KABUL (Pajhwok): US President Donald Trump and his Uzbek counterpart have agreed on the need for cooperation in Afghanistan and strengthening military links.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with the US president at the Oval Office for the first time. The two leaders conferred on the situation in Afghanistan, the US media reported on Wednesday

Uzbekistan provides a crucial supply route for US troops stationed in Afghanistan. The situation in Afghanistan came up for discussion at the meeting that the visiting leader hailed as historic.

According to the Associated Press, Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan had signed contracts worth $5 billion with major American firms. He and Trump had drawn their countries closer together, he added.

Trump was quoted as noting the historic partnership of the United States with Uzbekistan in the fight against terrorism. Uzbekistan has provided access and support to the US in Afghanistan.

Uzbekistan could help the US in promoting peace in Afghanistan, where American troops are helping government forces fight the Taliban and Daesh.

Both Trump and Mirziyoyev condemned cowardly terrorist attacks against Afghan security forces and innocent civilians. They vowed to expand dialogue to overcome the challenges facing Afghanistan.

The Uzbek president promised continued support for the Northern Distribution Network and its contribution to achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan.

PAN Monitor/mud