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Press Release, 12th March 2009
Press Release (PDF).
Issue 283, 2nd March 2009
Martin Banks
"Our relations with the EU are
progressing well and, indeed, have reached a new level, but I would
like the European parliament to render more support to improving these
relations further still"
Emomali Rahmon, the President of the
Republic of Tajikistan
“The European vector of foreign policy
of the Republic of Tajikistan”
The conceptionof foreign policy
of Tajikistan is based on the open door policy and directed on
creation of favorable external conditions of own development in view of
balance of geopolitical interests of the powerful global and regional
players, such as European Union, USA, Russia and China.
Our foreign policy’s objectives which derived
from our national interests are concrete. These are national security
and economic well being.
We have general approaches with European
Community in the solution of regional issues, in struggle against
modern threats and challenges. Tajikistan, in view of its geographical
location, having the largest border with Afghanistan, buffer position on
fight against drug trafficking, terrorism and extremism, plays an
important role in the maintenance of security in Central Asia.
By visiting the capital of Europe I wished to
emphasize the growing importance of bilateral relations between EU and
Tajikistan. Thus we pursue more clear, transparent and pragmatic
purposes. First of all, it is the development of our mutually
advantageous trade-economic, scientific-technical, educational
cooperation. Certainly, we shall aspire to creation of as much as
possible favorable conditions for attraction of investments from the
European Union member-states to our economy.
In the view of abovementioned goals on 9-11
February 2009 took place my official visit to the Kingdom of Belgium and
Institutions of the European Community.
I pay an official visit to Belgium by
invitation of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium Mr. Herman
Van Rompuy. During this visit I had meetings with the high authority of
Belgium, European Union, NATO, Energy Charter, European Investment Bank
and also rather interesting meetings and useful conversations with
influential representatives of business community of Belgium.
During the meeting with the Prime Minister and
other high-ranking officials of Belgium we discussed issues of further
development and deepening of mutually advantageous bilateral relations
in political, trade-economic, humanitarian, scientific, investment,
cultural, educational spheres. I specially brought a focus to
realization of hydropower projects of Tajikistan as the bases for
development of national economy and to increase a well-being of our
people. I underlined that our state has an energy potential of 527
billion kW/hours, however we use only 5% of the total volume. I
suggested Belgian side to take active part in realization of the energy
projects in Tajikistan. I mentioned that creation of hydropower
constructions in the republic will enable to satisfy the electric needs
of neighboring countries. The Belgian side promised to study our
suggestions, having noted, that Tajikistan in Central Asian region
plays an important role in stabilization of the situation in
Afghanistan. Our meetings passed in a warm and friendly atmosphere. I
am deeply convinced that the documents signed during the visit:
Agreements between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the
Government of the Kingdom of Belgium on avoidance of double taxation
and on mutual protection of investments will serve as a strong
legislation base in development of our trade-economic relations.
Tajikistan attaches special significance to
development of the European vector of its foreign policy. We are
strengthening close relations with the European Union in political,
economic, humanitarian, educational spheres, and also in maintenance of
regional security, struggle against new threats and challenges,
stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan. It is pleasant to note
that there was observed a steady growth of mutually advantageous
trade-economic relations between Tajikistan and EU which in 2008
consisted amount of 880 million US dollars. I wish to emphasize that EU
is one of our key trade partners which share 20% of external commodity
circulation of Tajikistan. We are grateful to the European Union for
rendering the technical and humanitarian assistance to our country
which from 1991 till present has made around 600 million Euro.
I had indelible impressions during the meetings
with the President of the European Commission Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso,
High Representative of the European Union for the Common foreign and
security policy, Secretary General of the Council of the European Union
Mr. Javier Solana, Chairman of the committee for foreign affairs of
the European Parliament Mr. Jacek Sariusz-Wolsky, as well as the members
of the European Parliament. Our discussions passed in the spirit of
high constructivism, efficiency and deep understanding of arising
matters. Within the new strategy of the European Union on Central Asia
for 2007-2013 we mentioned prospects of our bilateral mutually
advantageous relations in political, economic, trade, investment,
technical, humanitarian, educational, cultural areas, in realization of
hydropower projects in Tajikistan, in development and democratization
of the civil society, human rights, strengthening of boarders, struggle
against drug trafficking, terrorism, extremism and illegal migration.
During negotiations we also discussed problems of world economic and
financial crises, food security. The important place at the meetings
has been given to issues of maintenance the regional security,
discussion of the situation in Afghanistan, a role of EU and Tajikistan
in establishment of peace and consent in this country and also to
search ways of its revival. I once again proposed necessity of creation
an antinarcotics belt around Afghanistan what I repeatedly declared
from various tribunes of the world community. During conversations I
have specially emphasized necessity of close combination of carrying
out of antiterrorist operation in Afghanistan with economic, social,
educational and cultural revival of the country. Afghan issue has not
military solution. Countries which promised for economic assistance to
Afghanistan have to fully realize their declared plans. All of us have
to understand that poverty is an essential threat to the national,
regional and global security. Tajikistan is doing a lot in this
direction, but with the realization of hydropower projects in our
republic, in close coordination of EU efforts, we are capable to achieve
concrete results in maintenance of peace, stability, national consent
and development in this distressful country.
At the same time I have proposed about opening a
branch of the European Liberty University in Dushanbe. This idea
will create an opportunity to close together cultures, dialogue of
civilizations, establish friendship between young generations. It is
possible to keep peace in mind of people but only through cultural and
educational exchanges. European Union’s support to this initiative
would give a fruitful and conceptual chance for both Tajik and Afghan
students to study European educational
standards.
During my meetings with counterparts I gave a
special attention to discussion of Iran issue. I frankly told that
there are ties connecting us with this Persian speaking country. With
Iran we have common history, culture, religion, customs and traditions.
Iran is our significant trade-economic partner. This country brings
the important contribution to the development of our economy, puts
great investments into the construction of hydropower plant
"Sangtuda-2", several tunnels which will connect various regions of our
republic with automobile communication, successful work of new joint
companies in different areas of industry. Unfortunately the aspirations
of Teheran to use the atomic energy for peaceful purposes are
interpreted frequently in different manners. Though these intentions
have been declared before the Islamic Revolution and it did not cause
negative reaction in the West. I underlined that during several
discussions with my Iranian counterparts I come to conclusion that IRI
intends to realize its ambition in nuclear sector exceptionally in
peaceful goals. I was convinced that they do not have desire and
purpose to develop the special nuclear programs contradicting to IAEA
requirements. With the view of political, scientific-technical,
economic and raw potential Teheran certainly is influential regional
power and can play the important role in stabilization of the situation
in Afghanistan, Iraq and in whole Near East region.
I would like to note with satisfaction that
during discussion with the Secretary General of the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization (NATO) Mr. Jaap De Hoop Scheffer we had the common
vision of ways on maintenance the regional security and stabilization of
the situation in Afghanistan. I welcomed active Alliance involvement
in the process of fight against drug trafficking in the territory of
Afghanistan. I underlined that NATO as an important factor for
establishing peace in Afghanistan should cooperate actively with the
neighboring countries, in particular with Tajikistan which has the
largest border with this Islamic republic. The Secretary General has
highly appreciated the role of Tajikistan in maintenance of stability
in Afghanistan. We agreed to further promote the bilateral relations
within the framework of "Partnership for peace" program and technical
assistance of NATO to boarder forces of the country, carry out a close
coordination between Tajik and Afghan boarder forces and deepening of
cooperation in the sphere of disaster prevention. In my opinion a major
landmark in strengthening bilateral cooperation was the exhibition of
the best works of Tajik known artists held at NATO Head Quarters
gallery in Brussels. Through the exposed pictures we showed a real
life, philosophy of national being, culture and way of life of Tajiks. I
am convinced that through such kind of events it is possible to
provide further rapprochement of people, cultures and civilizations for
peace, accord and progress.
In the condition of deepening of economic and
energy crises the issue of realization of hydropower projects,
representing an opportunity for development of the cheapest electricity
are rather duly, pertinent and actual. The given aspects have been
discussed during my meeting with the Secretary General of the Energy
Charter Mr. Andre Mernier. We reached a common opinion on ways to
increase the efficiency of bilateral cooperation in energy sphere. My
proposal on opening a hydropower department at the Secretariat of the
Energy Charter was positively received by authority of the
international organization. Our general visions in hydro-energy area
have found reflection in the Joint Statement.
