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.
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