During the meeting, the sides discussed the current state and opportunities for strengthening relations between the United States and Central Asia within the C5+1 framework, the outcomes of the recent high-level summit in Washington, as well as efforts to strengthen ties between think tanks in the United States and the countries of our region.
Professor Brianna Todd emphasized that the recent C5+1 summit in Washington D.C. was notably successful and marked an important milestone in deepening both interregional cooperation and bilateral partnership between the United States and Uzbekistan. It was highlighted that within the framework of the C5+1 summit, Uzbekistan and the United States reached a number of agreements in the areas of trade and investment, energy and critical minerals, infrastructure and digital development, as well as security cooperation.
Special attention was also given to the first U.S.–Central Asia Think Tank Forum, organized by IICA in Tashkent on the eve of the summit. According to her, such events enrich high-level dialogues with practical substance and help develop concrete recommendations for strengthening regional cooperation and launching new joint initiatives.
Professor Brianna Todd expressed her readiness to continue supporting such expert platforms, noting that they have created an enabling environment for meaningful exchanges among experts from the countries participating in this format.
Amb. Javlon Vakhabov underscored the importance of establishing sustainable cooperation between Uzbek and American think tanks, noting that such exchanges play a key role in enhancing the professional capacity of local researchers and developing a high-quality expert community in the country.
In this regard, the parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation between IICA and NESA, as well as other U.S. research institutions, including the organization of online seminars and educational courses for young IICA researchers, and the implementation of expert projects aimed at strengthening regional security and the improving capacity-building of staff.
NESA is a leading American regional center for the study of the Middle East and South Asia under the U.S. Department of War. The Center conducts research and educational activities in the fields of international security, foreign policy, and regional strategies, and actively engages with international partners through training programs, seminars, and expert exchanges.
