President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Washington on Tuesday, November 4. During the visit, he will meet with the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and participate in the “C5+1” summit.
Mirziyoyev will also hold meetings with members of the US Congress, government officials, and representatives of business circles. According to the press service of the President of Uzbekistan, the main events will take place on November 5 and 6.
The “C5+1” summit will be held on November 6 in Washington, and leaders of Central Asian countries and the US President will participate. As The Diplomat notes, the “C5+1” format serves as a flexible tool for Washington to address regional issues.
These issues include energy security, economic security, and strategically important minerals. At the same time, the White House will need to address the question of updating the “C5+1” format in light of new circumstances.
For example, proposals are being considered to invite South Caucasus states to the format or to focus on investing in resources. The Diplomat also considered the possibility of adding Azerbaijan to the “C5+1” format.
According to the publication, this country is an important part of the “Central Corridor” logistics route. “The inclusion of Azerbaijan in the American platform would reflect geopolitical realities.
Central Asia's ties with the West pass directly through Baku, and excluding Baku from a platform aimed at regional cooperation is appearing increasingly artificial,” the article states. However, it is noted that some smaller Central Asian states are concerned that Azerbaijan's accession might diminish their influence in the “C5+1” format and reduce US attention towards them.
