In prior years, Western focus on Central Asia—often referred to in U.S. jargon as 'the Stans'—has been lacking, despite the region's strategic significance. Especially noteworthy has been the role of Uzbekistan, the pivotal state in this zone. A recently published article on Forbes by Melik Kaylan, explores this relationship between the West and the Central Asian states, based on a letter sent to the president of Uzbekistan by President Biden.
It was not until the collapse of the Soviet Union that the countries of the region, such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, were able to pursue their own destinies, asserts Kaylan. With Afghanistan's volatility as a neighbor, the region has historically been on the defensive. However, Kaylan notes that a discernable transformation has taken place in recent years, with advances in governance, civil society, foreign investments, and transparent institutions.
Kaylan writes that this notable change can be attributed, in part, to Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's proactive engagement with neighboring states after assuming office in 2016. The efforts have not gone unnoticed, especially as the Biden administration in the U.S. has substantially increased its focus on Uzbekistan and surrounding countries.
The latest proof of this growing attention is an official correspondence from President Biden to President Mirziyoyev, dated August 11, 2023, which was made public recently. The letter is an endorsement of bilateral ties between the U.S. and Uzbekistan. It calls for a meeting involving the leaders of the Central Asian states (C5+1) at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September.
The White House
Washington
August 11, 2023
His Excellency
Shavkat Mirziyoyev
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Tashkent
Dear Mr. President,
Thank you for your leadership as we have worked to strengthen the strategic partnership between the United States and Uzbekistan.
Over the last year, we have taken our collaboration to new heights – including strengthening our trade and investment ties, advancing our security cooperation, and working together to tackle regional challenges. The United States also steadfastly supports your efforts to implement political and economic reforms. Additionally, we were honored to welcome your daughter, Saida, to the White House earlier this year. Her advocacy and your bold determination to criminalize gender-based and domestic violence are commendable.
I look forward to the upcoming UN General Assembly, where we will make progress on the challenges that matter most in our peoples' lives. I hope you will join me and our fellow leaders for a formal C5+1 meeting on September 19 or September 20 to discuss how we can all continue working together to advance our shared security, economic and environmental goals.
Sincerely,
(Joe Biden's signature)
Kaylan notes that the letter was significant not just for its tone of cooperation but also for its recognition of the efforts by Mirziyoyev and his daughter, Saida, in tackling gender-based and domestic violence. Furthermore, the letter highlights mutual environmental challenges, notably the disappearing Aral Sea—a crisis too big for the regional countries to solve independently.
This direct dialogue between the leaders emphasizes the West's shifting perspective towards Uzbekistan and Central Asia at large. It marks an end to the isolation and neglect that this strategically crucial region has long faced. With this newfound focus from the U.S., it is evident that the region's importance, at last, is being recognized globally.
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