Government officials, academic leaders, energy experts, and international partners from across Central Asia gathered on 22–23 May 2025 in Almaty for the Kick-off Meeting of the OSCE Regional Task Force on Education for Just and Inclusive Energy Transition (RTEET). The event marked the official launch of a regional platform aimed at aligning renewable energy (RE) […]
Major Financial Institutions Unite to Map Islamic Finance Future in Central Asia
nCa Report Three prominent financial organizations have released a comprehensive study examining the prospects for Islamic finance across Central Asia, presenting their findings at a major international forum in Algeria’s capital. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), and London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) collaborated on the report, which was presented during […]
New China-Central Asia energy alliance aims for innovation and cooperation
China and Central Asian nations launched a new energy alliance recently, aiming to boost innovation and cooperation in power technology for sustainable development. The China-Central Asia Energy and Power Innovation Alliance aims to create an international innovation platform that integrates research cooperation, talent cultivation, think tank development, and university-enterprise collaboration, according to a signing ceremony […]
Termez Dialogue 2025: Fostering Connectivity Between Central and South Asia
Executive Summary The Termez Dialogue, held from May 19 to 21, 2025, in Termez, Uzbekistan, convened approximately 200 delegates from over 20 countries to enhance economic, cultural, and security ties between Central and South Asia. Organized by Uzbekistan’s Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the […]
First China-Central Asia Freight Train of 2025 Departs from Tianjin Port to Tashkent
The first China-Central Asia freight train of 2025 connecting Tianjin Port to Tashkent via Horgos successfully departed on Tuesday, marking an important milestone in the ongoing development of trade routes between China and Central Asia. As reported by Xinhua, the train carries fifty containers loaded with a diverse cargo of auto parts, mechanical equipment, building […]
Head of UNRCCA, SRSG Kaha Imnadze meets with the Speaker of the Senate of Uzbekistan
As part of his working visit to Uzbekistan to participate in the Termez Dialogue, Special Representative of UN Secretary General, head of UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze, met with Ms. Tanzila Narbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan on 19 May in Tashkent. During the meeting, the two exchanged views on […]
China filling the space vacated by USAID in Central Asia
China is intensifying its efforts to expand influence in Central Asia, capitalizing on reduced U.S. foreign aid following the Trump administration’s decision to dismantle the US Agency for International Development. This was reported by Eurasianet. Historically, China’s engagement in the region has centered on large-scale infrastructure projects under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, […]
Turkmenistan Defines National Steps for Adapting to Cryosphere Changes
A national workshop was held in Ashgabat on 12–13 May 2025 as part of the GEF–UNDP–UNESCO project “Strengthening the resilience of Central Asian countries by enabling regional cooperation to assess glacio-nival systems to develop integrated methods for sustainable development and adaptation to climate change.” The workshop aimed to translate regional priorities into concrete national actions […]
OSCE-supported seminar discusses the role of youth and women in responding to climate change risks in Turkmenistan and Central Asia
An OSCE-organized seminar on strengthening the role of youth and women in responding to climate change risks in Turkmenistan and Central Asia took place on 12 May 2025 in Ashgabat. The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat initiated this event within the framework of the 7th Central Asian Conference on Climate Change (CACCC-2025), which will take place […]
SRSG Kaha Imnadze Engages with Young Central Asian Diplomats in Regional Training in Turkmenistan
SRSG Kaha Imnadze participated in a regional training for young diplomats from Central Asia, held in Ashgabat. The training was jointly organized by the UN Country Team in Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. Addressing the participants, Mr. Imnadze provided an overview of UNRCCA’s mandate and the Centre’s ongoing preventive diplomacy efforts […]
Economic Interaction of Belarus with Central Asia: Steps Toward Strengthening Ties
Elvira Kadyrova in Minsk, Belarus In recent years, the Republic of Belarus has shown significant progress in developing economic partnerships with Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—strengthening its position in key regional markets. This is a mutual effort, as diversifying economic ties is a cornerstone of the national development strategies of all six […]
The issues of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU in the field of security were discussed
On 5 May 2025, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Kurbanov, EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan Beata Peksa and experts from the Hedayah Center of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on issues of interaction […]
Tariff Tussles will reshape World Markets
nCa Commentary Tariq Saeedi The tariff tussle is more than just tit-for-tat. The main participants of this tug of war – USA and China – are actually aware of what they are doing. Even though both have different objectives in mind, in the end, both might actually win in the sense that that their diverse […]
