Biden Boosts Ties with Central Asian Leaders at UN Meeting

President Biden met with the Presidents of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan at the C5+1 presidential summit to discuss security, trade, regional connectivity, governance reforms, and human rights. They emphasized the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, and pledged to collaborate on border security, counterterrorism, and law enforcement. The United States proposed initiatives such as a private sector business platform, a regional connectivity ministerial, and a critical minerals dialogue to drive economic development and support the Trans-Caspian Trade Route. President Biden also advocated for civil society, women's economic empowerment, and mainstreaming disability rights.