The Deputy Secretary expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan’s support for Afghanistan and for Coalition efforts there.

He emphasized the important role Uzbekistan can play in strengthening regional cooperation and encouraged Uzbekistan’s participation in regional confidence building measures.

The Deputy Secretary expressed our strong interest in deepening trade and investment ties with Uzbekistan. He underlined the vital importance of Uzbekistan accelerating its path of democratic reforms, including protecting religious, media, and labor rights.

The Deputy Secretary met separately with NGO representatives, reinforcing the importance of a vibrant civil society to Uzbekistan’s democratic development and underscoring our commitment to the protection of human rights in Uzbekistan and around the world.