On February 28, Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin participated in an online C5+1 meeting of Foreign ministers of Central Asia’s nations and the Secretary of State of the United States. 

The Tajik MFA information department says Muhriddin made remarks at the meeting. 

The parties reportedly discussed ways to enhance partnership cooperation between the countries.

They also exchanged views on a number of issues related to providing regional security, the Tajik MFA information department noted.  

Meanwhile, Mr. Ned Price, a Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, noted that the U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken strongly condemned Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine and expressed his unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

The U.S. Secretary of State reportedly also celebrated the 30-year anniversaries of bilateral relations between the United States and the countries of Central Asia.  He emphasized steadfast U.S. support for their sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and highlighted the value of C5+1 regional cooperation for our people.

The C5+1 is a format for dialogue and a platform for joint efforts to address common challenges faced by the United States and the five Central Asian states.

The first C5+1 ministerial meeting took place in Samarqand (Uzbekistan) in November 2015.  The six foreign ministers agreed to focus on three sectors of common interest – security, economics, and environmental challenges.

Since the inception of the C5+1 dialogue, the Central Asian countries have reportedly been increasingly interested in regional approaches and view the C5+1 as a catalyst for common action.