The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, recently organized an event at the State Department, where foreign ministers from Central Asian countries were invited. Among those present were the heads of foreign affairs agencies from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as the ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to the United States.
Text of the speech (free translation)
Christopher Landau, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State: We are pleased to welcome all of you here in the Benjamin Franklin Room, dedicated to one of our country’s first diplomats, Benjamin Franklin. It is a great honor to gather such distinguished guests.
Today we have a wonderful opportunity to meet with our friends from Central Asia — Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. This is truly a significant event. In working with President Trump, it became clear to us that we need to pay more attention to regions that may have previously remained in the shadows. The Central Asian Republics, which became independent 35 years ago after the collapse of the Soviet Union, are one such region where the U.S. should enhance cooperation.
President Trump initiated this process and invited the presidents of all five countries. I, along with Special Envoy Gore, who will speak shortly, have just returned from a trip to the region. We were unable to visit all the countries, but those we did see impressed us with their business and partnership opportunities. The relationship between the U.S. and Central Asia is entering a new, exciting phase, and we are very grateful to all of you for being here.
Thank you for your time. (Applause.)
I am pleased to introduce our esteemed friend, Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Without his support, many of us would not be able to be here. Thank you, Senator, for your work. (Applause.) Your efforts on Capitol Hill enable the implementation of President Trump’s foreign policy agenda.
Senator Risch is an outstanding representative from Idaho with a rich background in public service, including roles as a prosecutor and governor. We are proud to work with him. Senator, the floor is yours. (Applause.)
Senator Jim Risch: Thank you, Chris. I also thank Secretary Rubio for the invitation and the representatives of Central Asia for your presence. This is indeed a special moment. I am glad to be here at such an important historical event.
Today, world leaders from a challenging region are gathered here. You represent great nations situated between powerful states. This is an opportunity for deepening cooperation and ensuring that your countries can determine their own destinies. In light of Russia's instability and China's aggressive policies, the United States is ready to offer Central Asia a real opportunity for partnership and economic development.
Together with Senator Daines and other colleagues, I introduced a bill aimed at removing outdated restrictions to enhance economic engagement with our partners in the C5+1 format, including the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik restrictions. (Applause.)
It is fitting that in the year marking the tenth anniversary of the C5+1 platform, we are opening a new era of cooperation. I am proud to work with President Trump, Senator Daines, and all our partners from Central Asia to shape policies aimed at developing a secure and prosperous future.
Now I am pleased to introduce Special Envoy Sergio Gore. Sergio and I worked together in the early months of the Trump administration and helped implement important appointments. Thanks to his assistance, we were able to confirm numerous nominees. Today he serves as Ambassador to India but also fulfills the role of Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. Sergio, the floor is yours. (Applause.)
Envoy Sergio Gore: Thank you, Chairman Risch. I am happy to be here among you. We welcome the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, as well as the ambassador of Kyrgyzstan. Your presence today affirms our efforts to create strategic partnerships that reflect our common interests.
Recently, Deputy Secretary Landau and I visited Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, and it was a very successful trip. You will hear more about it tomorrow when the presidents of all five countries visit the White House.
The hospitality in Central Asia is remarkable. I look forward to future visits to Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. During our trip, we saw wonderful progress in innovation and education, as well as the willingness of partners to work with American companies.
Tomorrow at the conference at the Kennedy Center, we will highlight our cooperation and new investment opportunities that will open for both sides. President Trump looks forward to meeting with the presidents tomorrow to reaffirm our commitment to peace and prosperity.
Now it is my pleasure to introduce our distinguished Secretary of State. His work in this role makes him a unique leader. I am confident that he will effectively serve the American people and our international partners.
Now it is my honor to introduce my close friend, Marco Rubio. (Applause.)
Secretary Rubio: Thank you. I am glad to see all of you here. This reception at the State Department is truly an outstanding event. I appreciate your kind words. President Trump says that I was "born for this job," even though I have several roles. (Laughter.) I am proud to serve at this exciting time.
I want to express my gratitude to Ambassador Gore and Deputy Landau for their recent trip. I also plan to visit all five countries this year to strengthen our ties.
Senator Risch and Senator Daines, your support and work significantly enhance our efforts. Foreign policy should be based on national interests, and I see many alignments between our interests. We can engage both bilaterally and regionally, and I am excited to be part of this process.
Thank you for coming. I look forward to tomorrow's meeting and the opportunities it will bring to strengthen relations between our countries.
