Uzbekistan offers Central Asian states to consolidate transport strategies

AKIPRESS.COM - The Virtual C5+1 High-Level Dialogue was held on June 30.
Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tleuberdi, Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Chingiz Aidarbekov, Foreign Minister of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov, U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo participated in the event, the Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan said.
The Ministers discussed relevant aspects of strengthening of regional economic cooperation, addressing current challenges and threats, the Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan said.
Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov suggested to focus cooperation in such areas as development of digital economy, consolidation of national transport strategies, encouragement of innovations in agriculture, increase of energy capacity of the countries of the region, intensification of efforts in improvement of socio-economic situation in Aral Sea region.
Secretary Pompeo reaffirmed the United States' commitment to the C5+1 diplomatic platform to address shared security interests, including peace in Afghanistan, and to advance regional connectivity and trade. He emphasized the U.S. Government's steadfast support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the five Central Asian states. The Secretary also highlighted U.S. efforts to improve the economic resiliency and connectivity of Central Asian countries and to ensure regional food security in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.