WASHINGTON D.C., US: In a major diplomatic move, President Donald Trump is set to host the first-ever summit with leaders of all five Central Asian nations this Thursday — a meeting viewed as Washington’s bold attempt to reassert influence in a region traditionally shaped by Russia and China.
The historic gathering will bring together the heads of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, all of which emerged as independent states after the collapse of the Soviet Union. With their vast untapped reserves of minerals, hydrocarbons, and rare earth resources, the region has become a growing focal point in the global competition for strategic dominance.
Ahead of the summit, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the Central Asian delegations at the State Department, praising their ambitions to channel their “God-blessed resources” into stronger, diversified economies. He emphasised Washington’s readiness to support development, investment, and energy cooperation — areas where China’s massive Belt and Road Initiative and Russia’s long-standing political ties have maintained a firm grip.
Diplomatic analysts say Trump’s push comes at a decisive moment, as all five Central Asian republics are deepening coordination with Beijing and Moscow. The US, they argue, is positioning itself as a third force — offering geopolitical balance, economic partnerships, and potential security cooperation.
However, rights groups caution that renewed engagement must not overshadow concerns regarding press freedom, governance, and civil liberties within the region. While energy-rich states like Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan attract hefty investment interest, their political landscapes remain tightly controlled.
Washington, observers note, now faces the challenge of balancing strategic ambitions with human-rights principles, all while competing in an increasingly complex Eurasian arena. The outcome of this high-profile meeting is expected to set the tone for a new phase in US–Central Asia relations.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.