U.S. Central Command Commander Visits Tajikistan

General Joseph VotelGeneral Joseph Votel, Commander of U.S. Central Command, visited Tajikistan to meet with senior Tajikistan leaders and U.S. embassy officials here. During his visit, he discussed a wide range of common security issues with President Emomali Rahmon; 1st Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff, General-Major Emomali Sobirzoda; 1st Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for National Security, General-Major Mansurjon Umarov; and 1st Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for National Security and Head of the Main Border Guard Directorate, General-Lieutenant Rajabali Rahmonali, and lauded the continued partnership between the U.S. and Tajikistan militaries.

During the high-level meetings, General Votel stressed the importance of this partnership to support a stable and prosperous Tajikistan. With more than 25 years of working together, the U.S. and Tajikistan can look back on a period of sustained, significant progress that has helped to transform Tajikistan and further cultivate contributions to a stable and prosperous Central Asia. Joint U.S.-Tajikistan military efforts have focused primarily on border security, counterterrorism, and counter-narcotics.group of men sitting at a large table

With over two decades of United States engagement in Tajikistan, the U.S.-Tajik partnership continues to support security and stability in Central Asia, while improving the lives of Tajik citizens. Since 1992, the United States has provided over $1 billion in programs and humanitarian aid that support Tajikistan’s agriculture, energy and business development, health and education, independent media, and other civil society development.