The US and five Central Asian governments backed closer transport and industrial cooperation at a C5+1 meeting in Samarkand. Rubio also held bilateral talks, while Uzbekistan signed the Artemis Accords.
Answering Euronews' questions in Uzbekistan's historic city of Samarkand, the US secretary of state outlined plans for new commercial agreements and cooperation on critical minerals.
The US secretary of state will meet the foreign ministers of five Central Asian countries on Monday under the C5+1 format. Trade, investment, critical minerals and security are expected to feature in discussions, while more than 200 American business executives accompany the visit.
Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of Uzbekistan's Presidential Administration, used her UN address to focus on regional cooperation, Afghanistan and reform of the organisation. She also covered domestic reforms, AI, human rights and environmental challenges.