US suggests Uzbekistan to use resources of American financial institutions

On September 22, Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov took part in a meeting of the heads of foreign affairs agencies of the five Central Asian countries and the USA in the “C5+1” format, which was held in New York.

According to the MFA press service, the foreign ministers exchanged views on the prospects for the development of multilateral cooperation in various fields, implementation of joint projects aimed at strengthening cooperation.

In the course of the event, issues of cooperation in the field of regional security, strengthening border protection and encouraging cross-border ties, as well as promoting trade-economic and investment cooperation in Central Asia were considered.

“The United States has reaffirmed its continued commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of each country, as well as a strong, prosperous and stable region,” the press service said.

The American side also expressed an interest in supporting efforts for economic development, promoting trade and investment ties in Central Asia. In order to support private business, the possibility of using the resources of American financial institutions, including the newly created US International Development Finance Corporation (USIDFC) with a budget of $60 billion, was emphasized.

In his speech, Abdulaziz Kamilov noted that Uzbekistan remains an active supporter of the promotion of multifaceted cooperation within the framework of “C5+1”. As it was emphasized, Uzbekistan considers it important to further promote infrastructure, transport-communication, cultural-humanitarian and scientific-educational ties and expresses an interest in attracting assistance to overcome the consequences of the Aral Sea disaster.

“At the same time, particular importance is attached to the active involvement of Afghanistan in the regional economic processes, which can act as a “ground bridge”. Our country also supports granting Afghanistan the status of a full member of the US – Central Asia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) during the next meeting of the TIFA Council in Washington in October this year,” the foreign ministry said.

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed at the meeting. As part of the “C5+1” meeting, a brief conversation was held between the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo. Topical issues of the Uzbek-American agenda were considered.