President of Uzbekistan receives the U.S. Secretary of State

On February 3, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received the U.S. Secretary of State Michael Richard Pompeo, who has been in Uzbekistan on an official visit.

The Head of the state noted with deep satisfaction the dynamic development of Uzbekistan – American multifaceted relations, growing lately in their sustainability, systemic and trust-based character.

Intensification of exchanges within the framework of the agreements reached during a historic highest-level visit to the United States in May 2018, which ushered in a new era of strategic partnership between the two nations, was emphasized.

Constructive political dialogue has been established, including on the regional and international agenda. Cooperation has been enhancing in trade, economic, investment, technological, financial, agricultural, energy, educational, human rights and cultural-humanitarian fields.

Over the past few years, the trade turnover has doubled in volume. With participation of leading US companies, promising projects are realized across diverse sectors of the country’s economy. Total American investments have exceeded 1 billion dollars.

A branch of Webster University has enrolled its first students in Uzbekistan from this academic year.

The U.S. Secretary of State expressed deep appreciation to the President of Uzbekistan for the warm welcome and conveyed sincere greetings and best wishes of President Donald Trump.

The American side reaffirmed its firm commitment to the continued support of state independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Michael Pompeo underscored the effectiveness of democratic reforms and economic transformation spearheaded in the country by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The U.S. Secretary of State also noted that sustainable development of Uzbekistan forms a solid foundation for deepening bilateral relations.

At the meeting, special attention was paid to issues of the regional agenda. The Secretary of State congratulated on successful organization of the latest Central Asia and the United States ministerial meeting in Tashkent.

It was emphasized that thanks to the policy of new Uzbekistan’s leader, great progress has been made in creating an atmosphere of confidence, partnership and good neighborliness in the region. Fruitful results of the second Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States held in Tashkent last November were noted.

In the economic dimension, specific agreements have been reached on mutual support for expanding the presence of leading American companies in Uzbek market.

Michael Pompeo noted that today, Uzbekistan offers ample opportunities for business initiatives that would allow for tenfold growth in trade and economic cooperation.

In addition, as it was emphasized, the American side is willing to provide comprehensive assistance in accelerating the process of Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization.

Issues of further development of constructive cooperation in human dimension, including support for civil society, promotion of basic human rights and freedoms, and implementation of social programs were discussed.

Views were exchanged on advancing the peace process in Afghanistan, as well as engagement of this country in regional cooperation in Central Asia.

Michael Pompeo supported Uzbekistan’s active efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability, promoting concrete infrastructure projects for socio-economic reconstruction of Afghanistan.

In conclusion, mutual commitment was confirmed to comprehensively strengthen the relations of strategic partnership and practical cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United States of America.

UzA