Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 19 to discuss strengthening bilateral strategic ties.

Axar.az reports, citing Uzbekistan’s national news agency UZA, that the talks focused on implementing agreements reached at the highest level and expanding cooperation in security, trade, investment, technology, education and culture.

The sides noted progress in security cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and illegal migration. They also discussed opportunities in critical minerals, energy, transport, artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

Bilateral trade has increased by 35% since the beginning of the year, according to the report. Meanwhile, the Uzbekistan–U.S. Business and Investment Council signed new agreements worth $12 billion at its meeting on Monday.

Mirziyoyev and Rubio also discussed regional security and international issues, as well as upcoming events involving the presidents of Uzbekistan and the United States. Rubio conveyed greetings and best wishes from U.S. President Donald Trump to Mirziyoyev.