The consultations focused on transport connections between Europe and Central Asia were held in Brussels on the sidelines of the Connecting Europe Days 2024 event (2-5 April 2024), the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium reports. The meeting was attended by the head of the Department of Foreign Economic Relations and Logistics of the Agency of Maritime and River Transport of … [Read more...]
Arkadag Berdimuhamedov is on an official visit to Tajikistan – Turkmenistan and Tajikistan outline promising areas of cooperation
On 4-5 April 2024, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is on a two-day official visit to Tajikistan. On the first day of the visit, Berdimuhamedov met with President Emomali Rahmon, as well as with Chairman of the Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli (Parliament) of Tajikistan Rustami Emomali. Before the … [Read more...]
Pakistan Breaks Ground on Central Asian Trade with First Direct Shipment to Tajikistan
Recently, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) of Pakistan carried out the first direct delivery of cargo to Tajikistan. A batch of Pakistani potatoes travelled 1,400 km in just 7 days, reaching Dushanbe, Tajikistan's capital, via a China-routed path bypassing Afghanistan. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, the first direct shipment of cargo was … [Read more...]
New research reveals that chickens were widely raised across southern Central Asia from 400 BCE
An eggshell fragment from the site of Bash Tepa, representing one of the earliest pieces of evidence for chickens on the Silk Road. Credit: Robert Spengler Chickens are one of the most economically important animals in the world today. However, the story of their origins and dispersal across the ancient world is still poorly understood. In fact, new archaeological techniques … [Read more...]
Young people help to ensure access to sufficient amounts of clean water in Central Asia
Climate change has already irreversibly changed the lives of everyone all around the globe, with children bearing the heaviest burden. Concerned about water shortages, air pollution and increased heat waves, children and young people in Central Asia are taking measures to protect their future. Saving water at school Fifth graders from the city of Shchuchinsk (Kazakhstan) … [Read more...]
Central Asia is a home for over 530 species of birds
April 1 is International Bird Day. More than 530 species of birds live in the countries of Central Asia. More than 200 species are listed in the Red Books of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Among them are the white-eyed duck, the common flamingo, and the black stork, living in the valleys of large rivers and the Caspian Sea, as well as the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Hosts Digitalization Training for Central Asian Civil Servants
The Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID) is partnering with Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to offer the Dostyk Digitalization program. This initiative aims to enhance the digital skills of civil servants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, KazAID reports. From 1 to 5 April 2024, in Astana, 20 civil servants will … [Read more...]
Turkmen Railways had a meeting with the Ambassador of Tajikistan
The Railway Agency of Turkmenistan ("Turkmendemiryollary") hosted a meeting on 30 March 2024, with Tajikistan's Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Vafo Niyatbekzoda. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation in the field of railway transport. In particular, special attention was paid to increasing the volume of … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan handed over the chairmanship of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development to Tajikistan
On 28 March 2024, Kazakhstan hosted a meeting of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (ICSD) in Astana, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. Representatives from the environmental ministries of Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) attended the meeting. Additionally, representatives from the … [Read more...]
CIS Border Chiefs met in Uzbekistan to address Central Asian security challenges
On 28 March 2024, Khiva, Uzbekistan hosted the 8th regional meeting of heads of border agencies from CIS member states, according to the CIS Executive Committee. The event was attended by delegations of the border agencies of Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Coordination Service of the Council of Commanders of the … [Read more...]
Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan met with the head of the parliamentary Turkmen-Kazakh friendship group
Ambassador of Turkmenistan Batyr Rejepov met with the Head of the parliamentary Turkmen-Kazakh friendship group, member of the Committee of the Majilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan on International Affairs, Defense and Security Izmukhambetov Baktykozha. During the meeting, the parties discussed a number of important issues on deepening Turkmen-Kazakh cooperation through … [Read more...]
China and Central Asian countries to launch the secretariat of the joint cooperation mechanism
China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will launch the secretariat of the China-Central Asia mechanism. The ceremony will take place on 30 March in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. This was stated at a press conference on 29 March by Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Lin Jian. Four years ago, China and the five Central Asian countries jointly set up the … [Read more...]
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seeks to foster cooperation with Turkmenistan
The recent visit by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to Ashgabat explored opportunities for cooperation with Turkmenistan, according to the US Embassy. The CDC delegation was led by Dr. Alexander Millman, Program Director for the Division of Global Health Protection in Central Asia and included meetings with representatives from the Ministry of … [Read more...]
