[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN CELEBRATION OF TWENTY YEARS OF U.S.-UZBEKISTAN DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

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                       HON. ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 15, 2012

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of 20 
years of U.S.-Uzbekistan diplomatic relations.
  When the United States of America established diplomatic relations 
with Uzbekistan on February 19, 1992, we were dealing with a newly 
reborn country that had just gained back its independence from the 
Soviet Union. Although Uzbekistan has a history that is thousands of 
years old, it faced many difficulties during the first years of its 
independence.
  Today, Uzbekistan has managed to make significant progress in every 
field including politics, economics, and international relations. 
Working to build a foundation based on established legislative, 
executive, and judicial branches of power, Uzbekistan is transitioning 
to democracy and, in so doing, is raising its unique historical 
heritage and national identity.
  I am extremely pleased by the high level of cooperation between 
Uzbekistan and the U.S. in the areas of regional security, the fight 
against transnational threats, and the deepening of political and 
economic consultations. U.S. companies are also expanding their 
presence in Uzbekistan, including General Motors.
  The U.S. is particularly appreciative of Uzbekistan's assistance in 
our efforts in Afghanistan. Uzbekistan is also building railroads and 
bridges and providing low price electricity and other bilateral 
assistance to Afghanistan, which is also critical to U.S. interests.
  So, once more, I congratulate the government and people of Uzbekistan 
for all they are doing to support the U.S., and I applaud President 
Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for strengthening 
U.S.-Uzbekistan relations.

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