OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Welcoming the Positive Outcomes of the C5+1 Summit and U.S.-Central Asia Partnership

Floor Speech

Date: Nov. 7, 2025
Location: Washington, DC

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome the positive outcomes of the C5+1 Summit, held in Washington, D.C., on November 6, 2025. This high-level meeting reaffirmed the United States' partnership with the nations of Central Asia--Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan--in promoting regional stability, economic growth, and sustainable development. It also led to valuable strides in our mutual partnership including the announcement of Kazakhstan's intent to join the Abraham accords and commitments to regional partners on critical mineral investment.

Over the years, the C5+1 format has evolved into an important platform for advancing dialogue, strengthening regional cooperation, and expanding opportunities for trade, investment, and connectivity. The recent summit in Washington underscored the mutual benefits of deeper cooperation between the United States and Central Asia from enhancing supply chain resilience and diversifying access to critical minerals, to fostering people-to-people exchanges and educational partnerships.

Looking ahead, we hope to build on this relationship by advancing our efforts to lift the outdated Jackson Vanik amendment, which has long been an irritant in the trade relationship between the United States and the Central Asian nations. Lifting this amendment would underscore the U.S. commitment to the region, and provide the stability needed to foster mutual investment and growth. We also hope to build on the momentum of the summit with continued high-level engagements and visits between the U.S. and Central Asia.

Mr. Speaker, the outcomes of the C5+1 Summit reaffirm our shared vision of a stable, prosperous, and interconnected Central Asia, one that contributes to global security and economic opportunity. The United States stands ready to continue working hand-in-hand with our partners across the region to turn this vision into lasting results.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT


Source
arrow_upward