Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In Washington, a delegation of Uzbekistan led by Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbayeva met with the leaders of the Uzbekistan Caucus in the US Congress, Democratic Congressman Vicente Gonzalez and Republican Congressman Trent Kelly.

At the beginning of the conversation, American lawmakers congratulated the head of the Uzbek delegation on the final eradication of child and forced labor in our country and the lifting of the Cotton Campaign’s boycott of Uzbek cotton and textile products. According to them, the fundamental reform of the cotton industry in the country, launched by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev six years ago, is already bearing fruit, creating unprecedented conditions for the release of Uzbekistan’s light industry products to world markets, including the United States. The historic event coincided with disruptions to global supply chains caused by the pandemic, providing unique opportunities for Uzbek manufacturers to carve out a niche in the global textile industry, US lawmakers said.

Congressmen, speaking about inter-parliamentary cooperation, noted that they continue to call on other legislators to become co-sponsors of a special resolution of the US Congress in support of the independence and sovereignty of Uzbekistan. “We currently have 21 votes and we need the support of four more congressmen for this document to be approved by the US Congress. We are ready to make every effort so that the resolution is adopted on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries,” Kelly said.

The American legislator also assured that the US Congress is committed to the adoption of a bill to terminate the application of the Jackson-Vanik amendment to Uzbekistan, which is very important, since it will contribute to the establishment of normal non-discriminatory relations in the field of trade between the two countries.

Congressman Gonzalez noted the importance of the "Uzbekistan Caucus" in the US Congress, which currently has 17 members. Speaking about this friendship group, Gonzalez noted with satisfaction that during the coronavirus pandemic, the composition of all caucuses decreased and only the Uzbekistan Caucus increased and is now working very hard.

Following a meeting with the leaders of the Uzbekistan Caucus, an agreement was reached in the US Congress to maintain constant contacts on topical issues of the Uzbek-American agenda and further strengthen inter-parliamentary ties through mutual visits of legislators of the two countries.