&nbsp;

Recent months have witnessed a surge of diplomatic engagement across the Caspian region. Notably, the European Union&ndash;Central Asia Summit held in Samarkand underscored this momentum, with the EU committing approximately $13.2 billion to enhance regional infrastructure. Coupled with intensified dialogue in the South Caucasus, these developments have created significant opportunities for deeper cooperation. At the same time, growing global interest in the region&rsquo;s substantial critical mineral resources has elevated its strategic importance on the geopolitical stage.

The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host leading experts from the region and covering the region to unpack recent developments and discuss what concrete steps key outside actors such as the United States can take to help deepen further engagement with the region.&nbsp;This expert panel will explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the Caspian region and the United States, examine prospects for greater regional cooperation, and assess the broader implications of these evolving dynamics for the region&rsquo;s future. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

10:00 am &ndash; 10:05 am

&nbsp;

Opening Remarks

&nbsp;

Efgan Nifti, Chief Executive Officer, Caspian Policy Center

&nbsp;

10:05 am &ndash; 11:30 am

&nbsp;

Moderated Discussion and Q&amp;A

&nbsp;

<cite>Moderated by Dr. Eric Rudenshiold, Senior Fellow, Caspian Policy Center</cite>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Amb. Alim Bayel, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan</li>
	<li>Dr. Fariz Ismailzade, Member of Parliament and Vice Rector, Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA)&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Amb. Matthew Klimow, Advisory Board Member, Caspian Policy Center, Former Ambassador of the United States to Turkmenistan</li>
	<li>James Sharp, Advisory Board Member, Caspian Policy Center, Former Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Azerbaijan&nbsp;and Kazakhstan</li>
	<li>Amb. Javlon Vakhabov, Managing Director, International Institute for Central Asia, Former Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the United States&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Trans-Caspian Voices: Infrastructure, Minerals, and Diplomacy in Focus

<h2><img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2025/04/28/tcf9-cover.png" /></h2>

<h2>&nbsp;</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.

&nbsp;

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.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

9th Trans-Caspian Forum: Strengthening U.S.-Caspian Strategic Relations: Energy, Connectivity, and Critical Minerals

Check out this page to stay up to date on all upcoming events that the Caspian Policy Center is hosting. Don’t forget to RSVP and subscribe if you would like updates whenever we announce our new events.

UPCOMING

Tensions between OPEC+ and Kazakhstan have been mounting, as oil prices

From Quotas to Consequences: Assessing the Economic Impact of OPEC+ Policies on Kazakhstan

Gold has many colours.  There is the familiar yellow gold, of course, whose price

White Gold in Central Asia: A Blessing or A Curse?

Your quick primer on the latest developments in the Caspian this week...

Headlines from the Caspian: May 5, 2025

Headlines from the Caspian: April 28, 2025

London, UK, April 22, 2025 — “With the cooperation of Caspian littoral states, this region can become a strategic ...

Trans-Caspian Connectivity at the House of Lords

Your quick primer on the latest developments in the Caspian this week

Headlines from the Caspian: April 21, 2025

In a surprise announcement in early April, US President Donald Trump said that the United States

Nuclear Deal or No Deal: Caspian Countries Will Still Have to Engage with Iran

The world has changed, and the EU and the wider West need to face up to the reality

A New World Order: How The EU Lost The South Caucasus

Headlines from the Caspian: April 14, 2025

“We meet at a moment of transformation in the Central Asia region - profound transformation

Uzbekistan’s Strategic Role in Strengthening Regional Connectivity

Headlines from the Caspian: April 8, 2025

While the international community tries to position itself amidst the U.S. announcement of global trade

Kazakhstan’s Surprise: The Impact of Trump Tariffs on Central Asia and the Caucasus

Critical minerals power our cell phones, cars, and computers.  They are also currently

Critical Matters:  Reflections on Mining in Kazakhstan

The European Union’s landmark Samarkand summit appears to have heralded a new

Strengthening Ties:  EU-Central Asia Summit Paves the Way for a Robust Strategic Partnership

After nearly two decades of negotiations, the countries of the Ferghana Valley have come ...

Ferghana Valley Takes a Step Toward Stability as Central Asian Neighbors Settle Border Dispute

Headlines from the Caspian: April 1, 2025

With plans for a nuclear reactor well underway in Kazakhstan, it is important that the public understands

Atomic Risks and Rewards: Viewpoints from Three Experts

As global political tensions intensify, the previously blurred lines of state alignments are becoming clearer ...

Azerbaijan Seeks Trilateral Partnership with Israel and U.S.

The Middle Corridor is no longer just an alternative trade ...

22 Days from Japan to Europe: East Asia's Middle Corridor Milestone

A post-Soviet creation and success story, Russia’s Rosatom is a booming business made up of over 350 enterprises ...

Power Play in the Caspian: Rosatom's Expanding Reach across the Caspian Sea Region

Full Conferences & Forums

Energy

Panel Discussions

Economy

Event Clips & Promotional Materials

Security

Central Asia

South Caucasus

Environment

Water Security

Guest Contributions

Policy Briefs

videocasts

Podcasts

Analysis

Press Releases

Infographics

Comparative Trade Infographics of Caspian Region’s Trade with EU, China, US and Russia

Trans-Caspian Voices: Infrastructure, Minerals, and Diplomacy in Focus

Related Articles

From Quotas to Consequences: Assessing the Economic Impact of OPEC+ Policies on Kazakhstan

22 Days from Japan to Europe: East Asia's Middle Corridor Milestone

How does Uzbekistan Develop Transport Links with the South Caucasus?

How does Uzbekistan Develop Transport Links with the South Caucasus?

Slow growth predicted, but Caspian region remains dynamic

Follow

Contact Us

Get more news and analysis from CPC