EU Horizon Europe program opens up new opportunities for scientists and researchers in Central Asia
The EU Horizon Europe program offers funding for organizations from Central Asian countries for research and innovation projects. What is Horizon Europe? Horizon Europe is the European Union’s 9th research and innovation (R&I) framework programme with the biggest budget ever – EUR 95.5 billion. The programme duration is 2021-2027. The programme facilitates … [Read more...]
EDB Report: Infrastructure in Eurasia: short-term and medium-term trends
The Eurasian Development Bank’s (EDB) latest report titled Infrastructure in Eurasia: Short-Term and Medium-Term Trends highlights ten significant trends in the region’s energy, transportation, logistics, water supply and telecommunications sectors. Through meticulous monitoring, the EDB has identified ten important short- and medium-term investment and institutional … [Read more...]
Первый в истории бизнес-диалог Центральная Азия – США «B5+1» завершился принятием рекомендаций по экономической интеграции в ЦА
Форум B5+1, государственно-частный бизнес диалог для Центральной Азии и Соединенных Штатов, состоявшийся на прошлой неделе в Алматы, Казахстан, завершился принятием конкретных рекомендаций по ускорению региональной интеграции и экономического развития Центральной Азии, говорится в заявлении Центра международного частного предпринимательства (CIPE), который провел форум. В … [Read more...]
Inaugural B5+1 Forum adopted recommendations for Economic Integration in Central Asia
The B5+1 Forum, a public-private business dialogue platform for Central Asia and the United States, held last week in Almaty, Kazakhstan, announced a series of concrete recommendations to accelerate Central Asia’s regional integration and economic development, according to the statement of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), who led the forum. In … [Read more...]
Almaty Hosts First B5+1 Forum: U.S. and Central Asia Strengthen Business Ties
The inaugural B5+1 Forum kicked off on 14 March 2024 in Almaty, bringing together representatives from the public and private sectors of the United States and Central Asia. Over 200 experts and investors from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the U.S. are participating in the forum. The goal is to foster stronger collaboration and improve the … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries are building new transport corridors and changing logistics
Serikbol Koshmaganbetov Geopolitical turbulence in the world is radically changing the infrastructure of transport flows in Central Asia. Asian countries are eager to send their cargo to Europe via the historic Great Silk Road. What is the current development of cargo transportation logistics in Central Asian countries, read the material of the correspondent of Kazinform … [Read more...]
A Dialogue on “Central Asian Connectivity Project Pipeline” between IsDB-AIIB-MCDF and Regional Countries
On 11-12 March 2024, the Regional Dialogue on Central Asian Connectivity (CAC) Project Pipeline has convened in Istanbul, Turkiye, to facilitate a stakeholder dialogue aimed at identifying and assessing cross-border connectivity projects in Central Asia. Organized jointly by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the … [Read more...]
UNODC conducts training in Ashgabat for border and migration officers from Central Asia
On 11 - 13 March, UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is conducting in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, a regional training on verification of the authenticity of travel documents for 27 mid- and senior-level officers from the border and migration services of Central Asian countries. At the training sessions, participants learn about the new methods and techniques for … [Read more...]
USA-Central Asia Business Dialogue to be held in Almaty
The inaugural business dialogue in the USA-Central Asia format (B5+1 Forum) will take place on 13-15 March 2024 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. B5+1 was initiated as part of a larger program called “Improving the Business Environment in Central Asia” (IBECA), which is administered by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) – an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce … [Read more...]
Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and Austria discussed the current situation in Afghanistan
On 11 March 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria Alexander Schallenberg in Vienna. The Austrian Foreign Ministry's press release notes: "The situation in Afghanistan, especially with regard to the fight against terrorism, organized crime and illegal migration, was the focus of today's … [Read more...]
Amudarya is not a single river – It is an integrated river system spanning six countries
nCa Report Amudarya, the most famous river of Central Asia, is not a single river – It is an integrated river system spanning six, possibly seven countries. Amudarya is usually written as Amudarya River, which is superfluous because ‘darya’ in Amudarya means river. This river has always caught the imagination of the travellers and authors. In various languages and during … [Read more...]
Italian Senator Urges Businesses to Focus on Central Asia’s Potential
The Italian Senate recently hosted a conference on the "Middle Corridor: safe transit route between Italy, Azerbaijan, and Central Asia”, according to Uzbekistan news outlet “Dunyo”. The event, organized by the Italian Institute for Asia (ISIA), brought together Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Edmondo Cirielli, heads of diplomatic … [Read more...]
