They discussed cooperation between NATO and Uzbekistan in supporting Afghanistan, as well as how to deepen bilateral cooperation in the framework of Uzbekistan’s Partnership programme with NATO.

“The transit through Uzbekistan in support of our ISAF operation is valuable,” the Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen stated. “We are grateful for the support of Uzbekistan and of all our other Central Asian Partners to our mission in Afghanistan.”

Along with all the other NATO Partners, Uzbekistan has signed up to the principles that underpin Partnership for Peace with NATO. Within this framework, the Secretary General also discussed with President Karimov how NATO can assist Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan has been a member of Partnership for Peace since 1994. In 2009, Uzbekistan concluded a transit agreement with NATO for the surface of non-lethal cargoes to Afghanistan.