Every year on July 4, the United States of America celebrates Independence Day. As is known, on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the United States of America was founded. Today, this significant event turns 248 years old.

Diplomatic ties between Uzbekistan and the United States were established in 1992. In recent years, the relationship has reached a new stage of strategic partnership. Systematic work is being carried out to expand cooperation in bilateral trade, higher education and scientific research, agriculture, and energy.

Leaders and ambassadors of our countries play an important role in strengthening cooperation between our states. This time, as part of the “Diplomatic Perspective” project of Uzbekistan National News Agency – UzA, we talked with the U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick, who was appointed at the end of 2022.

He often holds open discussions with people’s representatives, especially media workers. During meetings with journalists, he always expresses his readiness to communicate, his attention to the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan, and his attitude towards certain processes.

– Mr. Ambassador, how do you rate freedom of speech in Uzbekistan? What projects do you think can be implemented in cooperation between Uzbekistan and the USA to improve the skills of media workers?

– Since 2016, Uzbekistan’s media landscape has undergone a significant and overall positive transformation. There are now more opportunities than ever to hold public officials accountable, ensuring that, as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has emphasized, the State serves the people, not the other way around. However, there are still areas that can be improved, such as reducing self-censorship, improving media laws, and the ability of journalists to work without fear and intimidation, especially on politically sensitive issues.

I hope your government will continue creating better conditions for journalists and bloggers. We will continue to bring U.S. media experts to Uzbekistan to conduct workshops, as well as to send journalists and bloggers from Uzbekistan to the United States to learn and share best practices.

My first trip to Uzbekistan was in the early 90s. I had the chance to visit historic Samarkand and other beautiful cities then. As an ambassador now, I feel at home in Uzbekistan. 

Of course, a lot has changed since my first tour here. One striking thing is the number of people learning and speaking English. As Uzbekistan’s economy continues to grow and become more connected, English will be an essential skill for young workers. I’m proud of our Embassy’s efforts to strengthen English teaching throughout the country. However, one thing that has not changed is the kind and hospitable nature of Uzbekistan’s citizens. No matter where I go, I am greeted by warm and friendly people eager to strengthen the relationship between our two countries.

– What do you think about the reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan? What areas do you think are getting a little neglected?

– Several high-level U.S. government visitors have visited Uzbekistan over the last few months. Each has reiterated our support for the full implementation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s reform agenda to expand economic opportunities, promote human rights, and strengthen the rule of law. Implementing these reforms will be key to realizing a prosperous and inclusive future for the people of Uzbekistan.

There’s been a lot of progress on these issues, but the focus must remain on full implementation of reforms. In many cases, passing new legislation is the easiest step, changing behaviors and enforcing new laws can be much more difficult. For example, recent economic reforms have greatly improved the investment climate and increased interest from U.S. businesses, which is a sign that reforms are attracting notice. However, there is still work to be done. Further reforms have the potential to bring more investment and technical expertise to Uzbekistan.

– What changes have occurred in the relations between Uzbekistan and the United States compared to previous years?

– The partnership between Uzbekistan and the United States is stronger than ever. Every day in Tashkent, I see the real results of our bilateral cooperation. Whether it’s advancing security, boosting the economy, or educational partnerships, our embassy showcases growing collaboration across all aspects of our bilateral agenda. Tashkent and Washington are dedicated to working together to advance our mutual interests and create new opportunities in the coming year.

– Please tell us about the projects being carried out in cooperation between our countries and the projects that show the most effective results.

– Since the establishment of bilateral ties over 30 years ago, the United States and Uzbekistan have made great strides in building a dynamic relationship. We have many projects and initiatives in our bilateral agenda. We fully support the implementation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s reform agenda. In addition to promoting human rights and strengthening the rule of law, these reforms have the potential to expand economic opportunities for young people in Uzbekistan and to develop a modern workforce that has the skills and technical expertise needed to rise to 21st-century challenges. We’re proud of our support for these initiatives.

– Young people from Uzbekistan have a strong desire to study in the USA. Tell us about cooperation in the field of education.

– When U.S. and Uzbek students study side-by-side, it creates a special connection between our two countries. The U.S. government supports exchange programs to bring Uzbek students to the United States, and we are working with universities to increase the number of U.S. students and scholars who come here to Uzbekistan. We also help develop partnerships between U.S. and Uzbek universities, increasing the number of scholarship opportunities. I’m particularly excited about the Future Leaders Exchange program, where high school students spend a year at U.S. high schools living with American host families. These programs are all truly life-changing, because Uzbekistani students return with innovative ideas to help their communities.

Our Embassy also manages an EducationUSA Advising Center, which provides free-of-charge guidance to individuals who want to study in the United States. We provide programs on finding suitable universities, applying, taking entrance exams, and preparing for student life in America. 

– As a diplomat, what do you think about the unrest in the world? How can these wars affect the world economy, including the economy of Uzbekistan?

– The United States recognizes the hardship caused by wars and the unique impact they have had on local lives and livelihoods in Central Asia. We want to help. We remain committed to helping our partners in Central Asia diversify and strengthen their economies, as we have done for more than 30 years of partnership. We continue to work to minimize the impact of sanctions on countries outside of Russia, including in Central Asia.

To summarize, the United States has a special place in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy at the new stage of development. Undoubtedly, our cooperation will continue to develop based on mutual respect and consideration of each other’s national interests.

Interviewed by Guzal Sattorova, UzA