U.S. expresses intention to strengthen relationships with countries in Central Asia

United States Pursues Central Asian Influence Through C5+1 Format

After swiftly altering foreign policy towards Eurasia, the Trump administration has kept one Obama-era initiative: the C5+1 format, aimed at increasing US influence in Central Asia. This strategy includes cooperation with the US through the C5+1 diplomatic platform to promote peace and prosperity in the region.

During a conversation with Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov on February 21, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the United States' interest in strengthening the C5+1 framework. The conversation focused on shared goals, including investment in critical minerals and US civil nuclear energy technologies.

The primary motivation for US interest in Central Asia is the region's abundant natural resources, consisting not only of oil, natural gas, and minerals but also rare earths crucial for high-tech devices, clean energy, and defense purposes. Additionally, the proximity of Central Asian states to China's border may play a role in US policy calculations, with Trump's second term advocating for containing Chinese global economic influence.

Rubio specifically mentioned the potential for mutual benefits in a bilateral relationship with Uzbekistan. Saidov responded positively, expressing enthusiasm for expanding ties in all sectors and focusing on strengthening economic connections between the two nations.

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are seen as key players in the C5+1 context, with former Secretary of State John Kerry initiating the format in 2015. However, it was during the Biden administration that the framework's status was significantly elevated, first with the inaugural presidential-level summit of C5+1 leaders in 2023, followed by the launch of the B5+1 process the following year to boost trade and investment.

In December 2021, the US and Uzbekistan agreed to expand their mutual market access, with US officials praising the Uzbek government's efforts to open the country's economy. Moreover, the US has shown continued support for Uzbekistan's bid to join the World Trade Organization.

The talks also addressed the repatriation of illegal Uzbek migrants, with Rubio expressing gratitude for Uzbekistan's cooperation in cracking down on illegal immigration. On February 24, seven Uzbek deportees arrived in Tashkent, according to Uzbek media. The US is reported to have shipped additional Uzbek deportees to Panama and Costa Rica.

Regarding Afghan affairs, Uzbekistan is leading regional efforts to engage the Taliban government. This strategic move aims to bring Afghanistan closer to Central Asia's trade orbit, increasing regional influence over the Taliban on matters such as Afghanistan's Qosh Tepa canal project, which could impact the region's already delicate water resources balance.

On February 22, a high-level Taliban delegation held trade talks in Tashkent, resulting in agreements on railroad improvements, establishing a free trade zone, deregulation of agricultural exports, mining and oil & gas development, and a power transmission line project.

The United States' investment in Central Asia extends beyond politics, as it also involves finance, particularly in exploiting the region's rich energy resources such as oil, natural gas, and rare earths essential for high-tech devices, clean energy, and defense.
In the realm of policy-and-legislation, the Trump administration has maintained the C5+1 format to foster unity with the Central Asian states, with the objective of promoting peace and prosperity through diplomatic cooperation.
In the context of general news, the US and Uzbekistan have recently agreed to expand their market access, a move praised by US officials for the Uzbek government's efforts to open the country's economy.
As part of the ongoing efforts to manage regional affairs, Uzbekistan is engaging the Taliban government, using trade as a strategic tool to potentially bring Afghanistan into Central Asia's trade orbit, influencing the Taliban's decisions on matters like the Qosh Tepa canal project.