Rubio: There are countries we want to visit to strengthen relations

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained the reason for his visit to Uzbekistan and the C5+1 meeting. He spoke to journalists before departing from Joint Base Andrews for Uzbekistan. Asked why he chose to visit Uzbekistan now, amid global crises and instability, Rubio said the timing matched days that were convenient for the leaders of five countries.

“This is not only about Uzbekistan, but also about the other four countries of Central Asia,” Rubio said. He noted that important strategic visits are being postponed because of global crises, but Washington is focusing on developing relations with partner countries. He added that he had recently visited Greece and earlier Latin America. Foreign ministers from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan will attend the meeting. The same day, Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and Rubio will hold the first round of an enhanced strategic partnership dialogue between the two countries. According to Sergio Gor, the meeting will focus on regional economic ties, energy security and joint solutions to pressing regional issues.