The first meeting in the C5+1 format - the heads of state of Central Asia and the United States of America - took place on Tuesday, September 19 at the UN headquarters in New York.

The summit was attended by US President Joseph Biden, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

In accordance with the agenda, prospects for expanding trade and economic cooperation, “green” development, ensuring energy security and introducing renewable energy sources, interaction in matters of ensuring regional security, combating terrorism and cross-border crime were discussed.

At the summit it was noted that the C5+1 format, created eight years ago in the city of Samarkand, has become a sought-after platform for open and constructive dialogue and the development of productive interaction in all areas between the states of Central Asia and the United States.

Priority areas of cooperation of strategic importance for the development of the entire region were identified, such as strengthening trade and investment activities, establishing project cooperation, developing transport corridors in the region, promoting the “green agenda”, ensuring human rights and gender equality, expanding educational programs, promoting peaceful settlement in Afghanistan.

As a result of the meeting, agreements were reached on further deepening mutual understanding and expanding practical partnership between the countries of the region and the United States.

The White House released the final speech of US President Joseph Biden, who noted that this was a “historic moment.”

“We are building on many years of close cooperation between Central Asia and the United States—a cooperation based on our shared commitment to sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.” In my opinion, these principles are more important than ever. And today we are taking our cooperation to new heights,” Biden said.

He noted that, firstly, cooperation in the fight against terrorism is being strengthened, and secondly, partnership is advancing in the development of regional economic ties, mentioning in this regard the creation of a new business platform, “which will complement our diplomatic activities and better connect our private sector "

“And we... we are also discussing the potential for a new critical dialogue on mineral resources to strengthen our energy security and supply chains for years to come,” the American president said. “And third, we are launching a new disability rights initiative.”

He thanked the meeting participants for the fruitful conversation and expressed hope for its continuation and the next meeting soon. “Perhaps in one of your countries,” Biden said.

ORIENT news