IMF predicts slight slowdown in economic growth in Central Asia and Caucasus Region
IMF has predicted a slight slowdown in the economic growth in the Central Asia and Caucasus region in the near- to mid-term assessment. The IMF Regional Economic Outlook for Middle East and Central Asia, released on 1 May 2025 at a press conference in Dubai, says, “Economies in the CCA region experienced robust output growth […]
UNRCCA Co-Organizes Cross – Regional Dialogue on Returness from Conflict Zones
On 30 April 2025, UNRCCA in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) convened the Cross-regional Dialogue on the Prosecution, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (PRR) of Returnees from Conflict Zones. The Cross-regional Dialogue provided an opportunity to […]
Communiqué of the 6th Meeting of Foreign Ministers in the “China-Central Asia” Format
Here is the slightly paraphrased translation of the Communiqué adopted following the meeting of foreign ministers of Central Asian countries and China, published by Xinhua: On 26 April 2025, the 6th meeting of foreign ministers in the “China-Central Asia” format was held in Almaty. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of […]
Almaty hosted the 6th meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Central Asia-China format
The 6th Ministerial Meeting of the Central Asia–China format convened in Almaty on 26 April 2025, bringing together the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan – Murat Nurtleu, China – Wang Yi, Kyrgyzstan – Jeenbek Kulubayev, Tajikistan – Sirodjiddin Muhriddin, and Uzbekistan – Bakhtiyor Saidov. Turkmenistan was represented at the session by its Ambassador to China, Parakhat […]
Central Asian Actions on Water Might Carry Lessons to the World, says EDB Chief Economist
Evgeny Vinokurov, Vice-Chairman and Chief Economist of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), presented the EDB research on Central Asia’s water and energy challenges at the ADFIAP Annual Meeting 2025 in Muscat. The plenary session highlighted urgent issues and actionable strategies for sustainable water management in the region. The key findings of the EDB’s think tank in regards […]
Italian Prime Minister to visit Central Asia
On 25-26 April, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will pay an official visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan. On April 26-27, at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, she will pay an official visit to Astana. “During the high-level talks, the parties plan to discuss the prospects for the development of the Kazakh-Italian […]
Gulf Cooperation Council – Central Asia: A New Model of Regional Diplomacy
Alisher Kadirov, head of division of the Institute of Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan The international expert community is paying special attention to the transformation of the role of regional diplomacy in the modern world. Diplomatic dialogue between various regions is becoming a key instrument not only for […]
Kuwait hosted the 3rd ministerial meeting of the Central Asia-Gulf Cooperation Council Strategic Dialogue
On April 15-16, 2025, a delegation of Turkmenistan headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs A. Gurbanov was on a working visit to the State of Kuwait to participate in the third ministerial meeting of the Central Asia-Gulf Cooperation Council (CA-GCC) Strategic Dialogue held in Kuwait city. The meeting was attended by the leadership of […]
The Empires of Central Asia and their enduring relevance
nCa Analysis Central Asia is the birthplace of at least 18 well-known Empires. Some of them influenced the world in many ways and their legacy endures. They remain hugely relevant today. 1. Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BCE) (Iran-based but with large territories of Central Asia in its orbit) 2. Greco-Bactrian Kingdom (250-125 BCE) 3. Kushan Empire […]
BOMCA 10 strengthens regional customs capacity
On 8-10 April in Astana, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) organised a regional workshop on the effective use of technical equipment in customs control. The event brought together representatives of customs services from five Central Asian countries with practical experience in the use and assessment of technical customs control tools. […]
The delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the regular meeting of the CIS Ministerial Council and the meeting in the Central Asia-Russia format
On 11 April 2025, in Almaty, a delegation of Turkmenistan led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmet Gurbanov took part in a regular meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The event was attended by the heads of the foreign ministries of […]
Almaty: The Foreign Ministers of Russia and Central Asia discuss strengthening cooperation and regional security
On 11 April 2025, the eighth meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Central Asian countries took place in Almaty. The meeting was attended by: At the meeting, the ministers expressed their appreciation for the strong and multifaceted cooperation between their countries, based on their shared approaches to key issues […]
3rd International Forum and Exhibition Thermal Power Plants Central Asia 2025 to Take Place on 25 – 26 June in Astana, Kazakhstan
