The U.S. Department of State announced a $500,000 grant through the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation to support architectural conservation work at Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This funding highlights the United States' ongoing support for Uzbekistan’s leadership in the fields of archaeology and cultural preservation.
The announcement came during the fourth annual U.S.-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership Dialogue (SPD) held in Washington, D.C. on November 13, 2024, co-chaired by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Muzaffar Madrakhimov. The Dialogue serves as a key forum for expanding bilateral ties across security, economic, and people-to-people sectors. Recognizing the growing significance of this engagement, both countries agreed to elevate the SPD to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue (ESPD).
During the dialogue, the delegations emphasized the strengthening partnership between the United States and Uzbekistan in economic, security, human rights, and cultural areas. The United States reaffirmed its unwavering support for Uzbekistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Economic cooperation took center stage, with both nations highlighting recent progress in the critical minerals sector. The September 2024 signing of a Critical Minerals Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Uzbekistan’s membership in the Minerals Security Partnership were key achievements in this area. Additionally, the delegations discussed the modernization of Uzbekistan’s natural gas infrastructure, the diversification of trade and investment, and initiatives to advance agricultural reforms. Both sides expressed a shared commitment to empowering women economically, addressing climate change, and supporting the clean energy transition.
On regional issues, both parties emphasized the importance of strengthening the C5+1 diplomatic platform, which promotes cooperation between the United States and Central Asia. Significant accomplishments in 2024, including the C5+1 Foreign Ministers meeting, the launch of the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue, and the inaugural B5+1 Forum to boost U.S.-Central Asian business ties, were also acknowledged.
Security cooperation was another key focus, with both nations recognizing the importance of deepening collaboration between defense departments, law enforcement agencies, and border and customs authorities. The United States commended Uzbekistan for signing the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement in September, a major step forward for bilateral customs cooperation. The delegations also discussed regional and cybersecurity cooperation to address emerging security threats.
The dialogue further addressed human rights, with the delegations noting progress in combating gender-based violence and improving labor rights in Uzbekistan. Both sides agreed to continue efforts in promoting fundamental freedoms and advancing human rights in alignment with Uzbekistan’s reform agenda.
Looking to the future, the United States and Uzbekistan agreed to convene the first Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue in Tashkent in 2025, marking the next phase in strengthening their enduring partnership.
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