Trump Invites Tokayev and Mirziyoyev to G20 Summit

US President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform, "Truth Social," inviting Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the G20 summit in Miami, USA, in December 2026 as guests. Trump called the summit "very important" and stated that the US-Kazakhstan relationship with both countries is "fantastic."

This invitation was made after Trump spoke separately with the two leaders by phone on December 23, 2025. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are not G20 members, but the US, as the host country, has the right to invite non-member countries to the summit.

01 Diplomatic Groundwork: From the C5+1 Summit to the G20 Invitation

Trump's invitation is not an isolated incident, but a continuation of a series of diplomatic offensives by the US in Central Asia. On November 6, 2025, the "Central Asia-United States" (C5+1) Summit was held in Washington, D.C. Trump met with the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan at the White House.

During a phone call on December 23, Tokayev and Trump exchanged views on bilateral relations and the current international situation, with a focus on the Ukraine issue. Tokayev noted the complexity of the situation in Ukraine and stressed the need for compromise between the conflicting parties based on a thorough consideration of the realities.

Following the call, Trump posted on Truth Social, "We discussed the importance of achieving peace amidst the ongoing conflict and the issue of expanding bilateral trade and cooperation."

Uzbek President Mirziyoyev congratulated Trump on the upcoming New Year and wished the American people peace, prosperity, and good fortune. In response, Trump conveyed greetings and best wishes to the leaders and people of Uzbekistan.

02 Strategic Resources: The Core Demands of US Interests in Central Asia

Behind the US diplomatic offensive in Central Asia lies a strategic need for key mineral resources. Central Asia is rich in mineral resources, with uranium production accounting for approximately half of the global total.

Kazakhstan has long been the world's leading producer of uranium and is also a major holder of rare earth resources; Uzbekistan holds a significant position in the reserves and mining of uranium, gold, and rare earth minerals.

Currently, a large portion of the region's mineral resources flow to the markets and supply chains of China and Russia. The US is striving to diversify its supply sources to reduce the risk of over-reliance on potential geopolitical rivals.

The US government's diplomatic focus on Central Asia stems from its emphasis on the region's strategic mineral resources, which are crucial for high-tech equipment and the defense industry.

03 Geopolitical Game: The Competitive Landscape of the US, China, and Russia in Central Asia

The US's active courting of Central Asian countries reflects dual geopolitical considerations. On the one hand, Central Asia has historically been considered by the international community as Russia's traditional sphere of influence and is a key region for China's Belt and Road Initiative.

The United States, through diplomatic maneuvering, is attempting to find a potential breakthrough in the "strategic backyard" where both China and Russia have traditional advantages.

On the other hand, the US government is actively pushing the stalled Russia-Ukraine conflict toward a peace process. Tokayev's willingness to provide a platform for Russia-Ukraine negotiations during the call echoes the US's diplomatic efforts.

The Kazakh presidential office revealed that Tokayev, in the call, "emphasized that the territorial issue remains the core issue, requiring compromise from all parties, while taking into account the actual local situation."

Meanwhile, Tokayev has recently undertaken a series of diplomatic activities, including a visit to Japan on December 18th, signing a mineral supply chain cooperation agreement with Japan, and finalizing a transport corridor plan across the Caspian Sea. These moves are seen as aimed at finding new avenues for economic development and reducing dependence on a single route.

04 Central Asian Countries: The Art of Balancing in Great Power Rivalry

Faced with a diplomatic invitation from the United States, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have adopted a cautious and pragmatic approach. For a long time, Central Asian countries have generally pursued a diversified diplomatic strategy seeking balance among major powers.

In his call with Trump, Tokayev emphasized that "Kazakhstan is not a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but if needed, it is willing to provide a platform for negotiations in a spirit of goodwill." This statement highlights its neutral stance.

During the Washington talks in November, Tokayev also announced that his Muslim-majority country would join the Abraham Accords, an initiative promoted by the Trump administration to strengthen relations between Israel and Arab and Muslim-majority countries.

Regarding their invitation to the G20 summit, Central Asian countries largely view it as a platform to enhance their international standing and influence. Attending such high-level global multilateral forums helps increase their visibility and voice in international affairs.

05 G20 Invitation: Symbolic Significance and Practical Impact

As a forum, the G20's resolutions are advisory in nature, but consensus is often difficult to reach due to differing interests among participants. However, for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, participation in this summit will provide a rare opportunity to directly express their positions to leaders of the world's major economies.

The US State Department has announced that Washington has identified key priorities for the upcoming summit: stimulating economic growth, securing reliable and affordable energy, and developing innovative technologies.

It is noteworthy that Trump threatened in November not to invite South Africa to the Miami G20 summit due to attacks on white farmers in South Africa. South Africa is a full G20 member, highlighting the selectivity of US foreign policy.

The 2026 G20 summit is planned to be held at the Trump Golf Club in Doral, Florida, near Miami. As the host, the US will use this opportunity to shape the agenda and highlight its policy priorities.

As the G20 summit approaches, the US diplomatic offensive towards Central Asia will gradually intensify. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan seek a balance among the three major powers of the US, Russia, and China. Their leaders will continue constructive dialogue with all parties, accepting US invitations while carefully avoiding excessive favoritism towards any one side.

For Central Asian countries, participating in the G20 summit is an opportunity to showcase their national image and expand international channels, which will not change their foreign policy centered on a balanced approach. In an era of increasingly fierce great power competition, this balancing act will become the key to survival and development for Central Asian countries.