Dushanbe. June 21. “Asia-Plus” -- U.S. Ambassador Ken Gross congratulated 44 members of Tajikistan''s National Guard on completing a United States Government funded counter-terrorism training course. Ambassador Gross remarked in his speech that the United States values its excellent relationship with the Government of Tajikistan and looks forward to continued cooperation and shared success, U.S. Embassy told the AP.

The source said that U.S. Embassy''s Defense Attaché Office funded the training for member of the National Guard’s Special Forces Battalion.

“The eight week long training course was designed to increase the Government of Tajikistan''s capacity to conduct counter-terrorism operations,” the source has said.

The U.S. Embassy said that this counter-terrorism training event is the latest in a series of training events sponsored by the U.S. Embassy''s Defense Attaché Office.

“Since 2006, over 400 service members from Tajikistan have participated in Central Command training activities at an estimated cost of over $7 million. The training events are designed to enhance the missions of individual units and are tailored specifically for their needs,” the source reported.

The counter-terrorism training courses are one of the many assistance projects the U.S. Embassy implements in Tajikistan on behalf of the American people, the source said.

“Since 1993, the American people have provided more than $900 million in assistance programs that support the economic growth, democratic institutions, health care, education and security systems of Tajikistan,” the U.S. Embassy added.