the expansion of the democratisation process and ensuring the rule of law. We aim to further deepen our relationships with all our partners through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, for which there is still great untapped potential.
European Times: What is your personal message to our readers?
Rustam Soliev: Tajikistan has declared an ‘open door’ policy to facilitate broader and mutually beneficial cooperation with investors from all over the world. Tajikistan demonstrates through its stable political and favourable investment climate and its legislation that attracting private investment is a priority. I would like to express my hope for expanded Tajik-European relations in all domains. We want Europeans to be aware of Tajikistan’s rich history, unique cultural heritage, arts and crafts, developing economy, tourism and hydropower potential, hospitable people and constructive leadership. Tajikistan’s Permanent Mission to the EU is at your service.
