Uzbekistan, U.S. Forge Stronger Ties

(MENAFN) In a pivotal phone call on Friday, Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and US President Donald Trump agreed to deepen their strategic partnership, exploring avenues for greater cooperation, according to an official statement from the Uzbek presidency.

Trump lauded Uzbekistan's "irreversible reforms," which aim to modernize the country's economy and enhance living conditions. Mirziyoyev, in turn, congratulated Trump on the "impressive results of the domestic and foreign policy" achieved by the current US administration.

The two leaders discussed a broad range of issues, including trade relations, security collaboration, cultural exchanges, and regional cooperation.

Notably, they underscored the importance of increasing trade between the two countries, with trade volumes having surged 15% in 2024. Both leaders also focused on advancing joint initiatives in key sectors such as civil aviation, critical minerals, energy, agriculture, digital technologies, finance, innovation, and education.

"A series of bilateral meetings and negotiations will be held this month with leading US companies and organizations to establish long-term and sustainable partnerships," the Uzbek presidency confirmed.

The discussion also included shared efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, and illegal migration, while emphasizing the growing importance of cultural and humanitarian exchanges. Currently, several US university branches operate in Tashkent, and Uzbekistan's national team is set to compete in next year's World Cup in the US for the first time.

The presidents also explored regional and international issues, with a focus on strengthening collaboration within the C5+1 framework, which brings together Central Asian nations and the US.

Mirziyoyev extended an invitation to Trump for an official visit to Uzbekistan at a convenient time. Both leaders agreed to continue high-level exchanges to push forward their joint projects.

The call, described by the Uzbek presidency as being held in an "open, constructive, and friendly atmosphere," marks another significant step in the evolving relationship between the two nations.

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