DUSHANBE, May 8, Asia-Plus -- A broad range of issues was discussed at a meeting of President Emomali Rahmonov with visiting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Richard A. Boucher in Dushanbe today.  

“We had good conversation,” Mr. Boucher told journalists after his meeting with Rahmonov, noting that the United States intends to assist Tajikistan in strengthening of its security and development of its economic and political opportunities.  

Assistant Secretary of State said that a conference on issues of combating narcotics would be held in Dushanbe next week.  Mr. Boucher added that the United States hailed Tajikistan ’s position on strengthening of the border and the fight against drug trafficking.  

The meeting also focused on the issues related to regional cooperation and enhancement of energy sector in Tajikistan .   

“Hydropower is a cornerstone of development of Tajikistan ,” Mr. Boucher said, noting that the United States would consider the possibility of participation in the construction of the Dashtijum hydroelectric power station in Tajikistan .  

“ Tajikistan has a great potential of export of electric power, and the American companies have already been working on the issues of participation in the hydropower projects,” the U.S diplomat said, stressing that it would also allow Afghanistan to develop.  

According to him, assistance currently provided by the United States to Afghanistan is aimed at facilitating economic development of this country and creation of new jobs.  Mr. Bucher noted that export of Tajik electricity to Afghanistan as well as creation of new jobs would promote reduction in production of narcotics in Afghanistan .   

On a meeting with political parties and civil societies of Tajikistan , which was held on the same day, Mr. Boucher noted that it had touched upon problems facing that part of society.  The meeting, in particular, focused on issues of free access to media, provision of proper work of electoral commissions, etc.