Russian news agency Interfax
November 14
ritish Defence Secretary Geoffrey Hoon has pledged
the expansion of military and technical cooperation with Uzbekistan during his one-day visit to Tashkent on Wednesday.
Uzbek President Islam Karimov and Hoon addressed the antiterrorist operation in Afghanistan, regional security and prospects for military and technical cooperation between Britain and Uzbekistan. Britain might undertake the training of Uzbek officers, Hoon said. Assistance will be provided in teaching English in the Uzbek army.
"If necessary, military equipment will be supplied in the framework of cooperation," he added.
Asked whether British servicemen would be deployed in Uzbekistan during the antiterror operation, Hoon replied that "the issue was not considered".
Hoon also met Defence Minister Qodir Ghulomov and Security Council Secretary Mirakbar Rahmonqulov.