The first meeting of the enhanced strategic partnership dialogue between Uzbekistan and the US took place in Samarkand. The foreign ministers of the two countries discussed the development of trade and investments, as well as cooperation in the fields of energy, critical minerals, and technologies.

The first meeting of the enhanced strategic partnership dialogue between Uzbekistan and the US was held on Monday, October 19, in Samarkand. It was conducted by Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"The launch of this mechanism is an important step towards the consistent development of Uzbek-American relations," Bakhtiyor Saidov wrote on his Telegram channel.

According to him, the parties discussed "the full and timely implementation of the agreements reached between the leaders of our countries, the expansion of trade and investments, and the development of cooperation in the fields of energy, critical minerals, and advanced technologies." According to the minister, special attention was paid to issues of education, cultural and humanitarian ties, and security cooperation.

"We believe that this dialogue will create a solid foundation for strengthening mutual trust, promoting joint projects, and implementing new initiatives and projects within the framework of our strategic partnership," the minister said. The US Secretary of State also announced the holding of the first dialogue on enhanced strategic partnership.

"Met with Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov to discuss deepening the strategic partnership between the US and Uzbekistan, including cooperation in infrastructure, space, and critical minerals, as well as collaboration within the C5+1 diplomatic platform. We are working together to increase prosperity for our countries and the entire region," he said.

Marco Rubio is in Samarkand to participate in the C5+1 format meeting of the foreign ministers of the regional countries and the US. The second meeting of the American-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council will also take place here.