[boer]

Lassen wir auch noch Mr. Rumsfeld höchstselbst zu Wort kommen:


Tuesday, February 24, 2004
RUMSFELD: Thank you very much Mr. Ambassador. Good evening! I am delighted to be back in Uzbekistan. I’ve just had a long and very interesting and helpful discussion with the President, with the Minister of Defense, and members of the delegation. Uzbekistan is a key member of the coalition’s global war on terror. And I brought the President the good wishes of President Bush and our appreciation for their stalwart [entschiedenen] support in the war on terror.
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Today we discussed the excellent military-to-military relationship between Uzbekistan and the United States. Our relationship is strong and has been growing stronger. I met with the Minister of Defense and the President. As you know we have a Framework of Strategic Partnership, which involves military-to-military relationships and also we look forward to strengthening our political and economic relationships. So, one road, one path towards that end is the NATO Partnership For Peace Program. And NATO of course is the alliance of free nations and is pleased that Uzbekistan is working in the Partnership for Peace Program. The relationship between our two countries is important to us, and we certainly value the friendship of Uzbekistan and the people of Uzbekistan and are grateful for the stalwart, steadfast support in our efforts against terrorism.