On February 28, 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R. Meredov participated in the regular meeting of the heads of foreign ministries of the countries of Central Asia and the United States in the «C5 + 1» format in Astana. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and the US Secretary of State … [Read more...]
Astana hosted a ministerial meeting USA+Central Asia
nCa Report Contents Kazakhstan will continue its multilateral balanced foreign policy USA to add $25 million for Economic Resilience in Central Asia Initiative U.S. investments in Kazakhstan are estimated at $62 billion. Meeting of the Secretary of State Blinken with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov C5+1 Diplomatic … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan assumes the chairmanship in the Dialogue of Women of Central Asian Countries in 2023
On Monday, 19 June, Astana hosted a meeting of the Dialogue of Women of Central Asian countries devoted to the ‘The role of women in innovations and technologies development’, organized with the support of the United Nations and the National Commission for Women and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of Kazakhstan, the Majilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan said … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan at SCO Summit: President Tokayev urged to remain committed to the formation of a multipolar world with the coordinating role of the UN
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the beginning of his speech at online SCO Summit on 4 July 2023: "In the context of a radical transformation of the global world order, we are witnessing an unprecedented increase in geopolitical tensions, the intensification of trade and sanctions wars and many other modern challenges. It is becoming commonplace to … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan hosted Regional conference on the Humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and the Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia
On 29 August 2023, Astana hosted a regional conference entitled “The Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear Weapons and the Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia”. The conference was attended by diplomats and government experts from the States of Central Asia. The event, dated to the International Day against Nuclear Tests, was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs … [Read more...]
The UN reaffirmed the role of the UNRCCA in the sustainable development of Central Asia
On 24 February 2023, the 60th plenary meeting of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, unanimously adopted the Resolution “Role of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia”, initiated by Turkmenistan. "The Government of Turkmenistan consistently provides comprehensive support to the activities of the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan, UAE Ink Deal to Expand Port Infrastructure Cooperation
AD Ports Group, owner and operator of a dozen of ports and terminals in the UAE, will participate in the implementation of a major infrastructure project in one of the Caspian ports of Kazakhstan, which means further consolidation of the Emirati business in Central Asia. The Kazakhstani company Semurg Invest and AD Ports Group inked a deal Tuesday (15 Aug) for cooperation on … [Read more...]
The ground realities are transforming TAPI into CAPS – Part Two
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova As we mentioned in the first part of this series, the diktat of geography is binding on all; there are no exceptions. This is an ever-present ground reality though its effect is not always the same; it can be kind and it can be cruel, it can be for you or it can be against you. Within the context of geography, before we move any further, it … [Read more...]
Kazinform: What Kassym-Jomart Tokayev talks about in an interview on China’s CCTV
On May 12 on the eve of the state visit to China Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gave an interview on China’s CCTV, Kazinform reports. The Head of State answered the questions of the Leaders Talk program concerning the prospects for the development of political, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Kazakhstan and China, history and today’s … [Read more...]
Cholera is spreading in the world. Here is how Central Asia can protect itself.
Cholera, a waterborne and foodborne disease, is spreading in the world. According to the WHO, about one billion people in 43 countries are at risk of getting cholera. In September 2022, the WHO announced a large-scale spread of cholera. Its death rate has tripled from the five-year average, reports Asia-Plus. It has not shown any alarming prevalence in Central Asia but … [Read more...]
The Pension Rage will tour the world, sooner or later. Central Asia needs to take some steps now. – Part Two
nCa Analysis We saw in the previous part that Central Asia is on solid grounds – the able-bodied segment of the population can generate the volume of economic activity to meet the needs of the other two segments of the population, the young and the old. Additionally, this balance is not at risk of being upset when the current youth bulge starts reaching the pensionable age. … [Read more...]
Kyrgyzstan Eyes IFAS Return, But Only If All Countries’ Interests Are Considered Equally
Kyrgyzstan hopes for its full-fledged resumption of activities in the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), provided that the interests of all countries in the region are equally and fairly taken into account. The statement came from the First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliyev, who represented Kyrgyzstan at IFAS … [Read more...]
EBRD analyses trade flows between Russia, Caucasus and Central Asia
By Anton Usov 24 Feb 2023 EBRD economists analyse trade flows between Western countries, Russia and its neighbours Dramatic drop in direct exports to Russia from the West, indirect exports intermediated via Caucasus and Central Asia Some intermediated trade may be used to circumvent sanctions, though its scale is limited Intermediated … [Read more...]
