Under Secretary of State Leads Delegation to Uzbekistan

07/13/2009

U.S. Under Secretary of State William Burns (center) met with leaders of Uzbekistan, including Foreign Minister Vladimir Norov (left, back to camera). Here Burns is joined by U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland (left) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns led a high-level delegation to Uzbekistan on July 12-13, meeting with President Islam Karimov and senior government officials to discuss issues ranging from regional security to economic development and strengthening of civil society institutions.

Burns was joined by National Security Council Senior Director for Russia and Central Asia Michael McFaul and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Central Asia David Sedney. The delegation also traveled to Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

The visit was a reflection of U.S. President Barack Obama’s commitment to strong, mutually beneficial relations between the U.S. and Uzbekistan, Burns said.

“I’m convinced that we have an opportunity before us in a new administration to strengthen ties between our two countries,” Burns said. “We see this visit as a first step in that direction.  And our relationship should include increased ties at many levels.”
 
The delegation met with President Karimov and Foreign Minister Vladimir Norov during the two-day visit. Burns spoke of opportunities to expand economic cooperation between the two countries, and he expressed appreciation for the contributions Uzbekistan is making toward improving regional stability.

“Uzbekistan obviously plays an important leadership role in this region, and I look forward to hearing the President’s perspectives how best to pursue our long-term strategy in Afghanistan and throughout the region, and how we can work together in the future,” Burns said shortly before meeting with President Karimov.

The U.S. delegation also met with leaders of civil society institutions, reflecting President Obama’s view that the U.S. needs to strengthen the ties between U.S. and other societies, as well as with other governments, Burns said.

Burns, a former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, has served as Under Secretary for Political Affairs since May 2008. He has also served as Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and as Ambassador to Jordan.