Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and the United States of America were established on February 14, 1992.

The Embassy of the United States in Dushanbe was opened in March 1992. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the U.S. to the Republic of Tajikistan is Mr. Kenneth E.Gross (since October 2, 2009).

The Republic of Tajikistan opened its Embassy in Washington in December 2002.

Events of September 11, 2001 and beginning of antiterrorist operation in Afghanistan marked a stage in development of bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Tajikistan and the United States of America.  

Today the Tajik-American relations are effectively developing in the following fields: trade and economic, humanitarian, security, military-political, fighting against the international terrorism, culture and education, public health services and etc. Intensification of bilateral contacts is evidence of US interest in further strengthening of cooperation between countries.

Other important event which demonstrated strengthening relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and the USA was the opening of a new U.S. Embassy compound in Dushanbe on June 28, 2006 with participation of the President of Tajikistan.

For the period of establishment of bilateral relations between the U.S. Government and the Government of Tajikistan 25 documents regulating the legal base have been signed: 13 on trade and economy, 12 in the fields of military-technical cooperation, combating terrorism and illegal drugs trafficking.

Within the framework of realization of the Agreement on promoting investment in Tajikistan nine Tajik-American joint ventures and eight enterprises belonging to the American investors are functioning.

United States consider development of cooperation of countries of region, especially in effective use of hydro energy resources as an important factor of political and economic stability in countries of Central and South Asia.

First steps on realization of this initiatives and establishment of partnership in energy sector are undertaking. Within the framework of support the initiative of Tajikistan on participation of the United States in power projects in the Republic of Tajikistan, delegation of the Republic of Tajikistan participated in regional energy conference «Electricity beyond borders: Central Asian  power sector», which took place on June 12-14, 2006 in Istanbul. During the conference Grant Agreement on reconstruction of electric transmission lines of Tajikistan connecting electricity supply system to Afghanistan between the Republic of Tajikistan and USA has been signed by heads of delegations.

On August 25, 2008 Grant Agreement for feasibilities study on the coal mining component of a proposed integrated coal mining and power generation project at Fon Yaghnob has been signed between the Ministry of Energy and Industry of the Republic of Tajikistan and  U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

The volume of trade between the Republic of Tajikistan and the United States of America was 79725.9 thousand US dollars in 2008. The export made 240.8 thousand USD and import was 79485.1 thousand USD. These indicators were consequently 99020.6, 299 and 98721.6 thousand USD in the first sixth months of 2009.

The U.S. continues providing technical assistance in the various areas of cooperation.

In July, 2002 the Memorandum of Mutual Understanding between the USA and the Republic of Tajikistan about rendering of the technical assistance in preparation of the legislation on micro financing has been signed. The document became the important step for improvement of vital conditions of citizens of Tajikistan and stimulation of growth of small business in the country, which has opened access of citizens to credit facilities.

Within the framework of the Program of the export control and protection of borders which is the joint program of Customs service of the USA and the US Department of State, Committee on Protection of State border and Ministry of State Revenues and Taxes of Tajikistan received 35 vehicles.

For the purpose of arrangement of conditions for prolonged development of efficient potential of Law Enforcement structure of the Republic of Tajikistan on August 22, 2009 the Amendments №7 and №8 to the existing Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of USA on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement from January 2003 were signed. According to this document the Government of the USA provided additional $13.4 million of US dollars to the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. These projects are directed at fighting against illegal drug trafficking, strengthening border of Tajikistan, assistance in the sphere of reform of police and improvement the legal system of Tajikistan.

Annually under the program of Military Cooperation more than 100 Tajik militaries receive advanced knowledge, participating in trainings and arrangements planned by the Central Command of the USA.

The US Government in 2005 continued its support within the framework of the program of export control and protection of borders. The US Government provided 16, 5 million dollars from the additional budget of 2005 for protection of border to the Tajik border guards to support Tajikistan in struggle against drugs trafficking and improvement of protection of border.

With aim of support to antiterrorist operation in Afghanistan Tajikistan undertakes  following steps: provides air spaces on carrying out of humanitarian and rescue operation in Afghanistan and ground structure for dislocation of military air force unit of the anti-terrorist coalition headed by the United States of America; revealing and not permitting usage of bank accounts and property by the international terrorist organizations in the territory of Tajikistan; exchange of useful information and others. Today Tajikistan actively participates in the second stage of operation, namely, the program of restoration of Afghanistan. Concrete step on rendering such help became construction of five bridges connecting Tajikistan and Afghanistan on frontier sites. The first bridge connecting Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan and province of Badakhshan of Afghanistan is already entered into operation in November, 2002.

