WASHINGTON – Frank Rose, National Nuclear Security Administration Principal Deputy Administrator, visited Tajikistan on October 6^th, met with senior officials, and participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Tajikistan’s Customs leadership at Fotehobod border crossing observing the delivery of newly deployed radiation detection equipment provided by NNSA. The equipment will help combat smuggling of nuclear and radioactive material at an important international border crossing point.

During the ceremony, Mr. Rose expressed his appreciation for the partnership between the United States and Tajikistan and the important contributions that partnership makes to enhance nuclear security. Following the ceremony, he also met with Tajikistan’s Customs Chairman and a senior official from the Ministry of Interior’s Special Counterterrorism Forces.

“We are pleased with the continued cooperation between the United States and Tajikistan to prevent nuclear and radiological terrorism. We will continue to strengthen our partnership to bring security and stability to the South and Central Asia region,” said Mr. Rose.

Tajikistan has been a longstanding partner with NNSA on radiological security and counter nuclear smuggling initiatives. Cooperation has included security enhancements, trainings, workshops, and exercises. NNSA works globally to prevent state and non-state actors from developing nuclear weapons or acquiring weapons-usable nuclear or radiological materials, equipment, technology, and expertise.