Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin attended a meeting with the US Secretary of State and the foreign ministers of four other Central Asian countries in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on October 19. The talks focused on strengthening economic ties, improving regional connectivity and expanding security cooperation.
According to Tajikistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Muhriddin addressed the meeting, held under the C5+1 format, which brings together the United States and the five Central Asian countries.
The participants discussed ways to strengthen regional cooperation and expand the partnership between Washington and Central Asian governments. They also addressed regional security challenges and the need for closer coordination to counter emerging threats.
The importance of continuing political dialogue and developing multilateral cooperation within the C5+1 framework was emphasized.
A joint statement issued after the meeting outlined plans to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, transport, technology and security. Although the document did not explicitly mention artificial intelligence or critical minerals, it called for expanded opportunities for mineral extraction.
“We will strive for a Central Asia that returns to the center of the global economy,” the statement said, highlighting efforts to develop the Trans-Caspian Trade Route to boost trade and investment between Central Asia and the United States.
The participants also backed greater economic integration within Central Asia through increased intraregional trade, improved transport connectivity, harmonized customs procedures and stronger industrial cooperation.
The statement said the sides aimed to create a competitive regional market connected with the United States.
Washington pledged to help Central Asian countries realize their export potential by developing higher-value-added products and creating pathways to international markets.
“By leveraging secure and trusted technology, American technological excellence, and the growing technology sectors of Central Asia, we seek to foster a region where e-commerce flourishes, innovative solutions abound, and talented entrepreneurs thrive,” the statement said.
Security cooperation was another key priority.
“The people of the United States and Central Asia will benefit from strengthened C5+1 security cooperation,” the statement said, highlighting efforts to counter terrorism and transnational organized crime and improve border security.
The participating governments also committed to closer cooperation against illegal migration, human trafficking, drug trafficking and arms trafficking.
The statement added that stronger cybersecurity cooperation would help the countries address digital-era threats, including cyberattacks and cybercrime, while improving customs procedures and facilitating trade.