Zalmai Khalilzad: US supports Uzbekistan's efforts to facilitate inter-Afghan peace talks

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has received today the Special Representative of the United States of America for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad, who is in Uzbekistan on a working visit.

Welcoming the guest, the Head of the state underscored the dynamically developing Uzbekistan – American multi-dimensional cooperation that is built today on the open dialogue and mutual trust.

Intensive contacts at different levels, constructive political interaction, active inter-parliamentary relations, new joint trade and investment projects, the expanding humanitarian exchange – all this is indicative of a dawn of a new era in the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the United States.

During today’s conversation, current issues in furthering the Uzbekistan – American relations as well as in the international and regional agenda were considered. The current state and prospects of cooperation between the two countries to address the situation in Afghanistan underwent assessment.

The Head of the state emphasized that Uzbekistan attaches great significance to the advancement of traditionally good-neighborly relations with Afghanistan, stands for the soonest establishment of peace, provision for stability and practical contribution to the economic recovery of that country.

Uzbekistan’s President noted the need for the effective coordination of efforts of the international community in helping to launch the peaceful political process in Afghanistan, with the Afghans taking the lead.

Zalmay Khalilzad expressed deep gratitude to the head of our state for the warm welcome and conveyed the greetings of the President of the United States of America Donald Trump and Secretary of State Michael Pompeo.

The American diplomat said that Uzbekistan’s policy to provide comprehensive assistance to the Afghan people, including through the promotion of important social and infrastructure projects, deserves appreciation.

The Special Representative stressed that the United States supports Uzbekistan’s constructive efforts to promote the inter-Afghan peace talks, in particular, the initiative to hold the next round of dialogue in Samarkand with participation of Afghan government officials.

In addition, the eighth ministerial meeting of the Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA VIII) in Tashkent this year will make it possible to work out a strategy for the interaction of adjacent countries in providing practical assistance to the peaceful development of Afghanistan.

During the conversation today, the parties emphasized in conclusion the mutual willingness to bolster the Uzbekistan – American strategic partnership and enhance cooperation toward Afghan settlement in order to secure peace, stability and sustainable development in the region.