US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Uzbekistan to Expand Economic Ties with Central Asia

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is currently in Uzbekistan to promote trade and economic ties with Central Asia, as part of a broader effort to expand the US's economic presence in the region. The trip, which includes a stop in India, aims to strengthen US economic and security ties with Central and South Asia. Rubio has emphasized the need for greater attention to Central Asia, which he believes has been overlooked by American policymakers for too long.

Rubio is accompanied by nearly 300 American businesses, which are discussing potential agreements worth billions of dollars. The US State Department has previously stated that more than 200 US business leaders are accompanying his trip. The discussions are expected to cover critical minerals, infrastructure, and other areas of mutual interest. Rubio has highlighted the importance of diversifying supply chains and developing mineral deposits responsibly, which could serve both economic and strategic interests.

The trip is part of a broader effort to strengthen the US's strategic partnership with Central Asia. The US and Uzbekistan have held the first meeting of their Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue, focusing on trade, investment, energy, critical minerals, advanced technologies, and security cooperation. The two countries have also signed the Artemis Accords, which establish principles for international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of space.