On March 17, 2021, a virtual trilateral meeting was held between Tajikistan, the United States and Afghanistan at the ministerial level, according to the Tajik MFA information department. The meeting was attended by the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin, the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Mohammed Haneef Atmar and the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale.

Participants reportedly expressed their readiness for partnership and cooperation to promote lasting peace, security and economic development.  Issues of cooperation between the three countries in the fields of politics, security, economy, energy, and human resources development were discussed.

It was emphasized that the issues of jointly combating terrorism, extremism, illicit drug trafficking and strengthening the border are important areas of cooperation between the parties.

The parties reportedly stated that they will continue cooperation in overcoming the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Ms. Jalina Porter, principal deputy spokesperson, U.S. Department of State noted at a press briefing yesterday that Under Secretary for Political Affairs David Hale met with Afghanistan Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar and Tajikistan Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin for a virtual trilateral discussion on issues of mutual importance, including Afghanistan peace negotiations and regional security.

With Tajikistan’s and Afghanistan’s historical and cultural ties, overlapping political and security interests, including counterterrorism, and their shared eagerness for increased economic engagement, the meeting was an opportunity to collectively support the Afghan peace process and promote greater connectivity in Central Asia.

This meeting complements other trilateral engagements held separately last year between the United States, Afghanistan, and the governments of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, she noted.