President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Uzbekistan Jon Purnell at presidential residence Oqsaroy on 11 March.

The sides considered issues of bilateral cooperation, regional security and situation in Afghanistan. They noted that bilateral relations are developing in accordance of strategic partnership principles.

Purnell said that the present meeting was good opportunity to discuss issues of cooperation and expressed his gratitude to Uzbek leader for frank reception.

The United State is one of the largest trade partners of Uzbekistan. Trade turnover between two countries rose from US$335.2 million in 2003 to US$543 million.