Top Uzbek, US diplomats discuss regional ties, further cooperation

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Uzbek Foreign Minister Vladimir Norov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed bilateral ties and further cooperation between Tashkent and Washington during a meeting in the US.

“The Secretary of State highly appreciated the regional policy promoted by Uzbekistan, which contributes to strengthening the atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding in Central Asia,” a statement from the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said early on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Blinken welcomed Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan’s agreement on the demarcation of their state border, saying: "I think this sends a strong signal to many in the region and beyond about the importance of diplomatic capabilities to deal with issues like this."

Blinken also pointed out the importance of holding the second meeting of the US-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership Dialogue to coordinate pressing issues of bilateral cooperation and determine further mutual priorities.

“The interest of the parties in building up partnerships in trade, investment, science and education, transport and logistics was emphasized,” the statement added.

It further said that the top diplomats exchanged views both on a bilateral basis and within the framework of the C5+1 regional format.

The C5+1 was formed under former US President Barack Obama during the 2015 UN General Assembly. It is the main dialogue platform for the US with regional states.