DUSHANBE, September 18, 2015, Asia-Plus -- The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe reported yesterday that participants for Exercise Regional Cooperation, the largest annual, multilateral U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) command-post exercise, arrived in Dushanbe.

This exercise is reportedly held in conjunction with regional partners from Central and South Asia.

This year’s event includes 187 participants and support personnel from the United States, Pakistan, and Mongolia, who will partner with Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defense counterparts to strengthen relationships while promoting regional cooperation among participating nations. The exercise will take place in Dushanbe from 16-24 September.

Exercise Regional Cooperation affords participating nations an opportunity to enhance their peacekeeping capabilities and prepare for participation in international efforts through academic seminars and a combined command-post exercise.  The exercise will emphasize processes for coordinating successful multi-national operations, as well as investigating methods to improve civil-military interaction.  These forums also address relevant regional issues associated with a global peace response, security cooperation, and the exchange of information when responding to a peacekeeping mission requiring a regional effort.  The United States and Central and South Asian countries have participated in Exercise Regional Cooperation annually since 2001. Last year, the exercise was also led by Tajikistan, and held 14-24 September 2014 in Massachusetts.

Tajikistan, in addition to serving as host for this year’s exercise, is an important partner contributing to broader regional stability.  The U.S. and Tajikistan have a broad-based relationship, cooperating in such areas as counterterrorism, counter-narcotics, non-proliferation, and regional growth and stability.  The United States also greatly values partnerships with Pakistan and Mongolia in efforts to ensure a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.