US, Tajikistan deepen cooperation on security and economy

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Mukhriddin in Washington, where the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation, regional security and the expansion of economic ties.

The U.S. State Department said Rubio underscored the importance of exploring opportunities to expand commercial cooperation, particularly in critical minerals and other priority sectors. The discussions also covered strengthening cooperation in security and counter-terrorism, as well as the role of multilateral engagement through the C5+1 diplomatic platform, which brings together the United States and Central Asian countries.

“The United States recognises Tajikistan’s commitment to partnership in the field of health, highlighted by the April signing of a five-year bilateral global health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This jointly decided MOU emphasises shared responsibility, greater national self-reliance, and rigorous accountability, marking the first such bilateral health MOU concluded under the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy in South and Central Asia,” the State Department said in a statement.

Paul Kapur, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, highlighted Tajikistan’s role “in border security efforts aimed at preventing the spread of terrorism and transnational crime from Afghanistan,” pointing to what he described as strong security cooperation between the two countries.

Kapur also noted the long-standing nature of bilateral relations, recalling that the United States recognised Tajikistan’s independence nearly 35 years ago, and said ties between the two countries support President Donald Trump’s foreign policy priorities, particularly in the areas of prosperity and security.

"Looking ahead, Tajikistan announced it will host the upcoming B5+1 meeting, a significant step that will further enhance commercial diplomacy and deepen economic partnerships across Central Asia," the statement reads.

By Tamilla Hasanova