Mutual trade between India and Central Asian countries has grown from $500 million in 2010 to $1.7 billion, following an upward trajectory. This is highlighted in an analytical report titled “Exploring Trade and Investment Relations between India and Central Asia: Unlocking Economic Benefits.” The report was jointly prepared by the Eurasian Development Bank (EABR) and the … [Read more...]
CADAP 7 and the Government of Turkmenistan host the Central Asian Youth Forum on Health and Sustainable Development in Ashgabat
On September 10, 2025, the Central Asia Drug Action Programme, Phase 7 (CADAP 7), together with the Government of Turkmenistan are pleased to launch the Central Asian Youth Forum 2025, an event dedicated to "Health and Sustainable Development as a Path to Peace". The two-day forum will take place from September 10-11, 2025, at the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics … [Read more...]
3rd EU-Central Asia Economic Forum to take place in Uzbekistan in November
The third EU-Central Asia Economic Forum will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 26 November 2025, according to the website of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships. Building on the two previous iterations of the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum, held in 2021in Bishkek and 2023 in Almaty, and organised in partnership with the … [Read more...]
ADB, ACWA Power to Build Central Asia’s First Wind Power Plant with Battery Energy Storage
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and ACWA Power Company (ACWA Power) signed a $51 million loan package to build the Nukus 2 Wind and Battery Energy Storage facility in Uzbekistan’s Qoraozak district in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The project will be implemented by ACWA Power Beruniy Wind FE LLC, which is fully owned by ACWA Power. This project is Central Asia’s first wind … [Read more...]
Disaster Preparedness Capacities in Culture Sector Strengthened in Central Asia
From 25 to 29 August 2025, 34 professionals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan gathered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, for a regional training on strengthening disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness for culture. Jointly organized by UNESCO Almaty and International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural … [Read more...]
UNRCCA joins OSCE Central Asian heads of mission regional meeting on cooperation on youth
On September 5, 2025, UNRCCA participated in an online session on youth as part of the OSCE Central Asian Heads of Mission regional conference in Tashkent. The high-level meeting convened OSCE Heads of Missions, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze, Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the OSCE Mari Neuvonen, and … [Read more...]
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Special Envoy Hakala to visit Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan
VIENNA/HELSINKI, 5 September 2025 — The Chairperson-in-Office’s Special Envoy, Terhi Hakala, will visit Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan from 8 to 16 September to meet with high-level government officials and civil society. The aim of the visit is to further strengthen the OSCE’s partnerships in the region. Throughout the visit, Special Envoy Hakala will also engage … [Read more...]
Central Asia and Gulf Countries Strengthen Trade Partnership: Turnover Surges Fourfold to $3.3 Billion
In a significant milestone for regional economic cooperation, trade between Central Asia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has seen remarkable growth, reaching $3.3 billion in 2024, according to the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB). This represents a 4.2-fold increase compared to 2020, underscoring the deepening economic ties between the two regions. The GCC … [Read more...]
“In the Revival of the Silk Road: Major Joint Projects in Transport Infrastructure”
Shoxjaxon Sikhnazarov, Chief Specialist of the Center for the Study of Transport Problems The Silk Road is one of the largest symbolic manifestations of economic and cultural integration in the history of human civilization, ensuring connections between East and West for almost two thousand years. Along the Silk Road, not only commercial goods - silk, wood, precious stones, … [Read more...]
Central Asia as a strategic bridge between East and West: Discussion on EU-Central Asia Cooperation at the Bled Forum in Slovenia
Within the framework of the anniversary Bled Strategic Forum (1-2 September Slovenia), a round table "The Centrality of Central Asia" was held, dedicated to the issues of expanding cooperation between the European Union and the countries of Central Asia. The discussion was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myakhri Byashimova, Deputy Minister of … [Read more...]
Roadmap to Boost Trade: How Bishkek and Astana Strengthen Economic Ties
On 22 August 2025, during the official visit of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Kyrgyz Republic and summit talks with President Sadyr Japarov, a series of bilateral documents were signed aimed at further strengthening cooperation between the two countries across various domains, from economy and trade to culture and security. This recent … [Read more...]
