Emilia A. Puma, U.S. Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Asia and Press and Public Diplomacy, led a delegation from the United States for the seventh Annual Bilateral Consultations with the government of Tajikistan on October 23.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, joined by Chargé d’Affaires Kevin Covert, the interagency delegation discussed with their Tajik counterparts various aspects of this strategic bilateral relationship, including collaboration to combat violent extremism and drug trafficking and to promote regional connectivity and economic growth.

Following her meetings with Tajik officials, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Puma stated “we look forward to the continued development of stronger ties with Tajikistan. This is one of the major goals of these Annual Bilateral Consultations, and, while we have made good progress, we can do so much more together.”

These yearly bilateral consultations are the most comprehensive dialogue that the two governments share.  They are an opportunity to discuss in depth U.S.-Tajikistan engagement over the last year and identify future areas for cooperation.