The 3rd Annual International Forum and Exhibition Thermal Power Plants Central Asia 2025 will be held on 25 – 26 June 2025 in Astana, Kazakhstan. The event will gather key stakeholders from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and global investors to discuss strategic development of the region’s thermal power sector. The programme includes a technical visit […]
Foreign Ministers of Russia and Central Asian countries will meet in Alma Ata
On April 11, the 8th meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation and the Central Asian states – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – will take place in Alma Ata, the Russian Foreign Ministry reports. They will discuss a broad range of political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian matters of concern for […]
ALIPH, with the European Union, Launch Call for Projects to Safeguard Central Asia’s Cultural Heritage from Climate Threats
Geneva, Nukus, 8 April 2025 – At the Aral Culture Summit initiated by the Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) and ALIPH’s newest board member, H.E. Gayane Umerova, Valéry Freland, Executive Director of ALIPH, announced a new call for projects in partnership with the European Union, via the European Commission’s Service […]
Achieving a TB-free Central Asia: from vision to reality
WHO/Europe, in partnership with its 5 Central Asian Member States and a range of stakeholders, today launched the TB-Free Central Asia Initiative (CAI) — to accelerate the elimination of tuberculosis (TB), including drug-resistant TB (DR-TB), across the subregion by 2030. Health ministers and high-level officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan gathered in Astana […]
Law enforcement officers from Central Asia made a study visit to Romania to study methods of combating illicit trafficking in firearms
From 25 to 26 March 2025, Bucharest hosted a training visit for representatives of law enforcement agencies of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, organized by the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police (I.G.P.R.) under the auspices of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The theme of the event was the […]
EU-Central Asia Summit: EIB Global expands strategic investments in sustainable projects
At the inaugural EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris signed four memorandums of understanding with key partners in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. With these agreements, the EIB will provide €365 million, unlocking up to €1 billion of investment in sustainable transport, water management, and climate resilience projects. These […]
Samarkand Climate Summit: Central Asia seeks ways to sustainable development
On 4 April 2025, the international First Climate Forum “Central Asia in the Face of Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Common Prosperity” was held in Samarkand. The forum was chaired by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The forum was attended by President of the European Council Antonio Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der […]
Outcomes of the first Central Asia–EU Summit in Samarkand
On 4 April 2025, the first Central Asia-European Union summit was held in Samarkand under the chairmanship of Uzbekistan. The summit was attended by: • Uzbekistan – President Shavkat Mirziyoyev • Kazakhstan – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev • Kyrgyzstan – President Sadyr Japarov • Turkmenistan – President Serdar Berdimuhamedov • Tajikistan – President Emomali Rahmon • […]
Europe and Central Asia: Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2024 – Managing Water Resources Sustainably for Improved Food Security and Nutrition
If the people of Europe and Central Asia are to have food on their plates, they must have water security. Moreover, water security is a catalyst for transforming the food and agriculture sectors of the region to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable. Therefore, sustainable water management practices are a prerequisite for farmers’ resilience […]
Samarkand to host first “Central Asia – European Union” summit on April 3-4
The first “Central Asia – European Union” summit will take place in Samarkand on April 3-4. According to the press service of the Head of our state, the summit which will be chaired by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will be attended by the President of the European Council Antonio Costa, President of the […]
European Union – Central Asia: regional consolidation and global partnership
On April 4, 2025, the first “Central Asia – European Union” official summit will be held in Samarkand, under the chairmanship of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This event is set to become a significant political milestone and will mark the beginning of a new phase in the relationship between the two regions. An […]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part Six
nCa Report During the screening event of the film Six inches of Soil on Ashgabat, there were some presentations and speeches. One of the presentations was by Prof Bob Doherty (Dean of School for Business and Society, University of York and Principal Investigator of the FixOurFood Research Programme). Here are the slides from his presentation: […]
Historical milestone: The Leaders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan sign Border Junction Agreement
31 March 2025, marks a landmark date for Central Asia. In the ancient Tajik city of Khujand, the Presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—Sadyr Japarov, Emomali Rahmon, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev—signed a historic agreement defining the junction of their state borders. This pivotal event strengthens regional stability and opens a new chapter in interstate relations. In […]
