US President Donald Trump is turning his diplomatic focus to the “Heartland” of Eurasia, preparing to host the five leaders of Central Asia for a major summit in Washington on November 6.
This outreach, confirmed by the leaders of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, is part of a global competition for influence in the strategically vital region.
Russia’s long-standing role as the primary power has been questioned since its invasion of Ukraine, prompting the C5 to seek new partners.
China and the EU have also been actively courting the C5, holding their own summits to secure economic and political ties.
The US is now making its own assertive move, aiming to build relationships in a region rich in natural resources and central to future East-West trade routes.