{"id":2206287,"date":"2026-10-19T08:17:39","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T05:17:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2206287"},"modified":"2026-10-19T08:17:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T05:17:39","slug":"us-is-coming-to-central-asia-with-deals-to-stay-rubio-tells-euronews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2206287","title":{"rendered":"US is coming to Central Asia with deals to stay, Rubio tells Euronews"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/77\/79\/1200x675_cmsv2_98b835a0-e70e-519d-869e-ece5ca15e0ec-9957779.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2934610-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1\" data-nid=\"2934610\" data-cid=\"9957062\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2934610-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/70\/62\/189x106_cmsv2_3be602cc-89bc-5311-9505-e31cbb5f0cc4-9957062.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police officers inspect the site of a damaged fence section at the entrance to the Leipzig\/Halle airport grounds, 18 October, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    German police: Two men surrender after driving car into airport fence\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2934910-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1\" data-nid=\"2934910\" data-cid=\"9958366\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2934910-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/83\/66\/189x106_cmsv2_fcbe4f2b-c91a-55d9-8f74-3e6ad358b220-9958366.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Robert Eggers at the Lumi\u00e8re Film Festival\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Cinema<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    From &#8216;Werwulf&#8217; to a 1930s Batman: Key takeways from Robert Eggers masterclass at Lumi\u00e8re\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2934658-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1\" data-nid=\"2934658\" data-cid=\"9958202\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2934658-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/82\/02\/189x106_cmsv2_85e80e08-4e44-5ea9-95c9-0034975ed6eb-9958202.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Local residents walk among toppled vehicles and scattered debris in the aftermath of floods caused by heavy rains in Istanbul, 15 October, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Istanbul flood toll rises to eight as rescuers find more bodies\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2934899-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1\" data-nid=\"2934899\" data-cid=\"9958293\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2934899-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/78\/68\/189x106_cmsv2_13fef018-b85b-5599-ab95-56f58737ea18-9937868.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"An aircraft takes off as a Flydubai plane sits on the tarmac at Dubai International Airport, United Arab Emirates, 30 September 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    World News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US issues rare Middle East red alert to its citizens in the region\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          News<\/p>\n<p>                          World<\/p>\n<p>                          Uzbekistan<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            US is coming to Central Asia with deals to stay, Rubio tells Euronews<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"js-playercontrols u-height-full u-position-absolute u-width-full is-autoplaying\" data-translations=\"{&quot;error&quot;:&quot;This video could not be played.&quot;,&quot;geoblocked&quot;:&quot;Sorry, this content is not available in your country&quot;,&quot;slow&quot;:&quot;This is taking longer than usual&quot;}\">\n<div class=\"js-loadtrigger js-loadtrigger__button c-loadtrigger__button\" role=\"status\"><span class=\"js-loadtrigger__label c-loadtrigger__label u-visually-hidden\">Loading the video<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/77\/79\/1536x864_cmsv2_98b835a0-e70e-519d-869e-ece5ca15e0ec-9957779.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, left, speaks to the press at Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan \"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, left, speaks to the press at Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Kylie Cooper\/Pool Photo via AP<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Kylie Cooper\/Pool Photo via AP\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspRushanabonu Aliakbarova\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1792397859\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-10-19 10:17:39 +02:00\">19\/10\/2026 &#8211; 10:17 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"share-comment-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed_container u-display-none\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed__tooltip\"><br \/>\n                            Copy\/paste the article video embed link below:<br \/>\n                        <\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed u-display-flex\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-copy-to-clipboard.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Copy to clipboard\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-copy\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed--success-copied u-display-none js-c-article-share-comment-video-embed-success-link-copied\"><br \/>\n                                Copied<br \/>\n                            <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Replying to Euronews&#8217; questions in Uzbekistan&#8217;s historic city of Samarkand, the US secretary of state outlined plans for new commercial agreements and cooperation on critical minerals.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>US companies were preparing to announce new agreements in Uzbekistan as Washington seeks to expand its economic presence in Central Asia and diversify critical mineral supplies, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Euronews on Monday.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Speaking to reporters during a visit to Samarkand, Rubio said the deals could mark the start of broader US engagement with a region he believes American policymakers have paid too little attention to.<\/p>\n<p>Asked by Euronews what people in Uzbekistan could expect from the visit and the accompanying business delegation, Rubio said, &#8220;I think we&#8217;ll have some concrete deals to announce.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>He said US companies were keen to do business in Uzbekistan and that announcements would follow the forum&#8217;s meetings. &#8220;This is not the end. This is the beginning,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<p>Rubio said nearly 300 American businesses were represented in Samarkand, where they were discussing agreements potentially worth billions of dollars. <\/p>\n<p>The US State Department had previously said more than 200 US business leaders were accompanying his trip. No final list of agreements or values had been announced at the time of his remarks.