US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday met with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Vladimir Norov in Washington, where they discussed a number of issues including Afghanistan.
The discussion took place ahead of US-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership Dialogue in Washington.
During the meeting, Blinken underscored the United States’ “unwavering support for Uzbekistan’s independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty,” US State Department said.
“The two sides discussed the enduring U.S.-Uzbekistan bilateral relationship, support for the peoples of Ukraine and Afghanistan, and the United States’ steadfast partnership with Uzbekistan within the context of a shifting geopolitical landscape in Central Asia,” Ned Price, a spokesperson for the US State Department said.
Blinken welcomed Uzbekistan’s announced reforms and urged the government to fully implement them, including measures to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, support civil society, ensure media freedom, and combat gender-based violence.
Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to being a reliable partner to Uzbekistan and helping ensure a prosperous, secure, and democratic Central Asia.
