Uzbekistan, US note importance of launching joint platform to expand cooperation

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Uzbekistan and the US on Tuesday noted the importance of launching a joint platform to expand cooperation between the two countries.

“The importance of launching a joint platform to identify new sectors and promote industrial cooperation projects was noted,” according to a statement by the Uzbek presidency following talks between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai in the capital Tashkent.

Mirziyoyev and Tai discussed strengthening the strategic partnership, as well as expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation during the meeting, it said.

The statement said the two underlined the intensification of business contacts and the steady growth in mutual trade turnover and investment, and Tashkent’s accession to the World Trade Organization were issues discussed.

Deepening practical interaction within the C5+1 format and the Strategic Framework Agreement on Trade and Investment between the two countries were also discussed, it added.

The C5+1 was formed under former US President Barack Obama during the 2015 UN General Assembly. It is the main dialogue platform for the US with Central Asian states.

Tai's visit to Uzbekistan also includes contacts in the city of Samarkand on June 12.

She will later head to neighboring Kazakhstan on June 13 for a three-day visit.