The head of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs held talks with the United States Deputy Secretary of State about the collaboration among the C5+1 partners. The discussion occurred as part of ongoing diplomatic exchanges that accompany the 48th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, slated to be held in Islamabad. The meeting provided a platform to review the role of the C5+1 framework in promoting shared goals across Central Asia and beyond.
Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin and US Deputy Secretary of State Uzra Zeya examined how C5+1 activities can be strengthened to support mutual interests. The conversations underscored the value of this multilateral format for fostering closer cooperation between Tajikistan and the United States across multiple domains, including political dialogue, regional security, economic development, and environmental stewardship. Both sides highlighted the potential for expanded bilateral engagement within the broader C5+1 agenda, while also exploring opportunities for coordinated efforts in regional projects and humanitarian initiatives.
In their exchange, officials from the two countries also considered avenues for deeper collaboration beyond security matters. The discussions touched on trade facilitation, investment climate improvements, educational and technical exchanges, and joint efforts to promote sustainable development in the region. The dialogue emphasized practical steps that could strengthen practical cooperation, increase people-to-people ties, and advance joint projects aligned with shared interests in stability and prosperity.
Regional security remained a key topic, with deliberations focusing on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and its implications for neighboring states and international partners. The participants stressed the importance of coordinated approaches to counterterrorism, border management, humanitarian response, and stabilization efforts that could contribute to reducing instability and supporting inclusive governance in the broader region. The exchange reflected a common understanding that regional security benefits from transparent communication, predictable policy steps, and reliable partner commitments.
The C5+1 format brings together the five Central Asian states Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, with the United States engaging in a constructive dialogue to address shared priorities. The format’s first ministerial-level gathering occurred in Samarkand in November 2015, marking a turning point in practical cooperation among the six countries. Since then, participants have agreed to focus their efforts on three broad areas: security, economic development, and environmental protection. This framework continues to serve as a flexible platform for aligning regional ambitions with international norms and standards, while fostering trust and collaboration across diverse political and economic landscapes.
As Tajikistan and the United States seek to build on recent discussions, officials emphasize the importance of sustained dialogue and concrete outcomes. The conversations during this session signaled a readiness to translate high-level commitments into actionable initiatives that benefit the people of the region. Through ongoing engagement within the C5+1 format, both sides aim to reinforce stability, resilience, and shared prosperity in Central Asia and beyond.