"Central Asia has become stronger, more united, and increasingly capable of shaping its own future," — Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan
Cooperation between Central Asia and the US should unlock the region's potential "as a single space of new opportunities," the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan stated. He proposed making partnership in critical minerals—from geological exploration to the creation of industrial clusters—one of the priorities.
"Central Asia has become stronger, more united, and increasingly capable of defining its own future" — Uzbekistan Foreign Minister
The first meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian countries and the US in the C5+1 format took place in Samarkand in 2015. Since then, Central Asia has become stronger, more united, and increasingly capable of defining its own future. This was stated by Uzbekistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov at a meeting of the region's foreign ministers and the US Secretary of State in Samarkand, reports a "Gazeta" correspondent.
"The next phase of our 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. This means strengthening economic connectivity, attracting advanced technology and investment, as well as expanding our access to global markets," the minister said.
"We firmly believe that a strong, stable, and prosperous Central Asia serves the interests of all our countries and our international partners," the head of the Foreign Ministry emphasized.
Among the key areas of cooperation between the region and the US, Uzbekistan proposed critical minerals.
"As one of our key priorities, we propose developing a strategic partnership in the field of critical minerals — from geological exploration and mineral processing to the creation of local industrial clusters," stated the foreign minister.
The minister noted that Central Asia possesses rich resources, growing markets, human capital, and a strategically important geographical location, while the US has advanced technology, investment capital, and world-class entrepreneurial expertise.
"Our common task is to combine these strengths and build a solid partnership that will bring tangible benefits to our peoples," he said.
Bakhtiyor Saidov also informed that, in assuming the co-chairmanship of the C5+1 Secretariat, Uzbekistan intends to ensure continuity of work and focus on translating agreements into practical results.