U.S. Ambassador Highlights Central Asian Countries’ Role in the Success of the C5+1 Format at Expert Lecture in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A guest lecture by U.S. Ambassador Jonathan Henick was held at the International Institute of Central Asia, the Dunyо news agency reported.

The event took place as part of the Institute’s program aimed at expanding dialogue and practical cooperation with foreign diplomatic missions accredited in Uzbekistan.

Organized as an expert seminar, the lecture focused on key aspects of U.S.-Uzbek cooperation as well as regional engagement within the C5+1 format. Participants discussed U.S. approaches to working with Central Asian states, prospects for deepening bilateral relations, and the role of multilateral mechanisms in strengthening regional resilience and promoting economic growth.

Special attention was given to trade and economic partnerships, educational and humanitarian exchanges, and joint initiatives in security and sustainable development. The discussion involved representatives from government bodies, relevant ministries and agencies, research centers, academic staff, young scholars, students, and media representatives.

In his remarks, Ambassador Henick emphasized that the success of the C5+1 format largely depends on the vision and leadership of the Central Asian countries themselves, including the government of Uzbekistan, as well as their readiness to deepen cooperation and overcome longstanding barriers. He noted that the Washington summit in November, where former U.S. President Donald Trump met with leaders of the five regional states, clearly demonstrated the strategic nature of the partnership and its support at the highest political level.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants highlighted the importance of maintaining regular expert dialogue and expressed their readiness to further develop practical forms of cooperation between the United States and Central Asian countries.