Leaders of Central Asia, led by Mirziyoyev and Tokayev, showered Trump with praise and investments

At the White House, during the main session of the C5+1 format, the presidents spoke in turn. Trump opened the meeting. Notably, unlike the usual roundtable format, this discussion took place with U.S. officials and regional leaders’ delegations seated opposite each other. Trump and his team sat on one side, while the Central Asian presidents and foreign ministers occupied the other. This arrangement signaled that the regional leaders are now formally demonstrating unity.

Trump:

“First of all, thank you all. I am honored to host such distinguished and capable leaders here today. Few leaders in the world can match the caliber of those seated around this table. They come from Central Asia—a beautiful, strong, and vibrant region. Truly, this is an area inhabited by determined and intelligent people.

Today, I held bilateral meetings with these leaders at the White House. We discussed strengthening regional relations, economic partnerships, enhancing security cooperation, and expanding overall engagement. Significant trade agreements have just been concluded, with American military and other products being purchased by their countries.

We are the world’s leading producer of military technology, and they understand this well. Since coming into office, I have rebuilt our military from the ground up. I thank all the leaders for coming here and for their commitment to strong cooperation with the United States.

The Central Asian countries, the C5 group, are located at a historical and geographic crossroads. This land was historically part of the Silk Road connecting East and West and has a rich and remarkable history. Today, their location at the heart of Eurasia gives them enormous significance and unparalleled potential.

Unfortunately, previous U.S. presidents largely ignored this region, despite its wealth and opportunities. We are correcting this oversight. I am determined to strengthen the partnership between America and these countries to unprecedented levels. We fully understand the importance of this region, which many have overlooked, even though it is one of the world’s most important areas.

One of the key topics we are discussing is strategic minerals. In recent weeks, my administration has expanded these resource networks through agreements with allies worldwide. We recently met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and have held productive discussions with Japan’s new prime minister, South Korea, Malaysia, and several other countries.

During this period, more than $2 trillion in investments have flowed into America. Total investments are now close to $18 trillion, and by year-end could reach $20–21 trillion. This is an unprecedented figure globally.

Three months ago, my administration facilitated a historic peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, ending one of eight conflicts in just eight months. We are also working to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. While not yet concluded, progress is significant.

I believe that every country at this table will benefit from opportunities for peace. Soon, some of these countries will join the Abraham Accords, with official announcements forthcoming.

Tonight, I am pleased to announce that Kazakhstan has officially joined the Abraham Accords—a major and significant event. Kazakhstan is a great country with a remarkable leader. Mr. President, I sincerely thank you.

I again thank all the distinguished leaders present today. We will now have a short but productive working dinner. They have traveled a long way, so the discussion will be concise yet meaningful.

I also thank the media for fair coverage. It is an honor to be with such outstanding leaders. They are highly respected individuals, and this is serious business.

So, Mr. President, if you wish, I will hand the floor to you. Others will speak in turn afterward, followed by the dinner.”

Tokayev:

“Mr. President, first, I wish to sincerely thank you for organizing this historic meeting at the White House. Under your decisive leadership, this summit marks a new era of cooperation between the United States and Central Asia.

A year ago, you achieved a historic victory in a completely fair election. I sincerely congratulate you and affirm that you are a great statesman, inspiring hope to millions of people both nearby and far away.

I believe your wise and courageous policies deserve global support. During your presidency, America has entered a new ‘golden era.’ I highly appreciate your ‘Make America Great Again’ vision for its forward-looking approach. This also inspires me to implement Kazakhstan’s strategy for a strong, stable, and just nation.

As a peacemaker, you halted eight wars within eight months, further strengthening America’s role as a pillar of international stability. I highly value your support in developing multifaceted cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United States. During your early presidency, our relations achieved the status of an ‘enhanced strategic partnership.’

The United States remains the largest investor in Kazakhstan, with over $100 billion invested. Trade turnover has doubled in recent years, approaching $5 billion. Kazakhstan supplies about 25 percent of America’s domestic uranium needs, and more than 600 American companies operate in our country—a very positive indicator.

During this visit alone, $17 billion in agreements were signed, paving the way for expanded future cooperation. I personally assure that my political will to fully realize these unique opportunities is unwavering. Without a doubt, bilateral cooperation has a bright future.”

Mirziyoyev:

“Dear Mr. Trump, we greatly appreciate your personal role in revitalizing cooperation under the renewed C5+1 format. No U.S. president has previously approached Central Asia with such attention and engagement. On behalf of myself and my colleagues, I extend deep gratitude. We genuinely felt your attention, which is highly meaningful to us.

