DUSHANBE, April 2, 2012, Asia-Plus -- General James Mattis, commander of U.S. Central Command, visited Tajikistan from March 30 to April 1 as part of continued engagements in the region, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe said.

Gen. Mattis met with President Emomali Rahmon and other senior Tajik officials to exchange views on regional issues, gain a better understanding of the situation, and to thank the Tajik government for its support of coalition efforts in Afghanistan.

The General reemphasized that Tajikistan’s extraordinary cooperation has been a tremendous help in stabilizing the region. Gen. Mattis also reaffirmed Central Command’s intention to continue cooperation with the Tajik government on issues of common concern in the future.