DUSHANBE, August 18, 2011, Asia-Plus - Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon was awarded the Leader of the XXI Century Award at a special session of the European Council on International Relations in Bucharest, Romania.

According to the President’s press service, the nomination ceremony has brought together members of the academic corps, intelligentsia and a series of European political leaders.

Professor Anton Caragea , President of European Council on International Relations, said that “candidates are selected through careful examination of their achievements and positive activity as leaders for the past ten years. The Council also looks at their authority and popularity among countries and peoples.”

Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon was selected in accordance with the following facts: contribution to national unity in Tajikistan, counter-corruption activity, ensuring respect to human dignity, transparent governance, freedom of the press, support to implementation of democratic processes in Tajikistan, including human rights, ensuring freedoms and social justice, promotion of sustainable and fast economic growth and etc, press service reported.