DUSHANBE, October 2, 2009, Asia-Plus — New Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Tajikistan Kenneth E. Gross presented credentials to President Emomali Rahmon today.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with President Rahmon, Ambassador Gross outlined priorities of his activities as the chief of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Tajikistan.
According to him, the priorities include, first of all, issues related to security such as strengthening of border with Afghanistan and the fight against illicit drug trafficking and terrorism.
“The second direction is creation of favorable conditions for attraction of investments and development of business in Tajikistan,” said Mr. Gross, “And the third direction is to promote development of democratic institutions in Tajikistan, including an active support to holding of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Tajikistan.”
According to presidential press service, in the course of the talks Rahmon and Gross discussed issues related to state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and the Unite States.
In the meantime, the U.S. Embassy said that today Amba
ssador Gross, together with representatives of the Ministry of Health and USAID will participate in a ceremony to recognize a 10 year long partnership between the U.S. and Tajik Governments in healthcare reform, in the framework of USAID funded ZdravPlus project. The event will take place today afternoon in the building of Tajik State Medical University.
