On 19 October 2026, Samarkand hosted a regular meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian states and the Secretary of State of the United States of America within the C5+1 format, foreign inistry of Turkmenistan reports.
During the meeting, the participants discussed key priorities for strengthening multifaceted cooperation between Central Asia and the United States, as well as prospects for advancing regional engagement amid current international realities.
The parties reaffirmed their commitment to building an enduring partnership grounded in mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and the alignment of shared interests.
Special attention was paid to expanding political dialogue, strengthening good-neighborly relations, and promoting joint initiatives aimed at ensuring peace, stability, and sustainable development across Central Asia.
Trade, economic, and investment cooperation featured prominently on the agenda. The participants highlighted the importance of enhancing transport and logistics connectivity—including along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route—expanding bilateral trade, and creating favorable conditions to boost business activity and attract investment.
They also underscored the need to deepen regional economic integration, foster industrial cooperation, expand the digital economy, and adopt modern technologies.
The meeting gave dedicated focus to opportunities in digitalization and artificial intelligence, the rollout of innovative technologies, and the expansion of digital infrastructure. The ministers emphasized the value of exchanging best practices, attracting investment, and leveraging tech solutions for joint projects in IT, cybersecurity, industrial automation, and professional workforce training.
Furthermore, the sides noted the strategic potential of artificial intelligence in driving economic growth, improving public administration efficiency, and expanding regional partnership.
The delegations also addressed cooperation in energy, raw material extraction and processing, the development of value-added supply chains, and broader access for finished regional products to global markets. They expressed strong interest in sharing technical expertise and advanced technology to enhance the competitiveness of regional economies.
In discussing regional security, the participants focused on countering terrorism, organized crime, illicit drug and arms trafficking, and human trafficking, as well as reinforcing border security. The parties agreed on the importance of stepping up joint efforts in cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection, while reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation on nuclear security and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Preserving and promoting historical and cultural heritage, expanding educational and cultural exchanges, boosting tourism, and fostering closer people-to-people ties between the United States and Central Asia were highlighted as crucial priorities.
Following the meeting, the Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian states and the U.S. Secretary of State adopted a Joint Statement. The statement reaffirms sides’ commitment to further strengthening the C5+1 mechanism as a key platform for political dialogue and practical cooperation to drive economic development and reinforce regional stability. ///nCa, 19 October 2026