On July 16, 2020 Member of the State Council, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan M.B. Tleuberdi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Ch.A. Aidarbekov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan S. Mukhriddin, Vice- Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign … [Read more...]
First China + Central Asia FM meeting led to multi-point consensus
Elvira Kadyrova The first foreign ministers’ meeting China+ Central Asia has confirmed strong consensus of attending countries on a number of partnership areas and agreed to turn the six-sided talks into regular platform. “The participants had an in-depth exchange of views on four topics: strengthening cooperation against COVID-19, promoting economic recovery, maintaining … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan opposes the politicization of COVID-19
Elvira Kadyrova "Turkmenistan opposes the politicization of epidemics under any circumstances, since such politicization cannot benefit global anti-epidemic cooperation," foreign minister Rashid Meredov said during a telephone conversation on Sunday (28 Jun) with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. Wang thanked Turkmenistan for its support to China in the fight against … [Read more...]
Exclusive Interview – Sun Weidong, Ambassador of China to Turkmenistan
Here is the transcript of our interview with Sun Weidong, the ambassador of China to Turkmenistan: Question: Mr. Ambassador, since the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease, you have given a number of interviews to the correspondents of various media agencies or published the articles, which let us learn about the determination of the Chinese people to fight against the … [Read more...]
Official position of China on some key issues
Dr. Wang Yi, the state councilor and foreign minister of China, conducted a press conference on 24 May 2020 on the sidelines of the third session of the NPC of the 13th convocation. The press conference, which was held in the video format, attracted journalists from the Chinese and foreign media. Dr. Wang Yi, who is known for his phenomenal memory and candid style, … [Read more...]
Interview – Ambassador Sun Weidong of China
Here is the text of an interview with the ambassador of China in Turkmenistan, Sun Weidong: - Mr. Ambassador, according to foreign media reports, the coronavirus outbreak in China has declined. How did the Chinese people achieve this result in a short time? Could you please tell our readers about the current situation regarding the spread of this dangerous virus in your … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan launches new railway service between Turkmenistan and China
Elvira Kadyrova Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) has launched container rail shipments between China and Turkmenistan. The first train, consisting of 44 forty-foot containers loaded with general cargo, has left from Jinannan rail station (Shandong province). The train will travel via the Kazakh border crossings of Khorgos, Altynkol and Bolashak (border with Turkmenistan) and … [Read more...]
A friend is in need . . .
Sun Weidong, Ambassador of China in Turkmenistan Currently, COVID-19 coronavirus is spreading in many countries and regions of the world; its prevention and control have become an important task of the international community. After the outbreak, under the personal leadership of President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government has taken comprehensive and thorough preventive and … [Read more...]
Coronavirus reshapes the hydrocarbon market
Elvira Kadyrova The coronavirus continues its march around the world at a fast pace, destabilizing the already unstable global economy and hitting its most "volatile" spot – the hydrocarbon market. The entire transport systems are being paralyzed, currencies are collapsing. Delicately backed up OPEC+ commitments on oil production cut have been crashed like a house of … [Read more...]
Spiritual bonds of the Great Silk Road
Rashid Alimov, PhD, former ambassador of Tajikistan to China (2005-2015) and former SCO Secretary General (2016-2018) In Dushanbe, the capital of the Republic of Tajikistan, a robot guide meets the visitors at the cultural Tajik-Chinese exchange center. Slowly, but with knowledge of the matter, in one of the three languages (Tajik, Chinese and Russian), he narrates on the … [Read more...]
Please, can we resist the urge to exploit Wuhan virus saga?
Tariq Saeedi There is widespread dramatization of the Wuhan virus saga. Some of it is driven by political and economic aspirations and some of it is the product of the irresponsibility that is the hallmark of the social media. It has become a fire on which everyone is roasting their own marshmallows. First, let’s consider the severity of the threat. There is no doubt … [Read more...]
Digital Currencies and Central Asia – Part 3
Tariq Saeedi With some understanding of the blockchain technology and P2P networking, let’s now look at the digital currency of China, and the hybrid digital currency of Facebook, both of which may debut in 2020. The full impact of these developments on Central Asia would only be clear when we also take into account the 5G technology that is just around the corner, and … [Read more...]
