![US Ambassador John Mark Pommersheim and Maj.-Gen. Suhrob Talbak Mahmadzoda, Tajik deputy defence minister for logistics, take part in a handover ceremony for light-utility vehicles January 10. [US Embassy in Tajikistan]](/cnmi_ca/images/2020/01/10/21906-1-739_416.webp)
DUSHANBE -- The United States on Friday (January 10) handed over light utility vehicles to the Tajik Ministry of Defence, the US Embassy in Tajikistan said in a statement.
US Ambassador John Mark Pommersheim and Gen.-Maj. Suhrob Talbak Mahmadzoda, Tajik deputy defence minister for logistics, participated in the handover ceremony.
The vehicles will enable mobile Tajik forces to conduct operations in a wide range of terrain and conditions. The US government provided the vehicles, valued at $575,000 (5.5 million TJS), through its Foreign Military Financing programme, said the statement.
The United States remains committed to partnering with Tajikistan in support of its sovereignty, security, and its role in regional stability, it added.
Such efforts support the positive role that Central Asian states will play in securing long-term peace and prosperity in Afghanistan through political support, economic connectivity and counter-terrorism, the statement said.
The United States has partnered with Tajikistan for 27 years and has provided almost $1.9 billion (18 billion TJS) in assistance through programmes that support the nation's private sector, agriculture, health, education, democratic institutions and security.
