Central Asian countries can together secure the resources, investment and trade partnerships needed to preserve their sovereignty and raise shared prosperity, the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said today at the C5+1 Ministerial Meeting.
“Together we can secure for our countries the resources, investment, opportunities and trade partnerships needed for each of our countries to remain a sovereign state and for us to raise our shared prosperity,” he said.
He said C5+1 reflects “not only America’s interest in closer, peaceful relations with the countries of Central Asia, but also its commitment to developing those relations.”
Rubio stressed that the United States is focused on the security of its own industries and supply chains.
“We in the United States are seeking to secure our critical industries and the supply chains that support them, so that we remain a sovereign, independent country with an independent economy and never depend on unreliable foreign partners or even adversaries,” he said.
“Central Asia is an ideal place for investment and exports, a central hub from which materials vital to the future of all countries are supplied,” Rubio said.
Outlining practical areas of cooperation, the secretary of state named transport infrastructure, critical minerals supply chains and workforce training.
“We will improve the infrastructure of the Trans-Caspian Trade Route and give our partners more opportunities to reach U.S. and Central Asian markets,” he said.
“We will work to secure our energy future by developing integrated, high-value-added supply chains through the critical minerals dialogue. We will train thousands of young specialists to use and provide technical support for advanced American technologies in Central Asia’s growing technology sector,” the secretary of state continued.
Through the “B5+1” business forum, he said, the sides plan to promote dialogue between government and business to significantly increase mutual trade and investment.
Rubio also recalled last year’s C5+1 meeting in Washington, in which he took part.
“That one meeting at the White House alone produced new deals worth $25 billion, strengthening our transport, energy and financial sectors, as well as other vital foundations of our economies,” he said.
He said U.S. President Donald Trump and the Central Asian leaders committed at that time to shaping regulatory and labor-market conditions that support expanded trade and investment. This week’s meetings are aimed at carrying those agreements forward.
“All the countries gathered here this week are distinct, sovereign, independent states with their own cultures and interests. Each determines its own destiny,” Rubio said.
“We in the United States want them to prosper as independent states. We want to be their partners on that path,” he concluded.
