During the meeting, Bahodir Matlubov noted that the two countries had established friendly and mutually beneficial relations, which are based on over 60 treaties and agreements in various fields.

Mr Matlubov briefed the visitor about the structure of the Uzbek law-enforcement agencies, key areas of the Uzbek Interior Ministry’s activities and about the current crime situation.

The sides considered issues of combating international terrorism and religious extremism, drug trafficking and human trade. They noted that the two countries interact in the law-enforcement field mainly via Interpol channels. Data exchange between the two countries’ national central bureaux of Interpol has been increasing from year to year in various directions: international investigation, economic crime and personal identification.

For his part, Richard Norland conveyed his gratitude for the warm welcome and detailed information, and expressed confidence that cooperation between the USA and Uzbekistan and the law-enforcement agencies of the two countries would be further developed based on the principles of mutual trust, for which all necessary conditions and prerequisites are in place.

The US ambassador emphasized that the current goals and objectives of the Uzbek law-enforcement agencies coincide with those in the USA in many aspects. Therefore, closer and more comprehensive interaction in dealing with modern threats and challenges should give a new impetus to developing mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.

The meeting was held in an atmosphere of mutual trust and interest.