Uzbekistan, US hold strategic partnership meeting

By Bahtiyar Abdulkerimov

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (AA) - Uzbekistan on Monday hosted the US in the two countries' first Strategic Partnership Dialogue meeting.

Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov received Donald Lu, the US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs, in the capital Tashkent. The two officials discussing political and diplomatic ties, as well as relations in the economic, development, security, cultural, and humanitarian realms.

They also assessed bilateral and multilateral ties in international and financial institutions, along with regional issues.

In an opening speech, Kamilov said the beginning of the Strategic Partnership Dialogue between Uzbekistan and the US showed that the parties were ready to expand their cooperation.

For his part, Lu reiterated the US' decisive stance in support of Uzbekistan's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, adding that Washington is ready to actively support efforts to liberalize the country's economy, protect human rights and freedoms, and develop democratic institutions and civil society.

The parties agreed on continuing joint efforts to combat terrorism, contribute to the peace process in Afghanistan, help rebuild the country, and provide humanitarian aid to its people.