The United States aims to help Central Asian countries maintain their independence and the ability to determine their own future. Republican Senator, Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations James Risch said on November 5th at an event dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the C5+1 (Central Asia + USA) diplomatic platform Wednesday.

According to him, the countries of Central Asia are in a "complicated geopolitical environment."

"The leaders gathered here today represent the countries situated in a complex geopolitical environment. We understand this. You are great nations situated between powerful countries. Today's meeting is an opportunity to strengthen our cooperation and ensure that your countries can independently determine their own destiny," he stressed.

The senator Risch emphasized that the US was ready to offer an alternative to the influence of Russia and China:

"While an unstable Russia and an increasingly aggressive China are advancing their national interests around the world, often at the expense of their neighbors, the United States offers the countries of Central Asia a real opportunity for cooperation with a reliable partner and mutual economic development."

He also announced the introduction of a bill in Congress aimed at removing barriers to economic interaction between the US and its C5+1 partners:

"In support of these efforts, together with Senator [Steve] Daines and my colleagues, I introduced a bill this week aimed at lifting outdated barriers to the development of economic cooperation with our C5+1 partners. This concerns the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik amendment restrictions."

He underscored the symbolic nature of the initiative in the year of the tenth anniversary of the C5+1 platform and which is aimed at opening a "new, dynamic era of cooperation between our countries." Concluding his speech, the senator emphasized the contribution of Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor to the development of US diplomatic relations:

“Sergio is doing a brilliant job in his new role as US Ambassador to India, and also – and this is especially important for you – performing his duties as Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. And, believe me, there is no one better suited to strengthen the long-term and strong relations between the US and the countries of Central Asia.”

The Jackson-Vanik Amendment is a 1974 amendment to the US Trade Act, restricting trade with countries that violate human rights. It is named after Congressmen Henry Jackson and Charles Vanik, who proposed it. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called this amendment, in relation to the countries of Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, a "relic of the past."