President of Uzbekistan receives US Secretary of State

Islam Karimov noted that the first visit of John Kerry to Uzbekistan provides good opportunity to exchange opinion on wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation and problems of international character.

Uzbek leader underlined that many US citizens are very interested in Samarkand. He recalled that one of famous US mass media reported that any person should visit Samarkand at least once in his/her life.

At the meeting, the sides exchanged opinion on actual regional problems with special focus to security issues in context of development of situation in Afghanistan. The sides also considered issues of trade-economic cooperation between two states, participation of people in life of the country, etc.

It was noted that sustainable growth in trade and strengthening of economic relations between two states are observed. For example, General Motors is conducting fruitful activities in Uzbekistan. Currently, three large projects in Andijan and Khorezm regions, as well as Tashkent city are implemented with participation of the strategic investors, GM. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell and other US firms are actively working in Uzbekistan.

US official expressed gratitude to the Uzbek President for warm reception and affirmed readiness of the US government to gradual development of relations based on mutual respect of interests of both sides.

During his visit to Uzbekistan, John Kerry participated in the first meeting of the Ministers of foreign affairs of Central Asian states and the US in the format C5+1. He also visited Registan square.