TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – FAVORITE EUROPEAN DESTINATION FOR 2012

On 9^th of October 2011 in a public séance of the European Union Council on Tourism and Trade gathering, representatives of tourism organizations from EU members country it was debated the list of candidates for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for 2012.

Professor Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European Tourism Academy, had presented a report on the last year situation of the Award for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION that was dedicated to United Arab Emirates and it was used accordingly with rules and regulations and have being proving highly efficient in attracting new tourists and investor attentions as United Arab Emirates was the ONLY country in the region that registered an increase in number of visitors despite tensions in the region.

On the debate for WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION  AWARD FOR 2012 professor dr. Anton Caragea , President of European Union Council on Tourism and Trade ( ECTT) presented the report titled : TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO : A SUCCESS STORY IN TOURISM proposing TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO as the winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2012.

Among the reasons for awarding WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2012 to TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO the report outlined:

   –  Respecting cultural patrimony and traditions in offering to tourists a possibility to participate in impressive paraphernalia festivals such as: Holi, Hosay, Divali, Corpus Christi, Eid Al Fitr and special Tobago Heritage Festival Tobago Fest and Trinidad GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH etc.

Keeping alive spiritual traditions , integrating tourist and visitors in the atmosphere of the islands , offering possibility of an enriching cultural experience are achievements that transform Trinidad and Tobago in a spiritual destination of first hand.

–                      Promoting Trinidad and Tobago environmental protection, especially East Coast natural patrimony of wetlands, beaches and ecological and geographical biodiversity that make Trinidad and Tobago unique in the region. Supporting a new concept of tourism friendly to nature, with low nature impact and preservation of natural biodiversity and protection of endangered species and areas, especially rainforest eco-climate.

–                      Offering to tourists not only cultural experience or relaxation opportunities but also the possibility to explore nature , to contribute to ecological preservation and the opportunity to observed in Tobago the impressive Forest Reserve are model achievements in ecological tourism that must be world appreciated.

–                      The continuous development and protection of cultural and historical patrimony of Trinidad and Tobago, the transformation of Port of Spain in an historical center offering to the visitor a glimpse into rich culture of Trinidad and Tobago and Caribbean heritage.

–                      Offering to the tourist a large area of cultural and ecological impressive programs such as: Wildlife Photography in places such El Tucuche Reserve, Valencia Wildlife Sanctuary, Caroni Bird Sanctuary. Cave exploration (in splendid places such as Gasparee Caves).Cycling, Hiking (Argyle Waterfall –a special destination), Kayaking (Paria bay and Tobago area).

For all this reasons European Union Council on Tourism and Trade decided, unanimously, to award WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2012 TITLE TO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO and to declare TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO- FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATIONS in 2012.

It was also presented the Official Invitation, on behalf of Ministry of Tourism of TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO for a delegation of European high ranking official of European Union Council on Tourism and Trade, to present the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD in Port of Spain, in person, to His Excellency Minister of Tourism DR. RUPERT GRIFFITH.

Awarding the highest tourism distinction of European Union Council on Tourism and Trade, the invitation for an working visit of high ranking members of European Union Council on Tourism and Trade in TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO are estimated by European tourism experts as a good example of close tourism relations and mutual appreciation   between European Union and Trinidad and Tobago, said at the end of the meeting Professor Anton Caragea, President of European Union Council on Tourism and Trade.

EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS INAUGURATES AN AMBITIOUS GERMAN-ROMANIAN MEDICAL PROJECT

On 22 September 2011, in a large ceremony, will be marked the opening of the most ambitious medical project in South East Europe, under the High Patronage of European Council on International Relations: LARA LIFE MED CLINIC .

Lara Med Life Clinic Headquarters

The project is the fruition of European cooperation between MedNord Klinik   from Germany and Romanian Med Clinic and the new medical facility will offer at European Union standards medical assistance in Eastern Europe. The ambitious project is uniting the high proficiency of Romanian medical school and technical knowhow of German Medical environment.

European Council on International Relations had accepted to offer his High Patronage to the new institution as this is an example of trans-European cooperation, is offering medical services for benefit of all European Union members’ states and is improving transnational cooperation.

