US President Donald Trump hosted leaders of five Central Asian countries at the White House on Thursday as he intensifies efforts to acquire rare earth metals needed for the production of high-tech devices, including smartphones, electric cars and fighter jets.
Trump and the presidents of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan held bilateral meetings in the Oval Office before having a working dinner.
“These nations were once home to the ancient Silk Road connecting the East and West,” Trump said, while noting that “sadly, previous American presidents neglected this region completely.”
“I understand the importance of this region, a lot of people don’t know that,” he added.
Central Asia holds deep reserves of rare earth minerals and produces roughly half the world’s uranium, which is critical to nuclear power production. The region needs further investment to further develop its resources.
US President Donald Trump and his administration attend a dinner with leaders from countries in Central Asia at the White House in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025 Jacquelyn Martin/Copyright 2025 The AP.
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