On 4 April 2025, the international First Climate Forum “Central Asia in the Face of Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Common Prosperity” was held in Samarkand. The forum was chaired by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The forum was attended by President of the European Council Antonio Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der … [Read more...]
Outcomes of the first Central Asia–EU Summit in Samarkand
On 4 April 2025, the first Central Asia-European Union summit was held in Samarkand under the chairmanship of Uzbekistan. The summit was attended by: • Uzbekistan – President Shavkat Mirziyoyev • Kazakhstan – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev • Kyrgyzstan – President Sadyr Japarov • Turkmenistan – President Serdar Berdimuhamedov • Tajikistan – President Emomali … [Read more...]
Europe and Central Asia: Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2024 – Managing Water Resources Sustainably for Improved Food Security and Nutrition
If the people of Europe and Central Asia are to have food on their plates, they must have water security. Moreover, water security is a catalyst for transforming the food and agriculture sectors of the region to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable. Therefore, sustainable water management practices are a prerequisite for farmers’ resilience against … [Read more...]
Samarkand to host first “Central Asia – European Union” summit on April 3-4
The first “Central Asia – European Union” summit will take place in Samarkand on April 3-4. According to the press service of the Head of our state, the summit which will be chaired by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will be attended by the President of the European Council Antonio Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of … [Read more...]
European Union – Central Asia: regional consolidation and global partnership
On April 4, 2025, the first “Central Asia - European Union” official summit will be held in Samarkand, under the chairmanship of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This event is set to become a significant political milestone and will mark the beginning of a new phase in the relationship between the two regions. An important prerequisite for the … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part Six
nCa Report During the screening event of the film Six inches of Soil on Ashgabat, there were some presentations and speeches. One of the presentations was by Prof Bob Doherty (Dean of School for Business and Society, University of York and Principal Investigator of the FixOurFood Research Programme). Here are the slides from his … [Read more...]
Historical milestone: The Leaders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan sign Border Junction Agreement
31 March 2025, marks a landmark date for Central Asia. In the ancient Tajik city of Khujand, the Presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—Sadyr Japarov, Emomali Rahmon, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev—signed a historic agreement defining the junction of their state borders. This pivotal event strengthens regional stability and opens a new chapter in interstate … [Read more...]
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Launch 500 kV Datka–Sugd Power Line Under CASA-1000 Project
On 31 March 2025, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon participated in the launch ceremony of the 500 kV Datka–Sughd power transmission line, a key component of the CASA-1000 international energy project. The event was held via videoconference from the city of Khujand. As part of the project, a new energy infrastructure was … [Read more...]
Sustainable freight transport in Central Asia: A unified regional path
Central Asia’s freight transport faces key challenges, but a coordinated regional approach could unlock sustainable connectivity and resilience. Experts recently gathered at an International Transport Forum (ITF) event to assess strategies. The recent Policy Dialogue on Sustainable and Resilient Freight Connectivity in Central Asia – which brought together government … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part Five
nCa Report Agroecology in Central Asia: Principles, Benefits, and Practical Implementation Introduction Agroecology is an interdisciplinary approach that integrates ecological principles into agricultural practices to create sustainable food systems. It seeks to balance productivity with environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic viability. In the context … [Read more...]
New Economic Prospects to Open in Samarkand – On the Upcoming EU–Central Asia Summit
Obid Khakimov, Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms On April 3–4, 2025, Samarkand will host a historic event: the first-ever Summit between the European Union and Central Asia. The meeting will be chaired by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and will include the participation of the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and … [Read more...]
EU-Central Asia: 20th Ministerial meeting held in Ashgabat on 27 March 2025
The European Union and the five Central Asian countries reaffirmed their strong political commitment to strengthening engagement and deepening cooperation during the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting, chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, on 27 March 2025 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The Foreign Ministers of Tajikistan, … [Read more...]
The Central Asia–European Union ministerial meeting was held in Ashgabat
The 20th Central Asia-European Union Ministerial Meeting was held in Ashgabat on March 27, 2025. It was attended by the heads of the foreign ministries of the Central Asian countries, as well as a European delegation led by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas. The … [Read more...]
EU Vice-President Kaja Kallas to travel to Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas will start the regional tour of Central Asia on 27 March 2025. The first stop is Turkmenistan where she will chair the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting in Ashgabat. High level delegations from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and … [Read more...]
