On 28 February 2023, the US Secretary of State and the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan met in Astana in the C5+1 format. The joint statement, adopted following the ministerial, highlights three blocks of issues considered during the gathering. In support of economic cooperation, the participants of the C5+1 … [Read more...]
First GCC-Central Asia Summit: Outcomes – Joint Investment Forum will be held until the end of 2023 – Uzbekistan to host next summit in 2025
Elvira Kadyrova On 19 July 2023, the first Summit of the Heads of State of the Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf and Central Asian countries was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The summit, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, was attended by: • President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev • … [Read more...]
Foreign Ministers of Central Asia ‘Check the Clock’ on Regional and International Issues
On 13 September 2023, a meeting of Foreign Ministers of Central Asian states was held in Dushanbe under the chairmanship of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirodjiddin Mukhriddin, the MFA of Tajikistan reports. The meeting was attended by: • Turkmenistan – Rashid Meredov • Kazakhstan – Murat Nurtleu • Kyrgyzstan - Jeenbek Kulubayev • Uzbekistan - Bakhtiyor … [Read more...]
India-Central Asia Joint Working Group on Afghanistan met in Delhi
India hosted the first India-Central Asia Joint Working Group on Afghanistan on 7 March 2023. According to Ministry of External Affairs of India, the meeting was attended by the Special Envoys/Senior Officials of India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Therepresentatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) and the … [Read more...]
Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and Tajikistan discuss preparations for the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian states
On 31 August 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and his Tajik counterpart Sirodjiddin Mukhriddin had a telephone conversation. "The schedule of upcoming visits at the highest and high levels was discussed, in particular, preparations for the meeting of foreign ministers of the format of the Consultative Meeting of the heads of Central Asian … [Read more...]
Foreign ministries of the Central Asian countries discuss preparations for the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of state
Consultations of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Central Asian countries on the preparation of the 5th Anniversary Consultative Meeting of the heads of Central Asian states were held in Dushanbe on 9-10 August 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan reports. During the consultations, the draft agenda, the Joint Statement and other documents planned for … [Read more...]
China to host two major diplomatic events this year – one of them with Central Asia
China will host two major diplomatic events at home this year — the first China-Central Asia Summit and the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, Foreign Minister Qin Gang announced on Tuesday, China Daily reports. Chinese diplomats will follow the guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, and in particular will ensure the success of the two major diplomatic … [Read more...]
Global Times: BRI’s emphasis on environmentally friendly practices has benefited Central Asia countries
An aerial view of China built Turgusun hydropower station in city of Altai, Kazakhstan. Photo: Xinhua For ten years, China and Central Asian countries have been more tightly bonded together through cooperation in the traditional energy section under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, the rise of Chinese companies specializing in renewable energy and scientific … [Read more...]
AD Ports Group enters the logistics market of Uzbekistan, forges its presence in Central Asia
The UAE-based AD Ports Group (AD Ports) and SEG ENERA Group, one of the multisectoral holding companies of Uzbekistan, announced Monday, 6 March 2023, the creation of a new joint venture ADL-Ulanish, which will provide comprehensive global logistics services across Uzbekistan. According to the press service of AD Ports Group, Through the new joint venture enterprise, AD … [Read more...]
Dubai International Chamber delegation will visit Central Asia under ‘New Horizon’ initiative
The Dubai International Chamber has launched "New Horizons", the initiative to drive international expansion of its members to new markets. As reported by WAM, the official news agency of the UAE, the first in the series of "New Horizons" events will see a large delegation of Dubai business leaders heading to Central Asia between 14th-21st March to better understand and … [Read more...]
Heads of forensic services from Central Asia made a study trip to Georgia
High-ranking forensic experts from Central Asia paid a study visit to the forensic institutions of Georgia within the framework of the European Union-funded project "Law Enforcement in Central Asia (LEICA)", which proved to be a valuable platform for fostering regional cooperation and learning among the forensic communities of Central Asia and Georgia. According to the LEICA … [Read more...]
The Summit of the Heads of Central Asian States will be held in Tajikistan in September
The fifth consultative meeting of the heads of Central Asian States will be held on 14-15 September in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. The same days Dushanbe will host a regular meeting of the Council of the heads of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. This was stated the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan. The heads of Central Asian … [Read more...]
How to Accelerate Economic Growth in the Caucasus and Central Asia
By Nick Gigineishvili July 10, 2023 In the medium-term, reforms can increase output in the region by 5 to 7 percent Since independence in the early 1990s, income levels and living standards in the Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA) have improved but remain well below the levels of emerging Europe. The state continues to play a dominant role in many CCA economies and … [Read more...]
Hungary believes Central Asia has greater role in the new era of world economy
The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, speaking to the journalists in Ashgabat after his meeting with the Turkmen leadership this Friday, said the present situation had upset traditional economic relations, and may well open a new era in the world economy. These changes, “from our point of view, from the European point of view, have increased the role of the Central Asian … [Read more...]
