Washington —
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of strengthening relations with Central Asian nations during a meeting at the C5+1 Forum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This forum includes the foreign ministers of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
Rubio stated, “Let there be no doubt that the United States wants to be a partner of this region and wants to be a partner of this country. We already are, and we intend to build that and grow it.” His remarks were made at the U.S.-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council.
During his discussions with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Rubio announced the signing of 54 agreements and proposed projects focusing on government and private sector cooperation. Mirziyoyev noted the total value of the agreements reached was $12 billion, calling it a significant achievement.
The C5+1 Forum serves as a platform for the United States and the five Central Asian countries to address issues related to security, trade, and other mutual concerns. The State Department highlighted that this visit reflects Washington’s commitment to improving access to Central Asia’s rare earth minerals, a critical focus for U.S. interests in the region.
Rubio traveled to Uzbekistan with a delegation of over 200 U.S. business leaders, underscoring the administration’s efforts to enhance economic ties and collaborations with Central Asian countries.
