New York, 20 September 2023 (TDI): United States President Joe Biden convened the first-ever C5+1 presidential summit during the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 19, 2023.
President Biden met with the Presidents of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in the C5+1 Summit.
The discussions covered various topics, including security, trade, investment, regional connectivity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ongoing governance and rule of law reforms.
President Biden welcomed the perspectives of his counterparts on strengthening the Central Asian nation’s sovereignty, resilience, prosperity, and human rights through the C5+1 partnership.
Furthermore, President Biden expressed gratitude for their collaboration on regional security matters and pledged continued cooperation on border security, counterterrorism, and law enforcement.
The US President emphasized the importance of fostering a beneficial business environment for US trade and private sector investment and proposed a private sector business platform to complement diplomatic efforts.
Moreover, USAID will host the C5+1 Regional Connectivity Ministerial in Central Asia in October to explore concrete steps for inclusive, sustainable economic development. Recognizing the need for resilient, secure supply chains in the evolving energy landscape, the US suggested initiating a C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue to develop and enhance the security of Central Asia’s mineral resources.
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In addition, such initiatives align with US support for investment and development along the Trans-Caspian Trade route, promoting regional economic integration and resilience.
US President Biden, during the meeting, also called for continued backing of civil society and Women’s economic empowerment.
Furthermore, President Biden encouraged integrating disability rights across all sectors within the C5+1 framework.
After the summit, President Biden declared the event historic, expressing confidence that it would elevate cooperation among participants to new heights. Moreover, He extended his gratitude to all the leaders for their fruitful conversation.
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