TASHKENT (TCA) — At one of its latest sessions, the International Press Club in Tashkent hosted a meeting with S. Frederick Starr, chairman of the Central Asia and Caucasus Institute (CACI) of the American Foreign Policy Council. The reason behind the meeting was the recent publication in the US of the book Frederick Starr and Svante Cornell edited, “Uzbekistan’s New Face”, dedicated to the new history of Uzbekistan. The presentation of the book took place on the eve of the first official visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the United States, the Jahon information agency reported.
“The reforms undertaken today in Uzbekistan inspired us to conduct research on the transformation in the country and produce a book. We tried to cover as much as possible: economy, politics, the judiciary, religion and agriculture,” Frederick Starr said at the meeting, adding that the current vigorous reforms in Uzbekistan have an impact not only on the country itself, but on the entire Central Asia region.
“We identified three main areas of reform,” Mr. Starr said. “First, they are economic measures that undoubtedly can change the standard of living of citizens. Second, it is initiatives to address the Afghan crisis. Rather than erecting a wall, Uzbekistan offered a helping hand to its neighbor. Third, the reflection of reforms at the regional level. Currently, we are witnessing the gradual ascent of Central Asia in the world arena, which was the result of reforms spearheaded by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.”
“The reforms are aimed at improving the economy. Along with this, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is a very talented person,” Mr. Starr said. “At the same time, I know he is not alone, that he has a very strong team of specialists not only in Tashkent, but throughout the country, who can be called reformers. We see young people in key positions — this demonstrates the attention and support for young people. In Uzbekistan, there is a talented growing generation, which will make a significant contribution to the development of the country.”
