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...]
Results of the Central Asian Forum on Security and Cooperation summed up in Astana
On July 14, the Central Asian Forum on Security and Cooperation "Asia in a Changing World: An Agenda for the Future" completed its work in Astana, the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports. The results of the two-day intensive discussions were announced by the director of KazISS Erkin Tukumov. According to the … [Read more...]
Russia is increasing trade and economic ties with the SCO countries
Russia intends to further deepen ties with members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and these ties are becoming stronger and more multifaceted, President Vladimir Putin said during his remarks at SCO Summit on 4 July 2023. Last year, Russia's trade with the SCO member states increased by more than a third – 37%, reaching a record high of US $263 billion. And in … [Read more...]
Central Asian parliamentarians are ready to join the processes of comprehensive development of the region
The First Inter-Parliamentary Forum of Central Asian States with the participation of the heads of parliaments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan has wrapped up today, 10 February 2023, in Turkestan, Kazakhstan. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the participants of the forum with a welcoming message. "The initiative to … [Read more...]
Russia is positive about the development of China-Central Asia relations
Russia has a positive attitude towards the development of equal, mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the countries of Central Asia and is ready to make a significant contribution to ensuring the security of the Central Asian region. This was stated by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova during a press briefing on Wednesday, … [Read more...]
Admiral Kirby, US NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications ‘famously vague’ about any adjustments in American policy toward Central Asia
Rear Admiral John Kirby, the NSC's Coordinator for Strategic Communications held a briefing, 0n 8 February 2023, for the journalists at the State Department about the Biden-Harris administration’s national security and foreign policy priorities. The correspondent from Kazinform, the news service of Kazakhstan asked a question about any possible adjustments in the policy of … [Read more...]
Russian direct investments in Central Asia exceeded $3.6 billion in 2022
Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, spoke about the current economic and humanitarian cooperation between Russia and Central Asian countries Russia remains a key trade and economic partner of Central Asia with a high share of presence in the region's economy and is one of the main consumers of products manufactured in Central Asian … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan hosts First Inter-Parliamentary Forum of Central Asia
Delegations of Parliaments of Central Asian countries arrived today, February 9, in Kazakhstan's Turkestan to participate in the first Inter-Parliamentary Forum of Central Asian States. During the forum, parliamentarians of the region discuss topical issues of the development of a shared spiritual and cultural space and prospects for expanding inter-parliamentary relations, … [Read more...]
Saudi Arabia to host Gulf-Central Asia summit next week
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the 18th Consultative Meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders and the Gulf-Central Asia Summit, AlBawada reports. According to the Saudi News Agency, under the auspicious patronage of the King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz, leaders from the Gulf countries will converge alongside counterparts from Central Asia. The 18th Consultative … [Read more...]
SCO Summit adopted New Delhi Declaration – Key Points
SCO confirms commitment to formation of a more representative, democratic, just and multipolar world with a central coordinating role of the UN. The Member States reaffirm that the SCO is not directed against other states and international organizations and is open to broad cooperation with them. SCO pursues a policy that excludes bloc, ideological and confrontational … [Read more...]
SCO Summit: Kyrgyzstan is promoting the idea of establishing a Center for combating international crime in Bishkek
Addressing at online SCO Summit on 4 July 2023, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov noted the importance of the establishment of the SCO Center for Combating International Organized Crime in Bishkek. According to the Head of Kyrgyzstan, the implementation of this initiative will give a tangible impetus to increasing cooperation on issues related to ensuring regional … [Read more...]
Second regional high-level EU-Central Asia meeting wrapped up in Kyrgyzstan – Joint press communique issued – Uzbekistan offers to host First EU-Central Asia Summit next year
Today, on 2 June 2023, the leaders of Central Asia countries and the President of European Council met in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan for second regional high-level meeting. Following the meeting, Joint press communique was issued. According to the document, the sides underlined the need to strengthen cooperation between Central Asia and the EU on the old, new and emerging … [Read more...]
