Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - On 3 February 2020, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov met with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo who arrived in our country on an official visit.

During the conversation, an exchange of views on the state and prospects of bilateral relations and the situation in the region took place.

The parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepen multifaceted cooperation, consistent implementation of the provisions of the Joint Statement on the beginning of a new era of strategic partnership, adopted following the visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the United States in May 2018 and negotiations with President Donald Trump.

The heads of the foreign affairs agencies noted with satisfaction the strengthening and dynamic development of mutually beneficial ties in various fields. In this context, a twofold increase in trade over the past two years has been noted.

The US Secretary of State praised the reforms led by the President of Uzbekistan to modernize public administration, democratize society, liberalize the economy and strengthen the rule of law. Uzbekistan demonstrates progress in the field of human rights, expands the space for civil society, solves the problems of forced labor and eases restrictions on the media, said US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo.

In the negotiations, special attention was paid to enhancing cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, steps taken to ensure religious freedom and the elimination of forced labor.

Following the meeting, the foreign ministers of Uzbekistan and the United States made statements to reporters and answered their questions.

The events were attended by US Ambassador Daniel Rosenblum.

Today in the afternoon in Tashkent, a ministerial meeting will be held in the format “Central Asia - USA” (“C5 + 1”), in which the foreign ministers of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Mukhtar Tleuberdi, the Kyrgyz Republic - Chingiz Aidarbekov, the Republic of Tajikistan - Sirojidin Mukhriddin will take part , Turkmenistan - Rashid Meredov, Republic of Uzbekistan - Abdulaziz Kamilov and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo.