State Secretary Raščan welcomed the progress made in the country and pointed to the importance of implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law, environmental protection, governance, civil society and human rights. In this context, he underlined the importance of Uzbekistan’s efforts to strengthen neighbourly relations and to address outstanding bilateral issues in the area of border demarcation and water management.

State Secretary Raščan and Director Burkhanov held an exchange of views on current foreign policy topics, in particular on the situation in Afghanistan. Due to the complexity of the situation in Afghanistan, a continuous and coordinated response by international partners is vital, State Secretary Raščan emphasised.

They also agreed that bilateral relations between the two countries are good, but that there exists scope to deepen them further.