Thank you again. As I mentioned before, I will repeat: in Uzbekistan, you are called the ‘President of Peace.’ You have addressed eight global conflicts and I believe only you can stop the war between Ukraine and Russia. Our hope in this regard is immense.

Today’s summit confirms that the United States regards Central Asia as a reliable and important partner. Together, we are building a future based on trust and mutual understanding. In this context, I wish to make several proposals. First, I suggest establishing a permanent secretariat for the format or rotating it among participating countries every two years.

Second, to ensure systematic dialogue among government bodies, companies, and financial institutions, we need a coordination council at the ministerial level for investment and trade. I also believe it is timely to revive the idea of a Central Asia Investment Partnership Fund, previously agreed with DFC in 2020.

Third, we are ready to actively cooperate with the U.S. on major transport, communication, and energy projects. These will connect Central Asia to the South Caucasus and Europe through the ‘Trump Route.’ Today, I presented a three-year joint investment program worth $34 billion—a very large, strategic initiative. We discussed this previously in New York, and I emphasized it again today. Significant opportunities lie ahead.

Once again, I thank you. I am confident that the outcomes of today’s summit will be historically significant. Your attention to Central Asia reflects the strengthening of our cooperation. The C5+1 format should become an effective mechanism for practical action. In this regard, we propose holding the next summit in 2026 in Samarkand, where this format was established.

I am confident that under your leadership, our cooperation will continue to develop steadily. I proposed hosting a ‘Peace Summit,’ and we are preparing seriously for this initiative. Thank you for your attention.”

Japarov:

“Dear media representatives, it is a great honor for me to participate in a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump and the C5+1 summit today. First, I sincerely thank President Trump for the invitation and warm hospitality, as well as the opportunity to exchange views on key issues.

Kyrgyzstan values the United States as a key partner in foreign policy. In the bilateral meeting, we discussed pressing issues in Kyrgyz-U.S. relations and ways to strengthen cooperation among Central Asian countries.

I would like to highlight four main areas in Kyrgyz-American relations: the economy and investments, including tourism, hydropower development, digital economy, artificial intelligence, information technologies, peace, security, and stability.

From this perspective, I especially recognize President Trump’s contributions to global stability and conflict resolution. When I assumed office, resolving border issues with neighboring countries peacefully was a priority.

Five years later, I am pleased to note that we have achieved this goal—most importantly, through peaceful means. This outcome has significantly enhanced Central Asia’s role in global politics, and major powers are increasingly interested in cooperating with our region.

The C5+1 format has become an important platform for political dialogue. I sincerely thank President Trump for initiating this summit and for his genuine hospitality. We view this step as a reflection of the United States’ goodwill and commitment to Central Asia and friendly cooperation.

I am confident that our joint efforts will yield tangible, mutually beneficial results for both countries and peoples.”

Rahmon:

“President Donald Trump, I am pleased to participate in today’s important high-level C5+1 meeting at your invitation. You play a noteworthy and commendable role in promoting peace and stability in conflict-prone regions. Your efforts in the pursuit of peace deserve recognition.

Dear President, I extend my sincere congratulations. Today, cooperation between our countries covers trade, economy, and security. In security, we actively collaborate on counter-terrorism, anti-extremism, and combating drug trafficking.

Currently, more than 70 U.S. companies operate in Tajikistan. With 93 percent of our territory mountainous, we possess abundant natural resources, particularly water, hydropower, and rare earth metals. Tajikistan is home to around 13,000 glaciers, providing roughly 60 percent of Central Asia’s water resources.

Our country is a member of the EU’s Rare Earths Club and participates in the U.S. Mineral Security cooperation program. In 2024, we produced 17,000 tons of antimony, mostly exported to the U.S. Significant opportunities remain in trade and investment. We are interested in expanding cooperation with American partners in establishing sustainable AI data centers.

Since 2008, Tajik companies have purchased eight medium-sized aircraft from Boeing worth $440 million. Next year, two more 737 MAX 8 planes are expected. Commercial contracts with Boeing total over $3 billion.

Over the past 20 years, U.S. companies have developed strong cooperation with Tajikistan, particularly in antimony and rare earth minerals. Tajikistan has significant potential in these areas and values continued close cooperation on security. I wish you success in your role as the ‘President of Peace.’”

Berdimuhammedov:

“Thank you, Mr. President. First, I sincerely appreciate the invitation to participate in the C5+1 summit. We highly value the positive outcomes achieved within this format. We intend to expand cooperation in strategically important areas such as security, economy, energy, and the environment.

I am confident that today’s summit results will further enhance multifaceted cooperation between Central Asian countries and the United States. Mr. President, I sincerely thank you for your hospitality and greatly value it.”