New York hosts meeting in the format of “C5 + 1”

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 22 September 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov took part in the next meeting of the heads of foreign affairs agencies of five Central Asian countries and the USA in the “C5 + 1” format, which was held in New York.

The meeting was also attended by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Mukhtar Tleuberdi, the Kyrgyz Republic - Chingiz Aidarbekov, the Republic of Tajikistan - Sirojidin Mukhriddin, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the United States - Oraz Meredov and the US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo.

The heads of the foreign affairs agencies exchanged views on the prospects for the development of multilateral cooperation in various fields, the implementation of joint projects aimed at strengthening cooperation.

In the course of the event, in particular, issues of cooperation in the field of regional security, strengthening border protection and encouraging cross-border ties, as well as promoting trade, economic and investment cooperation in Central Asia were considered.

The meeting participants noted with satisfaction the new atmosphere of partnership, the mutual desire to strengthen cooperation in ensuring regional stability and sustainable economic development.

The United States reaffirmed its continued commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of each country, as well as to a strong, prosperous and stable region.

The American side also noted the interest in supporting efforts for economic development, promoting trade and investment ties in Central Asia. In order to support private business, the possibility of using the resources of American financial institutions, including the newly created US Financial Corporation for International Development (USIDFC) with a budget of US$60 billion, was emphasized.

In his speech, the head of the Uzbek delegation noted that Uzbekistan remains an active supporter of the promotion of multifaceted cooperation within the framework of “C5 + 1”. As was emphasized, Uzbekistan considers it important to further promote infrastructure, transport, communication, cultural, humanitarian, scientific and educational ties and expresses interest in attracting assistance in overcoming the consequences of the Aral Sea disaster.

At the same time, particular importance is attached to the active involvement of Afghanistan in the regional economic processes, which can act as a “ground bridge”. Our country also supports the granting to Afghanistan the status of a full member of the Framework Agreement between the United States and Central Asian Countries for Trade and Investment (TIFA) during the next meeting of the TIFA Council in Washington this October.

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed at the meeting.

As part of the C5 + 1 meeting, a brief conversation was held between the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo. Topical issues of the Uzbek-American agenda were discussed.