DUSHANBE, June 21, 2016, Asia-Plus -- An eight member delegation of Tajikistan’s lower chamber (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of parliament, led by deputy Chairperson, Mrs Khairinisso Yusufi, visited Khorog, the capital of the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO)  on June 18, 2016, according to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Office in Tajikistan.

This visit was planned ahead of the President’s visit to GBAO to celebrate National Unity Day from June 25-28, aimed at familiarizing high level government officials on the progress of University of Central Asia’s Khorog campus.

Accompanied by AKDN Diplomatic Representative for Tajikistan Akbar Ali Pesnani, the delegation also visited UCA’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (UCA SPCE), Aga Khan Lyceum, as well as Khorog Diagnostic Unit.  Mr. Pesnani welcomed the guests to Khorog campus.

“It is an honor for AKDN that Parliamentarians are visiting UCA - currently one of our most important investments in Tajikistan.  The University has come a long way and is now ready to begin its academic programs in 2016.  This has been possible due to continuous support of the Tajik government,” said Mr. Pesnani.

“The Tajik government considers AKDN as a valuable and reliable partner.  We have received a very positive and memorable impression of UCA, which I believe will become a platform for discussion, analysis, research and exchange of best practices in future,” said Mrs. Yusufi.

Dr. Bohdan Krawchenko, UCA Director General, and Muzaffar Jorubov, UCA Chief Operating Officer, accompanied the delegation briefing them on the admissions process, faculty recruitment and courses offered by UCA.

“UCA was established to offer an internationally recognized standard of higher education in Central Asia and we are pleased this delegation has taken personal interest to review progress and dialogue with us on future cooperation strategies,” said Krawchenko.

This parliamentary visit is an outcome of Pesnani’s meeting with Shukurjon Zuhurov, Chairman of Majlisi Namoyandagon on May 17, 2016.  At this meeting Zuhurov expressed gratitude to AKDN for contributing to education, social, health and cultural sectors of Tajikistan.  UCA has developed constructive relationships with the Tajik Parliament and regularly conducts English courses for its members.