Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 13 November 2024, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Muzaffar Madrakhimov led the fourth annual Strategic Partnership Dialogue (SPD) between Uzbekistan and the United States in Washington, D.C. 

According to the US State Department, this dialogue is an invaluable forum to deepen and expand our security, economic, and people-to-people ties. Recognizing the vital role this meeting continues to play in strengthening cooperation and advancing bilateral relations, both sides agreed to elevate its status to that of an Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue (ESPD).

The delegations discussed the growing partnership between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United States in economic, human rights, security, and people-to-people dimensions. The United States reaffirmed its unwavering support for Uzbekistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Both sides declared the importance of continuing close consultations and celebrated new areas of cooperation, including in critical minerals production and the modernization of Uzbekistan’s natural gas infrastructure. The United States and Uzbekistan have seen significant progress in the critical minerals sector with the recent signing of the Critical Minerals MOU in September and Uzbekistan joining the Minerals Security Partnership. The delegations celebrated their economic partnership, sharing a desire to continue to diversify trade and investment, advance agricultural reforms in Uzbekistan, improve women’s economic empowerment, jointly address the climate crisis, and support the clean energy transition.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional issues such as enhancing constructive partnership through the C5+1 diplomatic format. The United States and Uzbekistan acknowledged meaningful successes in 2024, including a meeting of the C5+1 Foreign Ministers in September, the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue launch, the inaugural B5+1 Forum in support of U.S.-Central Asian business partnership, and the first C5+1 Special Session on Disability Rights on the margins of the UN Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the United Nations. 

The delegations emphasized the importance of strengthening security cooperation through deepening ties between defense departments, law enforcement agencies, and border and customs authorities. The United States applauded Uzbekistan for its signing of the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement in September, a major step forward to allow for bilateral cooperation on Customs matters. The United States takes concerns regarding potential security threats and vulnerabilities seriously and expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan’s help in expanding regional and cyber security cooperation to mitigate threats.

The United States and Uzbekistan discussed recent progress in addressing gender-based violence and labor rights in Uzbekistan. The delegations agreed to continue their efforts in promoting fundamental freedoms, including the right to self-expression, opinions, and beliefs in line with the government’s reform agenda. The United States expressed readiness to assist Uzbekistan’s continued advancement of human rights for its people.

The United States welcomed Uzbekistan’s adoption of USAID-supported English language textbooks and teacher training materials for use in public schools. The United States also applauded the development of increased sustainable economic opportunities for Uzbekistani women. The United States and Uzbekistan discussed people-to-people ties and the United States expressed gratitude for Uzbekistan’s leadership in the region in the fields of archaeology and cultural preservation. In this regard, the Department of State was pleased to announce the award of $500,000 in funding through the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation for architectural conservation work in Registan Square in Samarkand.

Assistant Secretary Lu and Deputy Foreign Minister Madrakhimov affirmed their intention to convene the inaugural Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue in Tashkent in 2025.