According to a statement released by the US Department of State on October 13, Rubio will attend a meeting of foreign ministers from the C5+1 group in Samarkand, bringing together the United States and the five Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The meeting will focus on how strategic cooperation through the C5+1 framework can strengthen peace and promote prosperity in the United States and Central Asia. Rubio is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with representatives of countries in the region.
US seeks closer economic ties with Central Asia
The C5+1 format has served as a platform for cooperation between Washington and the five Central Asian states since 2015. Its agenda includes regional security and economic cooperation.
The presence of more than 200 US business representatives is expected to support discussions on expanding commercial ties and identifying new opportunities for American companies in Central Asia.
Talks in India to cover energy and strategic cooperation
In India, Rubio will meet government officials to discuss the bilateral strategic partnership, regional and global developments, and opportunities to expand cooperation in the energy sector.
He is also scheduled to hold talks with business representatives aimed at strengthening trade and economic relations between the United States and India.
