Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and the United States should give the C5+1 format new strategic substance, focusing not only on bilateral relations but also on unlocking Central Asia’s potential as an integrated region, Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov said at the opening of the C5+1 ministerial meeting in Samarkand.
Saidov welcomed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was visiting Uzbekistan for the first time, and praised his team’s efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The Uzbek foreign minister also noted US President Donald Trump’s attention to Central Asia and the expanding opportunities for cooperation with the region. According to Saidov, dialogue based on mutual trust between the presidents of Uzbekistan and the United States has opened a new chapter in bilateral relations.
The choice of Samarkand as the venue for the meeting carries symbolic significance. The city hosted the first C5+1 ministerial meeting in 2015. Since then, the partnership’s agenda has expanded, cooperation mechanisms have strengthened, and Central Asian countries have become more united and better equipped to determine their own future.
“A strong, stable and prosperous Central Asia serves the interests of all our countries and international partners,” Saidov said.
He noted that Uzbekistan, having assumed the role of co-chair of the C5+1 Secretariat, intends to build on the progress achieved, ensure continuity in cooperation and work towards the practical implementation of agreements.
Saidov stressed that the next stage of cooperation should focus on unlocking Central Asia’s potential as an integrated region with new opportunities. Among the priorities, he identified stronger economic ties, the attraction of advanced technologies and investment, and expanded access to global markets.
The minister also proposed developing a strategic partnership in critical minerals covering the entire value chain, from geological exploration and mineral processing to the creation of local industrial clusters.
He emphasised the importance of combining Central Asia’s abundant resources, growing markets, human capital and strategic geographical position with US advanced technologies, investment capital and business expertise.
“Our common task is to bring these advantages together and build a long-term partnership that delivers tangible benefits to our peoples,” Saidov said.
The minister also highlighted Samarkand’s historic role as a crossroads connecting peoples, markets, knowledge and ideas over the centuries. He expressed confidence that the meeting would help bring Central Asia and the United States closer together.
“I hope today’s meeting will be an important step towards this future,” Saidov concluded.
