Key facts
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend a C5+1 ministerial meeting in Uzbekistan.
- Rubio will be accompanied by over 200 American business leaders.
- The visit aims to strengthen US strategic partnerships and economic cooperation in Central Asia.
- Rubio has a history of advocating for Uyghur human rights.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Uzbekistan this weekend to attend a C5+1 ministerial meeting, signaling the US's intention to "compete" in Central Asia amidst increasing Chinese influence. The visit, scheduled for October 14, 2026, will include discussions on expanding diplomatic, trade, and economic cooperation with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.