During his travel to these two countries, he will engage with journalists, government officials, civil society leaders, and students on public affairs issues and US support for democratic institutions, among other topics, and will underscore the US Government’s commitment to the region.

While in Dushanbe, Assistant Secretary Hammer will meet with the Tajik Head of Communications and the MFA Spokesperson to discuss press and internet freedom.

In Uzbekistan, Assistant Secretary Hammer will participate in a conference on government transparency and press freedom with a panel of journalists, ministry spokespeople, and representatives from parliament. He will also host a Facebook chat and an on-the-record discussion with independent journalists.