LJUBLJANA, October 22. /Dunyo IA/.   Denis Mancevič, Assistant Professor of International Relations at the Faculty of Government and European Studies, New University, Slovenia, commented in an interview with Dunyo IA on the outcomes of the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Uzbekistan, which took place on October 18–20^th:

- As a political scientist, professor and strategic advisor, I follow the dynamic development of Uzbekistan and the region as a whole with great interest. I was also able to witness this personally during my recent visit to your country in May of this year. I was deeply impressed by the country's development dynamics and its significant potential.

In connection with the visit of the U.S. Secretary of State to Samarkand, I would like to present the following brief expert assessment:

1. A visit at such a high level undoubtedly testifies to the success of Uzbekistan's foreign policy. For the United States, it represents an opportunity to strengthen its strategic presence in a geopolitically crucial and dynamically developing region. For Uzbekistan, it is an important step toward diversifying its international partnerships and pursuing a balanced approach amid the traditionally strong influence of neighboring major powers.

2. The meeting within the “C5+1” framework demonstrates that Central Asia is increasingly positioning itself as a unified region. The participation of the United States in this format is of significant importance for addressing shared security challenges and advancing interstate cooperation, thereby establishing conditions for more stable economic and social development across the entire region. For the United States, this format also opens up avenues for more comprehensive engagement with Central Asian nations in both the political and, notably, economic spheres.

3. The presence of 200 American companies in the region reflects a substantial shift in focus toward concrete economic interests. The development of the Middle Corridor, alongside energy and infrastructural connectivity, represents areas where the interests of the United States, Uzbekistan, and, indirectly, Europe significantly align.

4. From the perspective of the European Union and, consequently, Slovenia, the strengthening of stability, sovereignty, and economic openness in Central Asia is an exceptionally positive trend. The EU is actively seeking to forge reliable partnerships to diversify supply chains, primarily in the energy sector and the field of critical raw materials.

The strengthening of ties between the United States and Uzbekistan contributes to the formation of a more balanced system of international relations and the development of alternative trade routes, which will have a positive long-term impact on Europe's geopolitical and geo-economic positions.