On June 13, Uzbek Defense Minister Bakhodir Kurbanov hosted the commander of the US Central Command, Michael Kurilla. The Minister Bakhodir Kurbanov, welcoming the guest, congratulated the commander Michael Kurilla on his recent appointment to this position.

“For us, the United States is a time-tested partner that plays a key role in ensuring global security and stability. The ties between Uzbekistan and the United States are developing on the principles of equality, trust and mutual respect and have moved to the level of strategic partnership,” the minister said.

“We share a common goal with the United States in the fight against extremism, religious radicalism, international terrorism and other transnational threats that threaten peace and stability,” Bakhodir Kurbanov emphasized.

“We highly appreciate bilateral cooperation with the United States in the military and military-technical fields, as well as in ensuring security in the Central Asian region,” the Uzbek defense minister said. “We are ready for further stepping up of bilateral ties in the field of defense.”

Michael Kurilla, thanked the Uzbek side for the warm welcome and noted that he was impressed by the visit to Samarkand, which took place the day before, and the national games of kurash and kopkari, which were demonstrated to him. He added that on his next visit to Uzbekistan in winter, he would like to take part in such competitions as competitor.

“At the moment, I am on a 90-day study tour with all areas that fall under the responsibility of the Central Command. This includes 21 countries, and when we planned the trip, I separately made sure that I would also visit Uzbekistan, ”said the head of the Central Committee.

“The mission that the President of the United States has entrusted to me, and the resources that have been given to me, so that I can understand what are the risks, what are the gaps in relations, and most importantly, what opportunities do we have [for further cooperation],” he said. Michael Curilla.

During the meeting, the parties discussed strengthening cooperation and security issues in Central Asia.