Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Feb.27 / Trend, D. Azizov /
"Relations between the U.S. and Uzbekistan are developing more and more rapidly and cooperation is expanding in all areas. We are engaged in an increasingly active dialogue that covers a wide range of topics, including security, economic and social areas," U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan George Krol said in an interview with the National News Agency of Uzbekistan on the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He said the Declaration on the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Framework signed in 2002 is a fundamental document. It not only provides a basis for cooperation and partnership, but is also a programme of joint action on all issues of bilateral relations.
Mr Krol went on to say that a mechanism of annual bilateral consultations was launched for a clear formulation of an action plan and review of progress achieved in 2009. As a result, a certain success was achieved in the development of mutually beneficial relations.
"In particular, an agreement on cooperation in science and technology was signed during U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to Uzbekistan in 2010. Today, both sides are engaged in joint development of specific actions to fulfil it," Mr Krol said.
He also said efficient consultations are held on issues associated with the resolution of the Afghan problem, as well as improving the legal framework of bilateral cooperation.
"It should be stressed that such consultations are mutually beneficial, so we need to make them more regular, to hold them more frequently. There are huge opportunities for broader and more significant contact and we have successfully started this process. Now it is necessary to continue and expand our relations," he said.
Mr Krol expressed his hope that further cooperation in the economic sphere between Uzbekistan and the United States has enormous prospects.
"I think not only General Motors, but also other major U.S. companies will operate in Uzbekistan in the future. The same can be said about bilateral cooperation in general. I see my task as an ambassador and task all U.S. embassies in facilitating this process," he added.
Diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and the United States were established on Feb.19, 1992.
At present, legal base between the two countries has more than 60 intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements.
In 2011 bilateral trade turnover increased by 36.2 per cent - up to $249.9 million, including the Uzbek exports that grew by 40.7 per cent - up to $72.3 million, while imports from the United States - 34.4 per cent, up to $177.6 million.
At present, the country registered 241 enterprises backed by U.S. investors, 61 of them totally owned with U.S. capital. Representatives of 64 U.S. companies are accredited to the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of Uzbekistan.