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Launch 500 kV Datka–Sugd Power Line Under CASA-1000 Project
On 31 March 2025, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon participated in the launch ceremony of the 500 kV Datka–Sughd power transmission line, a key component of the CASA-1000 international energy project. The event was held via videoconference from the city of Khujand. As part of the project, a new […]
Sustainable freight transport in Central Asia: A unified regional path
Central Asia’s freight transport faces key challenges, but a coordinated regional approach could unlock sustainable connectivity and resilience. Experts recently gathered at an International Transport Forum (ITF) event to assess strategies. The recent Policy Dialogue on Sustainable and Resilient Freight Connectivity in Central Asia – which brought together government representatives, international organisations, financial institutions, the […]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part Five
nCa Report Agroecology in Central Asia: Principles, Benefits, and Practical Implementation Introduction Agroecology is an interdisciplinary approach that integrates ecological principles into agricultural practices to create sustainable food systems. It seeks to balance productivity with environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic viability. In the context of Central Asia—a region characterized by its diverse landscapes, fragile […]
New Economic Prospects to Open in Samarkand – On the Upcoming EU–Central Asia Summit
Obid Khakimov, Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms On April 3–4, 2025, Samarkand will host a historic event: the first-ever Summit between the European Union and Central Asia. The meeting will be chaired by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and will include the participation of the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, […]
EU-Central Asia: 20th Ministerial meeting held in Ashgabat on 27 March 2025
The European Union and the five Central Asian countries reaffirmed their strong political commitment to strengthening engagement and deepening cooperation during the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting, chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, on 27 March 2025 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The Foreign Ministers of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as well […]
The Central Asia–European Union ministerial meeting was held in Ashgabat
The 20th Central Asia-European Union Ministerial Meeting was held in Ashgabat on March 27, 2025. It was attended by the heads of the foreign ministries of the Central Asian countries, as well as a European delegation led by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European […]
EU Vice-President Kaja Kallas to travel to Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas will start the regional tour of Central Asia on 27 March 2025. The first stop is Turkmenistan where she will chair the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting in Ashgabat. High level delegations from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan […]
EU and Central Asia: Partnership on the strength of Peace, Trust, and Neutrality
nCa Commentary The ministerial meeting of EU and Central Asia is just about to take place in the run-up to the first EU and Central Asia summit, scheduled for early next month in Samarkand. The events are taking place in the year designated by the United Nations as the Year of Peace and Trust, aligning […]
Strengthening EU-Central Asia Cooperation: A Shared Vision for the Future
Op-ed by H.E. Beata Pęksa, Ambassador of the European Union to Turkmenistan The European Union’s partnership with Central Asia is built on a foundation of shared values and a commitment to mutual prosperity. As the EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan, I have witnessed firsthand the deepening of this relationship, which is not only a regional endeavor […]
Speech of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the International Conference “International Year of Peace and Trust: the role of interregional cooperation in ensuring sustainable development”
Here is slightly paraphrased translation of the speech by National Leader of Turkmenistan Arkadag Berdimuhamedov as given by Turkmen State News Agency TDH: Dear conference participants! I would like to thank you for participating in this forum and wish you a successful forum! Representatives of foreign countries, international organizations and large companies gathered here, which […]
The National Leader of Turkmenistan and the President of Uzbekistan discussed preparations for the upcoming summits
On 19 March 2025, a telephone conversation was held between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. The discussion focused on opportunities to deepen interstate cooperation and preparations for upcoming regional summits. At the outset, the sides exchanged warm […]
Arkadag explains some policy directions of Turkmenistan in speech at international forum
The National Leader of Turkmenistan, Arkadag Berdimuhamedov, spotlighted some policy direction of Turkmenistan on Wednesday, 19 March 2025. He was delivering a keynote address at the inaugural session of the “International Year of Peace and Trust: the Role of Interregional Economic Cooperation in Ensuring Sustainable Development.” In his speech, Arkadag highlighted the importance of the […]