DUSHANBE, June 14, Asia-Plus – On Wednesday June 13, U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan Tracey Ann Jacobson and Major-General Sharaf Faizulloyev, First Deputy Chief of the Border Guard Forces of Tajikistan opened two newly-refurbished Tajik border guard outposts in Shurobod district of Khatlon.
According to the US Embassy in Dushanbe, the Department of State’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau funded these projects through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The project included physical building refurbishments and provision of three vehicles, two UAZ and one GAZ truck as well as spare parts and new furniture for the entire facilities. The total funding for both outposts is approximately $640,000.
As Ambassador Jacobson said at the opening, “The U.S. Embassy looks forward to continuing the close cooperation with the Government of Tajikistan to better defend Tajikistan”s borders, strengthen its sovereignty, and combat threats such as narcotics and terrorism. The Border Guards” service at these outposts protects the safety and well-being of the Tajik people and is recognized beyond Tajikistan”s borders. We are proud to be your partners.”
By the end of this year, the United States government”s assistance for border security programs in Tajikistan – including infrastructure, equipment, and training – will amount to approximately $20 million.
The Shurobod area along the Afghan border is well known for its frequent drug trafficking activity. Through this project, the U.S. government is demonstrating our commitment to helping Tajikistan preserve its sovereignty and international borders against all threats.
