<h2><img alt="" src="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2025/03/18/tcf-web.png" /></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.

&nbsp;

<h2>AGENDA</h2>

10:00 &ndash; 10:05&nbsp;

Welcome Remarks

<ul>
	<li>Ambassador Richard E. Hoagland (ret.), Board Member, Caspian Policy Center (CPC)</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

10:05 &ndash; 11:30&nbsp;

Moderated Discussion

&nbsp;

<cite>Moderator: Ambassador Richard E. Hoagland (ret.), Board Member, CPC</cite>

<ul>
	<li>Eric Rudenshiold, Senior Fellow, CPC</li>
	<li>Javlon Vakhabov, Managing Director, International Institute for Central Asia (IICA)</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

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

Check out this page to stay up to date on all upcoming events that the Caspian Policy Center is hosting. Don’t forget to RSVP and subscribe if you would like updates whenever we announce our new events.

UPCOMING

In a surprise announcement in early April, US President Donald Trump said that the United States

Nuclear Deal or No Deal: Caspian Countries Will Still Have to Engage with Iran

The world has changed, and the EU and the wider West need to face up to the reality

A New World Order: How The EU Lost The South Caucasus

Your quick primer on the latest developments in the Caspian this week...

Headlines from the Caspian: April 14, 2025

“We meet at a moment of transformation in the Central Asia region - profound transformation

Uzbekistan’s Strategic Role in Strengthening Regional Connectivity

Headlines from the Caspian: April 8, 2025

While the international community tries to position itself amidst the U.S. announcement of global trade

Kazakhstan’s Surprise: The Impact of Trump Tariffs on Central Asia and the Caucasus

Critical minerals power our cell phones, cars, and computers.  They are also currently

Critical Matters:  Reflections on Mining in Kazakhstan

The European Union’s landmark Samarkand summit appears to have heralded a new

Strengthening Ties:  EU-Central Asia Summit Paves the Way for a Robust Strategic Partnership

After nearly two decades of negotiations, the countries of the Ferghana Valley have come ...

Ferghana Valley Takes a Step Toward Stability as Central Asian Neighbors Settle Border Dispute

Your quick primer on the latest developments in the Caspian this week

Headlines from the Caspian: April 1, 2025

With plans for a nuclear reactor well underway in Kazakhstan, it is important that the public understands

Atomic Risks and Rewards: Viewpoints from Three Experts

As global political tensions intensify, the previously blurred lines of state alignments are becoming clearer ...

Azerbaijan Seeks Trilateral Partnership with Israel and U.S.

The Middle Corridor is no longer just an alternative trade ...

22 Days from Japan to Europe: East Asia's Middle Corridor Milestone

A post-Soviet creation and success story, Russia’s Rosatom is a booming business made up of over 350 enterprises ...

Power Play in the Caspian: Rosatom's Expanding Reach across the Caspian Sea Region

Headlines from the Caspian: March 24, 2025

The South Caucasus has high transit potential to link China and Europe, making it attractive to

How does Uzbekistan Develop Transport Links with the South Caucasus?

Last year, Kazakhstan held a nationwide referendum on the question of building a nuclear power

Promises and Pitfalls:  Reflections on Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Future

The decision to terminate the federal grant agreement funding for Radio Free

Opinion: What the Loss of RFE/RL Would Mean for Central Asia

In a significant step for Azerbaijan-Israel energy cooperation, Azerbaijan’s state oil company ...

Azerbaijan-Israel Partnership Powers Up: Landmark Gas Agreement Signals Deeper Energy Ties

Kyrgyzstan reportedly foiled a coup attempt orchestrated by the Islamic State ...

ISKP Remains a Threat to Central Asia

Full Conferences & Forums

Energy

Panel Discussions

Economy

Event Clips & Promotional Materials

Security

Central Asia

South Caucasus

Environment

Water Security

Guest Contributions

Policy Briefs

videocasts

Podcasts

Analysis

Infographics

CPC policy paper: Everything you wanted to know about strategic minerals&hellip;but didn&rsquo;t know to ask.

<a class="magazine_detail_read_button" href="https://api.caspianpolicy.org/media/ckeditor_media/2025/02/11/_comprehensive-guide-to-critical-minerals-in-ukraine-the-south-caucasus-and-central-asia.pdf">Read Report</a>

CPC policy paper: Everything you wanted to know about strategic minerals…but didn’t know to ask.

A Guide for Policymakers: How to Meet US Strategic Mineral Needs

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

Related Articles

What Rocks to Look Under: Rediscovering Strategic Minerals in the Caspian Region

The Minerals that Make our Military: Strategic Opportunities in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Ukraine

Green Energy Minerals: Strategic Opportunities in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Ukraine

Strategic Minerals Explained: Ukraine, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia

Kazakh Uranium: A Hot Prospect as U.S. Targets Russian Nuclear Fuel

Follow

Contact Us

Get more news and analysis from CPC