In a post on X, Rubio highlighted Samarkand’s historic role as a center of the Silk Road, where diplomatic, trade and cultural ties converged.
“Jeanette and I stood at the heart of Samarkand’s Registan Square, where the richness of Uzbekistan’s history, culture, and architecture is undeniable,” Rubio wrote. “At this historic crossroads where diplomacy, trade, and culture of the ancient Silk Road took place, it is fitting that the U.S. and Central Asia continue securing economic opportunities and strengthening diplomatic ties to transform the future.”
Later that day, Rubio met with Mirziyoyev and thanked Uzbekistan for hosting the C5+1 meeting in Samarkand.
According to Rubio, the talks focused on expanding economic opportunities and creating jobs in both countries, strengthening security cooperation, and engagement through the C5+1 diplomatic platform, which brings together the United States and the five Central Asian countries.
Rubio also thanked Mirziyoyev for awarding him Uzbekistan’s Order of Outstanding Merit.
