On Wednesday, May 16, Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi met with the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington, D.C.

Tajik Foreign Minister Zarifi pointed at the importance of Hillary Clinton’s 2011 visit to Tajikistan, Tajik Foreign Ministry reports (www.mfa.tj).

Tajik Foreign Minister said that Tajik-U.S. consultations due on May 17 will serve a foundation for discussion of bilateral, regional and international issues.

Apart from bilateral issues, which are due to be discussed during consultations, Tajik Foreign Minister outlined issues connected with situation in Afghanistan, withdrawal of international forces from this country in 2014 and U.S. assistance to Tajikistan in terms of border strengthening and improvement of security.

U.S. Secretary of State Clinton pointed at a good level of bilateral cooperation between the two countries and thanked Tajikistan for supporting the Coalition Forces in Afghanistan.

Secretary Clinton stressed the importance of the role of Tajikistan and other Central Asian states in regulation of situation in Afghanistan and confirmed willingness of the United States to provide assistance to Tajikistan in terms of strengthening of the country’s state border, counter-drug and counter-terrorism efforts. 

The sides have also discussed implementation of bilateral agreements achieved at RECCA-V on implementation of infrastructural projects in Afghanistan, support Tajikistan’s efforts in joining WTO, development of democratic and civil society in the republic, regional and other issues of mutual interest.