Kyrgyzstan is ready to become a platform for ministerial meetings and GCC-Central Asia Investment forum
President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, speaking at the first Summit "Central Asia – Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf" on 19 July 2023 in Jeddah, proposed to actively promote interregional cooperation in various fields. Today, Central Asia – is a dynamically developing region with diverse geography, sustainable economic growth and new development … [Read more...]
Logo of the 30th Anniversary of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea: A Symbol of Hope and Renewal
On 14-15 September 2023, Dushanbe will host the Fifth Anniversary Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States and the next meeting of the Council of the Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. This year, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) celebrates 30th anniversary. The meaning of the symbols and … [Read more...]
European Union – Central Asia High-Level Conference: joining efforts for climate action and green transition
24.02.2023 Rome, Italy – More than 100 delegates gathered in Rome on 23-24 February 2023 for the 7th European Union – Central Asia High-Level Conference on Environment and Water Cooperation (Conference). Ministers, deputy ministers, high-level diplomats of the countries of Central Asia (CA), the European Union (EU), the EU Member States, representatives of international … [Read more...]
Maintaining stability is the most important task for Central Asia in modern realities says President of Kazakhstan
On Friday, 23 June, the first meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of Central Asia and Russia took place in Almaty. In modern realities, the most important task for the Central Asian region is to maintain stability and strengthen security, which implies effective forecasting of threats, prompt development of preventive response measures and qualitatively new … [Read more...]
Middle corridor under the spotlight of the expert meeting in Samarkand
At the end of June, the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan hosted a meeting TIR Executive Board (TIRExB) Friends of the Chair meeting in Samarkand aimed at promoting digitalization of the rapidly developing Middle Corridor using eTIR tools. The Middle or Middle Corridor connects China, Central Asia through the Caspian Sea with the Caucasus, Turkey and Europe. The corridor … [Read more...]
OSCE and Atlantic Council host cyber competition in Uzbekistan for youth from Central Asia and South Caucasus
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Atlantic Council, the US State Department and Inha University in Tashkent partnered to bring a multi-disciplinary cyber competition to Uzbekistan. The first edition of the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge was developed specifically for university students in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. The competition will … [Read more...]
OSCE Central Asia regional simulation-based training on combating trafficking in human beings concludes in Astana
The first Central Asia regional simulation-based training for anti-trafficking practitioners in OSCE history concluded on 30 June 2023 in Astana, Kazakhstan, OSCE reports. More than 100 professionals from the five Central Asian countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — attended the weeklong training. They included representatives of law … [Read more...]
OSCE workshop brings together policymakers in Central Asia to discuss energy and natural resources management in the context of the situation in Afghanistan
On 14 June, the OSCE organized a regional workshop on energy co-operation and natural resource management in Central Asia within the context of the situation in Afghanistan. The event gathered around 30 policymakers and experts from Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to discuss possible ways forward. “The crisis in Afghanistan has a pronounced regional dimension, and it … [Read more...]
Outcomes of “Central Asia – China” format – 54 Agreements and Cooperation Initiatives, 19 Mechanisms and Platforms, 9 Multilateral Documents
On May 18-19, 2023, the first Central Asia-China Summit was held in the city of Xian, Shaanxi Province of China. During the Summit, a number of agreements on cooperation between the states of Central Asia and China were reached. I. Main agreements and cooperation initiatives 1. Creation of a mechanism for meetings of the heads of state of Central Asia and China. 2. … [Read more...]
Trade between China and Central Asia exceeded $70 billion and investments near $1 billion
By the end of 2022, China's foreign trade turnover with Central Asian countries reached US $70.2 billion, an increase of about 40% compared to 2021, or almost 100 times in the 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The volume of Chinese investments in the economies of Central Asian countries is estimated at US$ 970 million, according to the Chinese National … [Read more...]
Over $1.4 bln has been allocated by China to support projects in Central Asia
The China Development Bank, one of the country's policy banks, has decided to strengthen financial support in order to deepen cooperation between China and Central Asian countries, Xinhua reports. The Bank has allocated a special loan in the amount of RMB 10 billion (about US $ 1.43 billion) to support projects implemented by China and Central Asian countries in the fields … [Read more...]
Pakistan: SCO can play the role of beacon of peace
Speech of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan at virtual SCO Summit on 4 July 2023 [Paraphrased Excerpts] The SCO represents a promising future only if we seize the opportunity to achieve the shared goals for the region’s peace and prosperity. Pakistan calls for SCO’s joint action to counter economic recession, terrorism & climate change. The SCO leaders are … [Read more...]
