Мой первый журнал ISRS-Journal-АНГЛ | Page 68

and reinvigorated during Mirziyoyev’s visit. Successful Uzbek-American cooperation can play a significant role in stabilizing the situation in Central and South Asia. In this connection, Tashkent’s active regional policy in Central Asia and Afghanistan is of particular significance. Uzbekistan has renewed close contacts with all countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan, with a vision to transform the region into a zone of sustainable and stable growth and to generate trustful and good neighborly relations within this area. Indeed, as RUSI scholar Rafaello Pantucci has noted, there were more activities of a regional nature in 2017 than in the past two decades. Tashkent’s decision to host a conference on Afghanistan and seek a major role in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan generated novel opportunities. In addition, Tashkent is taking a greater interest in efforts to manage other regional problems, ranging from the Aral Sea to the rational use of water resources and transboundary rivers, and maintaining a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia. Mirziyoyev’s visit is an indication that this proactive approach makes Uzbekistan an attractive partner for the United States, especially one that can play an important role in the international coalition’s strategy to build peace in Afghanistan. Importantly, Beijing’s reaction has been equally positive. Chinese experts support the view that cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States on Afghanistan will contribute to the development of transit potential and further integration of the countries in the region. CONCLUSIONS: An important result of the Uzbek leader’s official visit to the United States is Washington’s support for Tashkent’s initiatives concerning Afghanistan. If President Mirziyoyev’s proposals are implemented, including mechanisms of consultations among the heads of Central Asian states, and the economic, social and cultural integration of Afghanistan into this region, this would undoubtedly facilitate efforts to overcome the Afghan crisis and create conditions for Central and South Asian development over time. Today, new leaders are in charge both in Uzbekistan and the U.S., and are taking a fresh attitude to world and regional affairs. This provides promising prospects for the further deepening of relations between the two sides, based on their common aspiration to maintain peace and stability, and to improve mutually beneficial and long term relationships. These mutual interests formed the agenda of highest level of Uzbek-American negotiations, whose success indicate a positive bilateral understanding. This inspires confidence that Washington and Tashkent will implement these agreements promptly and efficiently, benefiting both their own citizens and all states in the region. 70