During the meeting, Trump emphasized that the U.S. authorities intend to actively develop the procurement of critical minerals to counter China's growing influence in this sector. "These countries were part of the ancient Silk Road, connecting East and West," he noted, adding that previous U.S. administrations had neglected this region, as reported by AP.
Trump stressed that he recognizes the importance of Central Asia, although many are unaware of its significance. "A key aspect of our program is critical minerals," he said during a dinner with the leaders of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan at the White House. He added that in recent weeks, his administration has taken steps to strengthen U.S. economic security by signing agreements with allies to expand supply chains.
A week earlier, Trump reached an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping, under which the U.S. lifted some tariffs in exchange for China easing restrictions on the export of key minerals used in technologies ranging from mobile phones to jet engines. However, despite the temporary improvement in relations, the White House continues to seek alternative sources of supply.
"We are strengthening economic cooperation and security, as well as developing mutual ties," Trump noted, aiming to establish partnerships with the resource-rich region.
This summit was a landmark event, as Trump hosted the "C5+1" group at the White House for the first time in U.S. efforts to strengthen its influence in Central Asia, previously dominated by Russia and China. In 2023, a similar meeting was held by President Joe Biden in New York.
The Central Asian states possess significant mineral resources, including rare earth elements and uranium, which were important for the Soviet nuclear program.
According to Bloomberg, the Trump administration facilitated a deal between a private American company and Kazakhstan for the purchase of a controlling stake in the country's largest untapped tungsten deposit. Cove Capital LLC acquired 70% of the shares in two deposits from Kazakhstan's sovereign wealth fund, which will retain 30% of the shares.
Trump proposed that each president speak, and they expressed gratitude for his efforts to promote trade in the region and beyond.
Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon noted that his country is interested in deepening economic and trade cooperation with the U.S., offering its rare earth metal resources to support the production of data centers related to artificial intelligence.
According to reports, Central Asian countries can benefit from cooperation with the U.S. as they seek to diversify their economic and defense ties following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which triggered international sanctions against Moscow.
However, they should exercise caution: the U.S. is increasing pressure to prevent sanctions evasion, which could lead to tensions. Russia remains a key partner for Central Asia in security and economics, as well as an important destination for millions of labor migrants.
Trump also mentioned his efforts to establish a ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow and called for normalizing relations with Israel. Kazakhstan previously stated its intention to join the Abraham Accords, developed by Trump to improve diplomatic and economic relations with Israel.
"I am optimistic and believe that each of the countries represented here can benefit from peace if they seize the opportunities," Trump said.
The meeting participants also announced a number of economic deals, including plans to acquire 40 aircraft from Boeing Co.
Neighboring countries are also ramping up their efforts. Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit in Tajikistan with Central Asian leaders, and in June, Xi Jinping met with them to discuss increasing investments under the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. In April, EU leaders signed a strategic partnership agreement with five countries during the first EU-Central Asia summit in Uzbekistan, which includes an investment program worth about $13.8 billion for transport and energy projects.
