The key facts

  • Rubio and Tleuberdi discussed expanding US-Kazakhstan strategic partnership ahead of the G20 summit in December
  • Washington is interested in cooperation on AI, ICT, energy and natural resources
  • Rubio confirmed his intention to visit Kazakhstan on an official visit after the G20 summit

Meeting in Samarkand

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Murat Tleuberdi held a meeting in Samarkand (Uzbekistan), the US State Department and Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry reported on Monday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of a ministerial event involving the US and five Central Asian countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Economy and security

According to the State Department, the sides discussed the development of an expanded strategic partnership between the US and Kazakhstan ahead of the G20 summit in December. Rubio confirmed Washington's interest in expanding bilateral economic cooperation, including artificial intelligence, information and communications technology infrastructure, energy security and the development of natural resources. He also emphasized the importance of cooperation in the security sphere and the US-Central Asia (C5+1) platform for building a more interconnected and resilient Central Asia.

Abraham Accords and peace initiatives

Rubio thanked Kazakhstan for its support of the peace initiatives of US President Donald Trump and welcomed the country's intention to join the Abraham Accords, calling it a 'proactive partner'.

Astana's position

According to Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry, Tleuberdi and Rubio discussed the implementation of high-level agreements, including the outcomes of the meeting between Trump and Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in November last year. Tleuberdi noted the importance of strengthening business ties, attracting American investment and technology, and expanding cooperation in energy, critical minerals, digitalization, transport and logistics. The sides noted the positive dynamics of bilateral relations and their interest in growing trade turnover and joint investment projects.

G20 summit and visit

The sides also exchanged views on preparations for the upcoming G20 summit in Miami (Florida). According to Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry, Rubio confirmed his intention to make an official visit to Kazakhstan shortly after the summit.