New U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan Manuel Micaller introduced himself in Dushanbe in April 2023 by stressing regional security cooperation between the two countries.
Micaller presented his credentials to Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on March 10, 2023, and followed that with a news conference a month later in which he described the Tajik-U.S. partnership.
“In the field of security, the priority for the two countries is the fight against extremism and terrorism, as well as the strengthening of the Tajik-Afghan border,” he said.
A priority for Tajikistan is stopping drug and weapons trafficking from Afghanistan. For example, in April 2023, criminals got into a shootout with Tajik troops while trying to smuggle drugs, weapons and ammunition. The firefight ended with the smugglers fleeing back into Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan region.
Tajik authorities have promoted creating a regional “security belt” around Afghanistan to stop criminal, terrorist and extremist groups from infiltrating Tajikistan and its Central Asian neighbors. The Tajik-Afghan border stretches for more than 1,300 kilometers, much of the terrain mountainous and isolated.
Recognizing the importance of strengthening Tajikistan’s border, Micaller recounted that the U.S. has spent more than $25 million to build and renovate 27 border facilities in Tajikistan. The work has encompassed 13 border outposts, nine border checkpoints, two border guard detachment buildings and three training centers.
The ambassador expressed confidence that Tajik-U.S. cooperation would benefit the Tajik people.
Sources: Avesta, U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan, Ozodi