DUSHANBE, September 24, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- President Emomali Rahmon met in with Mr. Richard Holbrook, the United States Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, in New York yesterday, according to presidential press service.

In the course of the talks, the two discussed issues related to interaction between Tajikistan and the United States in Central Asia and Afghanistan.

President Rahmon, in particular, noted that to establish peace and stability in Afghanistan it is necessary to strengthen social aspects of the policy of the government of that country and respect the necessities and needs of all ethnic groups living in Afghanistan.

He also pointed to the necessity of building really efficient army and police in Afghanistan in order to combat increasing drug trafficking there.

Tajik leader also noted that the Afghan problem could not be resolved only through military means.  According to him, this issue requires a comprehensive approach.  It is necessary to reconstruct Afghanistan’s economy and Tajikistan is ready to provide assistance to the neighboring country, President Rahmon said.