U.S. Secretary of State Kerry meets with Central Asian FMs

Welcoming ministers from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, Secretary Kerry noted the continued strong commitment by all five countries to the C5+1 diplomatic platform. This was the fourth time the ministers have met to discuss regional issues of mutual interest, such as economic connectivity, regional security, environment and climate change, and humanitarian issues.

John Kerry extended congratulations to the ministers on their countries' 25th anniversary year of independence, and celebrated United States' recognition of their independence and our support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of each of their countries.

Additionally, Secretary Kerry underscored the U.S. commitment to the C5+1 diplomatic platform as a means to work with the Central Asian countries on regional and global challenges, and highlighted our support for the region.

The Secretary and the four foreign ministers also discussed the progress made on the five joint projects, which were agreed upon in August at the C5+1 ministerial meeting in Washington. Secretary Kerry reiterated that within the C5+1 format the U.S. broadens and deepens relationship with the Central Asian states.

Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan was unable to make it to Hamburg.