DUSHANBE, September 21, Asia-Plus -- The new Central Command (CENTCOM) Director of Plans, Policy, Strategy, and Outreach, Major General Beydler, conducted his first trip to Central Asia this week, spending limited time on the ground in each country of the region, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe said.

During his visit to Tajikistan yesterday (September 20), Major-General Beydler met with officials of the Tajik government and the U.S. Embassy to discuss security issues of mutual concern.

Established in 1983, the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) is a theater-level Unified Combatant Command of the U.S. Department of Defense.  It was originally conceived of as the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF).

Its area of responsibility includes countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, most notably Afghanistan and Iraq.  CENTCOM is committed to supporting stability and security in Central Asia.

With national and international partners, U.S. Central Command promotes cooperation among nations, responds to crises, and deters or defeats state and nonstate aggression, and supports development and, when necessary, reconstruction in order to establish the conditions for regional security, stability, and prosperity.