DUSHANBE, 09.01.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – The First Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells noted that on her two-day trip to Tajikistan she met with the heads and representatives of various bodies, including the ministries of foreign affairs, internal affairs, energy and water resources, the State Committee for National Security to discuss the current situation and current issues relating to the multifaceted cooperation between Tajikistan and the US.

Wells also said that during meetings with Tajik officials the issues relating to the regional security and the peace process in Afghanistan, strengthening the protection of the Tajik-Afghan state border, joint efforts in the fight against modern threats such as terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking were discussed.

“Along with this, during my trip, I was able to visit the Pyanj border section, located in southern Tajikistan, and get acquainted with the infrastructure of this border point, equipped with modern equipment that ensures the security of the region. I also visited a medical facility located in the Khatlon province,” added Wells.

Touching upon the issues of multifaceted cooperation between Tajikistan and the US, Wells noted that since 2002, the US has provided assistance to Tajikistan in the amount of $200 million for providing equipment for the reconstruction of the infrastructure of the country’s various organs and the development of its economy.

Wells also met with representatives of Tajik civil society to discuss the issues relating to the ensuring freedom of speech, the press, religion and protecting the rights of citizens.

In connection with the escalation of the situation in the Middle East, Wells denied the possibility of a war between the US and Iran.

Wells also said that the goal of the US is to ensure security in the region and the world.

According to her, there is still an accumulation of Islamic State (IS) militants in the Tajik-Afghan border. The US Armed Forces will continue to strike at these criminals until everyone is convinced that IS can no longer pose a threat to Tajikistan and other countries of Central Asia.