At the start of the talks, Rubio conveyed greetings and best wishes from US President Donald Trump to Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The two sides reviewed progress in implementing agreements reached at the highest level and welcomed the latest C5+1 ministerial meeting, which reaffirmed the United States' and Central Asian countries' commitment to strengthening dialogue and expanding regional cooperation.
Uzbekistan and the United States have broadened cooperation across several areas, including political and security affairs, trade and investment, technology, education, and culture. Contacts between their parliaments and government agencies have also intensified, while business and academic exchanges continue to grow.
Security remains another key area of cooperation, particularly efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and illegal migration. The two countries have also established an Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue, which has provided a framework for advancing bilateral ties. Its first meeting resulted in the signing of several documents, including the Artemis Accords on cooperation in the peaceful exploration of space.
Economic cooperation has gained momentum alongside these diplomatic and security ties. Bilateral trade turnover has risen by 35% since the beginning of the year, and joint projects are advancing in civil aviation, automotive manufacturing, mining, energy, agriculture, digitalization, and finance.
The second meeting of the US–Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council further highlighted the scale of economic ambitions, producing new agreements worth $12 billion. The two sides also identified opportunities to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, energy, transport, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies, while highlighting the importance of stronger interregional ties and reciprocal visits by business delegations.
People-to-people contacts are also expanding. Tashkent is home to Webster University, the American University of Technology, and a competency center affiliated with the Colorado School of Mines. The number of American tourists visiting Uzbekistan has also been increasing.
