Central Asian leaders will meet with US President Donald Trump for the second “Central Asia-US” (C5+1) summit in Washington on November 6. Established in 2015, the C5+1 format, initially focused on security and counter-terrorism, has shifted its 2025 agenda to economics, infrastructure, critical minerals, and green energy. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that he views the US as a strategic partner and shares President Trump’s goals of protecting peace, security, and traditional values.
The summit’s economic focus reflects increased US commercial activity in the region. Key projects include Kazakhstan’s $4.2 billion deal with Wabtec for 300 locomotives and Uzbekistan’s $3-4 billion in energy projects with companies like Schlumberger and Baker Hughes. Additionally, the US and Uzbekistan have signed a memorandum on the exploration and processing of critical minerals.
A primary focus of the summit will be the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), which the US supports to enhance the region’s integration into global trade chains. While regional countries aim to deepen their strategic partnership with the US, they continue to maintain “multi-vector” foreign policies, balancing the economic and political interests of Russia and China.
