[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING U.S.-UZBEKISTAN PARTNERSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON BACON

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2022

  Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the enduring 
friendship between the United States and Uzbekistan, and to recognize 
the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our nations, 
including the 20th anniversary of the U.S.-Uzbekistan Strategic 
Partnership. Uzbekistan plays a fundamental role in the development of 
an independent, resilient, and democratic Central Asia. It is a 
bourgeoning force for regional economic growth and a vital partner in 
strengthening regional stability and cooperation.
  Since Uzbekistan's independence in 1991, with the fall of the Soviet 
Union, the United States and the international community have witnessed 
Uzbekistan emerge from what was once considered one of the world's most 
isolated and repressive countries into a nation of noteworthy 
transformational improvements.
  Today, Uzbekistan strives to modernize and liberalize the economy; 
streamline its bureaucracy; ease political tension; address human 
rights concerns; and engage with the international community, 
attracting foreign investment. Our friendship continues to flourish. In 
2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce led its first certified trade 
mission to Uzbekistan to discuss advancing trade opportunities between 
the two countries, and to open new markets for U.S. business interests.
  In 2021, the U.S. Department of State and the Minister of Foreign 
Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan launched a successful inaugural 
meeting of the U.S.-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership Dialogue in 
Tashkent, inspiring a continued constructive exchange on critical 
issues.
  I will continue to be a friend of Uzbekistan and support the great 
strides Uzbekistan has made to democratize. I look forward to a long 
and mutually beneficial relationship between our two nations.

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