Central Asia, US eye stronger trade, energy and security ties

On Oct. 19, the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and the U.S. secretary of state gathered in Samarkand, Uzbekistan for the C5+1 Ministerial. The U.S. Department of State published a joint statement released by the governments of all six participating countries.

The document outlined plans to deepen cooperation across several areas, more than a decade after the first C5+1 Ministerial in Washington, D.C. All the participating countries reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation on nuclear, cyber and border security, including efforts to secure nuclear materials, strengthen safeguards and support the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

«We welcome the longstanding cooperation between the United States and the countries of Central Asia in securing nuclear materials and recognize joint contributions to strengthening nuclear security expertise and capacity in the region,» the statement said.

The parties also emphasized the importance of improving transport connectivity and developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor. They said further development of the route would help strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships, support infrastructure investment and boost two-way trade and investment between Central Asia and the U.S.

The statement also highlighted the countries’ shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage and strengthening ties through cooperation between law enforcement agencies and cultural institutions. This includes expanding professional, cultural and educational exchanges and using new technologies to preserve and protect antiquities.

Other priorities include expanding cooperation in energy, geological exploration, mineral extraction and processing, as well as developing supply chains for products with higher-value products. The statement also calls for stronger regional economic integration through increased trade among Central Asian countries, improved transport links, harmonized customs procedures and industrial cooperation.

The C5+1 members also highlighted tourism and the creative economy as areas for closer business ties, with the broader goal of strengthening Central Asia’s connections to the global economy.