Interview – Ambassador Sun Weidong of China
Ambassador Sun Weidong of China gave an interview to the Turkmen media on the 70th anniversary of the formation of the People’s Republic of China. Here is the unofficial, slightly paraphrased translation of the text: Q: October 1, the people of China celebrate National Day - the founding of the People’s Republic of China. What does this date mean for the Chinese … [Read more...]
Chinese embassy hosts reception to mark 70th anniversary of People’s Republic of China
The embassy of China in Turkmenistan hosted on Monday (30 September 2019) a reception to mark the 70th anniversary of the formation of the People’s Republic of China. Here is the speech of Ambassador Sun Weidong on the occasion: Dear Advisor to the President on Oil and Gas Issues, Mr. Kakaev! Ladies and Gentlemen! Friends! I warmly welcome you to the reception … [Read more...]
Google distancing from Huawei could be blessing in disguise – no immediate impact on users in Central Asia
nCa Analysis The ever-widening trade rift between the USA and China has taken an ugly turn. The US chip manufacturers and Google have been forced to comply with the US government’s ban on the supply of technologies to the Chinese telecommunications leader Huawei. The ban is applicable on the hardware and the software including the Android operating system although the … [Read more...]
BRI of China – Uniting the world
nCa Report It is truly global in nature and scope, this BRI of China. Never before has the world seen so comprehensive and so inclusive drive to spread the benefits around the globe. Launched in 2013, the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) of China has made unbelievable progress in little more than five years. Here are the highlights of progress made from 2013 and … [Read more...]
Central Asia and BRI could open opportunities for ‘combining efforts’ between Russia and China
Elvira Kadyrova Ambassador of Russia to China has called for more close integration between Chinese Belt and Road Initiative and main economic and security blocks in Central Asia, such as SCO and Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union. China’s engagement in Central Asia was mainly economic. Rather than a threat, Russia regards Beijing as a force to boost regional economies, … [Read more...]
China-Europe railway connection – different approaches, same objectives
There are different approaches for raising the railway cargo movement capacity between China and Europe. It is not just an end-to-end situation – all the territories between China and Europe stand to benefit from the expansion of the railway infrastructure. The space of Kyrgyzstan is in the centre of some of the plans. Everyone interested in this railway route is in favour … [Read more...]
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Line – Risks and Rewards
China will connect with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan through a railway line. It is a grandiose project, under discussion for a number of years, and showing now the signs of fruition. The rewards are huge and quite obvious, but the risks are also enormous and some of them still not in sight. For example, the relations between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are showing signs of strain … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Caucasus: 2018 – The Year of Opportunity for France
Gilles Remy, CEO of CIFAL Group, Vice-President of the Eurasian Commission of Foreign Trade Advisers, Chairman of the French-Turkmen Chamber of Commerce Ashgabat, the 5th Asian Games in closed premises and in martial arts, September 2017. 2017 was a year of economic recovery for Central Asia and Caucasus. Following a sluggish phase, growth has resumed, driven by a rise … [Read more...]
3D visualization of Trump speech . . . sort of
Tariq Saeedi 21 September 2017 (nCa) --- The Donald ‘MAGA’ Trump, the president of the United States addressed the United Nations on 19 September 2017. His speech has all the ingredients The Donald is made of: bullying, hatred, bigotry, myopic nationalism, and lavish charms for his voter base. It is important to create a kind of 3D visualization of some parts of his … [Read more...]
China: Belt and Road Initiative
Dr. Shamshad Akhtar China’s role in the global context has grown in terms of its output, trade and now its voice and leadership in sustainable and inclusive development, and resolve to pursue low carbon pathways. A further paradigm shift is anticipated in the role and influence of China, as it delivers on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by leveraging on its successful … [Read more...]
The issues of trans-boundary rivers with China or watershed ‘in Chinese’
nCa Commentary Trans-boundary water resources, particularly rivers are like arteries of life for the sharing countries. To serve the best interests of all partners, it is imperative to remain focused on their responsible and equitable use. There are certain rivers shared by China, Kazakhstan and Russia. The case in point is the western areas of China that border with … [Read more...]