Geography of Success: Uzbekistan Seeks to Leverage the Transit-Transport Potential of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan
Elvira Kadyrova Uzbekistan, as a double-landlocked country, is actively working to transform its geographical constraints into competitive advantages by developing transit corridors. This was evident from the statements made by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the trilateral summit “Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan” held in Awaza, Turkmenistan, on 22 August 2025. An … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan and UNESCAP Develop Drought Monitoring System for Central Asia
Amid global climate change, particularly rising air temperatures, the world faces significant environmental challenges. Some regions experience disasters such as rising water levels, floods, and droughts, signaling a worsening ecological situation. Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, is not immune to these global threats. Central Asia is a critical region where the impacts … [Read more...]
New Transboundary Tourism Route to Connect Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan
A new transboundary circular tourism route covering Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan (Khorezm and Karakalpakstan), and Kazakhstan has been developed, according to Uzbek media reports. The route connects four regions of Central Asia, offering travelers a diverse cultural and educational program. It was designed by Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee in collaboration with relevant … [Read more...]
Water as a Strategic Resource: Central Asian Countries Discuss Challenges and Solutions at the 90th ICWC Meeting in Kazakhstan
On 14 August 2025, the 90th meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC), comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, took place in the resort town of Borovoe, Republic of Kazakhstan. Participants addressed key issues of water resource management in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya river basins, as well as progress in … [Read more...]
Ancient Hunters in Eurasia: Archaeological Discoveries in Uzbekistan Reshape the History of Hunting
In the Obi-Rakhmat Grotto in Uzbekistan’s Tashkent Region, archaeologists have uncovered evidence that bows and arrows were used in Eurasia much earlier than previously thought. The findings, published in the scientific journal Plos One by an international team of researchers from France and Russia, were reported by the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Siberian … [Read more...]
The 2035 Eurasian Transport Network: over 300 infrastructure development projects with a total investment of over $234 billion
The EDB presents its Transport Projects Observatory, a tool for monitoring and coordinating the infrastructure development in the course of the implementation of the Eurasian Transport Network unique concept developed by the Bank. The Observatory is a database and an interactive map of transport corridor development projects implemented in 13 Eurasian countries. As of July 1, … [Read more...]
The Revival of the Silk Road: China’s Chang’an Express – The Railway Caravan of the 21st Century
Elvira Kadyrova Recently, a youth delegation from Turkmenistan visited Xi’an, the capital of China’s Shaanxi Province, where we explored one of the most significant international transport infrastructure facilities—the Xi’an Assembly Center for China-Europe trains, located at the Xi’an Chanba International Dry Port. This expansive complex, spanning 3,734 square meters, … [Read more...]
Development of New Reliable Transit Corridors is Key to Sustainable Progress in Central Asia – President of Uzbekistan
According to the World Bank, high transportation costs and unstable transit result in Central Asia losing up to 2% of its GDP annually, with logistics costs accounting for up to 60% of the value of goods—several times higher than the global average. This was stated by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on August 5 during his speech at the Third UN Conference on … [Read more...]
Civil Society Forum in Awaza: A Pivotal Step Toward Sustainable Development for Landlocked Nations
Elvira Kadyrova and Ravilya Kadyrova, Awaza, Turkmenistan On 4-5 August 2025, the National Tourist Zone of Awaza hosted the first-ever Civil Society Forum as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3). Held under the theme “Driving Progress through Partnerships,” the forum provided a dynamic platform for civil society … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan: Strategic Partnership and Good Neighborliness in a New Geopolitical Reality
In the context of a rapidly changing world order, strengthening bilateral ties between states with shared historical and cultural roots, geographical proximity, and similar economic interests takes on special significance. A vivid example of constructive and sustainable cooperation is the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Historical … [Read more...]
LLDC3 — From Disadvantage to Advantage: The Role of Land Transportation
Tariq Saeedi Historically, being landlocked has been a barrier to economic development, as it isolates countries from maritime trade routes critical for global commerce. According to the World Bank, landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) pay more than double their coastal neighbors in transport costs, which erodes their competitive edge (World Bank, 2019). However, … [Read more...]
Visit to Xi’an: Turkmen Delegation Meets with Secretary General of the “Central Asia – China” Format
Elvira Kadyrova, Xi'an, China, 1 August 2025 A meeting between a Turkmenistan youth delegation and Sun Weidong, Secretary General of the "Central Asia – China" Secretariat, along with Secretariat representatives, took place at the Secretariat’s headquarters. The event was marked by mutual understanding and a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two … [Read more...]
