At the U.S. Department of State, senior officials and lawmakers welcomed leaders from five Central Asian republics—Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan—for a reception marking a renewed era of engagement between the United States and the region.
Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau opened the event by highlighting the significance of increased U.S. attention to Central Asia. “One of the real joys of working for President Trump in this administration is that he recognizes that foreign policy isn’t just about the same relationships that we have been developing for the last 80 or 100 years. It’s a very big world, and there are many important parts of the world that have not had the attention that they deserve. And one of those areas are these Central Asian republics, formerly part of the Soviet Union and now independent for 35 years. The United States – I think it is high time that we are really engaging more actively,” Landau said.
Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, addressed attendees: “The world leaders gathered here today come from a difficult neighborhood. We understand. You are great nations caught between powerful countries. Today is an opportunity to deepen our cooperation and ensure that these countries can decide their own destinies. As a volatile Russia and an increasingly aggressive China pursue their own national interests around the globe at the cost of their neighbors, the United States offers Central Asian nations the real opportunity to work with a willing partner while lifting up each other’s economies.”
Risch also announced legislative efforts aimed at strengthening economic ties: “In support of this effort, I have joined Senator Daines, who is with us tonight…in introducing a bill this week that paves the way to lifting outdated barriers to increased economic engagement with our C5+1 partners, and that is the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik restrictions.”
Special Envoy Sergio Gor emphasized expanding cooperation across sectors such as innovation and business: “Your presence tonight reflects the growing breadth of our relationship and our shared vision for a secure, sovereign, and prosperous Central Asia. It also reflects the leadership of the United States in building economic and strategic partnerships that advance our interests, reflect our values, and create opportunities for American workers and businesses.” He added that recent visits to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan demonstrated strong interest in deepening business ties.
Gor noted upcoming events intended to foster further collaboration: “Tomorrow at the Kennedy Center, our business conference will highlight that cooperation and action. We will see new investments and trade agreements that will create jobs and export opportunities for American firms.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio closed by recognizing both U.S. officials’ efforts in advancing relations with Central Asia as well as longstanding advocates in Congress: “I want to give a shout-out…to Jim Risch…who is still here…is [and] has been very helpful in getting us here to get all these positions filled.” Rubio acknowledged Senator Daines as “the leading advocate in…the United States Senate for closer engagement with all five…countries.”
Rubio described aligning national interests as central to effective foreign policy: “I think one of things President Trump has made very clear is he wants American foreign policy to be rooted based on national interest…When does foreign policy work best? It works best when…the national interest[s]…are aligned.” He stated his intention to visit all five countries in person within a year.
He concluded by noting past neglect but expressed optimism about future collaboration: “There’s been sort of a – longer? It’s been longer than 10 years?...No, 10 years…but there’s been a little bit of neglect...sometimes we don’t spend enough time focused on exciting new opportunities...That’s what exists here now: an exciting new opportunity in which…the national interests…are aligned…”
The gathering marks ten years since such high-level engagement between U.S. leadership and Central Asian heads-of-state took place.
