The below is attributable to Spokesperson Jessica Jennings:
Today, Administrator Samantha Power arrived in Uzbekistan to chair the C5+1 Regional Connectivity Ministerial, fulfilling President Biden’s commitment, and to drive concrete actions on inclusive, sustainable economic development in the region.
She began her trip by meeting with Uzbekistan Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov. Administrator Power and Minister Kurdratov discussed ways that USAID can continue to support the Government of Uzbekistan as they implement reforms that improve government services and benefit the people. They also discussed how deepening regional cooperation across Central Asia unlocks further opportunities for Uzbekistan and all of Central Asia as well as the key priorities for the C5+1 Regional Connectivity Ministerial they will host the next day.
Administrator Power then held a town hall with the staff from U.S. Embassy in Tashkent and thanked them for their efforts to deepen the U.S.-Uzbekistan partnership. She also met with local USAID staff and expressed her appreciation for their commitment to advancing the partnership between the people of Uzbekistan and the United States.
Administrator Power then met with journalists and those working in the media sector to discuss U.S. initiatives supporting journalists, information integrity, and the media climate in Uzbekistan.
Later, Administrator Power visited a secondary school in Tashkent and joined an English language class. USAID has long supported the education sector in Uzbekistan, supplying textbooks and teacher training to 10,000 schools across the country. The students shared their perspectives on current events and their aspirations for the future. During her visit, the Administrator announced a new initiative to improve the quality of instruction, materials, and support that every child needs to succeed in school. Administrator Power thanked the school principal for the role that she and the school’s teaching staff play in supporting reforms that improve the quality of the education system and the skills of Uzbekistan’s growing youth population.
Following this engagement, the Administrator met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, where she underscored USAID’s commitment to supporting the Government of Uzbekistan’s reform agenda. During the meeting, Administrator Power announced more than $14 million in additional funds from USAID to support the people of Uzbekistan in strengthening global health security, bolstering local governance reforms, and growing key sectors of the economy. Administrator Power expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan’s efforts thus far and encouraged further efforts to include rural youth, women, and persons with disabilities in Uzbekistan’s efforts to advance equitable social and economic development. Administrator Power also encouraged sustained efforts in advancing toward a more inclusive democracy, improved human rights, and governance reforms.
