Two weeks ago, the United States gathered representatives from 54 countries in Washington, D.C. for what may prove to be the most ambitious reordering of global mineral supply chains in recent memory.
Hosting representatives from 54 countries and the European Commission — including 43 foreign and other ministers — over February 3-4, Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled a sweeping package of measures: 11 new bilateral frameworks and MOUs signed in a single day, the creation of a new multilateral forum called FORGE to replace the Minerals Security Partnership, and more than $30 billion in U.S. government financing mobilized over the past six months alone.
The message was clear: Washington intends to break the concentration of critical mineral supply chains and build a new international system around reliable, diversified, and politically insulated access to the raw materials underpinning AI, batteries, and advanced manufacturing. – EL
Uzbekistan and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding on securing supply in the mining and processing of critical minerals and rare earth elements, Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov reported. The document was signed together with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the two governments in the extraction and processing of critical minerals, with a focus on supply chain reliability, technology cooperation, and long-term sustainability. Officials described the agreement as a step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation in strategically important raw materials.
Saidov said Uzbekistan views critical minerals not only as an economic opportunity, but also as an area for responsible partnership and long-term development. He noted that Uzbekistan aims to develop its minerals sector in line with international standards, including transparency, environmental responsibility, and value-added industrial production.
The agreement was signed alongside broader engagements on critical minerals, including a ministerial-level meeting on critical minerals supply chains hosted by the United States. Uzbek officials discussed both the bilateral agenda and key global issues with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the exchange, the sides highlighted the role of the recently established Peace Council as an emerging platform for promoting stability and prosperity in conflict-affected regions and reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation on international security and sustainable development.
Talks with Landau further focused on ensuring the timely implementation of agreements reached at the highest level and expanding new joint projects under the Uzbekistan–US expanded strategic partnership.
Earlier reports show that the United States remains among Uzbekistan’s top 20 foreign trade partners. Bilateral trade turnover stood at about $1bn in 2025, following $1.02bn in 2024, and $765.1mn in 2023, reflecting steady growth in economic ties.
Zaynabbegim Gaybullayeva
Daryo.uz