China Pakistan Strategic Pivot
General Mirza Aslam Beg Former COAS Pakistan friendsfoundation@live.co.uk Our defense collaboration with China is exemplary as well as unique. It has helped our armed forces, particularly the land forces; regain their élan after the 1971 debacle. During the early 80s there was a conscious realization of the weaknesses of the Army and the urgent need to develop it on modern … [Read more...]
پاک چین تذویراتی محور (Strategic Pivot)
جنرل مرزا اسلم بیگ سابق چیف آف آرمی سٹاف پاکستان friendsfoundation@live.co.uk چین کے ساتھ ہماری دفاعی شراکت مثالی ہونے کے ساتھ ساتھ منفرد نوعیت کی بھی ہے۔اسی شراکت کی بدولت ہماری مسلح افواج اور بالخصوص پیادہ فوج 1971ء کی جنگ کے بعد اپنا کھویا ہوا مقام حاصل کرنے میں کامیاب ہوئی ہے۔ ہمیں اپنی فوج کی کمزوریوں کو دور کرنے اور مستقبل میں مسلح افواج کو جدید تقاضوں کے … [Read more...]
Kerry Go Round
Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat, 4 November 2015 (nCa) --- It was a few days of Kerry Go Round, with Ignorance Made in USA stamped all over it. The lack of focus and substance left the region scratching its head in wonderment. The visit of John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, to Central Asia was built around the exotically named C5+1 format. The meeting of Kerry with the regional … [Read more...]
Керри объезжает регион
Тарик Саиди Ашхабад, 4 ноября 2015 (nCa) --- Это были несколько дней турне Керри, на которых стоит штамп «Невежество. Сделано в США». Недостаток внимания и реального содержания визита оставили регион в состоянии почесывания головы в изумление. Визит госсекретаря США Джона Керри в Центральную Азию был построен на формуле под экзотическим названием «формат C5+1». Встреча … [Read more...]
French proposal regarding the use of veto in the Security Council
Ashgabat, 22 September 2015 --- The blocking of the United Nations Security Council in case of mass atrocities is unacceptable. It is a question of humanity and of defense of the principles that are at the heart of the United Nations Charter. It is also a determinant question for the maintenance of peace and international security as impunity, radicalization, and terrorism find … [Read more...]
TAPI opts for self propulsion – Turkmenistan to lead consortium
nCa News and Commentary Ashgabat, 7 August 2015 (nCa) --- In a historic choice Thursday, Turkmenistan decided to act as the consortium leader for TAPI, the pipeline project that will transport Turkmen gas to Pakistan and India through the territory of Afghanistan. During the 22nd meeting of the steering committee of TAPI, a ministerial level body empowered to take executive … [Read more...]
CNPC-Gazprom Gas Deal – Right jubilation, Wrong perspective
Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat, 22 May 2014 (nCa) ---China and Russia signed Wednesday (21 May) a contract that envisages the sale of 1.14 trillion cubic meters of natural gas by Gazprom to CNPC over a period of 30 years. The approximate value of the deal is said to be about US $ 400 billion. Starting 2018, Gazprom will pipe 38 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas annually to China … [Read more...]
Газовое соглашение между КННК и Газпромом – Право на ликование, Неверные перспективы
Тарик Саиди Ашхабад, 22 мая 2014 года (nCa) --- Китай и Россия подписали в среду (21 мая) контракт, который предусматривает поставку 1,14 триллиона кубических метров природного газа Газпромом Китайской Национальной Нефтяной Корпорации в течение 30 лет. Приблизительная стоимость сделки составляет около 400 млрд. долл. США. Начиная с 2018 года, Газпром обязался поставлять … [Read more...]
China: Here and Now – Part 3
Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat, 29 July 2013 (nCa) --- Considering that talent is spread evenly across the continents and races, the size of the talent pool of China is four times that of the United States. At least theoretically, no matter how talented a person gets elected as the president of the United States, there should be at least four persons of the same quality in … [Read more...]
