Assistant Secretary Boucher: Travel to Bangladesh, India, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan

Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Ambassador Richard Boucher traveled to four countries in South and Central Asia August 4-12, 2006 as part of a trip that also included stops in the United Arab Emirates and China.

In each country, Ambassador Boucher took the opportunity to consult with government officials, political leaders, civil society members and others on a wide range of issues important to the United States and South and Central Asia.

In Dhaka, Bangladesh from August 2-4, Ambassador Boucher met with senior government and opposition figures, as well as nongovernmental organization, civil society, business and religious leaders. Ambassador Boucher expressed U.S. support for free, fair, peaceful, and credible parliamentary elections, to enhance and encourage cooperation against terrorism and to encourage economic growth.

During his four-day visit to India, he visited Calcutta on August 4 for meetings with state government officials and representatives of West Bengal's civic community. He was in New Delhi August 5-8, where he held meetings with senior government officials, business leaders and a cross section of Delhi's society. Ambassador Boucher pursued the agenda outlined by President Bush and Prime Minister Singh to advance the U.S.-India strategic partnership and review regional and global issues and common efforts to combat the scourge of terrorism.

Assistant Secretary Boucher visited Tashkent, Uzbekistan on August 8 and 9. Among other events, he had meetings with President Islam Karimov at the Oq Saroy Palace and Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Norov. After his meeting with the President, the Assistant Secretary held a press conference at the United States Embassy.

Assistant Secretary Boucher visited Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on August 10 and 11. Among other events, he met with government officials, including the Foreign Minister, the Prime Minister, the President, and the Speaker of Parliament.

Releases by Assistant Secretary Boucher
--08/11/06 Remarks to the Press in the Kyrgyzstan
--08/11/06 Remarks at the Opening of the Forensics Center of the Kyrgyz Police School
--08/09/06 Press Conference in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
--08/07/06 Interview With Ms. Barkha Dutt Managing Editor, NDTV 24x7
--08/07/06 Remarks at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
--08/07/06 Town Hall Meeting With Indian Students
--08/05/06 U.S. Assistant Secretary Richard Boucher Visits Salaam Baalak's Shelter for Children
--08/04/06 Press Conference by Assistant Secretary Boucher in Calcutta, India
--08/04/06 Remarks at the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Calcutta
--08/03/06 Remarks to the Press in Bangladesh