KHOROG, July 17, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- The GBAO authorities are making preparations for a visit of President Emomali Rahmon, scheduled for July 18.  

According to the GBAO governor’s office, heads and senior representatives of almost all ministries and organizations have arrived in Khorog for preparation of a three-day visit of the president to the region.  

The aim of the visit to Gorno Badakhshan is to get acquainted with the present socioeconomic situation in the region, the source at governor’s office said.  

During his stay in the region, Rahmon is expected to visit Vanj, Rushan, Shugnan, Ishkashim and Roshtqala districts as well as the city of Khorog, familiarize himself with a progress of sowing campaign and use of lands in the region. 

He is also scheduled to inaugurate a number of facilities and attend groundbreaking ceremonies for construction of new social facilities in the region.  

In Khorog, Rahmon will familiarize himself with the pace of construction of the University of Central Asia (UCA), inaugurate a shopping center and attend the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of presidential lyceum.  

The president will also attend an official opening of the rehabilitated central stadium in Khorog and after that, he will meet with Khorog residents at the stadium.  

On the last day of his visit, the president will preside over a meeting of local administrators in Khorog to discuss the region’s economic results in January-June 2008, the source said.