The important event on bilateral relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and the United States of America was the opening of bridge on August 26, 2007 in the Pyanj River joining the Tajikistan with Afghanistan which was constructed by financial support of USA.

The official opening ceremony took place with the participation of presidents of Tajikistan and Afghanistan as well as the US Secretary of Commerce, Carlos M. Gutierrez.

On July 26-27, 2005 the U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld visited Tajikistan. During his visit he has met with the President of Тajikistan E.Rahmon and other officials. During his meetings issues of establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan, struggle against terrorism, drug trafficking and proliferation of arms which are today in the interests of both sides were discussed.

On January 22, 2008 U.S. Central Commander William Fallon visited Dushanbe. During his visit W. Fallon met with the President of Tajikistan. During the meeting the prospects of bilateral cooperation, as well as the potential development of the Central-Asia region and the situation in Afghanistan have been discussed.

Cooperation in the field of education and health care is developing. In June, 1996 in Washington the Cooperation Agreement between Ministry of Education of Tajikistan and the American Councils for International Education (ACCELS) is signed. Within the framework of this scientific-educational cooperation exchanges are carried out. Annually many scholars and students can study in the United States.

From March 30 till May 07, 2005 Delegation of University of Montana visited Dushanbe. During their visit Memorandum of Mutual Understanding between Ministry of Education and University of Montana has been signed. In addition Protocols between University of Montana and Kulyab State University and Kurgan-Tyube Sate University have been signed.

On July 19, 2005 the US Ambassador to Tajikistan R. Hougland has opened educational Internet - center at the Islamic University of Dushanbe. This center is one of 24 educational centers in Tajikistan. Support of public health system is one the priorities in rendering of humanitarian assistance.

Starting from 2001 through HOPE project Tajikistan’s medical system received medicines, medical instrument and equipment for the sum of 196 million US dollars.

The Republic of Tajikistan and the United States are also cooperating in the context of Framework Agreement between the governments of the U.S. and Central Asian countries concerning the development of trade and investment relations, which signed on June 1, 2004 in Washington.

On 17-18 June, 2008 fourth annual meeting of the Council of the U.S. - Central Asia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) took place in Dushanbe. Delegation from Afghanistan joined as an observer at the meeting. The participants of the meeting considered the condition of economic cooperation on investment and trade in Central-Asian region, as well as between region and USA.

On September 23, 2008 the ceremony of the opening of Internet-cafe took place in Dushanbe with participation of Mayor of Bolder, USA Shaun McGrath. Internet -cafe became the return gift of the people of Bolder to the people of Dushanbe. For realization of this project was collected 1 million US dollars.

During the participation in 63rd sessions of UN General Assembly on September 2008 in New - York the President of the Republic of Tajikistan E. Rahmon met with the U.S. Deputy of Secretary of State William Bern. During the meeting questions of development of cooperation in field of energy, transport and communication, formation of regional electric power, as well as cooperation with International Financial Institutions have been discussed. Also meetings of Head of State took place with the Americans Entrepreneurs and with the President of the «Tethys Petroleum» Company David Robson.

On November 11, 2008 Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia George Krol visited Dushanbe. During his visit George Krol met with the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Hamrohon Zarifi.  During the meetings water-energy problems, the prospects of bilateral cooperation and regional questions, in particular situation in Afghanistan have been discussed. On January 17, 2009 the U.S. Central Commander General David Petraeus visited Dushanbe. During his visit D. Petreus met with the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. During the meeting the perspectives of bilateral relations, as well as potential of the development Central-Asia region, situation in neighboring country Afghanistan, including transit of cargo through Tajikistan by commercial means to support US efforts in Afghanistan have been discussed.

On February 20, 2009 Mark Harnitchek, Director, Strategy, Policy, Programs, and Logistic Directorate USTRANSCOM visited Tajikistan.  During his visit he met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan and a number of Tajik military officials. During the meetings the prospects of bilateral cooperation, the transit of cargo through Tajikistan by commercial means to support the U.S. efforts in Afghanistan have been discussed.

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Richard Boucher discussed the issue of bilateral cooperation and regional problems as well situation in Afghanistan in his meetings with the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi in Dushanbe on April 20, 2009.

On May 5, 2009 in Dushanbe Amendment to the existing Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of the United States of America on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement from January 2003 and Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of the United States of America on cooperation in the sphere of reform of local self-governance bodies have been signed. According to those documents providing additional funds in the framework of noted Agreement was planned.

On July 6, 2009 newly appointed Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, Robert Blake in his first visit to Tajikistan discussed the wide range of questions of bilateral relation and other regional issues of mutual concern with the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi.