WASHINGTON, February 19, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- Ahead of his visit to Dushanbe, U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke commented on his upcoming visit to Tajikistan in an interview with Asia-Plus’ reporter in the United States.

“We appreciate Tajikistan’s participation in recent international conference on Afghanistan in London.  Earlier, I met with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York and he invited me to visit Tajikistan and I am currently making preparations for this visit,” Mr. Holbrooke said.

According to him, Tajikistan, as nearest neighbor Afghanistan, has rightful strategic interests there and these interests are connected with providing its security.