The below is attributable to Acting Spokesperson Pooja Jhunjhunwala:
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power spoke with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulaziz Kamilov to discuss Uzbekistan’s reform agenda and its wide-ranging economic, judicial, educational, and social implications, and to underscore the importance of human rights and freedom of speech. The Foreign Minister described Uzbekistan’s reforms including advancing economic competition and inviting OSCE involvement in the upcoming election. Administrator Power reiterated USAID's commitment to development cooperation in Uzbekistan as evidenced by the recent opening of the USAID Mission in Tashkent.
Administrator Power and Foreign Minister Kamilov further discussed opportunities to strengthen development cooperation in Central Asia, where Uzbekistan has provided multifaceted support for the Afghan peace process and by advancing connectivity between Afghanistan and Central Asia through trade, transport, and energy projects. The Administrator encouraged Uzbekistan’s continued involvement in bringing about a sustainable peace dialogue.