The ministers from Azerbaijan, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan met at the 21st CAREC Ministerial Conference on 24 November. This year’s Ministerial Conference was chaired and hosted virtually by China under the theme Revitalizing Regional Cooperation for a Green, … [Read more...]
Tashkent will host high-level Central Asian Climate Dialogue
On 2 December 2022, Tashkent, Uzbekistan will host a high-level Central Asian Climate Dialogue ‘From global knowledge to local solutions: climate resilient institutions in Central Asia’. The event, initiated with the support of Uzhydromet, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan and will be organized by UNDP in Uzbekistan through EU-funded ‘Climate Change … [Read more...]
Ashgabat hosted a first meeting of the Central Asian community of needlewomen
On Wednesday, 23 November, Ashgabat hosted first meeting of the international community of needlewomen of Central Asia, convened on the initiative of Turkmenistan, the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reports. The meeting was attended by representatives of the parliament of Turkmenistan, the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, UNDP in Turkmenistan, as … [Read more...]
Central Asia can play an integral part in reversing the decline of Global Britain
Sir Richard Ottaway Last month, the Biden administration’s national security strategy reaffirmed that, despite the upheaval in Europe over this past year, Asia is the United States’ most important foreign policy priority. Their read on the future of geopolitics is telling. The underlying premise of the American strategic approach is the same one that underpinned our own … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s growing importance globally and for the EU
Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission Central Asia’s geostrategic significance is increasing. This week I visited the region and participated in two important meetings in Samarkand: the EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting and the EU-Central Asia Connectivity conference. As … [Read more...]
EU will grant €300 million to fund Central Asian projects
For the next four years, the European Union has allocated grant funding worth €300 million for both bilateral and regional projects in Central Asia. This was stated by the EU High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrel during his remarks at the opening EU-Central Asia Connectivity Conference: Global Gateway. As the chief diplomat of the European Union, the goal is to … [Read more...]
The EU is the biggest investor in Central Asia
"We - the European Union – are the biggest investor in Central Asia: almost half of the cumulated investment in the region – more than 40% - has been done by the European Union firms. We are the best, the first trade partner – above China, above Russia," EU High Representative, Vice President Josep Borrel said at the press conference following the EU-Central Asia ministerial … [Read more...]
European Union – Central Asia Ministerial in Samarkand
On 17 November 2022, a Ministerial meeting in the format "European Union – Central Asia" was held in Samarkand. The heads and representatives of the EU and Central Asian foreign ministries discussed the current state of relations and prospects for strengthening cooperation between the two regions in the political, trade, economic, water and energy spheres, as well as … [Read more...]
Border management and containment of drugs in Central Asia – EU-funded projects continue to lead the way
Tariq Saeedi Acronyms cannot usually tell a story, at least not in the case of BOMCA and CADAP. Anyone outside this region would be hard-pressed to make any sense of these acronyms that sound almost like real words. Nevertheless, this is an ongoing story: Cosimo and Ernest can tell it. First, a few words about BOMCA and CADAP. BOMCA is EU-funded Border Management … [Read more...]
We are well underway to build a stronger, broader, more modern partnership with the five countries of Central Asia
Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission For centuries, connections between Europe and Central Asia have played a profoundly important role in shaping our societies. This was true long before trade flourished in the ancient world along the Silk Road, linking the civilisations of Europe and … [Read more...]
WHO supports Central Asian countries in enhancing monkeypox monitoring
Elvira Kadyrova Since the start of the current global outbreak of monkeypox, the majority (84%) of confirmed cases of monkeypox have occurred in the WHO European Region, underscoring the need to support Member States and territories in this region to monitor and curb the spread of the virus. To this end, the WHO European Office decided to help meet the needs of 18 priority … [Read more...]
Cooperation of the Republic of Belarus with Turkmenistan and other states of the Central Asian region
Vyacheslav Beskosty, Ambassador of Belarus in Turkmenistan After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Republic of Belarus managed to maintain friendly relations with all the post-Soviet republics of Central Asia without exception and, subsequently, build mutually beneficial cooperation on the basis of a common history, and restore old and establish new cooperative ties. An … [Read more...]
US Assistant Secretary of State went on a tour of three Central Asian countries – the first stop is Turkmenistan
This week, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu is visiting Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan (from 6 to 11 November). According to the State Department, the visit is aimed “to o reinforce the United States’ commitment to each country’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity and our shared goal of a prosperous, … [Read more...]
