DUSHANBE, March 10, Asia-Plus -- Chairman of the Committee on Emergency Situations and Civil Defense (CES) under the Government of Tajikistan, Lieutenant-General Rustam Nazarzoda, has met with U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan Elizabeth I. Millard, according to the CES press center.

The two sides reportedly discussed issue related to cooperation between Tajikistan and the United States in reducing natural disaster risks.

Nazarzoda informed Ambassador Millard of measures taken by the Government of Tajikistan to mitigate effects of natural disasters that hit the country last year.

Ambassador Millard, for her part, noted that Washington had provided and would continue providing assistance to Tajikistan to reduce natural disaster risks and strengthen the CES potential.

Nazarzoda has also met with Saudi Charge D''affaires Hamza Bakheet al-Harbi.

The two reportedly discussed issues related to expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia in reducing risks of natural and man-made disasters.

They also exchange views on establishment of cooperation between the CES and Saudi programs and funds dealing with natural disaster risk reduction problems, the source said.