WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) President Donald Trump has announced plans to extend invitations to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for the upcoming U.S.-hosted Group of 20 (G20) summit. The Republican administration aims to strengthen its ties with these Central Asian nations, which are not members of the G20.
On Tuesday, Trump revealed the invitation plans following separate phone conversations with Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The G20 summit is scheduled for 2026 and will be held at Trump's golf club in Doral, Florida, located near Miami. Non-member countries are frequently invited to such summits, providing an opportunity for broader diplomatic engagement.
In a social media post, Trump described the relationship with both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as "spectacular." He made the announcement while on vacation at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Last month, leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian countries visited Washington for discussions with Trump, indicating a growing focus on the region.
Central Asia is significant due to its vast reserves of minerals and its status as a leading producer of uranium, which accounts for roughly half of the world's supply. The U.S. administration is intensifying its search for rare earth metals essential for high-tech products, including smartphones, electric vehicles, and fighter jets. Historically, Central Asia's critical mineral exports have leaned heavily towards China and Russia, raising U.S. interest in diversifying its supply chains.
During the recent Washington visit, President Tokayev announced Kazakhstan's intention to join the Abraham Accords. This initiative aims to fortify ties between Israel and Muslim-majority nations, forming part of the Trump administration's foreign policy legacy. The accords were established during Trump's first term, marking a significant effort to foster diplomatic and commercial relations between Israel and various Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco.
In another development, Trump also announced that South Africa would be barred from participating in next year's G20 summit at his Doral club. The decision stems from disputes over South Africa's treatment of a U.S. government representative at this year's summit. Trump has also committed to halting all financial assistance to South Africa due to allegations of persecution against white Afrikaners, a claim that has been strongly disputed by the South African government.
Trump's decision to forgo an American delegation at this year’s summit in South Africa was influenced by his assertions regarding the treatment of Afrikaners in the country, a narrative that has faced widespread criticism and is seen as unfounded by South African officials.
The evolving diplomatic engagements with Central Asian nations and the shifting U.S. foreign relations strategy continue to be pivotal components of Trump's broader geopolitical agenda as he seeks to redefine alliances and enhance American influence in key global regions.
