C5+1 returns to Samarkand as U.S. and Central Asia push for deeper economic ties

The U.S. and five Central Asian nations have held high-level talks in Samarkand, focusing on trade, investment and regional security as Washington seeks to strengthen its presence in the strategically important region.

The meeting brought together U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the foreign ministers of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, with critical minerals, infrastructure and economic cooperation also high on the agenda.

From Samarkand to the White House

The C5+1 diplomatic format was established in Samarkand in November 2015, when then-U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met the foreign ministers of the five Central Asian republics.

The dialogue later expanded to the presidential level, with the first leaders’ summit held in New York in 2023 and a second hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in November 2025.

The initiative has since become a key platform for Washington to strengthen ties with Central Asia, a region rich in natural resources and strategically positioned along major international trade routes.

Rubio arrived in Samarkand accompanied by more than 200 U.S. business representatives, underscoring the visit’s strong commercial focus.

U.S. officials have identified opportunities to boost investment, expand energy cooperation and strengthen supply chains for critical minerals.

More than $25 billion in commercial agreements and commitments were announced during the 2025 C5+1 meetings in Washington, covering aviation, agricultural equipment, railway infrastructure and mineral development.

Four broad areas of cooperation

The C5+1 agenda initially focused on three main areas: economic development, security and environmental challenges. It has since broadened to include energy, digital infrastructure, cultural exchanges and closer ties between communities.

Trade and investment remain central priorities, with participating countries seeking to develop industrial partnerships and attract new business opportunities.

Energy and environmental cooperation focuses on energy security, infrastructure development and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Security discussions cover counterterrorism, border protection and regional threats, while education and cultural exchanges aim to build stronger connections between the countries.

At the Samarkand meeting, Uzbekistan proposed closer, regular coordination between the C5+1 and B5+1 business formats, allowing companies to play a greater role in identifying and developing priority projects.

Foreign ministers also discussed improving transport links, expanding energy and digital infrastructure, and strengthening cooperation on critical minerals.

Trade ties vary across the region

Kazakhstan remains the U.S.’s largest trading partner in Central Asia, with bilateral trade in goods and services reaching an estimated $7.1 billion in 2025.

Uzbekistan followed with $1.7 billion, while trade with Kyrgyzstan totalled $447.1 million. U.S. trade with Turkmenistan stood at $233.5 million, compared with $125.7 million for Tajikistan.

The figures highlight significant differences in Washington’s economic relationships across the region, as well as opportunities for further growth.

For Central Asian governments, stronger ties with the U.S. could provide greater access to investment, advanced technology and international markets, while allowing them to diversify partnerships alongside their established economic relationships with Russia and China.

The talks also reflect a broader shift in regional diplomacy, with Central Asian countries seeking a wider range of international partners as Washington works to establish a more sustained economic and strategic presence.

Read more:

• Rubio’s Uzbekistan visit: What’s driving the U.S. business push into Central Asia?
• Uzbekistan welcomes 10.3 million tourists as visitor numbers surge 20%
• Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan deepen economic ties as Mirziyoyev visits Baku

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