MOSCOW, July 4. /Dunyo IA/.  Russian daily newspaper “Izvestia” published an article under the title “Rare Earth Interest: The U.S. seeks to enter Central Asia through Uzbekistan”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to a report in the Russian daily newspaper “Izvestia”, the United States and Uzbekistan are deepening ties, highlighted by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer's recent visit to Tashkent for talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation across key sectors - including energy, aviation and critical mineral extraction alongside Washington's support for Uzbekistan's WTO accession and increased American investment.

“Relations between the United States and Uzbekistan stand at a high level and Uzbekistan serves as a pivotal partner for the U.S. in Central Asia. It represents a dynamically developing economy, open to the international community and consistently transitioning toward market-based mechanisms. For the United States, partners who adhere to these principles of economic openness are highly valued”, - publication cites the statement made by Jamieson Greer following his negotiations with the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Publication emphasizes that the economic dimension of the bilateral cooperation is expanding significantly. Over the past year, Washington and Tashkent have engaged in intensive negotiations regarding a comprehensive trade and investment agreement. Specifically, the sides have aligned on a package of arrangements aimed at broadening mutual market access.

Both nations plan to formally finalize these agreements in the near future.”

Tashkent emphasized that finalizing the accession process to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by the conclusion of this year remains a paramount national priority, an objective for which the United States has reaffirmed its steadfast support.

It is observed that Washington considers the Republic a vital anchor for reinforcing its position within Central Asia. Uzbekistan, on its part, intends to capitalize on this strategic attention, converting it into technological assets and financial resources to drive its domestic growth.

Publication also cites the perspective of Rustam Burnashev, an expert on Central Asian security affairs, who observed in an interview with Izvestia that Western partners currently possess a more refined comprehension of Central Asian dynamics compared to the 1990s.

Outlet quotes the expert as stating that there is a mutual understanding, and our cooperation remains quite active within a thoroughly analysed framework. It operates essentially as a commercial partnership. However, in terms of both its scope and its leverage over economic and political processes, it fundamentally does not match the depth of cooperation that Uzbekistan maintains with Russia, China, or its immediate neighbours.