On July 15, the National Library of Tajikistan hosted the presentation of the second phase of the project, Strengthening the Capacity of Press Services and Their Interaction with the Media.
This project is a continuation of the first phase, which concluded last year. It is being implemented by the Asia-Plus Media Group and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan under the support of President’s Executive Office the European Union Delegation to Tajikistan.
The project aims to develop cooperation between press services and journalists, as well as to create favorable conditions for sustainable communication. Its goal is to establish a platform for constructive interaction between press secretaries and the media, ensuring the effective coverage of government work and facilitating public access to timely and accurate information.
The event was attended by press secretaries from government agencies, media organization leaders, journalists, and representatives of foreign embassies.
Manizha Anvari, the Executive Director of the Asia-Plus media group, presented the results of the first phase of the project and noted that press secretaries from 30 government bodies and 20 journalists from various media outlets participated. She reported that the first phase included five roundtable discussions and six training sessions aimed at developing collaboration between press services and the media.
According to Anvari, all the suggestions raised during the events were submitted to the relevant government agencies.
"Now, within the second phase of the project, we also plan to hold roundtables and training sessions, including a three-day training outside the city. However, the main focus will be on two key areas: maintaining and strengthening the connections established between the media and press service employees during the first phase, as well as further developing cooperation with regional press services," Anvari stated.
Mirzosharif Jalolov, the Head of the Department for Strategic Studies at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted that the event marks not only the start of a new phase of effective cooperation but also lays the foundation for new opportunities in professional development, experience exchange, and human capital growth. "Last year, the first phase of the project was successfully implemented with the participation of press secretaries from government agencies and media outlets. It became a unique platform for exchanging experiences, discussing relevant issues of mutual interest, and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation," Jalolov said.
Ferdinand Yenrich, the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Tajikistan and Head of the Political, Press, and Information Section, emphasized the importance of building trusting relations between government bodies and the media, which, he said, benefits both the state and society. "Overall, the media work for the benefit of the country, society, and the Tajik people. With good cooperation between the media and government structures, Tajikistan's media can provide society with more quality information about the priorities and decisions of the government, which is of great value," Yenrich stated.
Jasour Abdulloyev, Head of the Tajikistan Department of Asia-Plus, mentioned that during the second phase of the project, five regional training sessions, two in Dushanbe, one off-site course, five press tours to government agencies, and five informal meetings are planned.
He added that the topics of all events have been carefully developed and cover key aspects of interaction between press services and the media.
Nouridin Qarshiboyev, Chairman of the National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan (NANSMIT), spoke about the importance of trust between the media and press services. He emphasized that trust is the foundation of effective cooperation, and a press secretary must have access to the head of the department and be a professional in their role.
Participants also discussed issues related to access to information, the passivity of certain press secretaries, compliance with media legislation and journalistic ethics, as well as the lack of press secretary positions in some government bodies and local administrations.
Activities under this project will continue from July to December 2025. The conclusions and recommendations from these events will be submitted to President’s Executive Office.
