Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 12 December 2022, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov met with US Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power and USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman.

The current state and prospects of interaction between Uzbekistan and USAID, issues of implementing priority programs and projects were discussed.

During the conversation, the head of USAID confirmed her firm commitment to providing all kinds of assistance in the implementation of the tasks outlined in the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026. In particular, it was announced that USAID intends to closely coordinate its efforts with the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), of which it is a member of the Board of Directors.

The head of USAID welcomed the efforts of the government of Uzbekistan to ensure the openness of public administration, freedom of speech, and the development of civil society. It is emphasized that this contributes to a broad consideration of the interests of society in the decision-making processes on important issues of socio-political and socio-economic life.

In turn, USAID Deputy Head Isobel Coleman assured that the Agency will continue to implement financial and technical assistance projects, primarily taking into account the priorities of Uzbekistan.

USAID leadership expressed its readiness to assist in the modernization of the energy sector, the introduction of renewable energy sources, the development of water management, the improvement of the education system, vocational training and advanced training of young people.

Separately, the importance of attracting USAID assistance to the system of vocational education in order to expand employment opportunities for citizens of Uzbekistan and sustainable economic development of the country was noted.