&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

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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

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

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