As regional and global players deepen their ties with Central Asia, 2025 is shaping up to be a significant year for multilateral diplomacy under the C5+1 format. Several key summits are officially scheduled, while others are under consideration, reflecting the growing importance of Central Asia in international geopolitics writes Eldaniz Gusseinov.
Confirmed Summits
1. China–Central Asia: The summit will take place in Astana, this was decided at the Fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ meeting held in Chengdu on December 1, 2024.
2. South Korea–Central Asia: This summit announced during President Yoon's visit to Tashkent in 2024, is confirmed to take place in Seoul, however considering his fallen presidency we will need to keep an eye on possible changes.
3. Gulf Cooperation Council–Central Asia: Scheduled in Samarkand 2025.
Likely Summits
1.Russia–Central Asia: Given historical ties and shared security concerns, this summit is expected to address regional stability and economic cooperation.
2.European Union–Central Asia: The EU’s commitment to fostering development and energy partnerships with Central Asia makes this a likely event.
3.India–Central Asia: India’s growing focus on connectivity and trade routes in the region suggests this summit will materialize.
Uncertain Prospects
1. Japan–Central Asia: The likelihood of this summit depends on how relations between Japan and Central Asian states evolve in the coming months.
2. United States–Central Asia: While the U.S. has been vocal about its interest in the region, the realization of this summit is uncertain.
3. Germany–Central Asia: This summit may depend on Germany’s broader engagement with Central Asia within the EU framework.
Challenges and Flexibility
While three summits have been officially announced, history has shown that plans can shift, and some gatherings may face delays or cancellations. The inclusion of potential summits in official documents doesn’t always guarantee their timely execution.
This also goes to show that the region is working to diversify its relations with global players using their multi-faceted approach.
What is C5+1?
The C5+1 format is a diplomatic platform that facilitates dialogue and cooperation between the five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—and an external partner country or organization. The format focuses on fostering regional stability, economic development, and collaboration on shared challenges like climate change, security, and connectivity.
Key Features of the C5+1 Format:
1.Regional Representation: The “C5” represents the five Central Asian nations, which come together as a bloc to engage with an external partner (”+1”).
2.Flexible Partner Engagement: The “+1” can be any country or regional organization with significant ties to or interests in Central Asia. Common partners include the United States, European Union, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, India, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Objectives:
•Economic Cooperation: Promoting trade, infrastructure development, and connectivity projects.
•Security: Addressing regional security issues, including counterterrorism, border management, and stability in Afghanistan.
•Sustainable Development: Collaborating on environmental sustainability, water resource management, and renewable energy.
•Cultural and Educational Exchange: Strengthening cultural ties and fostering people-to-people connections through educational and cultural programs.
Foreign ministers of the C5+1 format often hold their own meetings. These gatherings are an integral part of the framework, allowing for direct and focused dialogue on regional and international issues. Foreign ministers’ meetings often precede or complement summits involving heads of state or government, serving as preparatory sessions to set the agenda and discuss technical or diplomatic details.
Key Aspects of Foreign Ministers’ Meetings in the C5+1 Format:
1.Regular Dialogues:
Foreign ministers from the five Central Asian countries and the external partner country regularly meet to review progress on agreements, address challenges, and identify new areas of cooperation.
2.Focus Areas:
•Regional Security: Discussions on counterterrorism, border security, and the situation in neighboring Afghanistan.
•Economic Collaboration: Trade facilitation, infrastructure projects, and economic resilience.
•Climate and Environment: Cooperation on sustainable development, water resource management, and green energy initiatives.
•Cultural and Educational Ties: Building stronger people-to-people connections.
Examples of Foreign Ministers’ Meetings:
•C5+1 Meeting with the United States (2023): Foreign ministers discussed security issues, economic opportunities, and environmental challenges, with a particular emphasis on regional stability and the evolving situation in Afghanistan.
•C5+1 with the European Union (2022): Focused on enhancing trade and connectivity under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and promoting sustainable development in Central Asia.
•C5+1 with China (2023): Addressed infrastructure investments under the Belt and Road Initiative and efforts to deepen economic ties.
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