Kerry reassures neighbors of Afghanistan on withdrawal of US troops

DUSHANBE (Reuters) - US Secretary of State John Kerry, sought to reassure, on Tuesday, the leaders of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan that the United States remains committed to the security of Central Asia, although it is withdrawing troops from Afghanistan .

Both countries fear the rise of Islamic militancy, and US officials worry that government repression can be harmful and create more instability.

Kerry met with President of Tajikistan, Imonali Rakhmon in Dushanbe, and will meet with Turkmen President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov later in Ashgabat.

"I emphasized the commitment of the United States to work with Tajikistan and other countries ... to strengthen border security," Kerry told reporters after talks with Rakhmon.
US officials hope that leaders of Central Asia see the recent decision of US President Barack Obama, to slow down the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan as proof that Washington is not abandoning them.

Kerry's trip also was intended to show that the United States wants not only security cooperation, but also improve economic ties.