General Lloyd J. Austin III, Commander of U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), visited Tajikistan and participated in a series of meetings with senior Tajikistan leaders. General Austin discussed a wide range of common security issues with President Emomali Rahmon, General-Lieutenant Sherali Mirzo, General-Major Zarif Sharifzoda, along with other senior security officials of the Tajikistan government.
During the high-level meetings, General Austin underscored the importance of the partnership to support a stable and prosperous Tajikistan. Over the past 20 years, the U.S. has worked with Tajikistan’s government to improve security and stability in Central Asia. Our joint military efforts have focused principally on countering mutual threats, namely violent extremism and illegal narcotics trafficking. In his meetings, General Austin reaffirmed USCENTCOM’s commitment to supporting Tajikistan’s force modernization efforts, primarily focused on enhancing the country’s capability to address existing security challenges.
Since 1992, the United States has provided over $1 billion in programs and humanitarian aid that support Tajikistan’s democratic institutions, health care, education, security, and economic growth.
