BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 8. The United States
and Central Asian countries discussed opportunities to expand
cooperation in business, critical minerals, artificial
intelligence, and digitalization.
This was reported by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the U.S.
following a meeting between ambassadors of Central Asian countries
with U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison M.
Hooker.
“They also exchanged views on forthcoming bilateral and regional
engagements, as well as key issues on the shared agenda,” the
embassy said.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue and
practical cooperation between the U.S. and Central Asian
countries.
Meanwhile, the United States and the five Central Asian
countries have been expanding the C5+1 format beyond political and
security dialogue toward trade, investment, critical minerals,
energy and technology cooperation. A C5+1 Critical Minerals
Dialogue was held in Astana in June 2026 with participation from
government representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, focusing on geological exploration,
mining, processing and supplies of critical minerals to global
markets.
The broader economic agenda also includes artificial
intelligence, digital infrastructure, energy, tourism and
agriculture. A joint statement of intent on economic cooperation
envisages stronger investment and trade in energy and critical
minerals, development of value-added mineral production and
cooperation in areas including hydropower, IT and e-commerce.
The C5+1 format has also continued through sector-specific
meetings, including a June 2026 meeting of Central Asian and U.S.
culture ministers in Tashkent.
