Mirziyoyev: Uzbekistan won't join political or military blocks

Uzbekistan will continue to pursue the policy of non-alignment with any military or political blocs, and will not allow to create military bases of other states in its territory, acring head of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

"Our country's main position, just like before, is non-alignment with any military or political blocs. We also won't allow deployment of military bases and facilities of other countries on the territory of Uzbekistan, and our troops won't stay abroad," he said.

Speaking about the priorities of Uzbekistan's foreign policy, he emphasized the development of relations with "the Central Asian region, with which national interests of the republic are associated: "We always remain committed to carrying out open, friendly and pragmatic policy in relation to our nearest neighbors: Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan."

At the same time, acting President drew attention to the priority role of "relations with the CIS countries" and "consistent development and all-round strengthening of friendly relations with the Russian Federation in the framework of the Strategic Partnership Agreement, the Treaty of Allied Relations and other important agreements." In his opinion, these documents "meet the interests of both countries and help strengthen stability and security in the region."

He also said that "the development of all-round mutually beneficial and constructive cooperation with the United States is still a priority in our foreign policy... just like further strengthening of comprehensive strategic partnership with China."