U.S. Senator Steve Daines has expressed support for the Trump administration’s efforts to strengthen ties with Central Asia, highlighting the importance of diplomatic engagement in the region. During a discussion with Sergio Gor, nominee for Ambassador to India and special envoy to South and Central Asia, and Herschel Walker, nominee for Ambassador to The Bahamas, Daines underscored the need for increased investment and cooperation with Central Asian countries.
“There’s a lot of talk about India, certainly, as you will be, if confirmed, the next ambassador. I’m confident you will be the next ambassador in India. But you also carry another very important role, and that’s the Special Envoy to the President, to both Central Asia and South Asia. I just want to bring Central Asia back into the forefront here in this Foreign Relations Committee. I don’t think it gets enough attention and talk. And while we have this moment, I want to jump into Central Asia, some of the questions there. We spoke the other day about how U.S. adversaries are really undermining the increased US engagement we’re seeing today in Central Asia. And clearly, that breakthrough peace agreement that President Trump led between Azerbaijan and Armenia is one of these moments. It’s been under-reported, in my opinion, under-appreciated, but significant geopolitically in the ramifications it will have for Central Asia. Question for you, Mr. Gor, how important is it to show our allies in Central Asia that the United States is turning the page from the last administration and is now looking towards real investments and stronger cooperation in the region?” said Daines.
Gor responded: “Senator, thank you for your question. It is vitally important.”
Daines noted his recent visits to all five Central Asian countries over 18 months and meetings with their presidents: “And having visited all five of the Central Asian countries in the last 18 months, met with the Presidents of each in their respective capitals, there was one common thread. There were several common threads, but one was their great respect and appreciation of President Trump. They truly want to engage. They think so highly of the president. It’s a great opportunity for us. And I’m grateful to see both the President and yourself engaging more now in Central Asia.”
Gor replied: “I appreciate that, Senator….we’re fully committed to that relationship.”
Daines also called attention to what he described as outdated Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions affecting relations with these nations: “And one of the specific issues that always gets brought up is certainly the outdated policies of Jackson-Vanik. That was a Soviet-era type policy that really serves no purpose today as we move forward. Senator Chris Murphy and I have been working on this in Congress in a bipartisan way to repeal it. And I look forward to working with you in your special envoy capacity of Central Asia to see if we can get Jackson-Vanik repealed and we’re working with the Chairman as well. That’s going to be one of the top topics. It shows a lot of respect I think for Central Asia and the fact they’ve moved on from the Soviet area of the past.”
Gor agreed: “You’re 100 percent right.”
In addition to focusing on diplomatic ties with Central Asia, Daines addressed concerns about drug trafficking through The Bahamas during his conversation with Walker: “Mr. Walker it’s good to see you here today. Thank you for your willingness to serve as Ambassador to The Bahamas. I’ll cut right to the chase. As you know as Ambassador, you’re going to be working to strengthen this relationship with The Bahamas and with our government. Can you work to build an even stronger law enforcement and counter-narcotic relationship between the United States and The Bahamas and work to stem the tide of this poison that’s entering our country?”
Walker replied: “Thank you for your question Senator…I can commit to that.”
The hearing reflects ongoing legislative discussions about updating U.S.-Central Asian relations by removing Cold War-era barriers such as Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions.