EU and Central Asia: Partnership on the strength of Peace, Trust, and Neutrality
nCa Commentary The ministerial meeting of EU and Central Asia is just about to take place in the run-up to the first EU and Central Asia summit, scheduled for early next month in Samarkand. The events are taking place in the year designated by the United Nations as the Year of Peace and Trust, aligning with Turkmenistan’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of its status … [Read more...]
Strengthening EU-Central Asia Cooperation: A Shared Vision for the Future
Op-ed by H.E. Beata Pęksa, Ambassador of the European Union to Turkmenistan The European Union's partnership with Central Asia is built on a foundation of shared values and a commitment to mutual prosperity. As the EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan, I have witnessed firsthand the deepening of this relationship, which is not only a regional endeavor but also deeply rooted in … [Read more...]
Speech of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the International Conference “International Year of Peace and Trust: the role of interregional cooperation in ensuring sustainable development”
Here is slightly paraphrased translation of the speech by National Leader of Turkmenistan Arkadag Berdimuhamedov as given by Turkmen State News Agency TDH: Dear conference participants! I would like to thank you for participating in this forum and wish you a successful forum! Representatives of foreign countries, international organizations and large companies gathered … [Read more...]
The National Leader of Turkmenistan and the President of Uzbekistan discussed preparations for the upcoming summits
On 19 March 2025, a telephone conversation was held between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. The discussion focused on opportunities to deepen interstate cooperation and preparations for upcoming regional summits. At the outset, the sides … [Read more...]
Arkadag explains some policy directions of Turkmenistan in speech at international forum
The National Leader of Turkmenistan, Arkadag Berdimuhamedov, spotlighted some policy direction of Turkmenistan on Wednesday, 19 March 2025. He was delivering a keynote address at the inaugural session of the “International Year of Peace and Trust: the Role of Interregional Economic Cooperation in Ensuring Sustainable Development.” In his speech, Arkadag highlighted the … [Read more...]
Bridging Nations, Building Trust: How Infrastructure is Forging Peace, Trust and Prosperity across Central Asia
nCa Analysis The winds of change sweeping across Central Asia and its neighboring regions tell a story of transformation, one where the hum of construction and the promise of connectivity are rewriting old narratives of division and scarcity. At the heart of this shift lies a powerful idea: that infrastructure—both the tangible networks of roads, railways, and pipelines, and … [Read more...]
The border of eternal friendship from now on and forever – Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan sign an epochal Treaty on the state border
The historic Treaty on the state border was signed by President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov following summit talks in Bishkek on 13 March 2025. Two border crossings, which have been closed since 2021, have resumed operation on the Tajik-Kyrgyz border. On 14 March, Tajik Somonair Airline will perform its first flight on the … [Read more...]
Visit of the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships to Ashgabat – transport, energy and trade among the key topics of the upcoming talks
On the eve of the first Central Asia–European Union Summit, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela begins his week-long tour of five Central Asian countries on 12 March. Turkmenistan will be the first country to be visited by the Commissioner. In an exclusive interview with the newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan, Síkela revealed the purpose of the … [Read more...]
EU Commissioner Síkela to Embark on Ambitious Central Asia Tour this week
Jozef Síkela, the European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, is set to embark on a seven-day diplomatic mission across all five Central Asian countries from 12 to 18 March 2025. The tour reflects the EU's growing strategic interest in a region representing a €340 billion economy with an average annual growth rate of 5%. In a message on his official X … [Read more...]
Japan expresses readiness for further cooperation with Turkmenistan in preparation for the Central Asian summit
The recent visit of Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Japan Akihisa Nagashima to Turkmenistan has become an important stage in the development of bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation within the framework of the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue. In a letter addressed to the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Akihisa Nagashima … [Read more...]
Interview of the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Euronews TV channel
The Euronews team visited Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov answered questions from the correspondent of this TV company Loro Bakwelli. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's interview opens up a unique opportunity for an international audience to get acquainted with the country's … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part One
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova “Despite all our accomplishments, we owe our existence to a six-inch layer of topsoil and the fact it rains,” said the U.S. radio broadcaster, Paul Harvey in 1978. Yes, just six inches of soil. This is the thin layer between our existence and non-existence. The inspiring British film ‘Six Inches of Soil’ is a story of courage, vision … [Read more...]
