Welcoming the guest, the Minister of Defense congratulated the Head of the Central Command on his recent appointment to this post.

“For us, the United States is a time-tested partner that has played a key role in ensuring global security and stability. Relations between Uzbekistan and the United States have developed on the principles of equality, trust, and respect for each other’s interests, and have moved to the level of strategic partnership.

We share a common goal with the United States in the fight against extremism, religious radicalism, international terrorism and other transnational threats that threaten peace and stability.

We appreciate the bilateral cooperation with the United States in the military and military-technical spheres, as well as in ensuring security in the Central Asian region. We are ready to further intensify interstate relations in the field of defense,” the Uzbek Defense Minister said.

The head of the Central Command Michael Kurilla thanked the Uzbek side for the warm welcome and said he was impressed by the national wrestling and kupkari (horse racing) games shown to him during his visit to Samarkand the day before. He added that during his next visit to Uzbekistan in the winter, he would like to personally participate in similar competitions.

“I am currently on a 90-day study tour of all the areas under the Central Command’s responsibility. It covers 21 countries, and when we planned the visit, I was convinced that I would also visit Uzbekistan.

The mission entrusted to me by the President of the United States and the resources given to me are dedicated to understanding what risks I face, gaps in our relationships and, most importantly, what opportunities we have for future cooperation,” the head of the Central Command said.

During the meeting, the sides discussed issues of strengthening cooperation and strengthening security in Central Asia.