October 13, 2016
Ladies and gentlemen,
Assalomu alaykum!
On behalf of the U.S. Embassy and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency it is my honor to welcome you all to today’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for this newest Regional Diagnostic Laboratory. This project, which began last summer, stands as yet another example of what our two countries can achieve when we cooperate closely with one another. It is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United States Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
Completion of this Regional Diagnostic Laboratory for the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources brings us one step closer to the beginning of a new phase of enhanced collaboration between the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and the Government of Uzbekistan. This new phase will be marked by a renewed focus on Science, Cooperative Research, and continued training on biological risk management and disease surveillance.
Regional Diagnostic Laboratories such as this play a very important role in robust disease surveillance. However, they are nothing without the competent and educated scientists and experts who represent the heart of each laboratory. The hard work and professionalism of these dedicated people ensure that each laboratory runs safely and smoothly. And even more importantly they make up the core of a successful national-level disease surveillance program.
It is also important to emphasize that diseases do not recognize manmade borders. That’s why your country’s participation in the regularly scheduled Regional Disease Surveillance Working Groups is critical and clearly demonstrates your role as regional leaders in the field of disease surveillance.
Experience has shown that we can best succeed in countering the threat of infectious disease if we work collaboratively and share our resources and skills. We must all do our part in stopping or slowing the spread of infectious diseases by strengthening our national capabilities and contributing expertise and resources to regional and international efforts.
In closing I want to thank the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources and Bechtel National Incorporated for building this beautiful new laboratory and I also want to thank the local government and local organizations for playing such vital roles in supporting the completion of this project.
Thank you, KATTA RАHМАТ!
