U.S.-Uzbek relations based on mutual trust, open dialogue - ambassador
TASHKENT. March 19 (Interfax) - Cooperation between Washington and Tashkent fosters regional stability and security and the two countries' economic development, says Pamela Spratlen, the United States Ambassador to Uzbekistan.
Speaking in an interview with Uzbek media on Thursday, she said that the two countries have established solid ties based on mutual trust, interest and open dialogue. The U.S.-Uzbek cooperation facilitates stability and security in the region, the two countries' economic development, ensures human rights and freedoms, she said.
The relations between the U.S. and Uzbekistan are getting stronger each year, the ambassador said. The scale of achievements resulting from this cooperation has constantly grown in recent years, the diplomat said.
As for priorities of the bilateral cooperation, the U.S. is a reliable partner for Uzbekistan on the path towards stronger independence, stability, democracy and economic development, Spratlen said.
The U.S. favors a safe, dynamic and independent development in Central Asia, she said. Its cooperation with Uzbekistan in this area includes programs to fight terrorism and illicit drug trafficking, she said.
The two countries have also been exchanged experience in the legal sphere, she said. Cooperation also grows with Uzbek universities in developing efficient English language learning programs.
The prospects for bilateral cooperation are particularly good in trade, agriculture, education and culture, Spratlen said, adding that she was convinced that these relations will continue to develop consistently.
The U.S. Senate approved Spratlen's candidacy as the ambassador to Uzbekistan in December 2014. Prior to that appointment, she had led the U.S. Embassy to Kyrgyzstan since 2011.
Her predecessor in Uzbekistan, George Krol, has been appointed as head of the diplomatic mission in Kazakhstan.