UK Foreign Secretary plans to visit Central Asia
UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron is going to visit Central Asia, as evident from his recent statement at the parliament. During the parliament debates on foreign affairs, he said: “…Central Asia is one of those networks in which we want to do better. I am planning a visit there. I will be holding a round table with anyone who knows the industries, business, voluntary bodies … [Read more...]
South Korea, Central Asia Launch Civil Service Cooperation Network
On 7 March 2024, South Korea's Minister of Personnel Management, Kim Seung Ho, met with heads of Central Asian diplomatic missions in Seoul. The meeting marked the launch of the South Korea-Central Asia Civil Service Network, a framework for cooperation in improving civil service systems, according to the Korea ministry of personal management. The meeting was attended by … [Read more...]
UNRCCA Launches 2024 Preventive Diplomacy Academy for the New Cohort of Young Leaders from Central Asia and Afghanistan
On March 5, the first session was held for students of the UNRCCA (UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia) Preventive Diplomacy Academy from the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan in online format. As a result of the competition, forty-eight participants aged 19 to 29 were selected among university students and graduates in political science, … [Read more...]
OSCE-Central Asian Meeting in Ashgabat Paves Way for Stronger Climate Action
On 4 March 2024, Ashgabat hosted a forum of the OSCE and Ministers of Environmental Protection of Central Asian countries on issues related to climate change and sustainable development. OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid commented on the outcomes of the meeting in an interview with the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper. Here are the key points mentioned by Ms.Schmid: • … [Read more...]
OSCE and Central Asia held a meeting in Ashgabat on regional cooperation in the field of ecology
On 4 March 2024, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Central Asian environment ministers convened in Ashgabat to discuss regional ecological cooperation, according to TDH. OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid emphasized the meeting's significance, highlighting its role in refocusing attention on contemporary environmental challenges. Schmid … [Read more...]
OSCE Secretary General to visit Turkmenistan
OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid will visit Turkmenistan from 4 to 6 March for meetings with the Ministers of Environment from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and with the Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In Ashgabat, the Secretary General will engage with the high-level officials at a strategic … [Read more...]
Central Asia is in pragmatic interaction with Afghanistan – Is the time now for world to recognize Taliban?
Tariq Saeedi In Central Asia, there is the unanimity among the regional countries to remain engaged with Afghanistan pragmatically. There are many reasons for it. Over a period of time, we talked to several diplomats and other officials from the regional countries. There were two questions we asked, though phrased differently each time: 1. Why is your country interacting … [Read more...]
The UAE and Saudi Arabia Lead the Way on Central Asian Energy Pivot
As Central Asian states seek to diversify their economic partnerships, the UAE and Saudi Arabia double down on green investments in the region to bolster their energy transitions. Dania SaadiFeb 28, 2024 A view shows wind turbines near the village of Nura in the Almaty region, Kazakhstan, May 3, 2023. (REUTERS/Pavel Mikheyev) Dania … [Read more...]
UNRCCA participates in the Regional meeting on enhancing women’s participation in the peacebuilding processes in the Ferghana valley
On 27 February, 2024 United Nations Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) took part in the Regional Meeting on Enhancing Women's Participation in the Peacebuilding Processes in Ferghana Valley. The Meeting was organized jointly by “For International Tolerance” Fund (Kyrgyzstan), “Istiqbolli Avlod” Socio-informational Centre (Uzbekistan), … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Regional Gas Landscape – Current Narrative
Elvira Kadyrova The gas landscape in Central Asia is complex and constantly evolving. The current situation relies on exports-imports of natural gas at least from three of the five countries in the region. What does the current gas landscape look like in this part of Eurasia and what agreements will determine gas relations in the future today? Uzbekistan plans to invest … [Read more...]
The Central Asia link
Anton Usov At the Second European Union (EU)-Central Asia Economic Forum at the end of May 2023, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) presented a study on sustainable transport connections between Central Asia and Europe. Funded by the European Commission, the study identified country-specific needs and measures to reduce transportation costs, increase … [Read more...]
Central Asia Tackles Climate Risks in River Basins
On 20 February 2024, a regional seminar on "Climate risk assessment and capacity development" was held in Tashkent, dedicated to the launch of a major study on climate risk assessment for five river basins in Central Asia, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan reports. Based on the results of the assessment, measures to mitigate the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan is interested in building a prosperous and peaceful region and in the sustainable development of Central Asia, says Murat Nurtleu
Kazakhstan is interested in building a prosperous and peaceful region and in the sustainable development of the Central Asian countries, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu said at a meeting with Kaha Imnadze, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central … [Read more...]
