Rubio promotes trade and ties with Central Asia in Uzbekistan

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Uzbekistan on Monday to promote trade and ties with Central Asia, amid criticism that he is prioritizing safer diplomatic engagements over pressing global crises. Rubio met with counterparts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan under the C5+1 forum, emphasizing Washington's desire to be a strong partner in the region. He led a delegation of nearly 300 American businesses, highlighting Central Asia's role in transnational commerce and investment opportunities. The trip, which includes a stop in India, follows a White House summit last November where President Trump announced over $130 billion in commercial deals. The administration also seeks to encourage regional Muslim-majority nations to join the Abraham Accords, with Kazakhstan as the only current signatory.