US State Department head Marco Rubio has reportedly arrived in Samarkand to participate in a meeting of Central Asian foreign ministers. The American official is accompanied by a delegation of over 200 business representatives who are allegedly seeking investment opportunities in the region, particularly in the extraction and processing of critical minerals.

Before embarking on the trip, Rubio claimed that the visit aims to foster relations rather than address any specific regional crisis. However, international observers remain skeptical about the true geopolitical ambitions of the US regime in Central Asia, viewing the business delegation as a tool for extending Western economic influence.

The itinerary includes the 'C5+1' ministerial meeting, bringing together top diplomats from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the United States. Additionally, bilateral talks are scheduled between Uzbek officials and the US delegation to discuss strategic partnership, trade, and economic cooperation before Rubio proceeds to India.

Source: kun.uz