DUSHANBE, April 22, 2009, Asia-Plus — The agreement on the transit of NATO military cargo to Afghanistan through Tajikistan will probably start operating in the coming two or three months, Mr. Richard Boucher, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, told reporters in Dushanbe yesterday.
According to him, the United States and Tajikistan exchanged notes on the transit of NATO nonmilitary cargo to Afghanistan through territory of Tajikistan in March already. We do not need any other agreements, the exchange of notes gives us such a right, the US envoy said.
Mr. Boucher noted that his current visit to Tajikistan could be considered as a new stage of cooperation between the United States and Tajikistan. Both President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton intend to expand spheres of cooperation with Central Asia’s countries and to try to stabilization in Afghanistan together, he said.
We will recall that on April 20, Mr. Boucher held talks with President Emomali Rahmon and Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi. The sides discussed cooperation in border security, stopping narcotics trafficking, and economic opportunities with Afghanistan. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with President Rahmon, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia noted that the United States has been a strong partner for Tajikistan in a whole range of areas, from humanitarian support during difficult winters, to opening up the economy, and supporting the cause of political reform.
