US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead a delegation representing more than 100 American companies during a visit to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in mid-October.

The announcement was made by Sergio Gor, the US President’s special envoy for South and Central Asia, according to Gazeta.uz.

During the visit, Rubio will attend a C5+1 foreign ministers’ meeting with the foreign ministers of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

Gor said the talks will focus on expanding regional economic ties, strengthening energy security and addressing pressing issues through joint efforts.

Rubio is also expected to meet with Uzbek officials and representatives of Central Asian countries to discuss expanding trade, attracting private investment and supporting economic modernization across the region.