U.S. commits $500,000 for preservation of Samarkand’s historic Registan Square

On November 13, the United States and Uzbekistan held a strategic partnership dialogue in Washington, discussing key issues around economic cooperation, security, and human rights. During the meeting, the U.S. Department of State announced a $500,000 grant to support the preservation of the architecture of Registan Square, one of Samarkand's most renowned cultural sites.

The dialogue brought together senior representatives from both nations, including U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Uzbekistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Muzaffar Madrahimov. Also, in attendance were both countries’ ambassadors, who discussed avenues for deepening bilateral relations across multiple sectors.

Among the key topics addressed were economic relations, human rights, public engagement, and security cooperation. The United States reaffirmed its commitment to Uzbekistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and expressed support for ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector, trade, and diversification of investments. Talks also covered collaboration in mining critical minerals, modernizing natural gas infrastructure, and expanding constructive partnerships through the C5+1 diplomatic platform.

Both delegations underscored the importance of strengthening defense and security cooperation. They highlighted the significance of closer ties between their respective defense ministries, law enforcement agencies, and border and customs authorities. The United States commended Uzbekistan’s recent signing of a mutual assistance agreement in customs, which is expected to bolster bilateral collaboration on customs issues.

Additionally, the U.S. acknowledged Uzbekistan’s leadership in the region in archaeological and cultural preservation. Through the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, the State Department committed $500,000 to support conservation efforts at Samarkand’s Registan Square, a treasured historical and cultural landmark.

The delegations also addressed Uzbekistan's progress on reforms aligned with human rights, including efforts to protect freedoms of expression, belief, and assembly. The U.S. reiterated its support for Uzbekistan's initiatives to advance these fundamental rights and expressed readiness to assist in their human rights protection efforts.

The parties concluded the meeting with an agreement to hold the first expanded strategic partnership dialogue in Tashkent in 2025.

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