Tashkent and Washington sign memorandum on production, processing of critical minerals and rare earth metals - Uzbek Minister of Foreign Affairs

TASHKENT. Feb 5 (Interfax) - Uzbekistan and the U.S. have signed a memorandum of understanding on the production and processing of critical minerals and rare earth metals (REM), Uzbek Minister of Foreign Affairs Saidov Bakhtiyor said.

"Alongside U.S. Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau, a memorandum of understanding has been signed between the government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the government of the United States of America to ensure the reliability of supplies in the field of producing and processing critical minerals and rare earth elements," Saidov said on Telegram on Thursday.

He said that the parties saw prospects for a partnership and long-term development in the field of critical minerals.

Saidov said that the talks with Landau had touched on expanding the list of new prospective projects. The parties also discussed the agenda for their bilateral relations in 2026 and reaffirmed their commitment to reinforcing the expanded strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the U.S.

Saidov has also discussed the countries' bilateral agenda with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and took part in the first Critical Minerals Ministerial conference in Washington.