On Friday March 5, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe handed over a newly-constructed well for provision of drinking water to the National Guard of Tajikistan with participation of United States Defense Attaché to Tajikistan Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Madlinger and Major General Jonibek Alizoda, Deputy Commander of National Guard of Tajikistan.

The “Well” construction project was funded and implemented by the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan’s Office of Military Cooperation, under the framework of Title 10, Section 284 Department of Defense Counter-Narcotic assistance, according to the U.S. Embassy.

The total value of the provided construction was US$110,000.00.  The “Well” supports the operations of the National Guard Training Center where critical training to support the security of Tajikistan is carried out.  This enhancement to the capability of the National Guard Training Center will significantly increase the facility’s capability to conduct training for Tajikistan’s security services to protect the nation against trans-national crime, narco-trafficking, and violent extremist organizations.

The U.S. Embassy has supported the construction of National Guards Training Center in 2011 at the cost of US$3.1 million with the goal of sharing its rich experience, institutional capabilities and training infrastructure with Tajikistan.

The United States reportedly remains committed to partnering with Tajikistan in support of its sovereignty, security, and its significant role in ensuring regional stability.  These efforts support the positive role that Central Asian states will play in securing long-term peace and prosperity in Afghanistan through political support, economic connectivity, and counterterrorism.

The United States has partnered with Tajikistan for 29 years and has provided more than $1.8 billion in development and assistance through programs that support Tajikistan’s private sector, agriculture, health, education, democratic institutions, and security.