UK Launches International Climate Change Fund for Central Asia
The United Kingdom government has taken a significant step towards addressing climate challenges in Central Asia by establishing the International Climate Change Fund for Central Asia. This marks the first dedicated international fund by the UK for climate action in the region. The announcement was made by UK Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kathy Leach, during a meeting with … [Read more...]
Central Asia experiences a turning point, says President of Kazakhstan
Central Asia is experiencing a turning point in its history, and the region's political and economic contacts have noticeably intensified, believes the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. "We are forming a new image of Central Asia, a region that has played an important role in the development of civilizations since ancient times, and also opens up unique … [Read more...]
Xinjiang Exports to Central Asia Surge, Led by Electric Vehicles and Solar Panels
Trade between China's Xinjiang region and Central Asia hit a record high in 2023, totaling 283.67 billion yuan, according to Xinhua. This figure represents 79.4% of Xinjiang's total foreign trade, highlighting the region's growing importance as a trade hub. Xinjiang's exports to Central Asia jumped 23.2% year-on-year to 246.57 billion yuan. Labor-intensive and … [Read more...]
Central Asia Launches €11Million worth One Health Initiative to Combat Zoonotic Diseases
A new six-year, €11 million initiative, "One Health in Central Asia," was launched at the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, … [Read more...]
Central Asian Representatives, EU Discuss Afghanistan’s Socio-Economic, Security Challenges
On 14 February 2024, Bishkek hosted the 5th meeting of special representatives from Central Asian states and the European Union on Afghanistan. Key participants included UN Secretary-General's Special Representative, Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan Rosa Otumbayeva, the Special Representative of the European Union for Central Asia Terhi Hakala, and the Special … [Read more...]
UN Women Tashkent Consultations: Central Asia’s potential for achieving gender equality under the spotlight
The potential and opportunities for Central Asia to achieve gender equality were explored in-depth at consultations held in Tashkent on 12 February. The event, titled "Empowering women and girls, as well as ensuring gender equality by addressing poverty, strengthening mechanisms and gender-oriented financing," was jointly organized by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) … [Read more...]
FAO, Supported by GEF, Launches Projects to Transform Central Asian Agriculture
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has greenlighted 48 FAO-led projects worth about $2.9 billion –$294 million in project financing and $2.6 billion in co-financing– that will play a pivotal role in fostering a sustainable agrifood systems transformation to end hunger and conserve the environment. Five Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, … [Read more...]
USA and Central Asia held the inaugural meeting of the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue
On 8 February 2024, the US Department of State hosted the inaugural meeting of the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue (CMD). According to press release, issued by the US Department of State, the meeting was chaired by Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez. The discussion was focused on goals and objectives of the CMD, which will seek … [Read more...]
TRUTH FOR THE DIPLOMAT – Part 4
Dr. Begench Karaev The science of diplomacy: the monolith of the East and the binary of the West “...The 21st century has brought into our lives not only high technologies, ultra-high-speed communications, fantastic innovations, but also many things that were unthinkable in the 20th century. In particular, before our eyes there is a transformation taking place in the … [Read more...]
Ambassador Akmaljon Kuchkarov hosted a press briefing – An overview of the current state of multidimensional Turkmen–Uzbek relations presented
On 5 February 2024, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, Akmaljon Kuchkarov, hosted a briefing for Turkmen journalists and representatives of foreign media accredited in Ashgabat. The event was dedicated to the 583rd anniversary of the great Uzbek writer and thinker Alisher Navoi, who made a huge contribution to the development of Turkic literature. In addition, … [Read more...]
Afghanistan Eyes Balanced Trade with Central Asia
In 2023, Afghanistan imported about $1.4 billion worth of goods from Central Asian countries, while the country exported goods worth $100 million, TOLOnews reports, citing the Afghan Ministry of Industry and Trade. According to the ministry's spokesman Akhundzada Abdul Salam Javad, the country's main exports to Central Asia are fresh fruits, dried fruits, while attempts are … [Read more...]
Turkish Giant Rönesans Expands to Central Asia, First PPP Hospital Project in Kazakhstan Underway
Leading Turkish contracting and investment group Rönesans, expecting €3.3 billion revenue in 2023, outlined its ambitious expansion plans focusing on Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. In 2023, Rönesans deepened its relationships with international partners and embarked on several new collaborations and investments, showcasing its successful … [Read more...]