US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with leaders from five Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, to strengthen economic and security ties in the region.
What happened
Rubio attended the C5+1 diplomatic forum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where he discussed building economic and security ties with the region. He emphasized the importance of creating commercial opportunities, strengthening economies, and increasing regional security.
The US has characterized the Central Asia region as worthy of more attention due to its strategic location between China, Russia, and Iran. The region has significant resources, and the US aims to increase its engagement in the area.
Rubio also met separately with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with whom he has previously met at the UN General Assembly in September 2025. The meeting aimed to build long-term relationships and focus on strategic business rather than just resolving immediate issues.
