Samarkand, Oct. 19 -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed cooperation in critical minerals, infrastructure and space with Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister, as the Central Asian country plans to significantly expand mineral production and develop its domestic critical-minerals industry.

In a social media post on Monday, Rubio said he met Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Saidov to discuss deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries, including cooperation in infrastructure, space, critical minerals and through the C5+1 diplomatic platform.

"Met with Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Saidov @FM_Saidov and discussed deepening U.S.-Uzbekistan strategic partnership, including our cooperation in infrastructure, space, critical miner...