Uzbekistan Joins Artemis Accords During Rubio Talks in Samarkand

Uzbekistan signed the Artemis Accords on principles for peaceful space exploration on October 19 during a C5+1 meeting in Samarkand, hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyar Saidov announced the signing following bilateral talks with Rubio. According to him, Uzbekistan became the 77th country to join this framework structure. Saidov stated that participation in the accords will open opportunities for closer cooperation with NASA and other space agencies of signatory countries, as well as for training Uzbek specialists and gaining access to space technologies.

The Artemis Accords were established in 2020. Their participants commit to peaceful activities in space and ensuring greater transparency, including the exchange of scientific data. The document also addresses issues of preventing mutual interference between missions and preserving historical objects in space. NASA characterizes the accords as non-binding principles.

In parallel, the first Dialogue on Deepened Strategic Partnership between Uzbekistan and the United States took place, with critical minerals occupying a central place on the agenda. Rubio confirmed on X that he held meetings with all five foreign ministers of Central Asia during the C5+1 meeting.