Китай: Здесь и Сейчас – Часть 3
Тарик Саиди Ашхабад, 29 июля 2013 (nCa) --- Учитывая, что таланты равномерно распределяются на всех континентах и среди всех рас, концентрация талантов в Китае в четыре раза выше, чем в Соединенных Штатах. По крайней мере, теоретически, независимо от того, насколько талантлив человек, избранный президентом Соединенных Штатов, в Китае должно быть не менее четырех человек, … [Read more...]
China: Here and now – Part 2
Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat, 19 July 2013 (nCa) --- In the first half of this article, published yesterday (18 July 2013), we argued that China is where it is because of the people of China. This is no earth shattering discovery; just stating the obvious. However, it is necessary to underline this simple fact because the tail end of generation Y and the main bulk of generation Z, … [Read more...]
Китай: Здесь и Сейчас – Часть 2
Тарик Саиди Ашхабад, 19 июля 2013 (nCa) --- В первой части статьи, опубликованной вчера (18 июля 2013 года), мы утверждали, что Китай находится там, где находится сейчас, благодаря народу Китая. Это не шокирующее мир открытие; это констатация очевидного. Тем не менее, необходимо подчеркнуть этот простой факт, поскольку хвостовая часть поколения Y и основная масса поколения … [Read more...]
China: Here and now
Tariq Saeedi Ashgabat, 18 July 2013 (nCa) --- On one end is President Xi Jinping with his superstar wife and on the other end is a teenager, Ding Jihao. Between them, China is inevitable. We will miss the point if we start debating whether 7.5% growth rate in GDP is too much or too little for China, whether the Chinese economy will overheat of freeze. We will be off the … [Read more...]
Китай: Здесь и Сейчас
Тарик Саиди Ашхабад, 18 июля 2013 (nCa) --- На одном конце находится председатель КНР Си Цзиньпин с его женой суперзвездой и на другом конце подросток, Дин Цзихао. Между ними, неизбежно Китай. Мы упустим самое важное, если пустимся в рассуждения о том, высоким или низким для Китая можно считать рост ВВП в 7,5%, перегреется ли от этого китайская экономика. Мы будем далеки … [Read more...]
Star-studded Concert at Awaza
Ashgabat, 4 July 2013 (nCa) --- A star-studded concert was held on 29 June 2013 at Awaza, the national tourist zone of Turkmenistan. Here are some photos showing the stars in action: … [Read more...]
Основные моменты визита Президента Таджикистана в Туркменистан
Анализ nCa Ашгабат, 28 августа 2012 (nCa — Президент Таджикистана Эмомали Рахмон посетил Туркменистан 22-24 августа 2012 года. Это был очень важный визит, с тяжело нагруженно повесткой дня. В самом деле, «тяжело нагруженный» является точным описанием в данном случае, в результате чего в уме возникает образ тяжело нагруженного судна, лишь менее половины которого видна … [Read more...]
Landmark visit of Tajik president to Turkmenistan
nCa Analysis Ashgabat, 27 August 2012 (nCa) --- President Emomali Rahmon visited Turkmenistan, 22-24 August 2012. It was an important visit, built around a heavily laden agenda. In fact, ‘heavily laden’ is an apt description in this case, bringing to mind the image of a heavily laden ship, only less than half of which is visible to the eye. The summit talks between the … [Read more...]
$55 Million ADB Loan for CAREC Highway Linking Kyrgyz Republic and PRC
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 8 June 2011 --- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $55 million loan to finance improvements to a key highway connecting the Kyrgyz Republic with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The 60-km stretch to be reconstructed is part of the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program. The program covers an expansive network of six … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan to use Chinese grant to buy Lenovo computers
Ashgabat, 4 June 2011 (nCa) --- Turkmenistan will use a Chinese grant to buy Lenovo computers from China. The grant is worth Chinese Yuan 50 million (about US $ 7.5 million at one USD = 6.66332 CNY). A presidential decree issued Friday says that the State Bank for Foreign Economic Relations (VneshEkonomBank) of Turkmenistan will sign agreement with the China Development … [Read more...]