Speaking in Tashkent, Burns said: “I am pleased to have the opportunity to visit Tashkent along with a delegation of senior officials of the United States Government representing the White House, the State Department and the Defense Department. Our visit is a reflection of President Obama’s commitment to strong, mutually beneficial relations between our two countries based on mutual respect and common interests. I’ve already had constructive discussions with the Foreign Minister and other senior Uzbek officials.”

US official expressed appreciation for the contribution of Uzbekistan in the US efforts in Afghanistan. “I would like once again to express our appreciation for the important contributions Uzbekistan is making to our common effort in Afghanistan, through its support for the Northern Distribution Network and through the important provision of electricity to Kabul and other Afghan cities. I look forward very much to discussing other ways in which we can work together.”

Burns said Uzbekistan obviously plays an important leadership role in this region. “I look forward to listening to the President’s perspectives on how best to pursue our long term strategy in Afghanistan and throughout the region, and how we can work together in the future.”

“We have before us an opportunity to expand economic cooperation between our two countries, particularly in trade and investment. We look forward to continuing to work together on important issues like counternarcotics, counterterrorism, and border security,” the US official said.

“I was also pleased during our visit to have the opportunity to meet with leaders of civil society. President Obama has made clear that in our pursuit of stronger relations with countries around the world, we focus not only on strengthening ties between the governments, but also on strengthening ties between our two societies. And issues like the development of civil society institutions and human rights remain priorities for the United States,” he noted.

William Burns concluded: “Once again, I believe our visit and our discussions are a positive step in our relations. I’m convinced that we have an opportunity before us in a new administration to strengthen ties between our two countries. And I look forward very much to working together to make practical progress in the months ahead.”