As I repeatedly marked the realization of our
water-energy projects which will give a powerful impulse in development
of national economy and to economic development of other countries in
the region, demands significant investments. This subject in detail was
discussed with the President of the European Investment Bank Mr.
Philippe Maystadt who has supported our goals on creation of
hydro-energy potential. The President of EIB has expressed readiness to
study an opportunity of participation in investing the given projects.
By the result of the meeting we signed the Agreement on cooperation
between Tajikistan and the European Investment Bank.
With great enthusiasm and inspiration I told
about rather favorable within international legislations standards the
investment climate in our country and also about successful functioning
of foreign capital to participants of the joint Tajik – Belgian
Business Forum which was organized in the new building of our Embassy
in Brussels. I underlined the extremely importance of attraction of the
foreign capital in such areas of the national economy as hydropower,
mining and mountain-processing sectors, extraction and refining of oil
and gas, coloured metals and stones, processing of aluminium and
agricultural production. During the forum I had productive conversation
with the representatives of Belgian business community. I received a
positive impression from representatives of Belgian companies to
actively study an opportunity of participation in economic development
of Tajikistan.
It is necessary to emphasize that the members
of our delegation had also a fruitful program of their stay in Belgium.
During the meetings have been signed Memorandums of Understanding
between the Chambers of Commerce of Tajikistan and Flemish region of
Belgium, the Ghent University of Belgium and the National University of
Tajikistan, Memorandum of Understanding on establishing sister
relations between the cities of Namur, Belgium and Kulob, Tajikistan,
and also Joint Statements of the Royal Institute of International
Relations "Egmont" and the Centre for strategic research under the
President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Energy Charter Secretariat
and the Republic of Tajikistan. The signed documents have laid a
fundamental basis for development of bilateral trade and
scientific-educational, as well as cultural relations between the
Republic of Tajikistan and the Kingdom of Belgium.
Dear readers at the conclusion I would to note
that the visit of Tajik delegation to the Kingdom of Belgium and
Institutions of the European Community and reached agreements will open
a new historical page in the further development of our bilateral
mutually advantageous political, economic, spiritual, cultural,
educational, humanitarian relations that undoubtedly give a powerful
impulse in strengthening of regional cooperation and security,
stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan.
The Republic of
Tajikistan and the European Union have common noble purposes and we
will use the best efforts for their achievement.
I wish you a well-being
and success.
The
Parliament Magazine - Issue 279
 Mon
8th Dec 2008
Brian Johnson
“The ratification of the PCA and the visit by
our president to Brussels will send a signal to Tajikistan and our
Central Asian neighbours regarding our ambitions”
Saymumin Yatimov, Tajikistan's EU ambassador
To be or not to be
Tajikistan’s future lies in its potential to
become a hydroelectric powerhouse, the country’s EU ambassador tells
Brian Johnson
With enormous reserves of water, fed by more
than 14,000 glaciers and 2500 rivers, Tajikistan has the potential to
be Central Asia’s electricity-generating powerhouse, according to the
country’s EU ambassador, Saymumin Yatimov.
But the country desperately needs both economic
investment and technical know-how to reap the benefits of its virtually
inexhaustible water supplies. “We rank eighth in the world when it
comes to potential hydropower resources,” says Yatimov.
“We produce around 16-17bn kilowatt hours (kwh)
of electricity per year, but we need to produce at least 24bn to ensure
the country’s sustainable economic development. We currently have a
deficit in hydropower production of 5bn kwh, which unfortunately leads
to power shortages during the winter period.”
The country produces more electricity than it
needs during the summer months, and actually exports around 1.5bn kwh
of electricity during this period, says Yatimov, but during the long
and cold winter – this year temperatures dropped to as low as -25°C –
hundreds of thousands of people in Tajikistan faced severe electricity
shortages.
