The United States is discussing with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, as well as other countries in the region, opportunities for future military cooperation following the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby stated, TASS reports.
He was asked if the US was going to deploy military bases in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan after the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. “I think it’s safe to say that we, together with colleagues from the State Department, are negotiating with neighboring countries. And we are trying to explore what future opportunities may exist there. I will give these countries the opportunity to speak on their own behalf, but I think it is safe to say that we are negotiating with a range of neighboring countries about these opportunities,” Kirby replied.
Speaking about whether an American military base in Uzbekistan can be rebuilt, Kirby noted that so far no decisions have been made in this regard.
“Let's not get ahead of ourselves, no decisions have been made. I don't think it makes sense to speculate. I will not go into details as to which objects and in which countries can be used, we are just not at this stage yet,” added the Pentagon spokesman.
