The meeting focused on opportunities for further developing practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and the State of Washington, as well as strengthening the long-standing sister-city relationship between Tashkent and Seattle. Particular attention was given to cooperation in business, innovation, technology, education, culture, and people-to-people ties.

Javlon Vakhabov noted that Seattle is one of the leading centers of innovation, the creative economy, and high technology in the United States. He emphasized that the long-standing ties between Tashkent and Seattle provide a strong foundation for giving interregional cooperation new practical substance, especially amid Uzbekistan’s growing interest in developing the digital economy, startup ecosystem, education, and technology partnerships.

It was also emphasized that the opening of the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Seattle creates additional opportunities to deepen engagement with the U.S. Pacific Northwest, expand direct contacts with the region’s business, educational, and cultural communities, and promote joint initiatives between Uzbekistan and the State of Washington.

For his part, Brian Surratt noted the importance of preserving and further developing the sister-city relationship between Seattle and Tashkent. He also expressed the city administration’s interest in expanding cooperation with Uzbekistan in areas of mutual interest.

The sides expressed their readiness to continue dialogue and support concrete projects aimed at bringing the cities, institutions, and communities of the two countries closer together.