Rubio calls Uzbekistan key to Central Asia as US prepares new deals
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described Uzbekistan as the cornerstone of Central Asia, praising its economic growth and announcing that new agreements with American companies are expected following an investment forum in Samarkand.
Speaking to reporters in Samarkand on October 19, Rubio said Washington intended to expand its involvement in the region, which he acknowledged had received insufficient attention from US policymakers over the past two decades.
A stunning visit to Samarkand’s historic Registan Square with @SecRubio @FM_Saidov and @Smirziyoyeva. Today we write the next chapter of U.S.–Central Asian economic partnership with more than 300 business leaders on the ground. https://t.co/MaBNwoKVvu
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) October 19, 2026
«I think it’s the key, the cornerstone. I mean, it’s the most populous country,» Rubio said when asked about Uzbekistan’s role in Central Asia.
He highlighted the country’s economic development, noting that its GDP growth was approaching 8% annually.
«If you can have another decade like you had in the last decade, I think you’ll be in an incredible place,» Rubio said.
The secretary of state also expressed surprise at Uzbekistan’s tourism figures and revealed that discussions were underway about potentially launching direct flights between Miami and Uzbekistan. He did not identify an airline or provide a timeline for the proposed service.
US companies prepare new agreements with Uzbekistan
Rubio said the American business delegation accompanying him was expected to announce concrete commercial agreements after the investment forum.
«I think we’ll have some concrete deals to announce, companies that are going to be doing business here, that are being welcomed here and that are excited about doing business here,» he said.
The agreements have not yet been detailed.
Rubio stressed that Washington viewed the current visit as the beginning of a broader economic partnership rather than a one-off initiative.
«This is not the end. This is the beginning,» he said.
He also acknowledged that Central Asia had historically been overlooked by Washington.
«Central Asia has just not gotten the level of attention from our policymakers over the last 20 years that it deserves. But that’s changing.»
Rubio said he wanted more congressional delegations to visit the region and hoped to return himself. He also welcomed the decision to hold the C5+1 meeting in Uzbekistan alongside bilateral negotiations.
Met with Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Saidov @FM_Saidov and discussed deepening U.S.-Uzbekistan strategic partnership including our cooperation in infrastructure, space, critical minerals and through the C5+1 diplomatic platform. Together, we are working together to advance prosperity of both our countries and the region.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) October 19, 2026
Critical minerals and possible Trump visit
Asked about Uzbekistan’s role in diversifying global supplies of critical minerals, Rubio said countries with such resources should develop them responsibly while reducing dependence on individual suppliers.
«It’s just not smart for the whole world to depend on one place for 100% of anything,» he said.
Rubio added that Washington was interested in partnerships allowing resource-rich countries to develop processing capabilities and benefit economically from their mineral reserves.
«I think we have a chance to do that here,» he said.
The secretary of state also addressed the possibility of US President Donald Trump visiting Central Asia, saying Trump had expressed interest in making such a trip.
«I think he would like to come if he can. He has said so,» Rubio said, while stressing that no dates had been confirmed.
Rubio addresses Russian energy sanctions
During the same exchange, Rubio was asked whether Washington’s recent decisions to waive certain Russian energy sanctions meant Central Asian countries could continue purchasing Russian gas.
He said US policy had to account for global energy prices, geographic constraints and the difficulty some countries face in finding alternative suppliers.
«Geography is real. For some countries, it’s very difficult to acquire energy from alternative sources,» Rubio said.
In Uzbekistan to take part in the C5+1 Ministerial and lead a historic delegation of over 200 business leaders. This diplomatic platform promotes regional connectivity, transformative commercial diplomacy initiatives, and a more peaceful and prosperous future for the United States and our Central Asian partners.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) October 18, 2026
He added that Washington could not disregard the economic consequences of sanctions for its international partners.
«You also can’t unravel the economy of other countries because of one central issue,» he said.
Rubio maintained that the United States remained committed to ending the war in Ukraine but had to balance that objective against its other foreign policy priorities.
Returning to Uzbekistan’s prospects, Rubio described the bilateral relationship as one defined by economic opportunities rather than disputes.
«There’s nothing that strengthens relationships more than shared prosperity,» he said.