UN General Assembly Adopts Tajikistan-Initiated AI Resolution
On July 25, 2025, the UN General Assembly unanimously passed a historic resolution, proposed by Tajikistan, titled “Role of Artificial Intelligence in Creating New Opportunities for Sustainable Development in Central Asia.” Initiated by President Emomali Rahmon during the 79th UN General Assembly session in 2024, the resolution promotes ethical and safe AI use, focusing on … [Read more...]
UK Parliament Launches New Group to Strengthen Ties with Central Asia
On 14 July 2025, the UK Parliament hosted the inaugural meeting of the newly established All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Cooperation with Central Asian Countries. This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing parliamentary diplomacy and building up stronger ties between the UK and the Central Asian region, the foreign ministry of Kazakhstan reports. The … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Benelux: Advancing Visa Facilitation and Deepening Dialogue
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, together with colleagues from Central Asia and Mongolia, took part in a meeting with Benelux Union Secretary General Frans Weekers and his deputies. During the meeting, Benelux officials gave a detailed presentation on the Union’s activities, its founding history, institutional mechanisms, and the practical benefits … [Read more...]
“Children of the CIS” in Belarus: A Kaleidoscope of Central Asian Cultures
The Republic of Belarus is hosting the “Children of the Commonwealth of Independent States” forum, bringing together young delegates from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Organized by the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS and the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus with … [Read more...]
EU and Central Asia Strengthen Strategic Partnership at 12th High-Level Dialogue in Dushanbe
The European Union (EU) and Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—convened in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, for the 12th High-Level Political and Security Dialogue, reinforcing their growing strategic partnership, according to the EU Delegation to Tajikistan. The meeting, held on 11 July, followed the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial … [Read more...]
UNRCCA Co-Organizes High-Level Briefing on Counter-Terrorism Early Warning Network for Central Asia
On 8 July 2025, UNRCCA and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) organized the High-level Briefing on Counter-Terrorism Early Warning Network for Central Asia at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The aim of the High-level Briefing was to inform Member States about the scope, progress and strategic relevance of the Early Warning Network and to discuss … [Read more...]
Central Asian Ambassadors Discuss Cooperation Priorities with the European Commission in Brussels
A meeting was held in Brussels between Mr. Peteris Ustubs, Regional Director of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) of the European Commission, and ambassadors of Central Asian countries accredited to the European Union. The meeting focused on reviewing the outcomes of the first “Central Asia – EU” Summit and preparing for upcoming events, … [Read more...]
Najy Benhassine, World Bank’s New Division Director for Central Asia, Starts His Assignment in the Region
Najy Benhassine has started his assignment as the new World Bank Division Director for Central Asia, based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. In this capacity, Mr. Benhassine will oversee the World Bank’s operations across Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Ms. Tatiana Proskuryakova, who served as the World Bank’s … [Read more...]
Delegation of Turkmenistan Participates in Third Meeting of Range States of Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI) of Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
Shirin Karryeva, Technical Advisor to the Conservation X Labs project The Third Meeting of Range States to the CMS Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI) took place in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) from 24 to 26 June 2025. The Central Asian Mammal Initiative was established in 2014 at the 11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CMS to provide a common strategic … [Read more...]
Chinese giant Yutong celebrates an important milestone: 10,000 buses for Central Asia
On Thursday, 26 June, in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou, the 10,000th Yutong bus, intended for export to Central Asian countries, rolled off the assembly line, according to Xinhua. The Yutong Company, whose headquarters are located in Zhengzhou, the administrative center of Henan Province in Central China, is one of the country's main suppliers of buses. The first Yutong … [Read more...]
Astana Declaration of the Second Central Asia-China Summit
The second China-Central Asia Summit was held in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, on June 17, 2025. The full text of the Astana Declaration of the Second Central Asia-China Summit is given below. Astana Declaration of the Second Central Asia-China Summit On June 17, 2025, the second Central Asia-China summit was held in Astana with the participation of the President … [Read more...]
Speech by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the Central Asia–China Summit
Dear Mr. President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, distinguished Heads of State of the People's Republic of China and Central Asia, distinguished members of the delegations! First of all, let me, on behalf of the delegation of Turkmenistan, thank the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, dear Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, for the warm welcome and hospitality. The … [Read more...]
Report – Second China-Central Asia Summit
The Second China-Central Asia Summit, convened on June 17, 2025, in Astana, Kazakhstan, marked a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy. Bringing together leaders from China and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—the summit built on the foundation laid during the inaugural meeting in Xi’an, China, in May 2023. Hosted … [Read more...]
