DUSHANBE, June 17, 2015, Asia-Plus – The fifth U.S.-Tajikistan Annual Bilateral Consultations (ABCs) took place in Washington on June 16.
The Tajik MFA information department reports a Tajik delegation was led by Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Aslov.
The delegation members included First Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade Saidrahmon Nazriyev, Head of the Committee on religious Affairs Sulaymon Davlatzoda and some other officials.
The delegation was welcomed by Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Nisha Desai Biswal.
The sides reportedly discussed a broad range of issues related to economic and political dimensions of the Tajikistan-U.S. relationship. They also exchanged views on bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the fields of security, freedom of religion, freedom of mass media and human rights.
Meanwhile, U.S. Department of State reported yesterday that Tajik Foreign Minister Aslov will also attend a lunch hosted by Counselor of the Department, Thomas A. Shannon, and will meet with Deputy Secretary Antony Blinken on June 17.
The Obama Administration launched high-level ABCs with Central Asia’s states on counter-narcotics, counter-terrorism, democratic reforms, the rule of law, human rights, trade, investment, health, and education in December 2009.
Tajikistan and the United States launched the ABC process in Washington, DC, in February 2010, giving both governments the opportunity to discuss on a regular basis issues of mutual concern at a high level.
The Annual Bilateral Consultations are a structured policy dialogue designed to build trust, advance a common agenda, and find opportunities for cooperation on bilateral and regional issues. Through the Annual Bilateral Consultations and other high-level dialogues, the United States looks forward to strengthening its relationship with Tajikistan, an important partner in a region of increasing global significance.