Global Gateway in Central Asia: Commissioner Síkela’s mission will focus on mutual development projects
Between 12 and 18 March, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela will visit the five Central Asian countries to strengthen the EU-Central Asia partnership ahead of the EU-Central Asia Summit and scale up Global Gateway, the EU’s investment strategy to boost jobs and sustainable economic growth. Commissioner Síkela said: “Central Asia is an important … [Read more...]
Management of border crossing points located along transit corridors in Central Asia discussed at OSCE regional workshop in Turkmenistan
An OSCE-organized regional workshop on the management of border crossing points located along transit corridors in Central Asia, held in a blended format, took place from 4 to 6 March 2025 in Ashgabat. The workshop brought together, online and in-person, officials from the five Central Asian countries’ border security and customs management, migration, law-enforcement, … [Read more...]
EU-funded BOMCA 10 empowering women in Central Asian border regions
On 4-6 March 2025, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10), which is funded by the European Union (EU), successfully conducted a regional workshop “Women for Development of Central Asian Border Regions” in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. This initiative underscores the EU's commitment to enhancing gender equality and empowering female professionals within state agencies … [Read more...]
EU-funded BOMCA 10 Programme organised Study visit to Latvia on national customs information systems
From 4-6 March, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) organised a study visit Latvia on introduction of the national customs information systems for representatives of customs services from Central Asian countries. During the previous activities of BOMCA 10, EU experts visited CA countries to provide assistance, develop recommendations and … [Read more...]
First visit of the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia to Turkmenistan
The newly appointed European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia, Ambassador Eduards Stiprais, paid working visit to Turkmenistan on 4-6 March. Mr Stiprais arrived in Ashgabat just three days after his appointment, underlining the importance the European Union places on its engagement with Turkmenistan and Central Asia. During his visit, Mr Stiprais … [Read more...]
UN General Assembly Establishes Regional Centre for Sustainable Development in Almaty
In a landmark decision underscoring global commitment to sustainable development, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution to establish the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan. The resolution, spearheaded by Kazakhstan on behalf of Central Asian states, garnered support from 152 UN member … [Read more...]
FitchRatings: Islamic Finance Shows Potential in Central Asia as GCC Ties Deepen
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan could lead Central Asian Islamic finance industry growth over the medium-to-long term, although the industry is likely to remain niche, Fitch Ratings says. Government initiatives to tap funding from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Islamic multilateral institutions, diversifying the financial sector and boosting financial inclusion, … [Read more...]
The first container train launched from India to Kazakhstan
As part of the expansion of international transport corridors, the first container train connecting India and Kazakhstan was launched, Uzbek Railways reports. The project is implemented with the support of three major transport and logistics operators in the region: Uztemiryulcontainer JSC (the official forwarder for railways of Uzbekistan), TULM JSC (the Transport and … [Read more...]
“Drops of the Future” workshop series concludes with a public event in Vienna, advancing co-operation on water, energy, and food in Central Asia
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has recently hosted the final event of the “Drops of the Future” workshop series. The event brought together young leaders, experts, and key stakeholders from Central Asia and beyond to explore collaborative and consensus-driven approaches to finding sustainable solutions for water, energy and food systems. The … [Read more...]
EU and Central Asia – Redefining the paradigm
Tariq Saeedi Geologically, mainland Europe and mainland Asia are one gigantic continent – Eurasia. They share the same tectonic plates, and they are a contiguous landmass, with lack of water boundaries that define a continent. They are separated by a line that is imaginary – the Ural River and the Ural Mountain. The mass travels, sometimes friendly and sometimes not so … [Read more...]
The Business and Investment Conference brought together the Middle East, Central Asia and Azerbaijan
The Ministers of Economy, Trade and Investment of Arab countries, Central Asian states and Azerbaijan held the first business and investment conference on 26-27 February 2025 on the sidelines of the Investopia 2025 International Forum in Abu Dhabi under the motto “Towards sustainable cooperation and Partnership". The Conference on Arab Business and Investment with the … [Read more...]
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan announced its position on water issues at a meeting with the World Bank
On 28 February 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with the Vice President of the World Bank for Europe and Central Asia Antonella Bassani, as well as with the regional directors of the World Bank and representatives of the International Finance Corporation. During the negotiations, the parties highlighted priority areas of partnership … [Read more...]
