Deputy Secretary Landau’s Meeting with Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Saidov

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met today with Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov in Washington, D.C. on February 4, 2026, to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss regional security cooperation in Central Asia. The high-level meeting underscores the growing strategic partnership between the United States and Uzbekistan, two nations with increasingly important geopolitical ties in the volatile Central Asian region. During their discussions, both officials likely explored ways to enhance counterterrorism cooperation, economic development initiatives, and diplomatic efforts to stabilize Afghanistan, where Uzbekistan shares a significant border and plays a critical regional role. The meeting also addressed infrastructure projects, water resource management, and cultural exchanges that form the backbone of the expanding relationship between these two nations. As the United States continues its strategic pivot toward the Indo-Pacific, maintaining strong relationships with Central Asian partners like Uzbekistan has become increasingly important for regional stability and economic prosperity.