A representative of the Trump administration is currently visiting Uzbekistan to promote the United States’ critical minerals agenda. Paolo Zampolli, the White House’s Special Envoy for Global Partnerships, arrived in Tashkent on August 28, 2025, with the intention of fostering “enduring ties that sustain the strength and vitality of US diplomacy,” according to a statement from the US Embassy in Tashkent.
The Trump administration has focused heavily on enhancing trade relations and accessing Uzbekistan’s rich deposits of critical minerals. In April, Jonathan Henick, the US envoy in Tashkent, highlighted an “unprecedented level” of diplomatic engagement between the United States and Uzbekistan during the early months of 2025.
Upon his arrival, Zampolli met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The discussions centered on expanding the Uzbek-American strategic partnership and fostering multifaceted cooperation. The president’s office noted that “a constructive political dialogue is developing,” and emphasized the significant potential for collaborative projects in various sectors, including mineral resources, aviation, electrical engineering, agriculture, digital technologies, finance, innovation, and education.
Public Diplomacy and Cultural Engagement
In addition to formal meetings, Zampolli is set to partake in several public diplomacy events aimed at enhancing the US image in Uzbekistan. These include participating in the celebrations for Uzbek Independence Day, engaging with players from the Uzbek national soccer team, which is preparing for the upcoming World Cup tournament in the United States, and attending the inauguration of American Corner Tashkent, a venue dedicated to promoting American values.
Zampolli’s background as a business associate of former President Donald Trump and his previous role as the ambassador of the Caribbean island nation of Dominica to the United Nations add a unique dimension to this diplomatic mission. His visit underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between the United States and Uzbekistan, particularly in the context of strategic resources and economic cooperation.
As the discussions unfold, both nations are likely to benefit from enhanced collaboration in critical industries that could shape their economic futures. With Uzbekistan’s mineral wealth and the US’s technological capabilities, the partnership has the potential to yield significant advancements in various sectors.