The 22 September 2011 ceremony will be hosted by UNICEF Ambassador Andreea Marin and H.E President of European Council on International Relations, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and will include a presentation of the new clinic and hospital that will offer services on lab analyses , work medicine , family medicine ,   cardiology, gastro , psychology , ORL, ophthalmology, nutritional disorders , neurology and frontier medicine ( non-invasive ).

The scientific part of the conference will be held by Professor Dr. Norbert Pfuetzenreuter, the founder of MedNord Klinik in Munich, who will present the latest successes of endoscopic surgery (surgery without blood) and Prof.Dr. Ralf Senner from Munich Institute for Study of Nutritional Disorders, who will present the latest achievements in over-weight patient’s treatment and recuperation.

(from left to wright) Minister of Energy-Petru Lificiu , Mrs. Laura Ciuhu-Director Lara Med Life , Professor Dr. Anton Caragea , President of European Council on International Relations and H.E. Ambassador of Nigeria

The conference will conclude with the presentation of managerial team of this important medical project by H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on International Relations. Mrs. Laura Ciuhu, head of managerial team will then formally present to the public the new managerial and medical team.

The opening of LARA LIFE MED CLINIC is representing the fruition of a long time project of European Council on International Relations of fostering the cooperation between European Union member’s states and entities on all levels and on all fields of activity as only friendship and mutual knowledge could build a United Europe.

SPLENDID CEREMONY HELD IN DUSHANBE FOR LEADER OF XXI CENTURY AWARD PRESENTATION

On 25 august 2011 , in the framework of European Council on International Relations high ranking academic delegation visit in Tajikistan , Professor Dr. Anton Caragea , President of European Council on International Relations and his delegation where received by H. E. President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan.

The Original Certificate of LEADER OF XXI CENTURY AWARD

In an impressive ceremony, witnessed by 500 guests  , Professor Dr. Anton Caragea,  President of European Council on International Relations, bestow with a public ceremonial , the most prestigious cultural and political award of Academic Committee of European Council on International Relations : LEADER OF XXI CENTURY AWARD to H.E. President of Tajikistan – Emomali Rahmon .

H.E. President Emomali Rahmon had received the official scroll signed by Academic Committee of  European Council on International Relations, honoring the achievements of President of Tajikistan , followed by the Golden Crystal, symbolizing the accountability of the receiver   and in the end by the trade mark of the award the Original Certificate of  LEADER OF XXI CENTURY AWARD.

Golden Crystal of LEADER OF XXI CENTURY AWARD entrusted to President of Tajikistan

The ceremony was lived broadcasted by national and international channels and attended among many others by members of Parliament and Government of Tajikistan.

After the ceremony an official audience was offered for Professor Dr. Anton Caragea , President of European Council on International Relations and his delegation.

President of Tajikistan-Emomali Rahmon and President of EUCIR – Professor Dr. Anton Caragea

On this opportunity President of Tajikistan had made for European delegation a presentation of the situation in his country including : construction of a line of impressive hydro-energy power plant  that will insure full energy independence for Tajikistan in the next three years and also will make Tajikistan the supplier of clean energy for the region , constructing high voltage line for energy exports toward Pakistan and Afghanistan , infrastructure projects , tourism and transport modernizations , reforestation programs .

In all this fields there are important bilateral cooperation opportunities for European Union expertise to be present, had appreciated President Emomali Rahmon.

Joint Press Conference of H.E. President of Tajikistan-Emomali Rahmon – LEADER OF XXI CENTURY LAUREATE and Professor Dr. Anton Caragea – EUCIR President

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on International Relations had underlined in his replay that: developing a bilateral fruitful relationship, based on mutual respect and understanding   is welcomed by European side and the presence of a high level European Council on International Relations delegation, vast and complex, shows the commitment of our part in fostering the relations with Tajikistan.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea-President of E.U.C.I.R receives a basket of flowers from H.E. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon

Tajikistan had overcome the horrors of civil wars, had succeeded to avoid the dramatic faith of Afghanistan and build a society of equilibrium, with a social market economy, offering to all the path of development.  The vast plans, announced by President of Tajikistan, are a living proof of the right track of the country and we are appreciative for the expressed desire that Europe will be a gate for Tajikistan .

The dialogue had continued for an hour and a half, far more that the 30 minutes initially dedicated and after  European Council on International Relations  delegation had being invited to inaugurate the world tallest flag and then at on official banquet on the side of President Emomali Rahmon.

