Washington: President Donald Trump met with the leaders of five Central Asian countries on Thursday as part of Washington’s effort to strengthen ties in a region long dominated by Russia and increasingly influenced by China. The summit, held under the C5+1 format, brought together the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, and critical minerals. Central Asia is rich in resources such as uranium, copper, gold, and rare earth elements materials vital for modern industries and clean energy technologies. The United States is seeking to reduce its dependence on China and Russia for these key minerals and to develop alternative supply chains.
During the talks, President Trump announced plans for closer economic partnerships, including a memorandum of cooperation with Kazakhstan on critical minerals. Officials said the deal could open new investment opportunities for American companies in mining and processing sectors across the region.
The discussions also touched on regional stability, transport corridors, and counterterrorism cooperation. Trump emphasized that the United States wanted to see a “strong, independent, and prosperous Central Asia” that could make its own choices free from outside pressure.
In a related development, Kazakhstan is expected to join the Abraham Accords, a U.S.-led initiative aimed at normalizing relations with Israel. The move is seen as part of Washington’s broader push to integrate Central Asian nations into its strategic network of partnerships.
Analysts say the meeting marks a renewed U.S. interest in Central Asia, a region often overlooked in American foreign policy. It also reflects Washington’s intent to balance China’s Belt and Road investments and Russia’s traditional security influence.
However, experts caution that the path ahead will not be easy. Central Asian governments must navigate their relationships carefully with Moscow and Beijing while engaging with Washington. For the United States, maintaining consistent investment and follow-through will be key to sustaining long-term influence.
The summit closed with a joint statement reaffirming cooperation on economic growth, energy development, and regional peace. Both sides agreed to continue dialogue under the C5+1 platform in the coming months.