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ASTANA – The United States and five Central Asian countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic, energy, security, and cultural cooperation at the C5+1 Ministerial meeting in Samarkand on Oct. 19.
Photo credit: gazeta.uz
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared a vision for an enduring U.S.-Central Asian partnership, grounded in respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, reported the U.S. Department of State on Oct. 19.
As the Central Asian countries celebrate 35 years of independence and the United States marks 250 years of independence, the governments expressed their commitment to a more peaceful, prosperous future.
“We envision the United States and Central Asia as enduring partners of choice,” the statement said.
The countries pledged to strengthen transportation links, invest in infrastructure along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and forge digital connections, including through English-language training and education.
They also committed to developing regional economic integration through expanded intraregional trade, improved transport connectivity, harmonized customs procedures, and stronger industrial cooperation.
The statement highlighted opportunities to increase two-way trade and investment, expand e-commerce, and create commercial opportunities for American companies in Central Asia and Central Asian enterprises in the U.S. market.
The countries identified energy cooperation and critical minerals as key priorities, aiming to develop integrated, high-value supply chains, expand mineral extraction and processing, and increase production of value-added goods for international markets.
The governments also pledged to strengthen security cooperation, notably in countering terrorism and transnational organized crime, enhancing border security, and addressing human trafficking, illicit drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and cybercrime.
They reaffirmed their commitment to nuclear security, safeguards, the physical protection of nuclear material, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The statement also emphasized preserving cultural heritage and expanding professional, cultural, and educational exchanges.
Speaking at the meeting, Rubio described Central Asia as a historic crossroads for East-West trade and an increasingly important destination for investment and exports.
“The C5+1 represents not only America’s interest in – but America’s commitment to – fostering closer, peaceful relations with Central Asian countries,” Rubio said.
He noted that the previous C5+1 meeting in Washington had yielded $25 billion in new deals across transportation, energy, finance, and other sectors.
“This group has an opportunity to partner and radically grow our countries in ways unseen in recent history,” he said.
Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov said the partnership’s next stage should focus on strengthening economic connectivity, attracting advanced technologies and investment, and expanding access to global markets.
He also proposed advancing a strategic partnership in critical minerals, from geological exploration and mineral processing to the establishment of local industrial clusters.
Saidov said Uzbekistan, assuming the C5+1 Secretariat’s co-chairmanship, intends to build on previous achievements and focus on turning agreements into practical results.
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