Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Central Asian countries could jointly attract investment, develop trade partnerships and secure the resources needed to strengthen their sovereignty and improve prosperity. He made the remarks at a C5+1 meeting of foreign ministers from the United States and Central Asian countries.
“Together, we can provide our countries with the resources, investments, opportunities and trade partnerships needed to ensure that each of our countries remains sovereign and that we collectively increase our shared prosperity,” Rubio said.
According to Rubio, the C5+1 format reflects Washington’s interest in strengthening peaceful relations with Central Asian states and its commitment to further developing cooperation.
He stressed that the United States seeks to protect critical industries and the supply chains that support them, reducing dependence on unreliable foreign partners and preserving economic independence. He described Central Asia as a promising destination for investment and exports, as well as an important source of materials needed for the future development of countries worldwide.
Among the practical areas of cooperation, Rubio highlighted the modernisation of transport infrastructure along the Trans-Caspian Trade Route, expanding regional companies’ access to US and Central Asian markets, and developing integrated, high-value-added supply chains for critical minerals.
Washington also intends to support training for specialists working with advanced US technologies. Rubio said the effort would involve preparing thousands of young professionals for Central Asia’s growing technology sector.
He identified the B5+1 business forum as another tool for expanding economic ties, saying it should promote dialogue between governments and businesses and increase mutual trade and investment.
Rubio also recalled the C5+1 meeting held in Washington last year. According to him, the event at the White House resulted in new deals worth US$25 billion, strengthening transport, energy, finance and other key sectors of the participating economies.
Rubio said US President Donald Trump and Central Asian leaders had agreed at the time to establish regulatory frameworks and labour market rules conducive to trade and investment. The current meetings, he added, are intended to advance the implementation of those commitments.
Concluding his remarks, Rubio emphasised that all Central Asian countries are independent states with their own cultures and interests and the right to determine their futures. The United States wants to see them prosper and is ready to act as a partner in that process.