TAJIKISTAN : THE HEART OF SILK ROAD

Tajikistan: cradle of civilization by Professor Anton Caragea MA, FINS , DR.H.C.

In September 2011 Tajikistan will mark the anniversary of 20 years of independence. It is a moment to contemplate with proud, as the country succeeded, in a short span of time, to build an independent administration, a powerful army, a strong economy and a society of social equilibrium and respect for citizen’s rights.

Especially the years of mandate of President Emomali Rahmon had paved the way for asserting Tajikistan role on international arena, for supporting the tajik art, culture and historic patrimony resurgence and are undoubtedly a renaissance era in the history of people of Tajikistan.

Tajikistan : a country that offered to the world an impressive legacy

This astonishing achievements in a difficult region could not have being possible without a powerful cultural base and a long tradition of statehood, of bright civilization and a rich history that proved that Tajik people are creators of wonderful crafts and arts. Tajikistan history is not confined to the last 20 years; Tajikistan must be reminded is the place of birth of fabulous Oxus Treasure that highlighted the heritage of Persian Empire and the craftsmanship of tajik ancestors.

Tajikistan is also the birthplace of Zoroastrism, faith that build an empire of fire worshipers and high moral beliefs from Tajikistan to today Pakistan and Mediterranean Sea.

Just a short counting of the Empires that have their political and cultural center in Tajikistan is impressive: Samanids, Ghaznavids, Kara Kitai, Mongols, Khorezem, and Timurid etc.  Putting in the spot light this heritage, offering to the world the information`s necessary to understand that Tajikistan is one of the top art and civilization creators in the world, with an important contribution to world heritage, it is a necessity.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, the fine intellectual Hamrokhon Zarifi- the author of  TAJIK ARTS AND CRAFTS TROUGH CENTURIES

To respond to this necessity the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, the fine intellectual Hamrokhon Zarifi had succeeded in collecting with a passion of the art collector  and the knowledge of the historian, documents, astonishing images and pictures of tajik arts and crafts trough centuries.  The result is a monumental book: TAJIK ARTS AND CRAFTS TROUGH CENTURIES offering, in the front of the surprised and unfamiliar reader, the images of a rich culture and of an ingenious and extremely talented people that leaved a clear mark on history.

The monumental masterpiece TAJIK ARTS AND CRAFTS TROUGH CENTURIES is at the same time: a complete inventory of art treasures and creations of tajik people, an exhaustive image of the traditions and historical influence of the tajik craftsman over the arts in all Central Asia and a repertoire of historic discoveries on the territory of republic of Tajikistan. In 19 chapters, like on a flying carpet, the avid reader will familiarized himself to the impressive art and civilization of tajik people.

Tajikistan art and crafts are a legacy respected for 2.000 years.

The books succeed the rare achievement of analyzing, through impressive photographs and clear descriptions, not only the art of tajik`s, but to related this with the history and with geography of the country. A chapter of embroidery will present you the intricate and luxurious tajik patterns, full of gold and precious colors. I will draw the attention of the readers to models showing the influence of tajik art on the Khorezem art (XII-XIII century) and Safavid Persia, moments when tajik art influence spreads from the banks of Amur Daria to Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf. The gold embroidery and jewelers design will prove that tajik craftsman and tajik patterns conquered the imaginations of the rulers of the world. From the Omayyad Court in Baghdad to the Chinese Emperor court the luxurious models of tajik arts and tajik specialists where attracted to the Asian imperial courts as a proof of the ingenuity of tajik craftsman`s.

TAJIK ARTS AND CRAFTS TROUGH CENTURIES also pays a special attention to the impressive national cloths, head wares and foot wears chapters. This chapters present to the reader in the same time the similarity of the national cloths of tajik people to the Central Asian national cloths pattern, but also pay homage to the ingenuity of tajik people who always knew to make something to stand apart from the crowd: either a splendid tree of life pattern, either a solar image, either a splendid Kara Kitai motive.

Reading the attentive historical and ethnographical explanation of the book, admiring the picturesque images included in the book you cannot wonder how Tajik people succeeded in making the transition from the small art, ephemeral art of cloth and house art, to the impressive big art, ceremonial art of palaces, governmental houses, summer houses and decorative architecture.