<\/p>\n<h2>Critical minerals and strategic supply chains<\/h2>\n<p>In response to a second question from Euronews, Rubio identified critical minerals as an area for potential cooperation with Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not smart just for the whole world to depend on one place for 100% of anything,&#8221; he said, stressing that he was not singling out any particular country.<\/p>\n<p>He argued that industries and technologies likely to shape the 21st century would increasingly rely on critical minerals, making supply-chain diversification an international priority rather than solely a US concern.<\/p>\n<p>He said that for resource-rich countries, developing mineral deposits and processing capacity responsibly could also serve their own economic interests.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re obviously going to explore that and I think we have a chance to do that here,&#8221; Rubio told Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>The subject was also discussed at the C5+1 summit US President Donald Trump hosted in Washington in November 2025. Uzbekistan and its neighbours have been seeking additional investment and technology to develop their mineral resources, while the US and Europe are looking for alternatives to highly concentrated supply chains.<\/p>\n<p>Asked separately about China&#8217;s growing economic influence in Central Asia, Rubio described US involvement as competition, not an attempt to make regional governments choose sides.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This is not about coming here to say, stop talking to somebody else or stop working with some other country,&#8221; he said, describing Uzbekistan as open to economic relationships with different partners and praising its economic growth.<\/p>\n<h2>Meetings in Samarkand<\/h2>\n<p>Rubio began Monday&#8217;s programme with a morning tour of Registan Square, Samarkand&#8217;s historic architectural landmark, alongside Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of Uzbekistan&#8217;s Presidential Administration. He called the city a centuries-old crossroads of trade and commerce.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/77\/79\/808x454_cmsv2_44fd7a62-9dd8-57f3-8002-41679d347ca0-9957779.jpg\" alt=\"Marco Rubio, and his wife Jeanette Rubio pose for a photo with Uzbekistan&apos;s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, and Head of the Presidential Administration, Saida Mirziyoyeva\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Marco Rubio, and his wife Jeanette Rubio pose for a photo with Uzbekistan&#8217;s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, and Head of the Presidential Administration, Saida Mirziyoyeva<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Kylie Cooper\/Pool Photo via AP<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>His official schedule also includes talks with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and a document-signing ceremony, followed by a meeting with Kazakhstan&#8217;s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi and the C5+1 ministerial meeting involving Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.<\/p>\n<p>On Monday, Rubio is also scheduled to meet President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and attend events involving the Uzbekistan\u2013US Business and Investment Council. The council, co-chaired by Saida Mirziyoyeva and US Special Envoy Sergio Gor, was established to promote commercial partnerships and investment.<\/p>\n<p>The visit follows last year&#8217;s White House C5+1 summit, where more than $25bn (approximately \u20ac22bn) in commercial agreements and commitments were announced. Those commitments covered several Central Asian countries and were at different stages of implementation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\" id=\"abe-article-related-1\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Rubio arrives in Samarkand as Washington seeks closer ties with Central Asia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Rubio disputes Zelenskyy&#8217;s account of intelligence pause<\/h2>\n<p>The visit also gave Rubio an opportunity to address growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv over Russia&#8217;s war in Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>Asked about Ukrainian claims that the US had briefly stopped sharing intelligence used to warn of Russian missile attacks, Rubio denied any interruption.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;There has been no pause,&#8221; he told reporters.<\/p>\n<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had said on Sunday that intelligence sharing had resumed after a three-day suspension. The two accounts remain at odds.<\/p>\n<p>Rubio urged both Russia and Ukraine to focus on ending the war that began with Russia&#8217;s all-out invasion, now in its fifth year. &#8220;What he should be focused on and what we want to be focused on is bringing an end to this war,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>Trump had criticised Zelenskyy a day earlier, accusing him of lacking the will to end the conflict and blaming Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries for disruption to global diesel markets. <\/p>\n<p>Trump has also defended temporary relief from some sanctions affecting Russian energy exports, saying it could help diplomacy.<\/p>\n<p>Rubio acknowledged that US efforts to broker an end to the war had not made the progress Washington wanted, but said the administration would continue exploring opportunities for negotiations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Rubio arrives in Samarkand as Washington seeks closer ties with Central Asia<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Sniffing out trouble: Customs dogs remain vital in the age of AI<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Nearly $12bn project pipeline gives new weight to Seoul \u2013Tashkent ties in minerals, AI and transport<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Marco Rubio<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Central Asia<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  USA<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Uzbekistan<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tp-vuukle\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__header\"><span class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__title\">Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2934832-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934832\" data-cid=\"9957935\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2934832-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/79\/35\/320x180_cmsv2_2be13fbb-bf57-50a7-be4e-acc275c15db0-9957935.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shopkeepers in Paris surveyed the damage after a night of rioting.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;We tore it up&#8217;:  French looters brag online as police &#8216;lost control&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2934837-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934837\" data-cid=\"9958009\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2934837-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/80\/09\/320x180_cmsv2_5c8b1564-e827-5b9a-b9e9-8eee9cfe4463-9958009.