DUSHANBE, June 7, 2016, Asia-Plus -- The United States Embassy in Dushanbe, working in conjunction with the Export Control and Related Border Security program (EXBS), provided seven new, all-purpose, 4-wheel drive, double cab pickup trucks to the Government of Tajikistan to enhance border security operations and prevent the smuggling of weapons of mass destruction.

These vehicles serve as all-purpose 4-wheel drive trucks to allow the rapid movement of personnel and supplies in all border areas of Tajikistan.  In addition, a quantity of spare and replacement parts were provided for vehicle support and maintenance.

The Export Control and Related Border Security program assists partner countries capabilities to detect, interdict, investigate, and prosecute illicit transfers of weapons of mass destruction, WMD related items, and conventional arms.

Press release issued by the U.S. Embassy on June 7 notes that it will continue to support the Government of Tajikistan through a partnership between U.S. agencies in order to provide enhanced equipment, training, and infrastructure improvements.  The vehicles donated by the U.S. Embassy will add significantly to the Government of Tajikistan’s border security capabilities.

These vehicles are part of the many assistance projects the U.S. Embassy implements in Tajikistan on behalf of the American people.  Since 1992, the American people have provided more than one billion U.S. dollars in assistance programs that support the economic growth, democratic institutions, health care, education, and security systems of Tajikistan.