Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 19 to discuss strengthening bilateral strategic ties, expanding economic cooperation and implementing agreements between the two countries, the presidential press service reported.
Rubio arrived in Uzbekistan to attend the C5+1 ministerial meeting and the second meeting of the U.S.-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council. At the start of the meeting, he conveyed greetings and best wishes from U.S. President Donald Trump to Mirziyoyev.
Source: Presidential Press Service
The talks focused on implementing agreements reached at the highest level and expanding cooperation in politics, security, trade, investment, technology, education and culture.
Both sides welcomed the results of the latest C5+1 ministerial meeting, which reaffirmed the United States’ and Central Asian countries’ interest in strengthening dialogue and expanding regional cooperation.
The establishment of an Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue between Uzbekistan and the United States marked an important step in bilateral relations. Following the dialogue’s first meeting, the sides signed several documents, including the Artemis Accords on peaceful space exploration.
Source: Presidential Press Service
Security cooperation has expanded in areas including counterterrorism, countering extremism, combating drug trafficking and addressing illegal migration. Contacts between the countries’ parliaments, government agencies, businesses and academic institutions have also intensified.
Economic ties remain a central pillar of the partnership. Bilateral trade has increased by 35% since the beginning of 2026, according to the presidential press service.
Major projects under the Economic Cooperation Program are underway in civil aviation, automotive manufacturing, mining, energy, agriculture, digitalization and finance.
Source: Presidential Press Service
The Business and Investment Council also plays a key role in expanding trade and investment ties. At its meeting on October 19, the sides reached new agreements worth $12bn.
Educational and cultural cooperation is also expanding. Institutions operating in Tashkent include Webster University’s Competence Center, the American University of Technology and the Colorado School of Mines. The number of American tourists visiting Uzbekistan is also increasing.
Source: Presidential Press Service
The talks identified further opportunities for cooperation in critical minerals, energy, transportation, artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Both sides also emphasized the importance of strengthening interregional ties and organizing reciprocal visits by business delegations.
Mirziyoyev and Rubio exchanged views on international developments and regional security and reviewed plans for future events involving the leaders of Uzbekistan and the United States.