MOSCOW. June 15 (Interfax) - Tajik-U.S. cooperation in defense, security and regional and international stability issues was discussed at a meeting between Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen. Joseph Votel in Dushanbe on Wednesday.
Tajikistan sees security cooperation with the United States as an important factor of peace and stability in the region, especially in Afghanistan, and a centerpiece of bilateral contacts, the presidential press service said.
"Tajikistan's contribution to the fight against such contemporary threats and challenges as international terrorism and extremism and to the provision of regional security and stability was lauded at the meeting. It was also underscored that the level and quality of cooperation met mutual interests and that its continuous development would even further strengthen Tajikistan's potential for the protection of the state border with Afghanistan," the report said.
The sides exchanged opinions on some other issues of mutual interest, including closer cooperation in the U.S. international financial assistance program, construction and equipment of modern border infrastructures in Tajikistan, training of skilled military personnel for the Armed Forces, and bolstering of the potential and size of anti-terrorism units, the press service said.