U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Asia and Afghanistan Henry S. Ensher traveled to Dushanbe on February 3 and 4.

On February 3, Deputy Assistant Secretary Ensher was received by Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Aslov.

According to the Tajik MFA information department, the two discussed a number of issues related to bilateral cooperation as well as some regional and international issues being of mutual interest. 

Aslov and Ensher reportedly also discussed prospects of further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation as well as in the frameworks of international organizations.  

Besides, they exchanged views on issues related to regional development and fight against modern challenges and threats.

Mr. Kevin Covert, United States Charge d' Affaires to Tajikistan, also attended the meeting, the Tajik MFA information department said.

While in Dushanbe, Mr. Ensher reportedly also met with representatives of organizations representing civil society 

The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe says that Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Henry S. Ensher met with representatives of the Government of Tajikistan on a range of bilateral and international issues, as well with civil society organizations.  He expressed the United States’ commitment to Tajikistan’s security and sovereignty and discussed opportunities for deeper bilateral cooperation.

During his visit, Ensher also met Minister of Interior Ramazon Rahimzoda, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Nematullo Hikmatullozoda, and Minister of Defense Sherali Mirzo.

Henry S. Ensher is Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Asia and Afghanistan at the U.S. Department of State.  Working within the State Department’s Bureau for South and Central Asian Affairs, Mr. Ensher oversees U.S. policy towards and diplomatic relations with the five Central Asian states and Afghanistan.

With almost 26 years of United States engagement in Tajikistan, the U.S.-Tajik partnership continues to support security and stability in Central Asia, while improving the lives of Tajik citizens.  Since 1992, the United States has provided over $1.8 billion in programs and humanitarian aid that support Tajikistan’s agriculture, energy and business development, health and education, and democratic institutions.