Special Representative of UN Secretary General Convenes Briefing on UNRCCA Activities Implemented during the International Year of Peace and Trust
On 11 June 2025, SRSG Kaha Imnadze convened a briefing on the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) initiatives and activities implemented during the International Year of Peace and Trust. The briefing was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Bashimova and the … [Read more...]
Foreign Ministers of Central Asian countries met with the Prime Minister of India
On 6 June 2025, Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov participated in a meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs of Central Asian countries with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that relations with the Central Asian countries have always been a key priority for India. Building upon the strong foundation … [Read more...]
The 4th meeting of the “Central Asia – India” Dialogue took place in New Delhi – Joint statement adopted
On 6 June 2025, the 4th meeting of the "Central Asia – India" Dialogue was held in New Delhi, with the participation of the foreign ministers of India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. During the meeting, the foreign ministers discussed promising areas of multilateral cooperation and issues aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of economic … [Read more...]
Central Asia-India Business Council Held in New Delhi
On 5 June 2025, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov participated in the Central Asia-India Business Council held in New Delhi. During the event, participants exchanged views on key partnership issues in transport and logistics connectivity, the digital economy, and investment opportunities for joint projects and programs in these areas between Central Asian … [Read more...]
Turkmen NGOs Participated in a Regional Project Management Training Camp in Samarkand
Representatives of non-governmental organizations from Turkmenistan took part in a regional training camp on the project management cycle, held in Samarkand (Uzbekistan) from May 26 to 30 as part of the European Union’s BOMCA 10 program. This was reported by the event organizers. The camp aimed to enhance the professional competence of civil society representatives from … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries unite for sustainable water and land management
Central Asia, home to ecologically important river and wetland systems, extensive grasslands, and high mountain ranges that support unique biodiversity, faces escalating pressures. The region is particularly vulnerable due to its arid nature, increasing demands for natural resources, unsustainable development, and changing climate patterns, which contribute to an estimated USD … [Read more...]
India Hosts 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue to Strengthen Regional Ties
India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, will host the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan for the 4th meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue on June 6, 2025, in New Delhi. This follows the 3rd meeting, also held in New Delhi in December 2021, marking a continued commitment to deepening ties between India … [Read more...]
IUCN Office Opens in Tashkent for Central Asia: A New Hub for Sustainable Development and Nature Conservation
In Tashkent, a ceremony marked the opening of the first International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Office for Central Asia. The office is housed within the Central Asian University for Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University). The high-level event was attended by representatives of Central Asian governments, international organizations, the … [Read more...]
The 2nd meeting of the Ministers of Economy and Trade of the Central Asia-China format was held in Astana
On May 30, 2025, the 2nd meeting of the Ministers of Economy and Trade of the Central Asia-China format was held on the sidelines of the Astana 2025 International Forum (AIF 2025), the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports. The meeting served as a key preparatory step for the upcoming second Central Asia-China Summit, scheduled to be held … [Read more...]
Promoting women’s leadership in peace and security in focus of OSCE regional workshop in Ashgabat
To strengthen the role of women in peacebuilding and security across Central Asia, the OSCE Gender Issues Programme organized a two-day regional workshop on 27 and 28 May in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The event focused on advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and supporting the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 in Central … [Read more...]
The Head of the UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze participates at the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation In Dushanbe
On 31 May, SRSG for Central Asia, Head of UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze, intervened at the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation in Dushanbe. In his statement he called on strengthening partnerships and deepening regional cooperation with the view to arrive at mutually beneficial solutions on addressing the outstanding issues of regional and global agendas. … [Read more...]
Speech by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the First Central Asia–Italy Summit
Dear Madam Prime Minister of the Italian Republic Giorgia Meloni, Dear Heads of State of Central Asia, members of the delegations! Ladies and gentlemen, First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, dear Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, for the invitation to this Forum, the hospitality provided and the working … [Read more...]
Joint Declaration by the Heads of State of Central Asia and the President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic following the First “Central Asia – Italy” Summit
May 30, 2025 … [Read more...]
First Central Asia–Italy Summit Held in Astana
On May 30, the first Central Asia–Italy Summit took place in Astana. The Summit, chaired by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was attended by the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic Giorgia Meloni, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and … [Read more...]