Kamlager-Dove, Huizenga Urge President Trump to Convene Leaders’ Summit with Central Asian Countries
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia Ranking Member, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, and Chair, Congressman Bill Huizenga, sent a letter to President Trump urging him to convene a C5+1 Leaders’ Summit in Washington, D.C. on the 10th anniversary of the diplomatic forum.
Launched in 2015, the C5+1 is a multilateral platform that has served as a critical avenue for United States’ diplomatic engagement with the five Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The U.S. has participated in C5+1 convenings every year since its founding. As the 10th anniversary comes to a close, Rep. Kamlager-Dove and Rep. Huizenga are urging President Trump to not only continue the tradition of U.S. participation in a C5+1 summit, but to personally host the summit and direct his administration to secure commitments that strengthen the U.S.-Central Asia relationship.
“The 10th anniversary of this platform is a unique opportunity to deepen relations with Central Asia and advance U.S. strategic objectives in the region, including security cooperation, economic ties, soft power, and good governance. A Leaders’ Summit with meaningful outcomes will strengthen regional cooperation and maximize the diplomatic potential of the 10th anniversary, setting the tone for strengthened U.S. engagement in the region for the rest of your presidency,” wrote the lawmakers.
“To ensure a successful C5+1 Leaders’ Summit, we urge your Administration to prepare Summit deliverables that enhance longstanding areas of cooperation in coordination with the Central Asian countries,” continued the lawmakers.
“Your decisive leadership and personal engagement in convening a C5+1 Leader’s Summit can elevate a key anniversary to a breakthrough moment on the global stage, charting the course for U.S. relations with Central Asia for the next decade. We hope you will take advantage of this pivotal opportunity, and we stand ready to work with you to support stronger U.S. ties with Central Asia,” concluded the lawmakers.
The full letter can be found here.
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