Washington, DC - Secretary Kerry met with Uzbekistan’s President Islam Karimov today to discuss U.S.-Uzbekistan relations and to review opportunities to cooperate on a range of bilateral and regional issues.

The Secretary expressed U.S. respect for Uzbekistan’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. He thanked President Karimov for hosting the historic gathering of the C5+1, a new format for dialogue among the United States and Central Asian republics, in his hometown of Samarkand.

They discussed global issues of shared concern including combating violent extremism, regional security and stability. They also conversed about bilateral concerns including economic and commercial cooperation, regional connectivity, respect for human rights and political freedoms, and areas for future cooperation.

The Secretary also raised the importance of cooperative global efforts to combat climate change.