President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on December 2 at the Oqsaroy received Nisha Desai Biswal, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, who arrived in Tashkent to attend the fifth round of bilateral political consultations.

Greeting the guest, the head of our state said he positively appraises the dynamic nature of cooperation between our two nations that is built on pragmatism and mutual respect. 

It was stressed at the meeting that the regular dialogue at various levels allows the two sides to better understand each other, find constructive solutions and define target spheres for furthering the interaction both in the interstate format and that among research and education institutions, culture and art figures, civil society representatives.

A particular significance during the conversation was attached to international affairs, primarily the Afghan quandary, which exerts a substantial influence on the state of security in our region and beyond it. In this regard, the Assistant Secretary of State noted that the United States highly appreciates the Uzbek leader’s efforts in addressing the crisis in Afghanistan and our country’s help in restoring its economy.

Nisha Desai Biswal thanked Islam Karimov for a warm welcome and the opportunity to exchange views on pressing bilateral and regional issues. On behalf of the leadership of her country, the American diplomat confirmed the U.S. commitment for the steadfast advancement of the multifaceted and long-term cooperation with Uzbekistan.

It stands to be noted here that key constituents of the Uzbek-American relations are trade-economic and investment spheres, and joint efforts on promising projects in high-tech sectors of the economy are in progress together with major U.S. companies.

Important in the enhancement of mutually advantageous contacts among business circles of the two countries has been the America-Uzbekistan Trade Chamber, who met this past November in Tashkent for its regular session with the participation of leading businesses from Uzbekistan and the United States.