In Astana, Central Asian countries and the United States discussed cooperation in the field of AI and digital technologies

On September 29, the C5+1 SI Conference, dedicated to the development of artificial intelligence and digital cooperation between Central Asian countries and the United States, began its work in Astana. The two-day meeting will bring together representatives of government agencies, technology companies, and the expert community to discuss joint projects, investments, and the development of digital infrastructure.

C5+1 is a cooperation platform of five Central Asian states—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—with the United States of America. The format has been in operation since 2015 and serves as a mechanism for dialogue on economic, security, and regional interaction issues. It allows countries to align priorities and develop joint initiatives involving both the state and business sectors.

The conference in Astana will focus on the technological direction of this partnership. The conference will discuss the development of advanced artificial intelligence systems, digital infrastructure, and data centers, strengthening cybersecurity, and expanding cooperation with American technology companies.

For Kazakhstan, the practical value of such dialogue lies in the opportunity to attract investments and technological expertise, develop computing infrastructure, and expand access for domestic companies to international partners and markets.

Cooperation in these areas creates conditions for the implementation of AI in the economy and public services, the training of specialists, and the enhancement of the security of digital systems.

These priorities are enshrined in the Joint Statement of C5+1 countries on intentions in the field of economic cooperation. The document provides for support for IT startups, cooperation in the field of research and education on AI, the development of digital services, telecommunications infrastructure, and data centers.

The current meeting continues the agreements reached at the highest level. In November 2025, a C5+1 summit took place in Washington, D.C., with the participation of the heads of state of Central Asia and the President of the United States. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev represented Kazakhstan at the meeting.

As a result of the Head of State's visit to the US, 29 agreements were signed for a total amount of approximately $17 billion, covering industry, energy, digitalization, education, and innovation. Among the technological areas are the implementation of satellite communications, the development of intelligent transport systems, digital payments, and educational solutions based on artificial intelligence.

In particular, during the November visit, a memorandum was signed aimed at implementing Direct to Cell. This area of cooperation is designed to expand access to communication in areas not covered by terrestrial mobile networks. In the field of education, documents were signed with American universities and technology partners, including OpenAI.

The conference in Astana will become a platform for discussing further practical steps: participants will present digital initiatives of the countries in the region, exchange experience, and consider the possibilities of new partnerships. For Kazakhstan, this is an opportunity to link national digital development tasks with the technologies, investments, and competencies of international partners.

Source: gov.kz