I cannot appreciate enough the legacy that a monument like Mir Said Hamadoni Tomb in Kulab is offering to the world: the architectural solutions used in this monument are a proof of the independent mind and wealth of knowledge of tajik builders and the intricate models of designed used to decorate the monument, to recreate the image of Islamic paradise cannot be matched.

It is also an important achievement of this book that is uniting the legacy of the past with the present day creations of tajik crafts and art makers that proof that the ancestors magic and craftsmanship is not lost and even today tajik people can create masterpiece of world level.

Kurramshahr Entertaining Center or Varzob Government Country residence are impressive paraphernalia, witnessing that tajik art is re-living today a new epoch of glory and recognition. The capacity of integrating the art monuments in the nature is one of the key of tajik success in art and resilience trough the centuries and Varzob Palace is a symbol that this capacity is not lost but is living again in the soul of tajik craftsman. The same is valid for the famous Teahouse in Khorugh that elevated wooden crafts to mastery creating a wood marvels that astonish by beautiful model the researcher of today arts phenomena.

TAJIK ARTS AND CRAFTS TROUGH CENTURIES it is a successful claim to international recognition of Tajikistan art, as a role model for the world and as an intrinsic part of humankind patrimony.

This book is the perfect gift for 20 years of independence anniversary of Tajikistan, announcing to the world that Tajikistan it a cultural patrimony household name, with a history dating back to more than 2.500 years, a country that made a powerful contribution to humanity patrimony and can stand with the head high and say: Tajikistan is a name that will always be recognized as the cradle of civilization.

THE HIGHEST EUROPEAN CULTURAL AND POLITICAL HONOR AWARDED TO PRESIDENT OF TAJIKISTAN

Academic Committee of European Council on International Relations make the  decision to award one of the highest European cultural and political distinctions to H.E. Emamoli Rahmon, President of Tajikistan

A public séance of the Academic Committee of European Council on International Relations took place at the headquarters of European Council on International Relations .

 On this session it was make public the decision of the Academic Committee of European Council on International Relations to award one of the highest European cultural and political distinctions to H.E. Emamoli Rahmon, President of Tajikistan.

In rare ceremony, members of academic core, intellectuals and political leaders witnessed the signing ceremony of the Official Decree no. 648 establishing the awarding of LEADER OF XXI CENTURY – INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION TITLE   to President of Tajikistan   – H.E. Emomali Rahmon .

On this occasion professor dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on International Relations, held a short speech about the meanings of this important event:   This title is seldom awarded and only after a very carefully examination, as the receivers are leaders of the century, there work all thou concentrated in a year is reflecting decades of actions and achievements with positive influence over peoples and countries. Plus we have to defend not only the prize prestige but also the importance of our European Council on International Relations an institution , considered this year as the second in importance Institute of International Relations in the world.

Among the reasons leading to awarding LEADER OF XXI CENTURY AWARD to President Emomali Rahmon   the Academic Committee of   European Council on International Relations has taken under consideration the following :

–        Promoting   internal unity of Tajikistan , combating corruption, and promoting respect for   human dignity, clean governance and free media and supporting the construction of the edifice of democracy in Tajikistan with human rights, assured liberties and social justice and protection program`s .

–        Constructing a sustainable economic growth in Tajikistan   , a rapid economic development and the construction of a solid free market economy based in the same time on the correct income distribution and with a highly development of social protection sectors.

– The continuous development of social base of Tajik people by investing in health and education sectors , investment and support that is responding to the most sacred and untouchable human rights such as the right to health ,education and productive life.

–                      Promoting Tajikistan environmental protection and historical Dushanbe resurgence and promoting economic cooperation with European Union are excellent endeavor’s that support the future of Tajikistan.

–                      The continuous development and protection of cultural and historical patrimony of Tajik people, the transformation of Dushanbe in the pivotal connection center between Europe and Asia and in a light-house of     development for the entire region.

–         Continuously supporting peace and security on world stage and in the

Central Asia region by important and internationally resounding actions such as transforming Tajikistan in a secure state, with safe borders.

