DUSHANBE, February 22, 2013, Asia-Plus — On Thursday February 21, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O. Blake, Jr. met with journalists in Dushanbe.
Assistant Secretary Blake, in particular, noted that he met with President Emomali Rahmon on February 20 and during the meeting, he appreciated Tajikistan’s support for efforts to provide stability in the region.
“We also discussed issues related to cooperation in strengthening border management and control and combating drug trafficking and terrorism,” U.S. official said.
According to Blake, during the meeting with President Rahmon, he also pointed to the necessity of wider civil liberties for the further development of civil society in Tajikistan.
Assistant Secretary Blake also noted that the U.S.-Tajikistan annual bilateral consultations (ABCs) had focused on issues related to bilateral cooperation between the two nations, development of economy and trade, providing favorable investment climate in Tajikistan, the human rights situation, freedom of mass media, religion, border security, fight against drug trafficking.
Asked about the upcoming presidential election in Tajikistan, Mr. Blake said, “We come out for participation of all Tajik political parties in the presidential election. The United States calls on Tajikistan’s leadership to hold a fair, democratic, and transparent presidential election.”
Blake started his two-day visit to Dushanbe on February 20 and held talks with President Emomali Rahmon, met with NGO representatives and civil-society activists and took part in the annual U.S.-Tajikistan consultations during his stay in Tajikistan.
