Tashkent, 1 March 2023 (TDI): Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, met with a delegation from the United States of America (US) led by Anthony Blinken, the Secretary of State, on March 1, 2023.

Numerous current issues pertaining to bilateral relations in the political, trade, economic, investment, educational, cultural, and humanitarian spheres as well as important facets of regional cooperation were taken into consideration.

Beginning the conversation, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken greeted the head of Uzbekistan and wished him well on behalf of President Joe Biden of the US.

The US’ unwavering dedication to defending Uzbekistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity was highlighted once more.

The unstoppable democratic changes and socioeconomic reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan received a high rating and unanimous support.

The significant advancements in the protection of human rights and gender equality, the fight against forced labor, media support reforms, the growth of civil society institutions, and many other areas were particularly noted.

The high level of multifaceted Uzbek-American relations was noted during the meeting with great satisfaction.

It was confirmed how important it is to continue developing full-scale cooperation, including within the framework of encouraging an effective Dialogue of strategic partnership and maintaining fruitful interactions at various levels.

Expanding trade, economic, investment, and innovation cooperation are given special consideration.

Additionally, leading American companies’ market share in Uzbekistan is being increased, & cooperation projects—primarily in the high-tech sector—are being implemented.

There are many opportunities to foster ties on the cultural and humanitarian levels, including initiatives in Uzbekistan to train qualified teachers and teach English to the younger generation.

The most crucial topics of regional cooperation were discussed between the parties. Positive feedback was given to the practical outcomes of the ministerial meeting in the format of “US and Central Asian countries” (C5+1).

The development of green energy, the implementation of joint educational programmes, improving the business climate and investment climate, and the promotion of sustainable development of the region’s nations were highlighted.

The Trade & Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) meeting, which will take place later this month in Samarkand, is of utmost importance.

The topic of extensive international cooperation in achieving a peaceful resolution in Afghanistan was also covered.

The inadmissibility of the situation’s escalation and the humanitarian crisis’ expansion in this nation and the necessity of actively utilizing the UN platform to create an algorithm for resolving current issues were all agreed upon.

Likewise, the significance of supporting regional infrastructure projects to foster peace and revive the Afghan economy was agreed upon in the meeting