As part of expanding international cooperation in education and strengthening cultural relations, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Republic of Tajikistan, Elsa Pignol, paid an official visit to the Sotim Ulughzoda International University of Foreign Languages of Tajikistan, where she held a meeting with the Rector of the University, Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor Zhilo Gulnazarzoda.
During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to strengthening cooperation in the exchange of academic experience among teachers and students, promoting the study of the French language, and expanding scientific and cultural ties. The Ambassador’s visit also coincided with the closing events of the “French Language Week,” which had been actively conducted over several days with the participation of faculty members and students.
In his remarks, Rector Professor Zhilo Gulnazarzoda emphasized that, under the education-oriented policy of the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, favorable conditions have been created in the country for learning foreign languages. This process contributes to strengthening international relations and expanding cultural and academic cooperation.
It was noted that friendly relations and cooperation between Tajikistan and France have steadily developed throughout the years of independence and have recently gained further momentum in the fields of education, science, and culture. In this context, the University leadership continues implementing concrete measures aimed at strengthening the French Language Learning Center and developing French-language–related academic programs within the Faculty of European Languages.
Ambassador Elsa Pignol expressed her satisfaction with the current level of scientific and cultural cooperation between the two sides, stressing that expanding collaboration in education, science, and foreign language learning is of great importance for both countries. According to her, studying foreign languages—particularly French—plays a significant role in promoting international communication and enhancing cultural cooperation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the guests attended a cultural event dedicated to the closing ceremony of “French Language Week,” where certificates of appreciation and commemorative gifts were presented to the winners of the “Best French Language Learners” competition. The event concluded with cultural performances and impressive demonstrations of students’ language proficiency.
