Uzbek president, U.S. envoy discuss bilateral strategic partnership

TASHKENT. Aug 28 (Interfax) - Uzbekistani President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has met with U.S. Special Representative for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli to discuss the expansion of Uzbek-U.S. strategic partnership and cooperation in various areas.

"The meeting focused on the subsequent expansion of Uzbek-U.S. strategic partnership and wide-ranging cooperation," the president's press service said in a statement on Thursday.

Mirziyoyev noted the developing constructive political dialogue with the U.S., it said. "Last month the Congress hosted Day of Uzbekistan events and the first Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue meeting will be held this fall," the statement said.

The two sides noted the effective cooperation they have established in the areas of security and countering terrorism, extremism and illegal migration.

The U.S. is traditionally seen by Uzbekistan as an important economic partner, Mirzioyev said. In 2024 their trade grew by 15% and the portfolio of projects exceeds $11 billion. There is a big potential for advancing cooperation projects in priority areas such as mineral resources, aviation, electronics, agriculture, digital technologies, finance, innovation and education, among others.

"During the conversation [the two sides] also stressed the importance of enhancing regional cooperation in the C5+1 format," the statement said.

The pair examined the schedule of upcoming contacts and joint events, the service said.

Earlier on Thursday, Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and Zampolli discussed the strengthening of relations between the two countries, noting the presence of an unrealized potential.