The meeting between Donald Trump and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in New York turned into a clear demonstration of mutual compliments and commercial interests.
Trump began with his customary rhetoric: “It is a great honor to be with the President of Uzbekistan. He is highly respected.” He emphasized that Mirziyoyev has “been in power for a long time – 15 or 16 years,” attributing this to being “smart and very competent.” Trump also noted that Uzbekistan “made a big purchase of a lot of different American products,” recalling the country’s wealth in oil and money.
Mirziyoyev responded in Russian with even warmer words. He thanked Trump for his “deep speech” at the UN session, stated that seven conflicts — including the dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia — had been resolved, and even called the American leader worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Addressing journalists, Trump stressed that the meeting with the Uzbek leader was as important as upcoming talks with Arab countries: “Right now I have an important meeting, too, because he purchased billions of dollars’ worth of our equipment. We do make the best equipment in the world. So we’re going to make sure it’s perfect for you.”
On the question of new agreements with Uzbekistan, Trump said that the Uzbek president has “already done some big ones” and that they’re “talking about a couple of very big ones.” At that moment, Mirziyoyev presented a booklet with figures: “2018–2024 — $19 billion, 2025–2035 — $110–105 billion.”
Trump replied: “$105 billion. That’s not bad. That’s worth a five-minute meeting, right? Do you agree? Look at all the nice — look. Tractors, all sorts… That’s really a great honor.” He added that he had expected smaller volumes: “You know, I met him thinking it was less. Anything over a billion, I do. So, when you go $105 billion, I’ll meet here — I’ll meet him 15 or 25.”
The meeting concluded with Mirziyoyev inviting Trump to visit Uzbekistan and see Samarkand.
Note from Yep.uz: Shavkat Mirziyoyev served as Prime Minister of Uzbekistan from 2003 to 2016 — 13 years, became Acting President in autumn 2016, and was elected President in December the same year — 9 years.