G7 stays committed to fostering cooperation with Central Asia
The situation in Central Asia became one of the agenda’s points during the G7 ministerial meeting, held in Münster (Germany) on 3-4 November 2022. “The countries in Central Asia are a pivot between Europe and Asia, and they are more and more important from a strategic point of view”, stressed EU High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell upon arrival at the meeting … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan may start exporting John Deere agricultural machinery to Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan's largest automaker UzAuto and John Deere Walldorf GmbH & Co. KG – the daughter of a global manufacturer of agricultural machinery – inked a cooperation agreement. The signing ceremony took place on 31 October in Waldorf, Germany. The deal makes Uzbekistan not only John Deere's sole partner in Central Asia for the production of this brand's agricultural … [Read more...]
Central Asian-European Relations: A Retrospective of the Issue
"Amir Temur with Ambassadors" by Malik Nabiyev (1994) Azer Adygezalov, Leading Researcher at the International Institute of Central Asia In the history of mankind there are many examples of historical, cultural, humanitarian, trade, economic and ethno-political interaction between European and Asian civilizations. The Great Silk Road, which in antiquity and the Middle Ages … [Read more...]
Astana hosted the First EU-Central Asia Summit
On Thursday, 27 October, Astana hosted the first EU-Central Asia summit. The President of the European Council Charles Michel and the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan took part in its work. Turkmenistan was represented by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, in charge of economic and financial issues Hojamurat … [Read more...]
Top diplomats from Korea and Central Asian countries held the 15th Cooperation Forum
Highlights Korea and the five Central Asian countries confirm the importance partnership and strengthening cooperation Ashgabat to host the next Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum. Turkmenistan supports the solidarity of the Central Asian countries and Korea in matters of peace and security Meeting of Turkmen and Korean FMs Busan and Turkmenbashi may become … [Read more...]
European Union and Central Asia will discuss the possibilities of digital, transport and energy connectivity in Samarkand
On 18 November 2022, Samarkand will host EU-Central Asia Connectivity Conference: Global Gateway. As part of global efforts to “build back better” following the COVID-19 pandemic, and in order to help mitigate the socio-economic impact of the new geopolitical context, the EU and the countries of Central Asia are working together to support Central Asian countries’ drive to … [Read more...]
First Summit of the Central Asian countries and Russia held in Astana
nCa Report On 14 October 2022, Astana hosted the first summit with the participation of the leaders of Russia and Central Asian countries. The meeting, initiated by Moscow, coincided with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and the five Central Asian states. The agenda of the summit included such issues as ensuring common trade … [Read more...]
Central Asia and Korea are preparing for a cooperation forum
On Wednesday, 12 October, deputy foreign ministers of South Korea and Central Asian countries met online. The meeting was a preparatory event for the 15th session of the Cooperation Forum of Korea, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which will be held on 25-26 October 2022 at the level of foreign ministers in Busan. During the meeting, … [Read more...]
Turkmen leader to attend Central Asia–Russia Summit
The Central Asia–Russia Summit will be held in Astana on 14 October 2022. "During the summit, the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Russia will discuss prospects for further cooperation in the six-party format," the Kazakhstan Foreign Ministry said. The summit is expected to adopt a joint statement, which will envisage topical … [Read more...]
Iran and Central Asian countries adopted a joint statement on transport cooperation
The first meeting on transport and transit cooperation between Iran and five Central Asian countries wrapped up in Tehran on Sunday, 9 Oct. During the two-day event, the heads of the transport authorities of Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, considered the possibilities of expanding transit cooperation. Deputy transport minister of … [Read more...]
Heads of emergency services of Central Asian countries met in Tajikistan
A three-day Regional Forum of Heads of Emergency Authorities of Central Asian countries has wrapped up in Dushanbe on 6 October 2022. The annual meeting brought together heads of emergency agencies and officials from all five Central Asian countries, as well as representatives of international development organizations – the World Bank, the EU, the United Nations Security … [Read more...]
UN forum draws attention to ongoing crises further hindering SDG progress in North and Central Asia
The Sixth North and Central Asia Multistakeholder Forum on Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals opened today (6 Oct) with delegates underscoring the need to work on formulating policies across the environment, social and economic sectors to safeguard the delivery of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. “Recent developments show that the period of … [Read more...]
