Within the framework of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the “С5+1” Ministerial meeting was held with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Foreign Ministers Zheenbek Kulubaev of Kyrgyzstan, Sirojiddin Mukhriddin of Tajikistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov of Uzbekistan and Deputy Chairman of the Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, DKnews.kz reports.
The foreign ministers reaffirmed the importance of the “C5+1” regional platform for achieving common goals in the areas of security, including addressing transnational challenges, economic prosperity, and the promotion of human rights, including women’s empowerment, child protection, and the rights of people with disabilities. The participants emphasized the importance of implementing the agreements reached following the “C5+1” Presidential Summit, as outlined in the New York Declaration.
During his speech, Head of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry shared President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s vision of Central Asia’s role in the global geopolitical landscape. In particular, he noted that the region’s key priorities are the search for comprehensive approaches to solving critical issues in combating both traditional and new threats, as well as developing response measures.
Minister Nurtleu also highlighted that the VI Consultative Meeting of the Heads of States of Central Asia, held in August in Astana, contributed to further strengthening of integration processes and economic connectivity in the region.
Special attention was also given to political reforms in Kazakhstan, which are primarily focused on human capital, with an emphasis on achieving tangible results for all citizens. Minister Nurtleu noted the importance of holding a “C5+1” meeting in Kazakhstan focused on promoting the rights of people with disabilities.
Secretary Blinken noted that the year 2025 will mark ten years of enduring U.S. - Central Asia cooperation through the “C5+1” platform and emphasized the U.S. commitment to pursuing regional solutions to global challenges in partnership with the countries of the region.
The participants also stressed the timeliness of the initiative to launch the “B5+1” platform and the Critical Minerals Dialogue, whose practical outcomes may serve as drivers of economic growth.
