On July 23, the U.S. Capitol hosted “Uzbekistan Day,” a significant event co-organized by the Congressional Uzbekistan Caucus to reaffirm growing ties between Uzbekistan and the United States. More than a hundred participants — including lawmakers, diplomats, officials from the State Department and Pentagon, business leaders, and journalists — gathered to engage with the Uzbek delegation and explore new areas for bilateral cooperation.
The forum focused on Uzbekistan’s ongoing political and socio-economic reforms and its foreign policy vision centered on regional stability and international cooperation. A central priority discussed was Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), with officials framing it as a vital step to ensuring long-term reform and global market integration.
U.S. Lawmakers Praise Reforms
At the event, Congressman Trent Kelly, Co-chairman of the Caucus on Uzbekistan, praised President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership, stating, “I want to express my gratitude to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He is a bold reformer, a reliable partner, and a sincere friend of the U.S. Under his leadership, Uzbekistan is confidently moving along the path of change. Human rights are being strengthened, democratic institutions expanded, and opportunities for international cooperation opened. These achievements inspire all of us.”
On a more personal note, Kelly added, “I have had the opportunity to visit Uzbekistan four times, and each visit left a deep impression on me. I was moved by the kindness of the Uzbek people, the richness of their cultural heritage, and the hospitality of your country. Music, cuisine, and deep traditions — all of this makes Uzbekistan truly unique… We will soon remove the Jackson-Vanik Amendment from our agenda because Uzbekistan is doing everything right and carrying out reforms,” he concluded.
Senator Steve Daines, Co-chairman of the Caucus on Central Asia, described himself as a “sincere friend of Uzbekistan.” Reflecting on his March 2024 trip to Tashkent, he said, “I felt at home and among friends. This meeting strengthened my desire to continue supporting the Central Asian countries.”
Montana Senator Steve Daines, Co-chairman of the Caucus on Central Asia
Congresswoman Carol Miller, also part of the March delegation, spoke of her personal connection to Uzbekistan’s heritage. “Uzbekistan, with its ancient history, has long aroused my professional interest, since I am a historian by education. The opportunity to see the country’s unique historical and cultural heritage in person was an invaluable experience.” Miller emphasized that, “The conversation took place in a trusting and open atmosphere. The topics raised during the meeting were not only relevant but also extremely promising from the viewpoint of the future development of Uzbek-American relations.”
West Virginia Congresswoman Carol Miller
Miller underscored her commitment to concrete legislative goals: “The removal of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment regarding our country and support for Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO are priority tasks. I am currently working closely with members of Congress to accelerate these issues.”
Economic Cooperation and Business Confidence
The event also featured remarks from American business leaders highlighting Uzbekistan’s economic potential. Peter Flanagan, Senior Vice President of FLSmidth, spoke about a major copper mining project in Almalyk, the implementation of the which “will lead to production volumes four times greater than those of the world’s largest copper deposit [in] Kennecott (Utah, U.S.” FLSmidth is ready to “become a reliable partner in the development of Uzbekistan’s mining industry,” he stated.
Miles Hansen, President of the Stirling Foundation, echoed the importance of socio-economic development. “The innovative policy of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev gives a strong impetus to the country’s socio-economic development, increasing the world’s interest in the republic. Uzbekistan pursues an agenda in which human dignity is paramount.”
Trade Normalization and Strategic Outlook
The forum spotlighted growing momentum in Congress to normalize trade relations. The repeal of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment and granting Uzbekistan permanent normal trade relations are seen as key to deepening commercial and diplomatic ties.
Congressman Kelly and Congresswoman Miller reaffirmed their legislative efforts to remove outdated barriers. “I am currently working closely with members of Congress to accelerate these issues,” Miller emphasized.
Media outlets and analysts described “Uzbekistan Day” as a timely and effective platform for demonstrating the country’s reforms and expanding bilateral cooperation. As one observer noted, “In conditions of global turbulence, such initiatives not only contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and trust, but also serve as evidence of Uzbekistan’s significantly increased international authority.”
The event reinforced Uzbekistan’s position as a strategic and reform-oriented partner in Central Asia. With expanding business engagement and bipartisan support in Washington, the U.S.–Uzbekistan partnership appears poised for sustained growth across political, economic, and cultural domains.