Uzbekistan sits along the intersection of historical trade routes connecting the East with the West and the North with the South. Today, its strategic location places Uzbekistan at the heart of the evolving Trans-Caspian corridor&mdash;an increasingly vital trade and transit route, the full potential of which is yet to be maximized. To explore this potential, the Caspian Policy Center is proud to host Ambassador Javlon Vakhabov, Managing Director of the International Institute for Central Asia in Uzbekistan, for an in-person discussion on the strategic importance of Uzbekistan&rsquo;s role in the Trans-Caspian Region. The parties will exchange perspectives and engage in discussions on Uzbekistan&rsquo;s evolving approach to trade and transit&mdash;both toward the South and across the North and West via the Caspian&mdash;as well as the country&rsquo;s broader efforts to enhance regional connectivity in Central Asia.

&nbsp;

10:00 &ndash; 10:05

Welcome Remarks

<ul>
	<li>Efgan Nifti, CEO, Caspian Policy Center (CPC)</li>
</ul>

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10:05 &ndash; 11:30

Moderated Discussion

Moderator: Ambassador Richard E. Hoagland (ret.), Board Member, CPC

<ul>
	<li>Eric Rudenshiold, Senior Fellow, CPC</li>
	<li>Javlon Vakhabov, Managing Director, International Institute for Central Asia (IICA)</li>
</ul>

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Uzbekistan’s Strategic Role in Strengthening Regional Connectivity

<h2><img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2025/03/18/tcf-web.png" /></h2>

Over the past year, U.S. engagement and cooperation with the Caspian Region has continued to strengthen, with a new business-oriented leadership in Washington now at the helm.&nbsp; As the Middle Corridor&rsquo;s connectivity expands, its strategic significance has become even more apparent, underscoring the importance of deepening ties with the region.

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The C5+1 diplomatic format, which has become a cornerstone of Central Asian diplomacy, is poised to maintain a central role in 2025 as it marks the 10-year anniversary of this key partnership between the United States and the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus region.&nbsp; Traditional and next-generation energy, strategic minerals and rare earths, supporting economic sovereignty, and enhanced trade are important elements of C5+1 discussions, contributing to the region&rsquo;s growing independence and autonomy.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As global dynamics shift, the United States is reassessing its relationships with traditional security and economic allies, creating an opportunity to enhance and redefine a closer relationship between Washington and the capitals of the Caspian region.&nbsp; To safeguard national interests, the U.S. and the Caspian countries must pursue effective and collaborative common objectives, working with a diverse range of international partners to address evolving challenges and opportunities.

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9th Trans-Caspian Forum: Strengthening U.S.-Caspian Strategic Relations: Energy, Connectivity, and Critical Minerals

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Anjali Kaur, the Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia, attended the Third Annual Caspian Business Forum in New York on September 19th, to discuss business opportunities and economic connectivity in the Caspian region. Kaur also stressed the importance of renewable energy sources in the Caspian region and investment potential.&nbsp;

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Uzbekistan’s Strategic Role in Strengthening Regional Connectivity

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