Mirziyoyev and Rubio discussed strategic partnership at C5+1 meeting

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 19, 2026. Rubio arrived in Uzbekistan to participate in the C5+1 ministerial meeting and the second session of the American-Uzbek Business and Investment Council, according to a statement from the Uzbek president's press service.

Rubio conveyed greetings and best wishes from US President Donald Trump to Mirziyoyev.

The sides discussed strengthening strategic partnership, developing economic ties, and cooperation in the security sphere. Following the C5+1 ministerial meeting, participants gave a positive assessment of dialogue between the US and Central Asian countries. Special attention was paid to combating terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and illegal migration.

The sides noted the expansion of contacts in political, trade, investment, technological, and cultural spheres, as well as between parliaments, agencies, business and academic circles of the two countries.

An important milestone in bilateral relations was the launch of the Expanded Strategic Partnership Dialogue between Uzbekistan and the US. Following its first session, the sides signed a number of documents, including the Artemis Accords on cooperation in peaceful space exploration.

Since the beginning of 2026, bilateral trade turnover has grown by 35%. Within the framework of the Economic Cooperation Program, major projects are being implemented in civil aviation, automotive manufacturing, mining, energy, agriculture, digitalization, and finance. At the latest session of the American-Uzbek Business and Investment Council, new agreements totaling 12 billion US dollars were reached.

In the humanitarian sphere, Webster University, American University of Technology, and the Competency Center of Colorado School of Mines operate in Tashkent. The number of US tourists visiting Uzbekistan is also growing.

The sides outlined prospects for further cooperation in critical minerals, energy, transport, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies, and discussed the development of inter-regional ties and the organization of exchanges between business delegations.

In conclusion, Mirziyoyev and Rubio exchanged views on current issues of international policy and regional security, and reviewed the schedule and content of upcoming events with the participation of leaders of the two countries.