[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 79 (Friday, May 7, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING 30 YEARS OF UZBEK INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 7, 2021

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
the 30-year independence of Uzbekistan from the former Soviet Union and 
their progressive efforts to democratize and create a positive impact 
on the international stage. Since 1992 the United States and Uzbekistan 
have enjoyed strong diplomatic and economic relations. In recent years 
Uzbekistan has made significant steps in redirecting their actions 
towards furthering democratic, political, economic, and social reforms. 
I am proud to see Uzbekistan work towards such worthy goals.
  In addition to domestic democratic actions Uzbekistan has made 
strides to increase strong, robust diplomatic and economic relations 
with the United States. Currently, Uzbekistan and the U.S. maintain an 
important, multifaceted relationship that benefits both parties in the 
advancement of domestic and international interests. Uzbekistan remains 
a critical ally in the southeast Asian regions to stop the spreading 
Chinese influence.
  Uzbekistan has been a participant in Annual Bilateral Consultations, 
which produced agreements on issues such as terrorism, regional 
security, trade, and human rights reform. The country also ambitiously 
laid out a night year plan, the ``National Development Action Strategy 
on Five Priority Areas 2017-2021,'' which defines governance, judicial 
reform, economic progress, social development and a balanced foreign 
policy as key goals to work towards. Uzbekistan is on track with these 
goals as they are preparing for an election in the fall, are actively 
working to be a stabilizing force in Central Asia and have made great 
efforts to be a partner with the United States on the world stage.
  I am proud to be a friend to the country of Uzbekistan and I 
congratulate them on marking 30 years of progress since leaving the 
Soviet Union. The strides made have brought Uzbekistan far and they 
have made a great ally on the world stage.

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