Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 1 July 2021, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov met with the U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in Washington, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The Head of the Pentagon congratulated Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov on the 30th anniversary of Uzbekistan's Independence.

The parties discussed the current aspects of cooperation, including interaction on the defense line, ensuring regional security, combating common challenges and threats. It was noted that thanks to regular dialogue at various levels and directions in recent years, Uzbekistan-American relations have demonstrated positive dynamics of development, being enriched with practical content.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin welcomed Uzbekistan's long-standing support for international efforts to stabilize Afghanistan and its readiness to assist in the economic recovery of this country and its integration into the Central Asian region.