“During my term as Ambassador,” writes U.S. Ambassador to Tajikstan Elisabeth Millard, “I hope to increase our positive engagement with the government and people of Tajikistan, not only with respect to our shared interest in stability and economic prosperity, but also on other important issues like respect for human rights, freedom of speech, civil society, and democratic engagement.”
In an introductory op/ed published March 16th, the new U.S. Ambassador writes: “The United States supports Tajikistan’s goals of security, democratic reform, and economic growth. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, we have provided over $1 billion in assistance to Tajikistan and are using these funds to improve food security, strengthen education and healthcare, develop local governance and civil society, and bolster Tajikistan’s sovereignty and security.”
“The Embassy of the United States in Dushanbe,” she noted, “is working in cooperation with the Government of Tajikistan, as well as other international partners, on a broad range of initiatives to help Tajikistan continue to develop its capacity to understand, identify, deter, and defeat legitimate internal and external threats, while respecting human rights and the rule of law. These initiatives support our mutual goals of promoting peace, security, and stability in Central Asia and beyond. I will work to strengthen our partnership with Tajikistan to address these serious challenges and to grow our robust security partnership.”
“The long-term security, stability, and prosperity that Tajikistan desires can only come through a strong commitment to improving governance, respect for rule of law, development of the economy and business environment, and protection of its people’s rights and freedoms.”
The U.S., she writes, intends “to continue to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including religious freedom, while also supporting Tajikistan’s efforts to counter violent extremism.”
The U.S. also seeks “to prepare Tajikistan to increase its economic prosperity. Historically, Tajiks were a nation of traders,” writes the Ambassador, “and we will work together with the government, business associations, and entrepreneurs to further improve the business climate for investments in this country.”
The U.S. and Tajikstan, writes Ambassador Millard “have accomplished so much during the past 25 years of our relationship and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve in the next 25.”