OSCE Facilitates Regional Programme Exchange Visit for Central Asian Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialists to Belgium
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international co-operation in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) practices, a group of Central Asian EOD specialists, including two Border Service officers, successfully completed a Regional Programme Exchange visit to Belgium from 10 to 14 February 2025. The visit was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, the OSCE … [Read more...]
Türkiye’s investments in the Eurasian region: significant growth and diversification
According to the latest Report of the Eurasian Development Bank "The EDB Monitoring of Mutual Investments (EDB MMI) on the Eurasian Continent", the volume of Türkiye’s stock foreign direct investment in the countries of the Eurasian region reached $ 12.3 billion at the end of the first half of 2024. This represents a significant increase of 34% compared to 2016 and 8.8% … [Read more...]
New EU Special Representative for Central Asia appointed
The Council of the European Union appointed Mr Eduards Stiprais as new EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia. He will take up his duties on 1 March 2025 with an initial mandate of 2 years, succeeding Terhi Hakala. According to Council’s press-release, the task of the new EUSR will be to promote relations between the EU and the countries of Central Asia on the … [Read more...]
Border of Peace: Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Sign Final Border Delimitation Protocol
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have reached a historic agreement, finalizing their state border alignment along its entire length and signing the final border delimitation protocol. Following governmental delegation negotiations on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border delimitation on 21 February 2025, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet - Head of the State Committee for National Security of … [Read more...]
Central Asia expands cooperation on sustainable use of shared rivers
Over the past three years, the Central Asian countries have concluded four new bilateral agreements on river water resources management. In the context of climate change, cooperation between the countries of the region is becoming more active. However, there are still gaps in the protection of transboundary groundwater. These topics were discussed at a regional seminar held in … [Read more...]
EDB: Central Asia accounts for 47% of total Chinese investments to Eurasian region
China is the largest exporter of investments in the Eurasian region. By mid-2024, China's direct investment stock amounted to $58.6 billion, according to the Eurasian Development Bank’s study titled “Mutual Investments on the Eurasian Continent: New and Traditional Partners”. China's investments are traditionally concentrated in the extractive industries ($36.2 … [Read more...]
EDB: Turkmenistan is the largest recipient of FDI from the UAE
The UAE’s investment stock in the Eurasian region showed steady annual growth between 2016 and 1H 2024. It has increased by 71% since 2016, reaching $12.2 billion at the end of 1H 2024. Over the past year and a half, the growth has been 18.4%, according to the new study by the EDB (Eurasian Development Bank). According to the report titled “Mutual Investments on the Eurasian … [Read more...]
UNRCCA Co-Organizes Side Event on Tajikistan’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy
On February 12, 2025, UNRCCA in partnership with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Government of Tajikistan held a side event: Prevention of Violent Extremism through the Implementation of Tajikistan’s “National Strategy on Countering Extremism and Terrorism (2021-2025)”, at the United Nations Headquarters, New York. The side event was organized as … [Read more...]
Aral Sea Revival: A Testament to International Cooperation and Sustainable Restoration
nCa-AI Collaborative Report Once a symbol of ecological disaster, the Aral Sea is witnessing a remarkable recovery, thanks to the concerted efforts of Central Asian nations and international partners. Recent developments highlight significant progress in restoring the Northern Aral Sea, offering hope for environmental recovery, economic revitalization, and improved quality … [Read more...]
China’s TIR boom: New hubs, new operations, new horizons
China’s TIR transport market experienced remarkable growth in 2024, marking a turning point in its development. With record-breaking numbers, the rise of new operations, and the establishment of logistics hubs, 2025 promises even greater expansion and innovation.China’s TIR operations surged in 2024, with an expanded scope covering cross-border e-commerce, cold chain products, … [Read more...]
First EU-Central Asia summit to take place on 3-4 April 2025 in Uzbekistan
The President of the European Council, António Costa, along with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, will be travelling to Uzbekistan for the first-ever EU-Central Asia summit on 3-4 April 2025, the European Council said in a press release. The summit will be hosted by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with the participation of the leaders … [Read more...]
United to advance the 2030 Agenda: Central Asia countries pledge to act for gender equality in the region
On February 6, 2025, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan collectively affirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, as outlined in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), during a high-level meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan. The pledge was formalized through a joint … [Read more...]