Paving the path to prosperity for Europe and Asia’s Landlocked Developing Countries
Rabab Fatima, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Europe and Asia's Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) stand at a critical juncture in their development journey. They are confronted with intricate development challenges, emanating from … [Read more...]
The ground realities are transforming TAPI into CAPS – Part One
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova It is happening right before our eyes. --- TAPI is decisively transforming into CAPS, driven by the combined force of the ground realities. TAPI, as we know, is the acronym for the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India. Initially it referred to just a single project – transnational gas pipeline. However, lately it has come to mean an … [Read more...]
Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN Office at Geneva hosted a meeting of Central Asian Health Ministers with WHO Regional Director for Europe
On 21 May 2023, a meeting of the Health Ministers of the Central Asian countries and WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr.Hans Kluge was held in the premises of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN Office at Geneva. From the Central Asian countries the meeting was attended by: Turkmenistan - Dr. Atageldi Germanov, Minister of Health and Medical Industry; … [Read more...]
Xi Jinping: China is willing to share market, industrial systems and technologies with Central Asian countries
The two-day China + Central Asia (C+C5) industry and investment cooperation forum opened in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, on Thursday, 16 February. According to Chinese news outlets, the forum is themed “Jointly promote high-quality regional economic development by mutual benefit and win-win progress" Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to … [Read more...]
EBRD says Russia’s war on Ukraine has modest impact on Central Asia
Russian war in Ukraine has had a minor influence on Central Asia, with high oil and gas income, a boost in labor, capital, and remittance inflows, as well as benefits from trade with Russia and China. Inflation and debt service expenses still exist, though, says the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) says in its February update of Regional Economic … [Read more...]
PM Narendra Modi: India has created five pillars of cooperation in the SCO
Opening the online SCO summit on 4 July 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi summed up the results of his country's chairmanship and spoke about efforts to bring multifaceted cooperation in the SCO to new heights. Modi highlighted five new pillars of cooperation established by India within the SCO. These are Startups and Innovation, Traditional Medicine, Youth … [Read more...]
President Ilham Aliyev: Central Asia and Azerbaijan are a single historical and cultural geographical region
"Central Asia and Azerbaijan are a single historical and cultural geographical region of strategic importance in world politics with a growing economy, demography and geopolitical potential," stressed President Ilham Aliyev, who was invited as an honorary guest to the 5th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in Dushanbe, 14 September. Aliyev said that … [Read more...]
President of Kazakhstan initiates creating an International water and energy consortium in Central Asia
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev calls for early completion of the process of improving the organizational structure and legal framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, as well as the creation of a mechanism for the effective use of Central Asia's water and energy resources. He stated this, speaking on Friday, 15 September, at a summit of the … [Read more...]
President of Kazakhstan Tokayev proposes to hold a Dialogue on security and cooperation in Central Asia in 2024
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his speech at the 5th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States, said that the summit will largely determine the further dynamics of multifaceted cooperation between the Central Asian states. "Mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation is consistently expanding. Contacts between businesses have … [Read more...]
President of Kazakhstan: “Despite the unprecedented geopolitical aggravation, the Central Asian countries have strengthened the intraregional dialogue”
Despite the unprecedented geopolitical aggravation, the Central Asian countries have strengthened the intraregional dialogue. Much of the credit for this goes for the European Union, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the second regional high–level meeting "Central Asia - European Union" in Cholpon-Ata. In his speech, Tokayev highlighted the main areas of … [Read more...]
President of Kyrgyzstan hosted an official reception in honor of the second EU-Central Asia high-level regional meeting
The President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov hosted an official reception on 2 June, in Cholpon-Ata, in honor of participants of the Second EU-Central Asia high-level meeting. The reception was attended by the President of the European Council Charles Michel, the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, as well as the head of the delegation of Turkmenistan – Deputy … [Read more...]
President of Kyrgyzstan: the development of regional transit, transport, logistics potential is the driving force for the growth in Central Asia
"It would be highly advantageous for the Central Asian countries to establish our region as a unified geo-economic space, facilitating diverse forms of successful economic cooperation and interaction," President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov said on 2 June, speaking at the Second high-level regional meeting with the participation of the heads of Central Asian states and … [Read more...]
President of Tajikistan called on the Central Asian countries to take more active steps towards intraregional integration
"Central Asia today is turning into one of the most important geopolitical centers of the modern world and unique geographical nodes," said President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, speaking at the Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States In his opinion, it is no coincidence that within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the heads of … [Read more...]
