Hamedia: Washington "C5+1" Summit: Central Asia and US Cooperation Enter a New Stage

Kazakhstan International News Agency report: The US President invited leaders of Central Asian countries to attend the "C5+1" summit held in Washington. This meeting is seen as a new chapter in US-Central Asia cooperation, and it is expected to have extensive discussions on regional security, economic and energy cooperation, ecology and innovation, and set the tone for the future diplomatic direction of Central Asia.

Central Asia's diplomacy enters the "joint voice" stage

In recent years, the relations between the five Central Asian countries and major world powers have significantly improved, with the "C5+1" cooperation mechanism playing an important role. Instead of conducting bilateral consultations separately, the countries tend to express common positions with a collective regional identity, thereby gaining more initiative in cooperation with external partners.

The "C5+1" mechanism was officially launched in 2015 during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, initiated by the United States and the five Central Asian countries. The first ministerial meeting was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with US Secretary of State John Kerry attending. Since then, US-Central Asia dialogue has become an important platform for regional diplomacy.

In 2023, former US President Joe Biden held the first "C5+1" summit in the form of a head of state, opening a new phase of regular high-level dialogue. Since then, cooperation between the two sides in areas such as economy, energy, ecology, and security has been continuously deepened.

Notably, the "B5+1" International Forum held in Almaty last year was an extension of the "C5+1" mechanism in the business sector. Over 200 experts from Central Asia and the United States discussed trade, logistics, and investment cooperation.

According to statistics from the Kazakhstan Institute of Economic Research, since 2015, bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and the US has steadily increased, from $1.9 billion in that year to $4.2 billion in 2024.

Experts: US-Central Asia cooperation may help Kazakhstan attract investments and advanced technologies

Alyshер Tashtenov, Chief Expert of the Asia Research Department at the Kazakhstan Presidential Strategy Research Institute (ҚСЗИ), pointed out that the United States views the "C5+1" as an important platform for deepening its relations with Central Asia. According to the US National Security Strategy, Central Asia has unique strategic value in addressing climate change, maintaining energy and food security, and promoting transportation and logistics development.

"US participation in regional cooperation will provide more opportunities for Kazakhstan to attract investments and introduce advanced technologies, and can use the political capital of the US through institutions such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to promote specific projects," said Tashtenov.

Trump administration's policy orientation and opportunities for Central Asia

With Donald Trump returning to the White House, the outside world is paying close attention to how the new US government will position its Central Asia policy. Recently, Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Yermet Kosherybayev met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and both sides confirmed their willingness to expand cooperation in the fields of security, technology, and critical mineral resources.

Ali Makhambet, Chief Analyst at the Kazakhstan Presidential Strategy Research Institute (ҚСЗИ), believes that the US interest in Central Asia is not decreasing but increasing: "Although the Trump administration is known for its pragmatism, its strategic interest in Central Asia is still rising. The focus of cooperation is expected to be concentrated on high technology, energy, and transportation infrastructure, which will provide new momentum for Kazakhstan's economic diversification," he said.

US investment helps boost economic diversification

According to data from the Kazakhstan National Bank, since 1993, total US direct investment in Kazakhstan has exceeded $61 billion, with most of it flowing into the oil and gas industry. Analysts point out that although the energy sector still dominates, the proportion of high-tech and logistics cooperation projects is expected to increase in the future.

Currently, the two American energy companies Chevron and ExxonMobil hold about 47% shares in oil exploration in Kazakhstan. However, due to the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, some crude oil export routes, such as the Caspian Pipeline Consortium route, have been blocked. Experts expect that this Washington summit may discuss alternative energy transportation routes.

Alyshер Abdrashev, Chief Expert of the Europe and America Research Department at the Kazakhstan Presidential Strategy Research Institute (ҚСЗИ), stated: "The US interests align with Kazakhstan in promoting digitalization and transportation corridor construction. Kazakhstan's geographical location connects Eurasia and is a key transportation hub in the region."

He said that Kazakhstan is currently accelerating the improvement of Aktau and Kuryk ports, and the capacity is expected to increase to 130 million tons by 2030; the capacity of the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor) will also double to 10 million tons.

Potential for technological and innovative cooperation

Currently, more than 700 US-owned enterprises are actively operating in Kazakhstan, covering fields such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, energy, machinery manufacturing, and information technology. Experts believe that the experience of the US in digital economy, startup ecosystems, and agricultural digitization is worth learning from.

"The White House can not only bring capital, but also provide digital transformation solutions and innovation ecosystem support. Kazakhstan can promote scientific and technological innovation and talent cultivation through cooperation in emerging fields such as AI and fintech," added Ali Makhambet.

As of the first quarter of 2025, direct foreign investment attracted by Kazakhstan reached $6.6 billion, an increase of 6.2% compared to the previous year, with the US continuing to maintain its position as the main investor country.

Summit focuses on economic, energy, and digital cooperation

Analysts expect that the core issues of this "C5+1" summit will include economic cooperation, energy partnership, digital development, and transportation logistics.

Tashtenov believes: "For Kazakhstan, this meeting will help deepen long-term strategic dialogue with the US, and there will be substantial progress in green energy, critical mineral mining and processing, infrastructure, and innovation investment," he said.

Another expert, Ali Makhambet, pointed out that cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital industries may become a highlight of this summit. The Alem.AI International Artificial Intelligence Center is expected to launch joint projects with international tech giants such as Apple and Google, and digital ecosystems like Astana Hub will also face new development opportunities.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848019825008652/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.