US Aims to Strengthen Cooperation with Central Asia: Marco Rubio Announces Regional Visit
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced plans to visit all five Central Asian countries during 2026. He made the statement at a reception at the US State Department during a meeting with the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
According to Rubio, the interests of the United States and the region align in ensuring the sustainable and responsible development of natural resources. "You seek to use the wealth that God has given you to achieve development that will help diversify your economies. We are ready to support these efforts," the head of the US foreign policy department noted.
Rubio emphasized that he will personally visit all five countries to strengthen cooperation and identify new areas of partnership. On Thursday, a meeting of the presidents of the Central Asian states with US President Donald Trump will be held in Washington. The talks will focus on economic cooperation, in particular the development of rare earth mineral extraction and other resources.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated that the invitation of regional leaders to Washington was a personal initiative of President Trump aimed at strengthening ties with Central Asia. He added that he recently visited Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan together with the US Ambassador to India and the Special Envoy for Central Asia Sergio Gor to prepare agreements that will be presented during the summit.
"The opportunities for cooperation are truly impressive — in business, technology, and energy," Landau noted.
In addition, Senator James Risch announced that he will introduce a bill in Congress to repeal the Jackson-Vanik amendment, which restricts US trade with economies not based on market principles.
Thus, Washington intends to strengthen its presence in a region with significant raw materials and energy potential and a key role in shaping new transport and economic links between East and West.
