NATO-supported Summer Academy in Tajikistan focuses on development and cooperation
The tenth NATO-supported Summer Academy took place in Romit, Tajikistan from 4 to 14 July. This year's theme was ''Central Asia after 2014 and beyond: regional development and stabilisation process''.
This annual event brings together students from Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Russia. Previous Academies have also involved participants from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The event offers students the opportunity to take part in interactive seminars and English-language discussion groups with leading Tajik experts and foreign diplomats on international security-related issues.
NATO’s Liaison Officer for Central Asia, Alexander Vinnikov, visited Tajikistan from 6 to 8 July as part of the Alliance’s cooperation with this partner country. It was Mr Vinnikov's third visit to the country since his appointment last year.
Mr Vinnikov delivered a presentation during the Academy’s opening session on the Alliance’s engagement with partners in Central Asia and answered students' questions about NATO's future, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.
“Central Asia’s youth deserves greater opportunities. The Academy enables tomorrow’s leaders to expand their knowledge of international affairs while building lasting connections with peers from the wider region,” said Mr Vinnikov. “That is why NATO is pleased to support this unique initiative,” he added.
The event was organised by the non-governmental organisation Vector Intellect with the support of NATO and of the Embassy of France, NATO’s Contact Point Embassy in Tajikistan.