Uzbekistan must maintain balance – US Ambassador comments on Tashkent’s position on Ukraine war

The United States understands and respects Uzbekistan’s position on the Ukrainian conflict. For the sake of its interests, Uzbekistan has to act in a balanced manner. This was stated by the US Ambassador to Uzbekistan Daniel Rosenblum in an interview with « America Ovozi» (Voice of America.

The journalist asked the ambassador how he understands the position of Uzbekistan as a strategic partner in the Ukrainian conflict and how Tashkent behaves.

“I understand and respect this position because we understand how difficult position Uzbekistan is in. There are geographical and historical factors. For the sake of its interests, Uzbekistan must act in a balanced manner. There are trade relations and capital, as well as migrant workers, in Russia. The money they send is a significant investment in the country’s economy. These are matters of life and death for Uzbekistan. We understand this,”- Rosenblum said.

The ambassador did not focus on the difficult situation in Ukraine much, but said that the United States would always respect and protect sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Sovereignty and independence, territorial integrity are very important international principles of world stability. If they are neglected, if they break, the State that claims power will destroy the other. We have seen this with the example of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. I think these principles are important for Uzbekistan as well. We can see it in 30 years of independence of the country. » - he said.

Rosenblum also stressed that Uzbekistan and the United States need to negotiate openly so that they understand each other’s positions.

“We have listened to the recent statement of Foreign Affairs Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov. In my view, the policy he explained is reasonable, logical, and clear.  So, my answer to your question is: ‘Of course, we understand this policy.’ We are determined to work with Uzbekistan to solve current problems in the world, in particular, in the region. »

For reference, in his address to the Senate, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulaziz Kamilov stated that Uzbekistan supports a peaceful solution to the situation in Ukraine and a settlement of the conflict by political and diplomatic means. He also said that the Republic of Uzbekistan recognized the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and did not recognize the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republic.