DUSHANBE, June 19, Asia-Plus – On Tuesday June 19, President Emomali Rahmon received visiting US Central Command Commander, Admiral William J. Fallon.
Issues related to cooperation between Tajikistan and the United States in providing regional security were major topics of the meeting.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting with President Rahmon, Admiral William J. Fallon said that during the meeting they had discussed work carried out by international community in Afghanistan. “President Rahmon underlined the importance of stability in Afghanistan because Tajikistan has a common borer with this country,” the US Central Command chief said.
On cooperation between the United States and Tajikistan in providing assistance with reconstruction of Afghanistan’s economy, Admiral Fallon named security as one of important factors contributing to economic development of countries of the region.
“We are ready to provide assistance to Tajikistan in future as well, first of all, with training of young soldiers,” Mr. Fallon said.
He said that he had appreciated Tajikistan’s support for operations of international antiterrorist coalition in Afghanistan. “I expressed gratitude to Tajikistan for providing its air space not only to the United States but also to other countries of the antiterrorist collation for flying to Afghanistan.”
Asked about the possibility of use by the US armed fore of the Ayni airfield in Tajikistan, the admiral answered in negative.
On the economic cooperation between the United States and Tajikistan, the US Central Command chief noted that there are many opportunities that should be used. According to him, Tajikistan is rich in hydropower resources and neighboring countries could get benefit for using them. “Afghanistan also has good potentials and putting of the Tajik-Afghan bridge across the Panj River, which is funded by the United States, into operation will provide more opportunities,” the admiral said.
Admiral William J. Fallon assumed duties as the commander, U.S. Central Command on March 16, 2007, replacing the retiring General John P. Abizaid.
Fallon, the former chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, now leads more than 200,000 service members deployed in CENTCOM’s area of responsibility, which includes 27 nations throughout Southwest Asia, the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. Fallon is the first naval officer to assume command of CENTCOM, which began as the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force in 1980.
U.S. Central Command conducts operations to attack, disrupt and defeat terrorism, deter and defeat adversaries, deny access to WMD, assure regional access, strengthen regional stability, build the self-reliance of partner nations’ security forces, and protect the vital interests of the United States within the area of responsibility.
