The United States wants the Central Asian countries to refuse from military purchases from Russia and switch to contracts with the US.

Axar.az reports citing Russian media.

The head of the U.S. military’s Central Command, General Joseph Votel said that in a written introductory speech to the hearings in the Committee on the Affairs of the Armed Forces of the Senate of the US Congress.

"Uzbekistan showed interest in diversifying its military supplies and provided a list of American systems and equipment in a purchase of which they are interested. This interest provides a unique opportunity to divert Uzbekistan away from military purchases from Russia and deepen our relationship," Votel said.

He stated that The US is trying to pull Central Asia away from military purchases from Russia but higher prices for the US equipment will continue to pose a problem for these countries.