Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov to discuss the ongoing strategic partnership between the United States and Uzbekistan. The meeting took place after Secretary Rubio’s inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial.
According to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, “Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met today with Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov following Secretary Rubio’s inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial to discuss the U.S.-Uzbekistan strategic partnership, including ongoing cooperation to expand economic and commercial ties that will benefit both countries. Deputy Secretary Landau and Foreign Minister Saidov underscored the key role that critical minerals play in driving economic development and enhancing energy security for both countries. The United States looks forward to deepening bilateral collaboration with Uzbekistan in addressing illegal migration, expanding commercial ties, and enhancing engagement through the C5+1 diplomatic platform, which represents the United States ‘plus’ the five Central Asian countries (the C5 – Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan).”
The discussions focused on strengthening economic relations by expanding commercial opportunities between the two nations. Both sides emphasized how critical minerals are important for economic growth and energy security.
The officials also discussed efforts to address illegal migration issues and expressed an intention to work more closely within the framework of the C5+1 diplomatic platform. This group includes the United States alongside Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
