On Tuesday June 1, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin had a telephone conversation with the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, according to the Tajik MFA information department.    

In the course of the talks, the parties reportedly discussed the bilateral relations between Tajikistan and the United States in political, economic and humanitarian spheres, the situation in the region, as well as joint efforts to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The two also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues being of mutual interest.  

Meanwhile, the United Sates Department of State notes that during the conversation, the Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken affirmed the United States’ continuing support for Tajikistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

The Secretary of State reportedly thanked the Foreign Minister for Tajikistan’s leadership on regional security issues, support for Afghanistan peace negotiations, and continued partnership on counterterrorism efforts, including in the framework of the C5+1.

Expressing condolences for the lives lost during the Kyrgyz and Tajik border clashes in April, Mr. Blinken commended the efforts to de-escalate hostilities, demarcate the border, and achieve a lasting peaceful resolution of the dispute.   The Secretary of State further noted the importance of advancing regional connectivity, human rights, and fundamental freedoms for all.

Both leaders reportedly affirmed the strong U.S.-Tajikistan bilateral relationship and agreed that they would hold the Annual Bilateral Consultations as soon as circumstances permit.