On November 30, Mr. Kevin Covert, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, joined Colonel-General Rajabali Rahmonali, commander of Main Department of Border Guards under the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) of Tajikistan, to open a new border post at Ushturmullo in Shahritous district of Khatlon province on Tajikistan’s common border with Afghanistan.

Funded by the Department of State’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Bureau at a cost of $500,000, the new post comprises of barracks, officer quarters, a latrine, a boiler room, a well, and a water storage tank, according to the U.S. Embassy.

This facility will house 35 members of Tajikistan’s border guard service and three officers.  Built through an agreement with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Ushturmullo border post is ready for immediate use and fully furnished with furniture, bedding, kitchen utensils, and computers.

In his speech, Chargé Covert recognized the important work of the Border Guards and reaffirmed the United States support of Tajikistan’s sovereignty in securing its borders.

Tajikistan is an important partner in the U.S. South Asia Strategy that aims to improve regional security, stability, and prosperity throughout the region. The U.S.-Tajik partnership continues to support security and stability in South and Central Asia.