"We see your visit as ... a meaningful event in relations between the U.S. and Uzbekistan," the state-controlled news agency press-uz.info quoted Karimov as saying on its Web site. Karimov called the visit a chance to discuss "issues of common interest, first of all in the military and arms sphere."

During a meeting, issues representing mutual interest, on strengthening of regional security, stabilization of situation in Afghanistan, fight against the international terrorism, drug trafficking, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and other modern threats were discussed.

The sides also talked about the condition of reforms made by Uzbekistan on democratization and liberalizations of a society, to maintain the rights and freedoms of people.

Admiral Fallon has expressed gratitude to the President of our country for sincere reception. He has noted that both sides are equally interested in the development of mutually beneficial cooperation.

The same day William Fallon has met with the Secretary of National Security Council at the President of Republic Uzbekistan, Ministers of defense and foreign affairs, Commander of border guard forces. At negotiations the sides exchanged the opinions on present condition in military sphere and on others fields of mutual interest.