U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today meet the staff and families of Embassy Tashkent in Uzbekistan.
Ms. Clinton said she was delighted to be in the Embassy to meet the staff. She thanked all the staff for coming out even on a Sunday morning.
“As some of you might remember, when I came last December, you did not have an ambassador, so I would like to welcome and thank your new Ambassador for his service, and to thank all of you for the great cooperation and partnership that you have together.” -Ms. Clinton
Ms. Clinton underlined the importance of Uzbekistan to the region and to U.S. national interest. She said it is not just because of its central role in the Northern Distribution Network and its efforts in Afghanistan, but for growing trade and economic opportunities and a great opportunity that we have to try to help develop democracy in Uzbekistan.
“I’m delighted to be back for a third visit. When I was first lady, I helped open the nation’s first public health clinic for women. I’ll go back there today to see how they’re doing. And I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to travel in the country, from Tashkent to Samarkand to Bukhara and many places in between.” -Ms. Clinton
She noted that the Embassy demonstrates what the call for in the QDDR. She said it is a great interagency team. She added that their State and DOD officers have shown real interagency teamwork as they strengthen the Northern Distribution Network. I
“So I thank all of you, and particularly the children who got up early and got dressed up and brought in for this occasion. And I am especially grateful to our local staff, our American and Uzbek alike. You are part of this team. And the Uzbek staff is absolutely instrumental in everything that we do.” -Ms. Clinton