Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Aug. 18 / Trend, D. Azizov /
The United States does not intend to open a military base in Uzbekistan, told reporters on Thursday, U.S. Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Robert Blake.
Blake denied foreign media reports that the outcome of his visit to Tashkent will be signing the agreement on the deployment of U.S. troops in Uzbekistan.
"The U.S. has no plans to establish military bases in Uzbekistan," he said.
After the withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan United States is prepared to continue to help Afghanistan, said Assistant Secretary of State. Other NATO countries have also pledged assistance to Afghanistan since 2014.
Robert Blake was in Tashkent at the head of inter-ministerial delegation, arrived to participate in the third round of Uzbek-US political consultations and the business forum of business circles of Uzbekistan and the United States.
"I had a very productive meeting with President Karimov and Foreign Minister Kamilov - said Blake. - I thanked the Uzbek government for its efforts to establish a normal life in Afghanistan. This are the delivery of electricity at reduced prices, the construction of the railway line to Mazar-i-Sharif, as well as support for the NDN. "
According to the U.S. Department of State, in meetings and consultations discussed a wide range of issues relating to trade, energy, agriculture, health, education, science and technology, relationship of parliament, the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism, religious freedom, human trafficking and human rights.
In parallel with the annual consultations organized a business forum. It was attended by representatives of 25 companies in the U.S..
In addition, for the first time in consultation was organized by the Civil Society Forum.
"We had a long and detailed discussion on the human dimension. This is an important part of our dialogue, which covers human rights issues, human trafficking," said Blake.
U.S. Assistant Secretary also congratulated the people of Uzbekistan with the upcoming holiday of Roosa-Hait.