C5+1 adopts a joint agenda for Trans-Caspian trade and energy
The United States and five Central Asian governments adopted a joint statement in Samarkand on trade, energy and security cooperation. The Trans-Caspian Trade Route features in the agenda agreed during Marco Rubio’s visit. The diplomatic outcome follows preparations for business talks, while the countries set out their intention to combine strengths in developing the regional energy sector.
Geopolitics··Morning
Six governments agree on trade priorities
The United States and the five Central Asian countries adopted a joint statement at their ministerial meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on 19 October. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in setting out the priorities. Their C5+1 diplomatic format brings the five regional governments together with the US. Trade, energy and security feature in the agreed agenda.[1], [2]
The statement backs development of the Trans-Caspian transport route to support trade and investment. The governments also seek more trade within Central Asia, better transport connections, harmonised customs procedures and closer industrial cooperation. These undertakings concern the rules and connections linking the regional economies, alongside their business relations with the US.[2]
Energy agenda includes mineral processing
The six governments express an intention to combine their strengths in developing the regional energy sector. The statement links the countries’ untapped natural resources to cooperation in mineral extraction and processing. It also seeks a larger regional share of higher-value production and ways of bringing that output to international markets. Those are stated cooperation objectives; the statement does not give a total value for completed investments.[1], [2]
A business platform known as B5+1 is to continue opening opportunities for American companies in Central Asia. The governments also want to expand opportunities for Central Asian businesses to invest in the US. The statement includes cooperation on trusted technology, electronic commerce and support for entrepreneurs.[2]
Security cooperation extends to borders and cyberspace
Security priorities include counterterrorism, transnational organised crime and border security. The governments identify trafficking in people, drugs and weapons among the problems for joint work, and seek deeper cybersecurity cooperation against digital crime. They also welcome longstanding cooperation on nuclear materials and propose further practical work on nuclear security, nonproliferation safeguards and peaceful nuclear energy.[2]
The C5+1 format began in 2015, when then-secretary of state John Kerry visited all five Central Asian countries. Uzbekistan was Rubio’s only Central Asian stop on this trip, and he held bilateral meetings with regional counterparts. The new joint statement also commits participants to cultural-heritage protection and professional, educational and cultural exchanges.[1], [2]
