On May 23,2024 the University of World Economy and Diplomacy hosted a lecture by Matthew Habinowski, Political/Economic Section Chief at the US Embassy in Tashkent, with UWED students on the topic “The vision of Uzbekistan in US foreign policy”. Opening the event, Vice Rector for Science and Innovation Gulnoza Ismailova emphasized the importance of holding such open lectures to better understand the current dynamics of bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and the United States. In turn, the Head of the Center for American Studies at IAIS, Ulugbek Ishankhodjaev, informed the guest about the current state of American studies at UWED and promising plans to improve the scientific and pedagogical base.

During the lecture, M. Habinowski gave a historical overview of the development of bilateral relations, and also informed students about the US Strategy in Central Asia. In particular, the guest noted that the C5+1 platform is a confirmation of the United States’ interest in accelerating regional integration processes for an independent, prosperous and secure Central Asia. According to the representative of the US Embassy, Uzbekistan should become a locomotive in these processes, which is justified by the active exchange of visits between representatives of the two countries in order to expand practical partnership.

In the second half of the meeting, the students had the opportunity to ask the American diplomat various questions related to the problem of ensuring regional security after the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, as well as the diversification of transport and logistics routes and energy. M. Habinowski also informed students with educational programs for exchange and continuing education in US universities.

Concluding the meeting, the guest expressed gratitude to the organizers of the lecture for the opportunity to engage with talented young individuals and expressed interest in strengthening academic cooperation with UWED.