China and Central Asia launched several humanitarian initiatives
On 27 September, the Chinese city of Xi'an hosted a Forum of Friendship of China and Centra Asia states in online and offline formats under the main theme “Continuation of traditional friendship and deepening of people's cooperation,” Xinhua reports. Within the framework of the forum, several humanitarian initiatives have been started, including the opening of the … [Read more...]
India and Central Asia: Challenges and Opportunities for Cooperation
India will remain a committed and reliable partner for the Central Asian countries in their developmental journey. This statement came from Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West) of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs during his remarks at the International Seminar on “India and Central Asia: Challenges and Opportunities” on Thursday, 29 Sep. The event was hosted by the Policy … [Read more...]
US strives to tune up Central Asia for anti-Russian sanctions
nCa Analysis Seems, the USA is working on inducing the economic split between Russia and its Central Asian partners. “The Central Asian countries have economies largely entwinned with Russia”, acknowledged James O'Brien, who heads the Office of Sanctions Coordination at the US Department of State. The remarks were made during the hearing at the Senate’s Foreign Relations … [Read more...]
Astana prepares for tough schedule of high events in mid-October
The foreign ministry of Kazakhstan announced the schedule of high-level events to be held in Astana in mid-October. They include: 6th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia (CICA) - on 13 October CIS Council of Heads of State Summit - on 14 October Central Asia - Russia Summit - on 14 October. Earlier it was reported … [Read more...]
Central Asia remains resilient to global geopolitical tensions
The economies of Central Asia are showing strong resilience to the geopolitical adversities caused by Russia’s war on Ukraine, says the EBRD’s latest report on Regional Economic Prospects. The EBRD is expecting the region’s GDP to grow by 4.3% in 2022 and 4.9% in 2023, which is an upward revision of its spring forecast. The high oil and gas revenues as a result of soaring … [Read more...]
UNESCAP report highlights the energy connectivity trends in North and Central Asia
Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) targets universal access to energy, an increased share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, and doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvement. While the Asia-Pacific region has made considerable progress in meeting SDG 7 targets, much more work needs to be done if the region is to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Deployment of … [Read more...]
USA will allocate $25 million for educational and economic projects in Central Asia
The United States will allocate US$ 25 million as a new economic initiative aimed at improving the educational level and export potential in Central Asian countries. The decision was announced by the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken at the C5 + 1 meeting in New York. The meeting was attended by the foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and the … [Read more...]
United States wants to step up its rivalry with China and Russia for geopolitical sway in Central Asia
nCa Analysis The United States of America seems to be getting ready for a fresh round of battling Russia and China's influence over the strategically significant region of Central Asia. Uncle Sam, however, has never hidden willingness to serve as a counterbalance and a "constructive" alternative to Central Asia's economic and political relations with two neighboring … [Read more...]
Landlocked Uzbekistan to reach the open ocean through Turkmenistan and Iran
Elvira Kadyrova The transport and logistics cooperation took a prominent part in negotiations held on Wednesday, 14 September between the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran. The parties agreed that the establishment of road transportation along the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran route, the effective utilization of the Chabahar … [Read more...]
First-ever Center for Vaccine Production in Central Asia will be created in Uzbekistan
The Ministry of Innovative Development of Uzbekistan signed a memorandum with the Chinese company Luye Investment Group Co., Ltd on Tuesday, 13 September, on the creation of an "Innovation center for the production of vaccines". The $ 100 million project worth will be implemented in 2023-2028. The Innovation Center for the Production of Vaccines will be the only … [Read more...]
Central Asian Countries endorsed the regional Roadmap for Health and Well-being
On 11 September 2022, ministers of health care of five central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – gathered to endorse the Roadmap for Health and Well-being in Central Asia 2022–2025, WHO/Europe reports. This strategic document is aimed fostering cooperative responses to crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan hosts the first Central Asian Forum on Clean Energy
On Tuesday, 13 September, the first Central Asian Clean Energy Forum (CACEF) kicked off in Almaty. The USAID-organized international event on the theme "Energy Transition and Innovation" attracted almost 300 representatives from the Central Asian region and the world to discuss key challenges and opportunities in the energy sector. Vice Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan … [Read more...]