The public séance of the Academic Committee of European Council on International Relations took place at the headquarters of European Council on International Relations

In response, Ambassador of Tajikistan to European Union, H.E. Rustamjon Soliev expressed his gratitude to the decision taken by the Academic Committee of   European Council on International Relations to award one of the highest European cultural and political distinction to H.E. Emamoli Rahmon , President of Tajikistan. He also presented the Official Invitation, on behalf of Government of Tajikistan, for a delegation of  European academics, high ranking official of European Council on International Relations, to present the LEADER OF XXI CENTURY AWARD   in Dushanbe, in person, to His Excellency President Emamoli Rahmon of Tajikistan

Awarding the highest cultural and political distinction of European Council on International Relations, the invitation for an working visit of high ranking members of European Council on International Relations in Tajikistan are  estimated  by European cultural, academic and political elite as a good example of close relations  between European Union and Tajikistan, said at the end of the meeting Professor Anton Caragea, President of European Council on International Relations.

EUROPEAN UNION – TAJIKISTAN : A DEVELOPING RELATION

Between 25-26 July 2011 Ambassador of Tajikistan to European Union , Rustamjon Soliev  ,  had made an working visit to Romania at the invitation of Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on International Relations  in order to further develop the bilateral relation and offer new dimensions to economical, cultural and political dialogue between Tajikistan  , European Union and Romania .

His Excellency Ambassador Rustamjon Soliev – Ambassador of Republic of Tajikistan to European Union

In the framework of the visit Ambassador Soliev paid special attention to de-frozen  the economic dimension of the relations between the two countries.

Ambassador of Tajikistan had arranged meetings with Romanian Chamber of Commerce President and European Union Bilateral  Chambers of Commerce Vice-President , Director of Romanian Investment Agency  and Ministry of Economy and other Romanian economic officials .

The parties expressed the common desire of re-launch the bilateral relations by mutual assured investment , development of trade and tourism . Romanian side express the desire , in accordance with Tajikistan Ambassador views ,  to have an Romanian ( EU) – Tajikistan Economic Forum , to have Tajikistan investment in Romanian tourist sites and to have practical offers for investment in Tajikistan .

In the meetings  held by Ambassador Soliev  at Energy Minister , Romania offered technical expertise for rehabilitation of Tajikistan energy system and also expressed interest in programs for solar and wind energy exploitation in Tajikistan .

In all the meetings Ambassador Rustamjon Soliev received official congratulation on the appointment of President of Tajikistan, Emamoli Rahmon for the prestigious European Award of LEADER OF XXI CENTURY , the Romanian side underlining  that this famous award is the expression of Tajikistan new position of strength in the world and also an incentive for foreign investors to seek closer economical and political relations  with Tajikistan , as the prize is awarded as a proof of European confidence in a country and a leader.

In a special meeting at the European Council on International Relations Headquarters Ambassador Rustamjon Soliev presented for an impressive audience of academics , politicians, diplomats and foreign observers , a report about Tajikistan development today .

The report was based on the masterpiece book TAJIK ARTS AND CRAFTS THROUGH THE CENTURIES by Hamrokhon Zarifi , Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan and highlighted the cultural richness  and lofty tradition  of the country. From Alexander the Great to Silk Road and today development and beauties of Tajikistan under President Emomali Rahmon economic and social reform program , the complete image of Tajikstan was presented in the Ambassador Soliev report .

Ambassador Soliev and european academics.

In the official audience granted by President of European Council on International Relations , professor Dr. Anton Caragea to Ambassador Soliev  the parties expressed the determination to boost cultural and academic relations, to create a framework for cultural and political dialogue and to organize an art exhibition : TAJIKISTAN IN THE HEART OF SILK ROAD  based on the art crafts presented in the book of   Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan ,  Hamrokhon Zarifi.

The parties had agreed a calendar of mutual consultation to search for new ways of fostering European Union – Tajikistan relations  but also Romania-Tajikistan relation.

The cultural dimension of bilateral Romania- European Union-Tajikistan relation was underlined also by meetings at Ministry of Culture and by visit of Ambassador Soliev Rustamjon Abdulloevich   to the oldest ethnographic museum in Eastern Europe : Village Museum of Romania .

The two day visit succeeded , after  a long time, to recreate a new dimension of European Union – Tajikistan relation.In addition in August 2011 a delegation of high ranking officials of European Council on International Relations are expected to arrive in Tajikistan for a working visit.

Solid discussion on economy, culture and political agenda create a new framework and the Romanian side expressed, at the end of the visit of Ambassador Soliev , the desire for a continuity in this fruitful dialogue and for new ways according with the concepts of XXI century diplomacy to develop the bilateral relation in the framework of European Union .