Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The foreign ministers of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, together with the US Secretary of State, signed a joint statement following a C5+1 meeting held in Samarkand on 19 October.
The document sets out key areas for further cooperation between Central Asian countries and the United States, according to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The statement notes that the five Central Asian states are marking the 35th anniversary of their independence in 2026, while the United States is celebrating the 250th anniversary of its independence. Participants expressed their interest in continuing the partnership for generations to come.
One priority is the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Route, which is expected to facilitate expanded trade and investment and open up new opportunities in fast-growing markets.
The sides emphasised the importance of deeper regional economic integration. Measures identified in the statement include expanding intra-regional trade, improving transport connectivity, harmonising customs procedures and strengthening industrial cooperation. These steps are intended to create a competitive regional market more closely connected to the US economy.
Particular attention was given to developing business ties. The B5+1 platform will continue to create opportunities for American companies in Central Asia. At the same time, governments across the region intend to expand opportunities for Central Asian businesses to invest in the US market.
The document also highlights the importance of secure and reliable technologies, American technological expertise and Central Asia’s growing technology sectors. Cooperation in this area is expected to support the development of e-commerce, the adoption of innovation and a favourable environment for entrepreneurs.
Another priority is stronger energy cooperation. According to the participants, this could help establish integrated supply chains with high added value, support sustainable economic growth and improve the region’s energy resilience.
Central Asian countries and the United States intend to jointly harness the region’s natural resource potential. The statement highlights opportunities for mineral extraction and processing, as well as the production of higher-value goods. The sides aim to expand exports of these products through innovative approaches and mechanisms for accessing international markets.
In the security sphere, participants reaffirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation within the C5+1 framework. Key tasks include combating terrorism and transnational organised crime, strengthening border security, and tackling illegal migration, human trafficking, and the illicit trafficking of drugs and weapons.
Cybersecurity will be another area of cooperation. The sides intend to deepen engagement to address threats arising in the digital era and improve the effectiveness of efforts to combat cybercrime.
Participants also welcomed long-term cooperation between the United States and Central Asian countries to ensure the security of nuclear materials. Building on the region’s experience in establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone, the sides intend to develop practical cooperation in nuclear security, non-proliferation safeguards, the physical protection of nuclear materials and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Preserving the cultural heritage of the C5+1 countries was identified as another priority. The sides plan to strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies and cultural institutions to protect and promote the region’s historical heritage.
The statement also expresses an intention to expand professional, cultural and educational exchanges, use modern technologies to preserve ancient monuments, and incorporate cultural heritage protection into the work of law enforcement agencies.
In addition, the sides emphasised the importance of training qualified specialists capable of contributing to international cooperation.