“During the Soviet period, there was a
reciprocal agreement between the Central Asian republics where water
and hydro energy produced in Tajikistan during the summer months was
repaid in kind by supplies of gas and electricity from the ‘downstream’
countries during the winter period.”
But following the breakdown of the Soviet Union,
this reciprocal arrangement collapsed, and currently, he says, the
country is being forced to pay market rates for Uzbek gas supplies.
“We face a difficult situation,” he adds. Water
is passed downstream to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan during
the spring and summer periods for agricultural irrigation, but with
the collapse of the reciprocal arrangement, Tajikistan, where nearly
two-thirds of the population is classified as poor, is facing another
bleak winter. “We need the gas in Tajikistan, but we can’t afford
market prices,” says Yatimov.
Following a bloody civil war that claimed the
lives of more than 150,000, Tajikistan has, remarkably, emerged as one
of the region’s most democratic states, and has even managed to bring
the country’s hard-line Islamic parties into the democratic process.
But other than its vast energy potential,
Tajikistan has few natural resources and a limited amount of workable
agricultural land - more than 50 per cent of the country is over 3000
meters above sea level.
Last winter, the crippling cost of electricity,
coupled with rising food, prices led to the UN’s world food programme
calling for .3m to help feed the hundreds of thousands of people
suffering from the worst winter seen in the country for 30 years.
Deteriorating relations with neighbouring
Uzbekistan have not helped, as the Tajiks look to encourage inward
foreign investment to develop their hydropower potential. Earlier this
month, Uzbekistan closed its 1280km-long border with Tajikistan without
explanation.
There has been no air traffic between the two
countries for 16 years, and Uzbekistan has seeded the border with
anti-personnel mines, which have killed or maimed dozens of people
living in the remote border regions. According to Yatimov, the Uzbeks
have also being doing everything in their power to stop hydropower
development programmes within Tajikistan.
“At every level, Uzbekistan wants to challenge
our plans to build new hydro plants. They have tried to politicise the
issue,” says Yatimov. “Unfortunately the Uzbeks do not want to
recognise the need to construct hydropower plants.
There has been considerable Uzbek resistance to
Tajik plans to develop new hydropower plants.” Yatimov says the
resistance comes from a belief that new hydro plants will somehow mean
the Uzbeks will end up not receiving the water they need for
agricultural production during the summer months.
“This argument has no scientific basis. We
invited a number of German experts from the Brookings Institute to
produce an independent report on the impact of constructing new dams,
and they concluded that they would not damage the economic interests of
Uzbekistan,” he explains.
“What would we do with the water? We cannot keep
it locked up. Sixty-five per cent of water flowing through
Central Asia originates in Tajikistan. We can’t hold on to this
water.” Yatimov says that Tajikistan even invited Uzbekistan to join a
water consortium to develop their Rogun hydropower plant, along with
Iran, Russia, the World Bank and several Arab countries, but they
declined to participate.
“The Uzbeks don’t seem to want to take into
account the water we provide them with during the summer months. We
don’t charge Uzbekistan for the water we supply them with. Both
Tajikistan and the downstream countries can benefit from construction
investment in hydropower. Unfortunately, yet again, we will have to buy
gas from Uzbekistan at market rates this year.”
However, the climate is not all gloomy. The
country looks set to benefit from a partnership and cooperation
agreement (PCA) with the EU, expected to be ratified early next year.
“There are only three countries - France, Italy and Greece - that have
not yet ratified the PCA. But they are in the process of ratifying, and
we expect the agreement to be concluded by mid-January. The PCA will
provide the opportunity to increase our economic relations with the EU,
and make it easier for EU countries to participate in Tajikistan,” he
adds.
And with a state visit to the EU by president
Emomali Rahmon lined up for early February, Yatimov believes Tajikistan
can begin to turn a corner and start to become an energy-producing
powerhouse in the region.
As the president said earlier this year, “to be
or not to be”: that is the question facing Tajikistan. Without new
development and investment in hydropower, it will be impossible for the
country to continue on the road to economic and social stability.
“The ratification of the PCA and the visit by
our president to Brussels will send a signal to Tajikistan and our
Central Asian neighbours regarding our ambitions,” says Yatimov.
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