Samarkand, Oct. 19 -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday highlighted the importance of strengthening economic cooperation and regional security with Central Asian countries, following meetings with foreign ministers from the region during his visit to Uzbekistan for the C5+1 Ministerial.

Rubio joined foreign ministers from all five Central Asian republics-- Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Kyrgyz Republic-- for the C5+1 Ministerial.

In a post on X, Rubio said, "Great to meet with each of the C5 foreign ministers."

"Together, we are creating commercial opportunities, strengthening economies, and increasing regional security. In every priority sector--from critical minerals and energy to transportation an...