On the eve of the “C5+1” Summit in Washington, think tanks from Central Asian countries and the United States held a series of expert discussions aimed at strengthening strategic partnership and exchanging views on key areas of regional cooperation.
Zhаndos Shaimardanov, Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KazISS), took part in this series of meetings.
On November 4, he made a speech at a discussion hosted by The Heritage Foundation, dedicated to preparations for the “C5+1” Summit and prospects for developing U.S. cooperation with the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
During the event, representatives of leading Central Asian research institutes and think tanks exchanged views on issues of regional security, energy stability, and economic cooperation.
The event also featured the presentation of the expert report “Advancing Regional Cooperation through the U.S. – Central Asia (C5+1) Platform”, prepared following the First Forum of Think Tanks of the United States and Central Asia, held in October this year in Tashkent.
In his remarks, Zhаndos Shaimardanov presented the key findings and recommendations of the report, emphasizing that the decade of the “C5+1” format marks an important milestone that opens a new chapter in regional cooperation.
“Over the past decade, the ‘C5+1’ format has proven its stability and constructability as a platform for dialogue. Now it must evolve – moving from discussions to joint strategic actions, from coordination to practical implementation based on shared priorities and measurable outcomes,” noted the KazISS Director.
During his speech, Mr. Shaimardanov also presented Kazakhstan’s initiative to host the U.S.–Central Asia Think Tank Forum in 2026 in Astana, emphasizing the importance of using this platform to develop practical recommendations for advancing dialogue within the “C5+1” framework.
On November 5, the KazISS Director participated in the conference “A Decade of Partnership: What Lies Ahead for C5+1?” organized by the Caspian Policy Center and dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the “C5+1” format.
Experts discussed the prospects for the development of the format in the evolving geopolitical context, as well as the potential of the Central Asian region in transport and logistics, green energy, and critical minerals. Special attention was given to the role of the Middle Corridor in strengthening supply chains and promoting regional trade.
Following the discussions, participants highlighted the importance of further strengthening the strategic dialogue between Central Asian countries and the United States, expanding engagement among think tanks, and developing joint research projects within the new decade of “C5+1” partnership.
On November 6, Washington will host the summit with the participation of the leaders of the Central Asian countries and U.S. President Donald Trump. The upcoming meeting will mark an important step in advancing the “C5+1” dialogue, giving it a strategic focus. The summit’s agenda will include issues of deepening economic partnership, energy cooperation, and enhancing digital and transport connectivity.
