"Donald Trump invited to Uzbekistan" – US Ambassador

Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and the delegation headed by Special Representative of the President Abdulaziz Kamilov conveyed President Mirziyoyev's invitation to Donald Trump during their visit to the United States. According to US Ambassador Jonathan Henick, the White House is pleased and is seriously considering the invitation. Henick added that now, more than 30 years since independence, is the most appropriate time for a US president to visit the region.

Trump invited to Uzbekistan through Saidov and Kamilov

On April 24, US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick held a meeting with media representatives. The ambassador initially addressed Washington–Tashkent relations and the current agenda of cooperation. "We've never been this close," Henick said. According to him, in recent years, citizens of Uzbekistan have applied for US visas at record levels, and the consulate has approved visas in maximum quantities. Dialogue with the administration of President Donald Trump continues smoothly. The administration is particularly pleased with the cooperation of the Uzbek government in deporting migrants.

More than 30 years have passed since the Central Asian republics gained independence. However, during this extended period, no US president has ever visited Central Asia. There were discussions in political circles that President Joe Biden might visit Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan towards the end of his term, but he did not come to the region. The delegation from Uzbekistan conveyed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s invitation to Donald Trump. The White House is delighted with this invitation, Ambassador Jonathan Henick says.

"Well, Foreign Minister Saidov and Presidential Special Representative Kamilov, when they were in Washington, invited President Trump to visit Uzbekistan, perhaps to attend the 'C5+1' summit. I know the White House was very pleased with this. I am sure that they are seriously considering accepting this invitation. I agree with your opinion; indeed, more than 30 years have passed, and I think now is precisely the right time for a US president to visit the region," said Jonathan Henick, US Ambassador.

"We encourage Uzbekistan to continue its relations with the EU as they are" – Ambassador responds to Lavrov's remarks

Commenting on the strategic partnership signed between Central Asia and the European Union earlier this month in Samarkand, Jonathan Henick stated that the US understands this correctly and supports it. In response to a Kun.uz journalist's question about the debates arising from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks about the EU seeking dominance in Central Asia, the ambassador emphasized that Uzbekistan fully deserves these relationships.

- Mr. Ambassador, we recently interviewed the head of the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, who stated that the EU is not seeking exclusive relations. However, the Russian Foreign Ministry perceives this as the Union's attempt at dominance in the region. What will be the US reaction to this and the strategic partnership agreement?

"Uzbekistan has good relations with its neighbors, the United States, and the European Union. The US correctly understands and certainly supports this strategic partnership. Therefore, we encourage Uzbekistan to continue these positive and friendly relationships with its neighbors and the European Union, and we believe this fully aligns with Uzbekistan’s strong relations with the United States," stated Jonathan Henick, US Ambassador to Uzbekistan.

"Asylum will no longer be granted for illegal employment"

During the roundtable, Jonathan Henick also touched upon the migration policy of the new administration. Naturally, the US borders are no longer wide open for migrants. However, the Trump administration welcomes tourists, workers, students, and business representatives coming to the country legally, says the ambassador.

"Now it will be considerably restricted. In fact, there are legal ways to travel to the US. Last year, we were pleased to hear that over a thousand Uzbek citizens are studying in the US. We expect this number to grow. We think Uzbek students should also work at the UN. But now, employment opportunities for foreign nationals in the US are limited because we have seen many individuals illegally crossing the border without permission. Under Trump, seeking asylum just to work will no longer be possible," said Jonathan Henick, US Ambassador to Uzbekistan.

Uzbek delegation did not discuss trade tariffs in Washington

Donald Trump announced new trade tariffs in early April for countries around the world. Uzbekistan is among them, with a 10% tariff introduced on goods. Local experts forecasted that these trade tariffs would not have a direct severe impact on the Uzbek economy, but it could indirectly affect Uzbekistan's economy due to impacts on the country's primary trade partners. According to the US ambassador, the delegation from Uzbekistan visiting Washington did not discuss removing trade tariffs with US officials.

- Mr. Ambassador, did the delegation from Uzbekistan discuss lifting the trade tariffs during their visit to the US?

"If I am not mistaken, the level of tariffs applied to Uzbekistan is among the lowest tariffs applied to all countries. This was not an issue discussed at the meetings I attended in Washington. But at the same time, I am aware that there is currently a delegation in Washington. I believe Minister Kuchkarov and Presidential Special Representative Urunov are negotiating with the IMF and the World Bank, and they will also hold bilateral meetings with US officials. I suppose trade tariffs may potentially be among the issues they discuss," explained Jonathan Henick, US Ambassador to Uzbekistan.

"Democracy and human rights policies will hardly change"

As Donald Trump is reelected president in the US, the country is reportedly moving towards authoritarianism. Particularly, discussions around him changing the constitution to run for a third term undermine liberal values fundamentally. Under these circumstances, global liberal ideals, human rights, and freedom of speech advocacy also face challenges. According to Ambassador Henick, these are permanent US policies. Both Democrats and Republicans will not remove them from Washington's policies. However, the form might change, he adds.

"I have served as a diplomat in the State Department for over 30 years, including during both Republican and Democratic administrations. Throughout this period, support for human rights, including freedom of speech and press freedom, has always been part of what we try to do in every country. These are core values for our government and the American people. It’s not simply an optional issue; it reflects who we are. I think this will continue, albeit in another form. According to Trump and Secretary of State Rubio, human rights will remain an essential part of our foreign policy but should be more closely integrated into other areas, including national security," said Jonathan Henick, US Ambassador to Uzbekistan.

US has no plans to recognize the Taliban government

Afghanistan is Uzbekistan's neighbor, and peace in Afghanistan is crucial for stable regional development. The Taliban government that came to power in August 2021 has not yet been officially recognized by any state, but dialogue continues. Donald Trump, upon returning to the presidency, announced he would reclaim military equipment left in Afghanistan. He continues to avoid media questions about recognizing the Taliban. According to the US ambassador, nothing will change on this issue. Washington has no plans to recognize the Taliban.

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