IFAS Projects worth over $590 million aim to improve lives of 60 million in Aral Basin
Within the framework of the Aral Sea Basin Program-4 (ASPB-4), the flagship project of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, 25 major projects totaling $591.3 million are in the process of implementation. This was stated by the chief specialist of the IFAS Department of International Relations Dilorom Sheralieva in an interview with the National News Agency of … [Read more...]
IMF Regional Capacity Development Center for Caucasus, Central Asia, and Mongolia opened in Kazakhstan
On 9 June 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Regional Capacity Development Center for the Caucasus, Central Asia and Mongolia opened in Almaty, the National Bank of Kazakhstan reports. The Caucasus, Central Asia, and Mongolia Regional Capacity Development Center (CCAMTAC) is a joint project of the IMF and nine member countries - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, … [Read more...]
IMF: How More Effective Monetary Policy Can Tame Inflation in the Caucasus and Central Asia
By Maria Atamanchuk, Klakow Akepanidtaworn, Ezequiel Cabezon, Tigran Poghosyan, and Selim Cakir August 28, 2023 Addressing persistent inflation also requires tackling structural factors that are making monetary policy less effective Inflation has remained stubbornly high, exceeding central banks’ targets in most Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA) countries. Inflation rates are … [Read more...]
Improving humanitarian ties between Central Asian countries is the focus of the September meetings in Dushanbe
The Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Tajikistan will be accompanied by a number of events aimed at enhancing humanitarian ties and people-to-people understanding in the region. Volunteer Forum The Forum of Central Asian Volunteers will be held on 14 September in Dushanbe. According to the Tajik news agency "Khovar", active volunteers, volunteer … [Read more...]
In Central Asia, female leadership is key to climate and drought resilience
From potatoes grown in recycled sacks to “more crop per drop” fruit tree varieties, climate-smart and women-led agriculture initiatives became the center of discussions at a recent interregional conference convened by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Fertile land is a precious commodity in Tajikistan, where 90% of the … [Read more...]
In Turkmenistan, the NGO will work with youth in the border province under EU-funded project
The Border Management Programme in Central Asia – Phase 10 (BOMCA 10) selected nine actions for the benefit of border communities within its first Call for proposals among Central Asian NGOs, BOMCA reported. In the framework of its first Call for Applications, BOMCA 10 contracted ten NGOs granting the EU funding worth over 300,000 Euro for implementation of actions across … [Read more...]
India hosted online SCO summit – Iran became part of the Shanghai family – Kazakhstan assumes SCO chairmanship – The New Delhi Declaration emphasizes: Central Asia is the core of the SCO
nCa Report On Tuesday, 4 July, an online meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. The meeting was attended by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, President of China Xi Jinping, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, President of Russia … [Read more...]
Infographic: China-Central Asia economic and trade cooperation achieves tangible results
China's economic and trade cooperation with the five Central Asian countries has achieved tangible results since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than 30 years ago, Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a press briefing. China's trade with the five countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – increased to $70.2 billion in 2022 … [Read more...]
International Conference on Financial and Investment Support of Water Resources Rational Use Measures Concludes Successfully in Turkmenistan
Photo: © UN RCO in Turkmenistan Ashgabat, 20 June 2023 - The Government of Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the United Nations (UN), hosted a highly successful international conference on "Financial and Investment Support of Water Resources Rational Use Measures." The event, co-moderated by Mr. Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, … [Read more...]
Interview at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan with Teri Hakala, Special Representative of the European Union for Central Asia
This is unofficial, slightly paraphrased translation of the text received from the foreign office of Turkmenistan: 1. How do you assess this format of cooperation (Meeting of Special Representatives for Afghanistan in the "CA-EU" format), in particular, your comments on the results of today's meeting? Teri Hakala: First of all, I want to emphasize that this is our 4th … [Read more...]
Issues of prevention the distribution of drugs in Central Asian region discussed in Ashgabat
On July 5, 2023, the 2nd meeting of the Steering Committee of the Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP) - Phase 7 was held at the “Yyldyz” Hotel in Ashgabat. The meeting was attended by representatives of state institutions-beneficiaries of the Central Asian countries, representatives of the delegation of the European Union in the Central Asian countries, … [Read more...]
ITC: Central Asia reaches milestones in connecting small businesses to European markets, facilitating international trade
Policymakers, private sector partners and business representatives from five Central Asia countries meet in Kazakhstan to advance extra and intraregional trade, International Trade Center reports. During three regional events, the International Trade Centre demonstrated the results of its European Union-funded Ready4Trade Central Asia project, highlighting the continuous … [Read more...]
ITC:WTO membership can boost Central Asia’s integration
With Uzbekistan poised to join the global economy, WTO membership can also be a springboard for regional integration among Central Asian countries. Economic cooperation between Central Asia’s five ‘Stans’ – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – could be bolstered if the republics harmonized their trade rules and procedures. This emerged at the … [Read more...]
Participation of the delegation of Turkmenistan in the meeting of the heads of foreign affairs agencies of the «C5 + 1»
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...]