BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 19. The United States
and Central Asian countries have discussed trade and investment,
transport connectivity and joint economic projects at a C5+1
ministerial meeting in Samarkand, according to Kazakhstan's Foreign
Ministry.
The meeting was attended by Kazakh Foreign Minister Mukhtar
Tileuberdi, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the foreign
ministers of other Central Asian countries. It took place during
Uzbekistan's chairmanship of the C5+1 dialogue platform.
The participants discussed strengthening regional connectivity
and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Tileuberdi highlighted the role of Kazakhstan and the United
States in establishing the C5+1 format, describing it as an
effective platform for regional cooperation. He emphasized the
importance of expanding trade, developing transport and logistics
infrastructure, and diversifying supply chains.
The participants also considered prospects for joint projects in
critical minerals, energy, digitalization and innovation.
Following the meeting, the participants adopted a joint
statement expressing their readiness to strengthen long-term,
mutually beneficial partnership and implement agreements
reached.
Earlier in the day, Rubio met with Tileuberdi to discuss further
development of the enhanced strategic partnership between
Kazakhstan and the United States, focusing on trade, economic and
investment cooperation.
The two sides noted positive momentum in bilateral relations and
expressed mutual interest in expanding practical cooperation,
increasing trade turnover and implementing joint investment
projects.
They also discussed the implementation of agreements reached at
the highest level, including those following the November 2025
meeting between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and US
President Donald Trump.
Tileuberdi emphasized the importance of strengthening business
ties, attracting US investment and advanced technologies, and
expanding cooperation in energy, critical minerals, digitalization,
transport and logistics.
The two sides exchanged views on preparations for the upcoming
G20 Summit in Miami. Rubio also confirmed his interest in visiting
Kazakhstan after the summit, according to the ministry.
