Why is this important
Trump’s summit with the leaders of the five Central Asian countries in Washington is a signal of the region’s priority for the US. The meeting could lead to new investments in critical minerals, energy, and infrastructure. The US is competing with China and Russia for influence in Central Asia, offering alternatives in trade, technology, and security.
What happened
- Mirziyoyev will meet with Trump on November 6 in Washington at the C5+1 summit;
- Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated that the visit “will pave the way for a great meeting between the leaders”;
- The summit is attended by the leaders of five Central Asian countries: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan;
- Tokayev confirmed his participation and thanked Trump for the invitation;
- Reuters: meeting against the backdrop of increased US contacts with regions within Russia’s sphere of influence.
Format C5+1
A diplomatic platform established in 2015 for cooperation between the US and five Central Asian countries. The format covers economics, energy, security, and the fight against terrorism.
Holding the summit in Washington with Trump’s personal participation underscores the region’s strategic importance for the administration.
Previous meeting
Mirziyoyev and Trump met on September 23, 2025, in New York on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly. At that time, agreements were reached on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and critical mineral resources. The summit on November 6 is a continuation of these agreements.
Meeting agenda
Expected discussion:
- Critical minerals: The US is interested in joint development of rare earth metals, uranium, and copper deposits to reduce dependence on China;
- Energy sector: cooperation in renewable energy sources, modernization of power grids, transit of energy carriers;
- Trade: expanding trade turnover, attracting American companies;
- Security: cooperation in the fight against terrorism, stabilization of Afghanistan;
- Digital technologies: IT industry development, cybersecurity, AI.
Context
The US’s activation in Central Asia is a response to the growing influence of China (the region’s largest trading partner, investments through BRI) and Russia (traditional ties, security). Washington offers an alternative through investment, technology, and market access.
Critical minerals are a key topic. The US wants to diversify supply chains by reducing dependence on China, which controls 60% of global mining and 90% of rare earth metal processing. Uzbekistan possesses reserves of uranium, copper, gold, and rare earth elements.
Energy: The US supports the development of renewable energy sources in the region (solar and wind power plants) and is interested in the transit of energy carriers through Central Asia, bypassing Russia.
Security: The US is concerned about the presence of radical groups in Afghanistan and the possibility of their penetration into Central Asia. Cooperation includes the training of border services, the exchange of intelligence, and the fight against drug trafficking.
Trump’s personal participation in the C5+1 summit is a rare occurrence. Usually, the format is held at the level of the Secretary of State or his deputies. The president’s participation emphasizes the region’s priority for the US.
Tokayev confirmed participation — Kazakhstan, as the largest economy in Central Asia, plays a key role in the format. The confirmation of participation indicates the importance of the meeting for regional leaders.
Landau’s quote: “The visit should pave the way for a great meeting between the leaders” is a diplomatic phrase indicating the expectation of specific summit results.
