ТАSHKENT, October 19. /Dunyo IA/. Today, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived in Uzbekistan to attend the “C5+1” Ministerial Meeting and the second meeting of the Uzbekistan–U.S. Business and Investment Council, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the press service of the Head of our State, at the beginning of the meeting, Secretary Marco Rubio conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from U.S. President Donald Trump to the Leader of Uzbekistan.

Discussions focused on further strengthening the Uzbekistan–U.S. strategic partnership and ensuring the consistent implementation of agreements reached at the highest level.

Two sides welcomed the outcomes of the latest C5+1 Ministerial Meeting, which reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening dialogue and expanding multifaceted cooperation between the United States and Central Asian countries.

Growing momentum of bilateral cooperation across key areas, including politics and security, trade and investment, innovation and technology, education and culture, was welcomed.

Direct and constructive dialogue has been established between the parliaments and government agencies of both countries, while engagement between business communities and academic institutions continues to expand.

Security cooperation is also strengthening, particularly in combating terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and illegal migration.

Launch of the Uzbekistan–U.S. Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue marked an important milestone in bilateral relations. Its inaugural meeting resulted in the signing of several documents, including the Artemis Accords on peaceful space exploration.

Economic cooperation remains a cornerstone of the strategic partnership. Bilateral trade has increased by 35 percent since the beginning of the year. The Economic Cooperation Program is progressing successfully, with major projects underway in civil aviation, automotive manufacturing, mining, energy, agriculture, digitalization and the financial sector.

Important role of the Business and Investment Council in strengthening trade, economic and investment cooperation was emphasized. New agreements worth $12 billion were signed during today’s Council meeting.

Cooperation in the humanitarian sphere also continues to expand steadily. Webster University, the American University of Technology and the Colorado School of Mines Competence Center are successfully operating in Tashkent. The number of American tourists visiting Uzbekistan is also growing.

Two sides also identified new opportunities for practical cooperation, particularly in critical minerals, energy, transport, artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

Particular attention was given to strengthening cooperation between regions and facilitating exchanges of business delegations.

Meeting also included an in-depth exchange of views on pressing international issues and regional security.

Two sides reviewed the schedule and substantive agenda of upcoming events involving the leaders of Uzbekistan and the United States.