Blinken welcomes Uzbekistan counterpart to state

Secretary Antony Blinken welcomed Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov to the Department of State on Thursday.

It was their first face-to-face meeting after videoconferences and phone calls.

"We have strong shared interests when it comes to security in the region, particularly with regard to Afghanistan," said Blinken.

"Uzbekistan has been a leader in bringing countries in the in the region together, particularly with regard to economic and infrastructure connectivity."

Foreign Minister Kamilov reaffirmed the two countries close relationship and said he expected them to cover a "broad agenda" during their visit and what their future relations would be.

IMAGE: AP