The key facts

  • Rubio called Samarkand a city that played a key historic role in world trade
  • The negotiations involve representatives of nearly 300 American companies, and agreements worth billions of dollars are being discussed
  • Meetings in the 'C5+1' format with the participation of the US and Central Asian countries are planned in Samarkand

Speech on the Registan

On October 19, 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived on a visit to Uzbekistan, spoke on the Registan Square in Samarkand. He noted that there are few places in the world that have historically played as important a role in world trade as Samarkand, and called it an honor to not only recall history but also discuss opportunities for the future.

A course toward expanding cooperation

According to Rubio, the US is interested in expanding cooperation not only with Uzbekistan but with all the countries of Central Asia, which, in his assessment, occupies an important place in the development of international cooperation. He emphasized that the parties have 'enormous opportunities' for joint work — not only in trade but also in science, technology, and other fields.

American business and negotiations

Rubio said that representatives of hundreds of American companies interested in doing business and establishing partnerships in Uzbekistan arrived in Samarkand along with him. According to the publication, the negotiations involve representatives of nearly 300 American companies, and the parties are discussing the possibility of concluding agreements worth billions of dollars. New agreements may be announced following the visit. Rubio expressed the opinion that such cooperation will bring economic benefits to the two countries and the entire region.

'Trade is returning'

Concluding his speech, the head of the State Department again turned to the historic role of Samarkand as a trade center: 'For centuries, world trade passed through this very place. Now trade ties are returning here. We want to be an important participant in this process and look forward to the development of our cooperation.'

Visit program

During the tour of the Registan Square, Rubio was accompanied by the head of the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan, Saida Mirziyoyeva. Meetings in the 'C5+1' format with the participation of representatives of the US and Central Asian countries are also planned in Samarkand.