The “C5” leaders of Central Asia are reportedly coming to Washington for a landmark summit with the US president on November 6, as the US aims to strengthen ties with the region.
This diplomatic initiative, confirmed by the Kazakh and Kyrgyz presidents, is part of a new “Great Game” where global powers are competing for influence.
Russia’s long-standing dominance has been challenged, and China has been making significant economic inroads. The US and EU are now both increasing their engagement to offer an alternative.
The five nations are strategically and economically important. They are rich in natural resources and are working to establish themselves as a key trade hub between East and West.
This summit signals a more active US policy, aimed at building new partnerships and countering the influence of its chief rivals in a region that is rapidly growing in global importance.