Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The states of Central Asia continue to be subject to pressure from external forces. This was stated by Secretary of the Security Council under the President of Uzbekistan Viktor Makhmudov at the XII international meeting of high-ranking representatives responsible for security issues.

“Uzbekistan views Central Asia as a key foreign policy priority and is making active efforts to create an atmosphere of peace, security and trust in the region,” he noted. “Today, unfortunately, the states of the region continue to be subject to pressure from external forces that are trying to force them to make choices without taking into account their national interests.”

The XII international meeting of high-ranking representatives responsible for security issues is taking place in St. Petersburg, TASS reports.