# Rubio’s Uzbekistan trip highlights Central Asia’s search for diverse partners

https://mins.news/en/item/104190

- Al Jazeera, 2026-10-17 08:27 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://www.aljazeera.com/news-analysis/2026/10/17/rubios-uzbekistan-trip-underlines-central-asias-hunt-for-diverse-partners?traffic_source=rss

> US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is heading to Samarkand for talks with regional ministers as the C5+1 summit begins. The article describes Washington’s approach to Central Asia as newly pragmatic and transactional, and says the region is seeking diverse partners amid the influence of Russia and China.

## Related coverage

- [Rubio meets counterparts from five Central Asian nations in Uzbekistan](https://mins.news/en/video/106302) — CNA, 2026-10-19
- [Rubio seeks closer Central Asia ties on high-profile Uzbekistan visit](https://mins.news/en/item/106237) — Reuters, 2026-10-19
- [Rubio arrives in Samarkand as Washington seeks closer ties with Central Asia](https://mins.news/en/item/105208) — euronews, 2026-10-18