Washington DC, United States– On Monday, June 3, the Embassy of Uzbekistan hosted a Congressional Dinner, gathering over 60 guests from different offices of Senators and Congressmen, including members of the media, at its Embassy in Washington, D.C.
His Excellency , Ambassador Furkat Sidikov of Uzbekistan to the United States began the evening by warmly greeting the guests with “Assalomu alaykum”. He thanked everyone for attending and noted that their presence signaled strong US-Uzbek relations. He spoke about the significant reforms underway in Uzbekistan and the vital support needed from the U.S. Congress to ensure their success.
Ambassador Sidikov mentioned recent visits from Congressional Delegations led by Mike Rogers and Senator Steve Daines, reflecting increased interest in strengthening bilateral ties. He proudly referenced the Uzbek Caucus in the House of Representatives, which includes 18 members, and urged more Congress members to join.
H.E. Furqat Sidikov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the United States, delivered his opening remarks at the Congressional Staff Dinner hosted by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Washington, DC, on Monday, June 3, 2024.@UZEmbassyDC @uzbekmfa @un_uzbekistan @UsAmbUzbekistan @FurqatSidiq… pic.twitter.com/IexIzDLW3B
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) June 5, 2024
He addressed the Jackson-Vanik amendment, a Cold War-era restriction initially targeting the Soviet Union for its emigration policies. He called for its repeal and the extension of Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to Uzbekistan, urging the U.S. Congress to support these changes to enhance bilateral cooperation.
On Monday, US Congressman Don Bacon, representing Nebraska gave a brief yet impactful speech at the Congressional Staff Dinner hosted by the Embassy of Uzbekistan, Washington DC.@uzbekmfa @UZEmbassyDC @FurqatSidiq @RepDonBacon @rikhsiboev93 @BuchiMenkiti@JanDuPlain… pic.twitter.com/nw5VZby9x9
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) June 5, 2024
Following Ambassador Sidikov, Congressman Don Bacon representing Nebraska’s 2nd District shared his experiences from his travels to Uzbekistan. He described seeing many American cars, particularly white Malibus, on Uzbek roads, which he saw as a sign of potential economic ties. Congressman Bacon praised Uzbekistan’s efforts to expand individual rights and recognized its leadership role in Central Asia.
He called for strategic partnerships between the two nations in defense and regional cooperation. He pointed out the outdated nature of the Jackson-Vanik restrictions and advocated for their removal to strengthen US-Uzbek relations.
Sherzod Rikhsiboev
Embassy’s Congressional Liaison Officer
Discover firsthand insights from Chris Seiple, President Emeritus of the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE), on collaborating with Uzbeks at the Congressional Staff Dinner hosted by the Embassy of Uzbekistan@UZEmbassyDC @uzbekmfa @un_uzbekistan @UsAmbUzbekistan @FurqatSidiq… pic.twitter.com/VwTz1l0zFl
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) June 5, 2024
Next, Chris Seiple, Principal Advisor at Templeton Religion Trust, took the floor and shared his personal experiences in Uzbekistan. Having visited the country since 2000, including during the 9/11 period, Seiple spoke about the country’s educational achievements and rich cultural heritage. He praised Uzbekistan as a positive story in an era of global polarization and urged continued support for the country’s progress.
Seiple ended his speech with an analogy to the beloved Uzbek dish, Plov, noting the country’s ability to blend diverse influences into a harmonious whole.
Wade Kusack, President of Love Your Neighbor (LYN) Community, during the Congressional Staff Dinner held at the Uzbek Embassy on Monday, shares his direct encounters during a research trip to Uzbekistan, focusing on religious freedom. He applauds Uzbekistan's efforts in… pic.twitter.com/2mkvhvhKkA
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) June 5, 2024
Wade Kusack, the founder and president of Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC), who grew up in the Soviet Union, shared his observations on the transformation of religious life in Uzbekistan. He discussed his research on the impact of reforms on religious freedom and praised the restoration of religious structures that had been destroyed during the Soviet era. Kusack commended the Uzbek government’s efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and religious pluralism, noting the positive changes over the past eight years.
Concluding the speeches, Elena V. Son, Executive Director of The American Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce, delivered the final speech of the evening, shedding light on the Chamber’s significant role as the largest business group in New Asia and Central and Eastern Europe. She shared the impressive roster of companies affiliated with the Chamber, including industry giants such as Apple, Google, HP, Microsoft, Coca Cola, General Electric, General Motors, Visa, and many others.
Still on the Congressional Dinner organized by Embassy of Uzbekistan in Washington DC recently, Elena V. Son, Executive Director of The American Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce shared her thoughts on the need to strengthen US Uzbek Relations. @UZEmbassyDC @uzbekmfa @un_uzbekistan… pic.twitter.com/KzbqvaZztS
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) June 7, 2024
Reflecting on her experience since 1993, Elena observed even more reforms under the leadership of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev. Notably, she mentioned the Cat Currency Convertibility as a component of these reforms.
Elena reiterated the Uzbek government’s commitment to building favorable conditions for American companies. She stressed the challenges posed by competitors from Russia, China, and the Middle East, who leverage political influence and financial prowess to enter the Uzbek market.
Praising President Mirziyoyev’s visionary leadership and his dedication to ensuring security and stability not only within Uzbekistan but throughout the region, Elena V. Son talked about his eagerness to embrace American technology, equipment, and expertise, pointing out the mutual benefits of closer cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States.
However, Elena also addressed key obstacles hindering bilateral trade, notably the need to remove the Jackson-Vanik restrictions from the World Trade Organization agenda. She urged members of Congress to take action, noting the potential negative impact on both economies if these restrictions persist.
Additionally, she raised concerns about the absence of a bilateral investment treaty between the two countries, pointing out the lack of legal protection for investors interested in entering the Uzbek market.
After the speeches, guests enjoyed a variety of traditional Uzbek dishes, which provided a perfect setting for further discussions and networking. The evening left attendees with a deeper appreciation for Uzbekistan’s culture, reform journey, and the potential for stronger US-Uzbek relations.
