A senior U.S. official has underscored the U.S. commitment to Afghanistan and to a long-term relationship with Central Asia during a three-day trip to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

In Tashkent Tuesday, U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Denis McDonough met with Uzbek President Islam Karimov, who said relations with the United States are developing stably and consistently in all directions.

The men discussed a wide range of issues of mutual concern, including regional security and stability and the situation in Afghanistan. McDonough thanked President Karimov on behalf of the United States for Uzbekistan's ongoing support, including reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.

Earlier in the week, McDonough met in the Afghan capital, Kabul, with U.S. and international civilian and military officials, as well as with key Afghan counterparts. He also traveled outside the capital to exchange views about how the U.S. and its partners can best support the security transition in Afghanistan from NATO-led to Afghan-led forces, and the country's economic future.