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Workers block the entrance of the Louvre museum during a protests against rising living costs in Paris, 19 October, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Protesters block Louvre museum in Paris in support of demonstrations<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2934878-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934878\" data-cid=\"9958186\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2934878-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/81\/86\/320x180_cmsv2_8728710f-f658-56a7-b62d-5cb17254890a-9958186.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A slogan has become a meme online after links to police attempts to infiltrate student protest groups. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Bismillah, c\u2019est les t\u00e9n\u00e8bres\u2019: What does the student slogan mean?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2934824-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934824\" data-cid=\"9957873\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2934824-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/78\/73\/320x180_cmsv2_ad92f238-efac-596c-b79f-74af9df78881-9957873.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Traditional Russian wooden dolls depicting China&apos;s President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, 21 November, 2024\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin seeks Ukraine talks with Trump and Xi, refuses to meet Zelenskyy<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2934610-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934610\" data-cid=\"9957062\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2934610-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/70\/62\/320x180_cmsv2_3be602cc-89bc-5311-9505-e31cbb5f0cc4-9957062.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police officers inspect the site of a damaged fence section at the entrance to the Leipzig\/Halle airport grounds, 18 October, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    German police: Two men surrender after driving car into airport fence<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2934623-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934623\" data-cid=\"9957057\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France&#8217;s violent Saturday protests in 10 pictures<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2934697-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934697\" data-cid=\"9957328\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Magyar links French riots to migration, defends hard line<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2934794-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934794\" data-cid=\"9957675\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Alberta votes on Canada secession as PM fights to keep country united<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2934607-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934607\" data-cid=\"9957004\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Canada reports four fatalities after fire at Alberta military base<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2934701-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934701\" data-cid=\"9957332\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France: Paris, Lyon and Marseille count the cost after violent protests<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2934832-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934832\" data-cid=\"9957935\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2934832-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/79\/35\/320x180_cmsv2_2be13fbb-bf57-50a7-be4e-acc275c15db0-9957935.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Shopkeepers in Paris surveyed the damage after a night of rioting.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;We tore it up&#8217;:  French looters brag online as police &#8216;lost control&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2934837-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934837\" data-cid=\"9958009\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2934837-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/80\/09\/320x180_cmsv2_5c8b1564-e827-5b9a-b9e9-8eee9cfe4463-9958009.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Workers block the entrance of the Louvre museum during a protests against rising living costs in Paris, 19 October, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Protesters block Louvre museum in Paris in support of demonstrations<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2934878-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934878\" data-cid=\"9958186\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2934878-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/81\/86\/320x180_cmsv2_8728710f-f658-56a7-b62d-5cb17254890a-9958186.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A slogan has become a meme online after links to police attempts to infiltrate student protest groups. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Bismillah, c\u2019est les t\u00e9n\u00e8bres\u2019: What does the student slogan mean?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2934824-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934824\" data-cid=\"9957873\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2934824-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/78\/73\/320x180_cmsv2_ad92f238-efac-596c-b79f-74af9df78881-9957873.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Traditional Russian wooden dolls depicting China&apos;s President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, 21 November, 2024\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin seeks Ukraine talks with Trump and Xi, refuses to meet Zelenskyy<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2934610-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934610\" data-cid=\"9957062\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2934610-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/70\/62\/320x180_cmsv2_3be602cc-89bc-5311-9505-e31cbb5f0cc4-9957062.