In a joint statement released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Uzbekistan, officials highlighted the successful third session of the annual United States-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership Dialogue (SPD), held on November 7, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Gayrat Fozilov, and U.S. Department of State Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Assistant Secretary, Donald Lu, led the delegations in discussions that covered various dimensions of the bilateral relationship, emphasizing political, economic, security, human, and cultural cooperation.
The United States reiterated its steadfast support for Uzbekistan's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, recognizing the importance of fostering a strong and enduring partnership between the two nations.
Deputy Minister Fozilov and Assistant Secretary Lu applauded the dynamism in bilateral relations and the comprehensive efforts made in 2023 to strengthen strategic partnership ties. The U.S. expressed gratitude to Uzbekistan for President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's participation in the inaugural C5+1 Presidential Summit on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in September.
The joint statement emphasized the significance of continuing close political-diplomatic cooperation through high-level bilateral exchanges and collaboration within international institutions. The U.S. reiterated its support for Uzbekistan's accession to the World Trade Organization, and discussions encompassed regional issues, including ongoing humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan and constructive engagement through the C5+1 diplomatic format.
Economic partnership took center stage, with both sides expressing a desire to expand trade and investment, advance agricultural reforms, empower women economically, and jointly address the climate crisis. The U.S. welcomed Uzbekistan's ongoing economic liberalization efforts.
Deputy Minister Fozilov underscored Uzbekistan's commitment to democratic reforms, including the promotion of human rights, combatting trafficking in persons and corruption, and preventing gender-based violence. Assistant Secretary Lu highlighted increased U.S. assistance to support these reforms.
Security cooperation was also a key focus, with discussions on deepening ties between defense departments, law enforcement agencies, and border and customs authorities. People-to-people ties were highlighted, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation initiatives, educational exchanges, English language programming, and strengthening Uzbekistan's healthcare system.
In a significant move, the U.S. and Uzbekistan signed a bilateral Cultural Property Agreement to combat the looting and trafficking of ancient art, artifacts, and cultural objects. The Agreement ensures that undocumented objects from Uzbekistan will not cross U.S. borders if they may have been illegally obtained or exported.
The joint statement concluded with the intention to continue holding expert-level working groups to facilitate a constructive exchange of views on the discussed issues. Both parties emphasized that working collectively on matters of mutual interest makes Uzbekistan and the United States stronger. The next United States-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership Dialogue is scheduled to be held in Washington, DC, in 2024.
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