The Founder of Peace and National Unity - Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon received today General Joseph L. Votel, the Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

Current state and prospects of bilateral military and technical cooperation between Tajikistan and the United States sharing common stance on ensuring regional security and stability was the main subject on the agenda.

Expressing satisfaction with cooperation between military structures of Tajikistan and the United States in the framework of the following programs: International Financial Aid, Global Peace Initiative, Military Training, Fight against International Terrorism and Drug Trafficking, and activities of the National Training Center for Combating Terrorism and Illegal Drug Trafficking in Tajikistan, both sides confirmed their interest and readiness to further expand cooperation in these areas.

Taking into consideration increasing threat of international terrorism and extremism, the activation of organized crime groups, the interlocutors also pointed out to effective proposals on expansion of cooperation in strengthening of capacities of Tajik border troops on the state border with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. 

A number of other issues being of mutual interest were also discussed.