BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 8. The United States and Central Asian countries discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in business, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and digitalization.
This was reported by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the U.S. following a meeting between ambassadors of Central Asian countries with U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison M. Hooker.
“They also exchanged views on forthcoming bilateral and regional engagements, as well as key issues on the shared agenda,” the embassy said.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue and practical cooperation between the U.S. and Central Asian countries.
Meanwhile, the United States and the five Central Asian countries have been expanding the C5+1 format beyond political and security dialogue toward trade, investment, critical minerals, energy and technology cooperation. A C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue was held in Astana in June 2026 with participation from government representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, focusing on geological exploration, mining, processing and supplies of critical minerals to global markets.
The broader economic agenda also includes artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, energy, tourism and agriculture. A joint statement of intent on economic cooperation envisages stronger investment and trade in energy and critical minerals, development of value-added mineral production and cooperation in areas including hydropower, IT and e-commerce.
The C5+1 format has also continued through sector-specific meetings, including a June 2026 meeting of Central Asian and U.S. culture ministers in Tashkent.
