The United States and Central Asian countries envision themselves as enduring partners of choice", the joint statement following the C5+1 format meeting of foreign ministers of the five nations and the US secretary of state Marco Rubio said. The top diplomats from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan met their US counterpart in Samarkand on Monday.
“More than 10 years ago (in 2015 — ed.), the first C5+1 ministerial meeting took place, marking an important step in the development of a diplomatic platform grounded in our shared respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all nations. This year,. we are looking forward to many more generations of enduring partnership”, the document says.
The ministers said they envisioned “ever-strengthening connections” between the US and Central Asia: “We are creating new and modern transportation links. Along the Trans-Caspian Trade Route, we are strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships and investing in infrastructure to smooth the way. We are forging digital connections and community, including through English language training and education, for the purpose of bridging geographical divides and bringing the people of C5+1 countries ever closer together.”
The C5+1 members said they would “strive for a Central Asia that returns to the center of the global economy”. “As we support greater regional economic integration in Central Asia, including through the expansion of intraregional trade, improved transport connectivity, harmonized customs procedures, and stronger industrial cooperation, we are creating a competitive regional market connected with the United States,” they noted.
“A thriving B5+1 platform will continue to create new mutually beneficial commercial opportunities for American companies operating in Central Asia. At the same time, our governments envision expanded opportunities for Central Asian enterprises to invest in, and operate within, the US market. 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.
The ministers noted that strengthening US-Central Asian energy cooperation will galvanize efforts to develop integrated, high-value supply chains that yield sustained economic growth and energy resilience.
“Each of our countries has a unique collection of untapped natural resources; we will combine our strengths to be a collective, powerful driver of regional energy sector development. Data is gold; as such, we intend to exchange expertise and best practices on managing geological data. We envision expanded opportunities for mineral extraction and processing that maximize benefits for our respective countries. We also envision Central Asia realizing its export potential by developing innovative ways to increase value-added products within the region and creating pathways to introduce these products to the international market,” the statement reads.
The United States and Central Asia agreed to strengthen C5+1 security cooperation. The particular importance should be placed on countering terrorism and transnational organized crime and enhancing border security.
“Our efforts will strengthen security, including through cooperation to counter illegal immigration, human trafficking, illicit drug trafficking, and arms trafficking… A modern approach that focuses on mitigating threats of the digital era, including through enhanced C5+1 cyber security cooperation, will strengthen our ability to successfully counter cyber threats and cybercrime,” the sides stressed.
They welcomed the longstanding cooperation between the United States and the countries of Central Asia in securing nuclear materials and recognized joint contributions to strengthening nuclear security expertise and capacity in the region. “Building on the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone, we will deepen practical cooperation on nuclear security, safeguards, the physical protection of nuclear material, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. ”
The sides also reaffirmed their commitment to preserve the rich cultural legacies of all C5+1 countries.
“We will pursue greater cooperation between law enforcement and cultural institutions to promote and protect the unique histories of C5+1 countries. Together, we seek to expand professional, cultural, and educational exchanges; capitalize on new technologies to preserve and protect antiquities; integrate cultural heritage protection with law enforcement efforts; and professionalize a talented workforce ready to lead on the global stage,” the statement concluded.