Rubio in Uzbekistan: US seeks to promote ties and trade across Central Asia

Rubio makes case for partnership

Speaking before a meeting, Rubio said the United States wants to build a strong partnership in Central Asia. He said policymakers had not given the region the attention it deserved over the past 20 years, but that was changing.

After the Soviet Union collapsed, newly independent Central Asian nations briefly drew U.S. attention. Interest later faded, then rose again after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, as the United States focused on Afghanistan and neighboring countries.

Regional ties and business goals

The Trump administration has sought closer relations with Central Asia during both of its terms. The region’s position between Russia and China, as well as potential business opportunities, has figured in that effort as the United States ended its 20-year operation in Afghanistan.

Trade ambitions and past deals

Rubio told officials that Central Asia had historically served as a trade crossroads between East and West. He said the region could again play an important role in international commerce as it expands its global engagement.

President Donald Trump hosted Central Asian leaders at a White House summit last November. He announced more than $130 billion in commercial deals, including agreements for regional airlines to buy Boeing aircraft.

Questions over diplomatic priorities

Rubio’s visit came amid criticism that the top U.S. diplomat was favoring politically safer engagements over pressing matters. Rubio rejected suggestions that he was avoiding difficult issues in favor of lower-risk diplomacy. The State Department also pushed back against criticism of his schedule.