DUSHANBE — U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan John Mark Pommersheim on August 10 welcomed participants of the U.S. Central Command-sponsored Regional Cooperation 2022 military exercise, hosted by Tajikistan. The exercise will be conducted from 10 to 20 August in Dushanbe, the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan said.
Regional Cooperation is an annual exercise that focuses on enhancing multinational stability operations, counterterrorism, and promoting cooperation and joint combined capabilities among the U.S., Central and South Asia states, and other participating nations. Participants from the United States, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan will be involved in a six-day command post exercise. Tajikistan and the United States will also conduct a five-day bilateral field training component of the exercise at the Fakhrabad Training Center. The exercise will provide an opportunity to coordinate, synchronize, and react to events in a non-threatening environment.
The exercise is designed to enhance regional security and stability; increase national capabilities and commitment to interdict weapons of mass destruction, terrorist elements, and narcotics; and help develop regional defense forces in international peace operations and information sharing.
Addressing attendees, Ambassador Pommersheim said, “As the largest U.S. military-to-military exercise involving Central and South Asian nations, REGIONAL COOPERATION 22 is an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen relationships with our partners in that region. The exercise serves as a forum for addressing relevant regional issues including peaceful responses to global challenges, information exchange, and security cooperation.”
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Regional Cooperation exercise series had been conducted annually since 2004 in one of the participant countries, including in the United States.