President of Tajikistan proposes to develop a Concept for the expansion of the SCO
During his speech at SCO Summit on 4 July 2023, the President Emomali Rahmon stressed the importance of further promoting cooperation within the SCO on the basis of coordinated actions and principles of mutual respect. The President of Tajikistan noted that the increasing attention of the world community to the SCO, embodying the unique interconnectedness of civilizations … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan is on working visit to China – Bilateral meeting between Serdar GB and Xi Jinping is expected
On 17 May 2023, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov left for a working visit to China in order to participate in the Central Asia–China Summit, to be held in Xi'an on 19 May. Within the framework of the current working visit, a meeting of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov with Chinese President Xi Jinping is planned. Following the results of the summit talks, it is planned to sign … [Read more...]
Strengthening interregional cooperation and connectivity can improve the conditions for the development of the regions of Central and South Asia – the vision of Uzbek experts
With a total population of 1.9 billion (a quarter of the world) and a GDP of US $3.5 trillion, South Asia is the fastest growing region in the world (up to 7.5% per year). Today, its contribution to global economic growth is 15%, by 2040 it may exceed 30%. While maintaining the outpacing dynamics of economic development, South Asia may become the new locomotive of the global … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Dushanbe on a working visit
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has arrived in the Republic of Tajikistan to participate in the Fifth Anniversary Consultative Meeting of the heads of Central Asian states and in the regular meeting of the Council of the Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), reports Khovar. At Dushanbe International Airport, … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov: “The Central Asian Water Strategy could become the basis for the development of the UN Global Water Strategy in the future”
At a meeting of the Council of the Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for the Aral Sea in Dushanbe on 15 September, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov pledged Turkmenistan's continued support for implementing specific initiatives of the IFAS founding countries to enhance regional cooperation and develop systemic mechanisms for cooperation in environmental … [Read more...]
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Trade and economic cooperation is the main driver of regional partnership and integration in Central Asia
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted in his speech that the Central Asian region is becoming one of the important centers of economic growth and investment activity, regaining its historical role as a transport hub connecting West with East and North with South. Taking into account the in-depth analysis of the impact of global processes on the … [Read more...]
President of Uzbekistan: It is important that the IFAS reform process is based on the principle of “water – energy – food”
Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev shared his vision for reforming the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) at a meeting of the Heads of State of the founding countries in Dushanbe on 15 September 2023. This topic was one of the central themes in the speeches of the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. "It is important that the process of … [Read more...]
President Sadyr Zhaparov: Kyrgyzstan attaches priority importance to the development of cooperation with Central Asian countries
President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, in his speech at the Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Dushanbe, noted that consultative meetings create favorable conditions for maintaining regular dialogue at the highest level, as well as significantly strengthen mutual trust between our states. "I am confident that our joint work, constant … [Read more...]
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov left on a working visit to New York
On Sunday, 17 September, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov left on a working visit to the United States of America to participate in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, held in New York. "Turkmenistan, committed to a policy of peacefulness, positive neutrality, and broad international cooperation, steadily follows its chosen course, developing constructive … [Read more...]
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev shared Uzbekistan’s vision on the prospects for the EU-Central Asia partnership
Today, Central Asia is a center of attraction and a space of new economic opportunities for leading European companies and banks, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated, speaking at the second EU-Central Asia high-level regional meeting in Kyrgyzstan on 2 June 2023. As Mirziyoyev noted, we are talking about a broad investment and technological partnership aimed at … [Read more...]
Prices of oil and gas are rising but Central Asia must remain cautious
nCa Analysis The prices of oil and gas are rising in the world markets but that is no reason for Central Asia to abandon its cautious policies. As recorded on 9 August 2023, the price of gas suddenly jumped by 22%, reaching USD 430 per thousand cubic meters on Dutch benchmark. Brent crossed USD 87 per barrel. This was reported by Kazinform, quoting Oil and Capital. The … [Read more...]
Research team from the University of Cologne decodes the ancient Kushan script – the Kushan Empire in Central Asia was one of the most influential states of the ancient world
A team of early-career researchers at the University of Cologne has succeeded in decoding a script that has been puzzling scholars for over seventy years: the so-called ‘unknown Kushan script’, the University said in a press release. Over a period of several years, Svenja Bonmann, Jakob Halfmann and Natalie Korobzow examined photographs of inscriptions found in caves as well … [Read more...]