DUSHANBE, October 22, 2011, Asia-Plus — The United States values friendship with Tajikistan and seeks log-term-partnership with it.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton remarked this at a briefing in Dushanbe on October 22 following her meeting with President Emomali Rahmon.
“We discussed with Tajik leadership a broad range issues,” said Mrs. Clinton. “We, in particular, considered issues of strengthening of security of Tajikistan, including strengthening of border with Afghanistan. We also discussed the fight against drug trafficking.”
Secretary Clinton specially appreciated Tajikistan’s efforts to combat human trafficking. “This was reflected in recent report of the Department of State on this subject,” she noted.
Mrs. Clinton also appreciated Tajikistan’s support for providing peace and stability in Afghanistan. “It is important not only for the United States but also for 48 countries that are taking efforts in this direction in Afghanistan,” stressed US secretary of state. “We try to defeat Al-Qaeda and Taliban and seek the establishment of stability in the region.”
She noted that the Conference for Security and Cooperation in the Heart of Asia would take place in Istanbul in November and the International Afghanistan Conference would be held in Bonn in December. “It is important that all countries should support a common goal – creation of stable, sovereign and prosperous Afghanistan. Tajikistan is also interested in this.”
Mrs. Clinton stressed that the United States would like all neighbors of Afghanistan to give assurances of respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and support efforts aimed at establishing peace in that country.
The U.S. secretary of state noted that they also discussed issues related to expansion of economic opportunities in Tajikistan so that young Tajiks did not have to leave home to find work.
“The United States cooperates with Tajikistan and other countries of the region to promote integration and development in the region. We call this initiative “New Silk Road.” We hope this will allow creating a range of fruitful contacts in Central Asia,” Mrs. Clinton said.
She considers that it is necessary to review the legal foundation in order to improve the business climate in the country. “In particular, it is necessary to get rid of laws that impede development of trade and inflow of investments, create modern infrastructure and strengthen human capital due to improvement of education and health care. To attain these aims Tajikistan may count on the United States,” Mrs. Clinton added.