Serdar Berdimuhamedov: Turkmenistan consistently stands for equality and justice in interstate relations
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed today at the Central Asia-China Summit in Xi'an. Here is the slightly paraphrased translation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s speech (originally published by TDH): Dear Heads of State, dear members of the delegations, First of all, let me express my gratitude to His Excellency the President of the … [Read more...]
UPDATED – Security council secretaries of regional countries held consultations on Afghanistan in Moscow
The fifth multilateral meeting of the secretaries of the Security Councils on Afghanistan took place in Moscow, the press service of the Russian Security Council says. It was attended by high representatives in charge of security issues from India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. "A number of additional practical … [Read more...]
Earthquake in Turkey, Syria – Greater Central Asia must use its transport networks, other resources for immediate relief work, long-term solutions
nCa Analysis The death and destruction caused by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria on 6 and 7 February 2023 is colossal by all means. According to the latest reports, as of the morning of 8 February 2023, the death toll is around 8000. All of the five countries of Central Asia acted swiftly and sent their first consignments of relief cargo and the teams of relief and … [Read more...]
Special Representative of UN Secretary-General for Central Asia addresses the Council of heads of founding states of the International Fund for Saving the Aral sea
On 15 September 2023, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia Kaha Imnadze participated in the Council of Heads of Founding States of IFAS in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan. At the meeting, hosted by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Heads of the Founding States welcomed the activities under the Chairmanship of Tajikistan in IFAS … [Read more...]
Speech by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at online SCO Summit on 4 July 2023
Dear Mr. Chairman, Dear Heads of State and Delegations, First of all, let me warmly welcome all participants, leaders and members of delegations. I express my gratitude to the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, for inviting me to this important meeting as an honorary guest. Dear Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich! Taking this opportunity, I cordially congratulate you … [Read more...]
Speech by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States
Dear Heads of State! Dear members of the delegations! Allow me to express my gratitude to the distinguished President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Sharifovich Rahmon for the warm hospitality and excellent conditions created for fruitful joint work. Let me also welcome the distinguished Ilham Heydarovich as an honorary guest of the Consultative Meeting of the … [Read more...]
Central Asia sent rescue teams to Turkey
Central Asian countries, like the whole world, responded to the troubles of Turkiye, which suffered from numerous deadly earthquakes. Turkmenistan has sent to Turkey a relief group of doctors and medical workers, basic necessities, such medicines and textile products. Rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan arrived on Tuesday, 7 February in … [Read more...]
Stepping up regional co-operation on climate change and security in Central Asia: High mountain areas in focus at OSCE-adelphi workshop in Tashkent
On 20 and 21 June 2023, over 60 participants representing a wide range of government and civil society organizations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as well as regional and international organizations convened in a workshop in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The event was organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental … [Read more...]
Summit of Central Asia-China will lead to signing important political document – MFA China
From May 18 to 19, President Xi Jinping will chair the China-Central Asia Summit in Xi’an, Shaanxi, reported today Foreign Ministry of China. According to the Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Wang Wenbin, the heads of state of the five Central Asian countries will attend the Summit in China. This will be the first major diplomatic event that China hosts this year and the … [Read more...]
Tajikistan hosted IAEA seminar on nuclear law for Central Asian countries
At the recent IAEA Central Asian seminar in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, the legislative aspects of the nuclear sector were discussed, as the IAEA plays an important role in assisting in the development of a legislative framework to improve the reliability of nuclear installations and materials. The regional seminar on nuclear law brought together 24 representatives from 11 … [Read more...]
Tajikistan Issues Postage Stamps to Mark 5th Anniversary of Central Asian Consultative Mechanism
On 12 September 2023, a solemn stamp cancellation ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan issued on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the mechanism of consultative meetings of the heads of Central Asian states and the 30th anniversary of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan … [Read more...]
Tajikistan President Highlights Need for Regional Cooperation on Climate Change
At a meeting of the Heads of the founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea in Dushanbe on 15 September, President Emomali Rahmon highly appreciated the thirty-year activity of IFAS, but believes there is still much work to be done. "This is especially important taking into account the population in the region, ensuring economic development and … [Read more...]