On February 19, 2026, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan traveled to Washington to formally launch a joint investment mechanism, known as the 'Joint Investment Framework', with the U.S. government. This initiative aims to enhance cooperation in critical minerals, energy, irrigation, and agro-industry, and is seen as a significant step in U.S.-Central Asia relations. The agreement, which aligns with efforts to counter China's influence in resource supply chains, emphasizes investments across the entire critical mineral value chain, including exploration, extraction, and processing. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) stated that this pact will 'promote cooperation to advance shared economic interests' between the two nations.