Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), General Michael Kurilla, visited Dushanbe, June 15-16 to discuss bilateral security cooperation between the United States and Tajikistan.
The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe says that during his visit, Gen. Kurilla met with President Emomali Rahmon, Minister of Defense Colonel-General Sherali Mirzo, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Tajikistan Lieutenant-General Emomali Sobirzoda, and Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for National Security Lieutenant-General Farhod Kamolzoda to discuss joint efforts to strengthen border security, address regional threats, and provide support for the Tajik armed forces.
During his meetings with Tajik officials, General Kurilla reportedly underscored the U.S. commitment to supporting the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Tajikistan. General Kurilla reaffirmed U.S. Central Command’s support for Tajikistan’s border security, counterterrorism, and counternarcotics operations. He also affirmed the U.S. commitment to peace, prosperity, security, and human rights in the region.
“We admire Tajikistan’s leadership role in Central Asian security. Our enduring relationship with Tajikistan is historically strong; the Armed Forces of the Republic of Tajikistan is among our strongest partners in the region. Two weeks from now marks a golden anniversary: the July 1, 1992 signing of the first trade agreement between our two countries. I look forward to building on this ironclad relationship.” — General Kurilla stated.
General Kurilla noted in his discussions that, over the last 30 years, the United States has provided over US$330 million in security sector assistance to Tajikistan. This assistance includes training, equipment, and infrastructure to help Tajikistan secure its borders, particularly with Afghanistan, and detect threats from terrorists and narco-traffickers.
General Kurilla reportedly thanked his Tajik partners for their steadfast cooperation and pledged ongoing collaboration to address emerging challenges.
