An invitation for U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Uzbekistan was extended during the visit of an Uzbek delegation led by Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and the President’s Special Representative Abdulaziz Kamilov to the United States. Kun.uz reported on April 27 that this was stated by U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick during a meeting with media representatives.
According to the ambassador, the White House welcomes the invitation and is seriously considering it. Henick noted that after more than 30 years of independence for the countries in the region, now is the most appropriate time for an American president to visit.
Henick emphasized that U.S.–Uzbekistan relations are closer than ever. In recent years, he said, Uzbek citizens have been applying for U.S. visas in record numbers, and the U.S. consulate has issued a record number of visas. He also stated that dialogue with the Trump administration is continuing at a good level, especially regarding cooperation on migrant deportation, an area in which Washington is very satisfied.
Despite more than 30 years of independence for Central Asian republics, no sitting U.S. president has ever visited the region. There were rumors that Joe Biden might visit Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan toward the end of his term, but it did not happen. Now, the Uzbek delegation has extended an official invitation to Donald Trump.
"Both Foreign Minister Saidov and the President’s Special Representative Kamilov invited President Trump to visit Uzbekistan during their visit to Washington, possibly within the framework of the 'C5+1' summit. The White House is very pleased with the invitation and is seriously considering it. Given that more than 30 years have passed since independence, I believe now is the right time for a U.S. presidential visit to the region," Henick stated.
“We Encourage Uzbekistan to Continue Its Relations with the EU”
Speaking about the strategic partnership agreement signed in Samarkand between Central Asia and the European Union, Henick said that the U.S. understands and supports this move. When asked by Kun.uz about Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s claim that the EU seeks dominance in the region, the ambassador stressed that Uzbekistan deserves full partnerships with everyone.
“Uzbekistan maintains good relations with its neighbors, with the United States, and with the European Union. The U.S. correctly understands the strategic partnership and fully supports it. We encourage Uzbekistan to continue building such strong and friendly relations, as this also strengthens U.S.–Uzbekistan ties,” Mr. Henick said.
“Illegal work will no longer be an option”
Jonathan Henick also touched on the migration policy of the new U.S. administration. According to him, the country’s doors are no longer open to all migrants. The U.S. welcomes legal tourists, workers, students, and business representatives but is strengthening border controls.
"Opportunities to seek asylum for the purpose of illegal work have been seriously restricted. There are many legal ways to enter the U.S. We are pleased that last year, more than a thousand Uzbek citizens studied in the United States, and we expect this number to grow. Uzbek students should also aim to work at the United Nations. However, for those illegally crossing the border, opportunities to work in the U.S. have greatly diminished," Henick emphasized.
Trade tariffs between Uzbekistan and the U.S. not discussed
In early April, Donald Trump announced new trade tariffs of 10% for all countries, including Uzbekistan. Experts believe that this will not severely impact Uzbekistan's economy directly but could affect its trading partners.
According to the ambassador, the issue of lifting tariffs was not discussed during the Uzbek delegation’s visit to Washington.
"Tariffs on Uzbek goods are among the lowest in the world. This issue was not raised in the meetings I attended. However, I know the delegation met with representatives of the IMF and the World Bank. It is possible that the issue of trade tariffs will be discussed in the future," Henick noted.
"Democracy and human rights policies will not change"
After Donald Trump’s re-election, concerns have grown about a potential drift toward authoritarianism in the U.S., especially amid rumors of a possible constitutional change for a third term. This has raised fears for the fate of liberal values and human rights worldwide.
However, Henick stated that human rights support will remain a key part of U.S. foreign policy.
"I have worked as a diplomat in the U.S. State Department for over 30 years under both Republican and Democratic administrations. Throughout this time, defending human rights, freedom of speech, and press freedom has always remained one of our core missions. This is not just a policy — it reflects our national identity. I believe support for human rights will continue, perhaps in a different format. Under the Trump administration, these issues may become more closely integrated with national security concerns," the ambassador said.
The U.S. does not plan to recognize the Taliban
Afghanistan, Uzbekistan’s neighbor, remains an important factor for regional stability. Since the Taliban came to power in August 2021, no country has officially recognized their government.
Donald Trump has promised, if he returns to power, to retrieve the remaining U.S. military equipment left in Afghanistan. However, he has not responded to media questions about recognizing the Taliban.
According to Jonathan Henick, Washington still has no plans to recognize the Taliban.