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police officers inspect the site of a damaged fence section at the entrance to the Leipzig\/Halle airport grounds, 18 October, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    German police: Two men surrender after driving car into airport fence<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2934623-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934623\" data-cid=\"9957057\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France&#8217;s violent Saturday protests in 10 pictures<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2934697-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934697\" data-cid=\"9957328\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Magyar links French riots to migration, defends hard line<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2934794-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934794\" data-cid=\"9957675\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Alberta votes on Canada secession as PM fights to keep country united<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2934607-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934607\" data-cid=\"9957004\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Canada reports four fatalities after fire at Alberta military base<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2934701-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2934701\" data-cid=\"9957332\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France: Paris, Lyon and Marseille count the cost after violent protests<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">US companies were preparing to announce new agreements in Uzbekistan as Washington seeks to expand its economic presence in Central Asia and diversify critical mineral supplies, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Euronews on Monday.Speaking to reporters during a visit to Samarkand, Rubio said the deals could mark the start of broader US engagement with a region he believes American policymakers have paid too little attention to.Asked by Euronews what people in Uzbekistan could expect from the visit and the accompanying business delegation, Rubio said, &#8220;I think we&#8217;ll have some concrete deals to announce.&#8221;He said US companies were keen to do business in Uzbekistan and that announcements would follow the forum&#8217;s meetings. &#8220;This is not the end. This is the beginning,&#8221; he added.Rubio said nearly 300 American businesses were represented in Samarkand, where they were discussing agreements potentially worth billions of dollars.The US State Department had previously said more than 200 US business leaders were accompanying his trip. No final list of agreements or values had been announced at the time of his remarks.Critical minerals and strategic supply chainsIn response to a second question from Euronews, Rubio identified critical minerals as an area for potential cooperation with Uzbekistan.&#8221;It&#8217;s not smart just for the whole world to depend on one place for 100% of anything,&#8221; he said, stressing that he was not singling out any particular country.He argued that industries and technologies likely to shape the 21st century would increasingly rely on critical minerals, making supply-chain diversification an international priority rather than solely a US concern.He said that for resource-rich countries, developing mineral deposits and processing capacity responsibly could also serve their own economic interests.&#8221;We&#8217;re obviously going to explore that and I think we have a chance to do that here,&#8221; Rubio told Euronews.The subject was also discussed at the C5+1 summit US President Donald Trump hosted in Washington in November 2025. Uzbekistan and its neighbours have been seeking additional investment and technology to develop their mineral resources, while the US and Europe are looking for alternatives to highly concentrated supply chains.Asked separately about China&#8217;s growing economic influence in Central Asia, Rubio described US involvement as competition, not an attempt to make regional governments choose sides.&#8221;This is not about coming here to say, stop talking to somebody else or stop working with some other country,&#8221; he said, describing Uzbekistan as open to economic relationships with different partners and praising its economic growth.Meetings in SamarkandRubio began Monday&#8217;s programme with a morning tour of Registan Square, Samarkand&#8217;s historic architectural landmark, alongside Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of Uzbekistan&#8217;s Presidential Administration. He called the city a centuries-old crossroads of trade and commerce.His official schedule also includes talks with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and a document-signing ceremony, followed by a meeting with Kazakhstan&#8217;s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi and the C5+1 ministerial meeting involving Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.On Monday, Rubio is also scheduled to meet President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and attend events involving the Uzbekistan\u2013US Business and Investment Council. The council, co-chaired by Saida Mirziyoyeva and US Special Envoy Sergio Gor, was established to promote commercial partnerships and investment.The visit follows last year&#8217;s White House C5+1 summit, where more than $25bn (approximately \u20ac22bn) in commercial agreements and commitments were announced. Those commitments covered several Central Asian countries and were at different stages of implementation.Rubio disputes Zelenskyy&#8217;s account of intelligence pauseThe visit also gave Rubio an opportunity to address growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv over Russia&#8217;s war in Ukraine.Asked about Ukrainian claims that the US had briefly stopped sharing intelligence used to warn of Russian missile attacks, Rubio denied any interruption.&#8221;There has been no pause,&#8221; he told reporters.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had said on Sunday that intelligence sharing had resumed after a three-day suspension. The two accounts remain at odds.Rubio urged both Russia and Ukraine to focus on ending the war that began with Russia&#8217;s all-out invasion, now in its fifth year. &#8220;What he should be focused on and what we want to be focused on is bringing an end to this war,&#8221; he said.Trump had criticised Zelenskyy a day earlier, accusing him of lacking the will to end the conflict and blaming Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries for disruption to global diesel markets.Trump has also defended temporary relief from some sanctions affecting Russian energy exports, saying it could help diplomacy.Rubio acknowledged that US efforts to broker an end to the war had not made the progress Washington wanted, but said the administration would continue exploring opportunities for negotiations.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/10\/19\/us-is-coming-to-central-asia-with-deals-to-stay-rubio-tells-euronews&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/95\/77\/79\/1200x675_cmsv2_98b835a0-e70e-519d-869e-ece5ca15e0ec-9957779.jpg&#8221;] Europe News German police: Two men surrender after driving car into airport fence Cinema From &#8216;Werwulf&#8217; to a 1930s Batman: Key takeways from Robert Eggers masterclass at Lumi\u00e8re Europe News Istanbul flood toll rises to eight as rescuers find more bodies World News US issues rare Middle East red alert to its [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2206287","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2206287","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2206287"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2206287\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2206287"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2206287"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2206287"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}