Turkmen chief diplomat took part in the first GCC-Central Asia dialogue – Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Gulf countries discussed
The minister of foreign affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov took part in the inaugural Ministerial Meeting of the GCC-Central Asia Strategic Dialogue, which was held in Riyadh on 7 September 2022. During his remarks the minister noted that this meeting is considered by Turkmenistan as the first important step towards creating a full-scale format of interaction between the … [Read more...]
Gulf countries and Central Asia are eager to expand partnership
On 7 September 2022, the inaugural Ministerial Meeting of the GCC-Central Asia Strategic Dialogue was held in Riyadh. The event was attended by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The meeting was chaired by the Saudi minister of foreign affairs … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries condemn the terrorist attack near the Russian diplomatic mission in Kabul
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have issued statements condemning the terrorist act that took place near the Russian Embassy in Kabul. The statements also call on the Afghanistan authorities to identify the organizers of the violence. Thus, the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan says the following: “The Ministry of Foreign … [Read more...]
Disaster Risks in Central Asia assessed by EU-Funded Program
New Earthquake and Flood Risk Assessment for Central Asia was commissioned as part of the EU-funded Strengthening Financial Resilience and Accelerating Risk Reduction in Central Asia (SFRARR) Program’s support to build disaster and climate resilience in the region. Results of the assessment were presented to a group of technical experts and government officials. The report … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan to host major regional summits in autumn
In mid–October 2022, Nursultan, the capital of Kazakhstan, will host several meetings at the highest level – these are summit of CIS, Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), as well as the meeting of the heads of state "Central Asia - Russia". This was discussed during a telephone conversation on Thursday, 1 Sep, between the President of … [Read more...]
Connecting thread. The gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to China is the best example of cooperation between Central Asia and China
In modern conditions, a stable supply of energy resources to the economy comes to the fore. The Central Asian countries are actively cooperating with China in this area, ensuring its needs for fossil fuel. The basis of this partnership is a unique project for the construction of the Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan–China gas pipeline, which entered the Guinness Book of … [Read more...]
Six Policy Reforms that can Strengthen Railways in Central Asia
Railways across the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program (CAREC) region must consider implementing key reforms that will make them more efficient and financially sustainable. A new study by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) assesses the state of CAREC railways and identifies opportunities for investment, commercialization, and reform. By implementing key … [Read more...]
How Trade via Rail in Central Asia Can Mitigate the Energy and Climate Crises
Zulfia Karimova, Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist, ADB In a world where 90% of global trade is moved by sea, the landlocked economies of Central Asia almost exclusively rely on rail and road transport for trade. Much of the long-distance cargo moves via existing rail networks, which have substantial potential to facilitate trade in the region and beyond, including … [Read more...]
Kyrgyz expert held a series of seminars for Turkmen meteorologists
The State Hydrometeorological Service of Turkmenistan hosted recently a five-day seminar entitled "Advanced automated systems in meteorology - measuring information systems and radar stations", the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reports. The seminar was attended by 12 experienced meteorologists from Dashoguz, Mary and Akhal provinces. The lecturer was an international … [Read more...]
Saudi Pharmaceutical Manufacturer aims to enter the Central Asian Market
Saudi Arabian pharmaceutical company Jamjoom Pharma has inked US $ 53million worth investment agreement with Uzbekistan, reports Arab News. Above all else, the step is aimed at expanding into the Central Asian region. “Already, we are in 30-plus countries. Now, we are trying to focus on this area (Central Asia). We are covering Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. … [Read more...]
Kyrgyzstan hosted first Central Asian conference of women power engineers
On 9-10 August 2022, the first summit-conference of women in the energy sector of Central Asian countries was held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. The forum was co-organized by the Association of Women in the Energy Sector of Kyrgyzstan and the USAID project "Power Central Asia". The Conference provided an opportunity for sharing knowledge and experience, creating … [Read more...]
Tashkent hosted the International Conference “Ensuring Interethnic Harmony in Central Asian countries”
Last week, an international conference on "Ensuring interethnic harmony in Central Asian countries" was organized in Tashkent as part of the Friendship Festival. As known, on 30 July, Uzbekistan marks Peoples' Friendship Day, announced on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The Friendship Festival, held from 30 July to August 7 by the Committee on Interethnic … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and GCC set up consultation mechanism
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the mechanism of consultations. The document was inked on Monday, 1 August, in Awaza during a meeting with the GCC Secretary General Naif Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf. The talks were also attended by DPM, foreign minister … [Read more...]