Daines, Peters Resolution Commemorating 35 Years of Independence for Central Asian Nations passes U.S. Senate

• September 29, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), cofounders of the Senate Central Asia Caucus, announced that their resolution commemorating 35 years of independence for the five Central Asian nations (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) passed the U.S. Senate with bipartisan support. Senators Curtis (R-Utah) and Dave McCormick (R-Penn.) joined Daines and Peters in introducing the resolution.

"In the 35 years since Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan gained independence from the Soviet Union, we've made substantial progress in deepening our relationships and working towards our mutual goals, including increased trade and national security. I am thrilled to see my resolution commemorating these 35 years of independence pass the U.S. Senate, and I look forward to the continuation of our partnerships," said Daines.

"Our diplomatic alliances with the nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have strengthened the United States' economy, counterterrorism efforts, and national security interests. As Central Asia becomes increasingly vulnerable to the influence of our adversaries it's imperative that the United States stays engaged with our allies in the region. I'm proud to support this resolution to commemorate the 35^th anniversary of independence for our Central Asia partners. I'm committed to ensuring that our partnership continues to promote regional stability, good governance, and economic cooperation," said Peters.

"For 35 years, the nations of Central Asia have charted their own paths as sovereign, independent states and become increasingly important partners in advancing regional stability, economic opportunity, and global security. I'm proud to join this bipartisan resolution recognizing that milestone and reaffirming the United States' commitment to strengthening our partnerships across Central Asia in the years ahead," said Curtis.

"Over the past three decades, the nations of Central Asia have emerged as increasingly important partners for the United States. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have each charted their own course as sovereign nations and become vital partners in strengthening regional stability, expanding trade, and securing critical supply chains. This bipartisan resolution recognizes that progress and reaffirms America's commitment to deepen our security and economic partnerships, advance our interests, and counter the malign influence of our adversaries," said McCormick.

Read the resolution HERE.

Background:

Daines has travelled to all five Central Asian countries- read more HERE. He most recently visited Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan in August- see more HERE, HERE and HERE. This year he also visited Turkmenistan- read more HERE. Last week he spoke at a United Nations General Assembly side event with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on the importance of the TRIPP Program and increased trade with Central Asia- read more HERE.

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Contact: Gabby Wiggins