On Friday January 10, U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan John Mark Pommersheim and Major-General Suhrob Mahmadzoda, Deputy Minister for Logistics of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defense, participated in a handover ceremony for light-utility vehicles.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, the vehicles will enable the mobile forces under Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defense to conduct operations in a wide range of terrain and conditions.

The U.S. Embassy provided the vehicles, valued at $575,000, through the Foreign Military Financing program.

The United States reportedly remains committed to partnering with Tajikistan in support of its sovereignty, security, and its role in regional stability.  These efforts support the positive role that Central Asian nations will play in securing long-term peace and prosperity in Afghanistan through political support, economic connectivity, and counterterrorism.

The United States has partnered with Tajikistan for 27 years and has provided nearly $1.9 billion in development and assistance through programs that support Tajikistan’s private sector, agriculture, health, education, democratic institutions, and security.