Gulf Coast Diplomacy hosted a Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL) delegation from Tajikistan in May 2024, focusing on an area of critical importance to the United States—cybersecurity. In Pensacola, a representative of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) had the opportunity to share valuable insights at an unclassified level about the growing cyber threats facing America and the robust measures put in place to protect our national infrastructure.
The participants, composed of IT and cybersecurity professionals from Tajikistan, shared their unique challenges, while we provided insight into how the U.S. defends against cyber threats and ensures the security of our citizens and businesses. This exchange was not only about offering advice to our international counterparts—it’s about safeguarding American interests by sharing best practices that strengthen the global cybersecurity framework and reduce risks to U.S. systems.
By engaging with foreign cyber experts, we are not just helping other nations—we are ensuring that America’s critical infrastructure remains secure. Strengthening global cybersecurity efforts directly supports U.S. national security by minimizing risks and reinforcing the American leadership in defending against emerging cyber threats. This collaboration is a vital component in protecting American sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected world.
A local and a COIL participant get to know each other.