Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 16 September 2024, Omnullo Nasritdinhodjaev, First Deputy Minister of Mining and Geology of Uzbekistan, and Jonathan Henick, U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on critical minerals, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the field of mineral resources.

This MoU is a significant step following the high-level summit in New York in September 2023, where the heads of state expressed their intention to initiate dialogue on mineral resources. The memorandum represents one of the initial steps by the USA and Uzbekistan to implement these intentions and bolster their economic partnership.

The agreement’s goal is to further develop cooperation between the two countries in the field of critical minerals and to expand ties in other areas.

The document marks an important phase in the ongoing U.S.-Uzbekistan dialogue on geological exploration, mineral extraction, and creating high-value-added product chains.

Additionally, the event included a meeting with the Uzbek delegation, which will participate in MINExpo International, the largest global mining industry event, scheduled to take place from 24-26 September 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada.