Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 19, who arrived in Uzbekistan to participate in the C5+1 Ministerial Meeting and the second meeting of the Uzbekistan-US Business and Investment Council.

Rubio conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from US President Donald Trump to the Uzbek president, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uza.uz.

The discussions focused on strengthening the Uzbekistan-US strategic partnership and ensuring the consistent implementation of agreements reached at the highest level.

Both 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.

The parties also welcomed the growing momentum of bilateral cooperation in key areas, including politics and security, trade and investment, innovation and technology, education, and culture.

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

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

The launch of the Uzbekistan-US 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.

The 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 the Council's meeting on October 19.

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

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

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

The meeting also featured an in-depth exchange of views on pressing international issues and regional security.

The parties reviewed the schedule and substantive agenda of upcoming events involving the leaders of Uzbekistan and the United States.