Mirziyoyev and Rubio Discuss Strategic Partnership

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 19 October 2026. Rubio arrived in Uzbekistan to attend the C5+1 foreign ministers’ meeting and the second meeting of the US-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council.

The parties discussed strengthening their strategic partnership, developing economic ties and security cooperation, according to the press service of the President of Uzbekistan.

At the beginning of the meeting, Rubio conveyed greetings and best wishes to Mirziyoyev from US President Donald Trump.

The participants positively assessed the latest C5+1 ministerial meeting, which reaffirmed the mutual interest of the United States and Central Asian countries in strengthening dialogue and expanding multifaceted cooperation.

The parties noted increased engagement in politics, security, trade, investment, innovation, technology, education and culture. Contacts are also expanding between the two countries’ parliaments, government agencies, business communities and academic institutions.

Particular attention was paid to security cooperation, including efforts to counter terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and illegal migration.

A significant milestone in bilateral relations was the launch of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue between Uzbekistan and the United States. Following its first meeting, the parties signed several documents, including the Artemis Accords, which provide for cooperation in the peaceful exploration of outer space.

Economic cooperation remains one of the key areas of the partnership. Since the beginning of 2026, bilateral trade has increased by 35%. Major projects are being implemented under the Economic Cooperation Programme in civil aviation, automotive manufacturing, mining, energy, agriculture, digitalisation and finance.

The US-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council plays a particularly important role in developing trade and economic ties. New agreements worth a total of US$12 billion were reached during its latest meeting.

Humanitarian ties are also continuing to expand. Webster University, the American University of Technology and the Colorado School of Mines Competence Center operate in Tashkent. The number of tourists from the United States visiting Uzbekistan is also increasing.

The parties outlined prospects for further cooperation in critical minerals, energy, transport, artificial intelligence and digital technologies. They also discussed developing interregional ties and organising exchanges between business delegations.

At the end of the meeting, Mirziyoyev and Rubio exchanged views on current international political and regional security issues. They also reviewed the schedule and substance of upcoming events involving the leaders of the two countries.