On September 20, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in the inaugural C5+1 presidential summit at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, during which he discussed the current agenda with leaders from Central Asia and the U.S, QazMonitor reports citing Akorda.
The meeting was also attended by the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov; the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon; the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedow; the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev; and representatives of the U.S., including President Joseph Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The discussions centered on collaborative efforts to further strengthen the sovereignty, sustainability, and prosperity of Central Asia through the C5+1 strategic partnership in trade, economics, investments, and humanitarian cooperation. The parties also addressed issues related to preserving peace and stability in the region.
In his opening remarks, President Biden noted that this inaugural meeting would elevate multilateral cooperation to new heights.
First, we’re strengthening our counterterrorism cooperation, including increased U.S. security funding to Central Asia. Second, we’re strengthening regional economic connectivity. For example, we’re establishing a new business platform to complement our diplomatic engagement and better connect our private sectors for development purposes. And we are also discussing the potential for a new critical minerals dialogue to strengthen our energy security and supply chains for years to come. And third, we’re launching a new initiative on disability rights.
The discussions also addressed security challenges, including cybersecurity, terrorism, violent extremism, illegal migration, and drug trafficking.
Furthermore, the Kazakh side looks forward to U.S. support in the establishment of the UN Regional Center on Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
