The key facts
- The first C5+1 foreign ministers' meeting was held in Samarkand in 2015
- Uzbekistan proposed a strategic partnership on critical minerals — from geological exploration to industrial clusters
- Uzbekistan is taking on co-chairmanship of the C5+1 Secretariat
Meeting in Samarkand
At the meeting of the foreign ministers of Central Asian countries and the US Secretary of State in Samarkand, Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov recalled that the first foreign ministers' meeting in the C5+1 format took place in Samarkand in 2015. Since then, according to him, Central Asia has become stronger, more cohesive, and increasingly capable of independently determining its own future.
Priorities for cooperation
Saidov stated that the next stage of cooperation should focus not only on expanding bilateral ties but also on unlocking the potential of Central Asia as an integrated region of new opportunities: strengthening economic connectivity, attracting advanced technologies and investment, and expanding access to global markets. He emphasized that a strong, stable, and prosperous Central Asia serves the interests of all countries in the region and international partners.
Critical minerals
As one of the key priorities, Uzbekistan proposed a strategic partnership in the field of critical minerals — from geological exploration and processing of mineral raw materials to creating local industrial clusters. The minister noted that Central Asia has rich resources, growing markets, human capital, and a strategically important geographic position, while the United States has advanced technologies, investment capital, and world-class entrepreneurial experience. According to him, the common task is to combine these strengths and build a solid partnership for the benefit of the peoples.
Co-chairmanship of the Secretariat
Saidov also announced that, by taking on the co-chairmanship of the C5+1 Secretariat, Uzbekistan intends to ensure continuity of work and focus on turning agreements into practical results.
