Dushanbe, Tajikistan, October 5, 2020 – Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad led a six-person U.S. delegation, including Deputy Assistant to the President Lisa Curtis, to Tajikistan, October 2-4, to meet with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirojidin Muhriddin, Minister of Interior Ramazon Rahimzoda, Chairman of the State Committee for National Security Colonel-General Saymumin Yatimov, and Minister of Defense Sherali Mirzo, among others.
During his meetings, Special Representative Khalilzad noted the significance of the Afghanistan Peace Negotiations that started in Doha on September 12 and welcomed Tajikistan’s role in supporting peace in Afghanistan. He emphasized U.S. support for a political settlement that has broad support among the people of Afghanistan and that ensures Afghanistan never again serves as a platform for international terrorism. Ambassador Khalilzad stressed that, “Peace and stability will have another important benefit for Afghanistan and the region, allowing for increased connectivity, trade, and development.” He said that “Tajikistan will be one of the main beneficiaries of peace in Afghanistan, for peace in the region will support economic development opportunities throughout South and Central Asia, including the CASA-1000 power transmission line and international transportation corridors.”
