"Tajikistan is a party to all conventions relating to non-proliferation and is a firm advocate of their strict observance and unconditional fulfillment by other parties," Rakhmonov said during a visit by Robert Joseph, US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.

"We are trying to create a firm barrier on our borders in order to prevent trafficking in illegal weapons and to establish an exchange of information with our neighbours and to strengthen our customs controls. We need help on these questions," Rakhmonov said.

Tajikistan is among a number of countries in the region that US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is due to visit next week.

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