Dushanbe, Tajikistan, October 21, 2022 – Frank Rose, Principal Deputy Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), visited Tajikistan October 6-8, 2022 as part of a larger multi-country trip to Central Asia to promote nonproliferation and nuclear and radiological security and highlight the importance of each country’s longstanding cooperation with NNSA’s Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation.
While in Tajikistan, Mr. Rose participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony October 6 with Tajikistan’s Customs leadership, the U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Director, and the EXBS Program Advisor at Fotehobod border crossing observing the delivery of newly deployed radiation detection equipment at the crossing. The NNSA provided equipment will help combat smuggling of radioactive material at an important international border crossing point. Mr. Rose expressed his appreciation for the partnership between the United States and Tajikistan and the important contributions that partnership makes to enhance nuclear security. “We are pleased with the continued cooperation between the United States and Tajikistan to prevent nuclear and radiological terrorism. We will continue to strengthen our partnership to bring security and stability to the South and Central Asia region,” said Mr. Rose.
Following the ceremony, October 7, representatives of the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) and INL transferred 396 tactical vests and 72 thermal monoculars to the Border Guards. The donated equipment, valued at $300,000, will complement the Border Guards’ counter-smuggling operations throughout the country. Commander of the Border Guards General Rajabali Rahmonali; DoE Associate Assistant Deputy Administrator for Global Material Security Christine Bent; DoE Country Program Manager Kevin Roshdieh; and INL Director Sita Farrell attended the equipment handover ceremony at the Border Guard Headquarters in Dushanbe.
DOE also visited the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Safety and Security Central Training Center and Laboratory in Dushanbe, which was established with NNSA support. This cooperative project demonstrates a joint commitment between the United States and Tajikistan to strengthen security of radioactive material.
Tajikistan has been a longstanding partner with NNSA on various radiological security and counter nuclear smuggling initiatives. Cooperation has included security enhancements, trainings, workshops, and exercises. NNSA works globally to prevent state and non-state actors from developing nuclear weapons or acquiring weapons-usable nuclear or radiological materials, equipment, technology, and expertise.
