Central Asia’s land resources are facing mounting pressure from degradation caused by extreme weather conditions, rapid rates of warming, systemic resource management errors, and high rates of urbanization. More than 80 million hectares—over a quarter of the region’s land area, or roughly four times the size of Kyrgyzstan—are already degraded, according to the authors of the … [Read more...]
The President of Kazakhstan Confirms Participation in the October Summits in Awaza – Kazakhstan Expects Turkmenistan’s Participation in the Aqaba Process Meeting
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will attend three regional summits to be hosted by Turkmenistan this coming October. This was confirmed during a telephone conversation between Tokayev and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. According to TDH news agency, Tokayev confirmed his participation in the Consultative Meeting of the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Welcomes Results of Kazakhstan’s First Elections to New Parliament
National Leader of the Turkmen People Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the successful holding of the first elections to the Kurultai, the country’s newly established unicameral parliament. The issue was discussed during a telephone conversation held on Tuesday, 25 August. The elections were the first to be held … [Read more...]
The Treaty of Eternal Friendship: How Baku and Tashkent Are Building a New Axis of Strategic Autonomy at the Crossroads of Asia and the Caucasus
Elvira Kadyrova On 23–24 August 2026, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan paid a state visit to Uzbekistan. One of the key outcomes of the summit was the signing of the Treaty of Eternal Friendship with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Exactly two years earlier, on 23 August 2024, the two nations had inked the Treaty on Allied Relations, which also laid the … [Read more...]
Startup Culture and Central Asia
Startup culture, in its classic form, is a set of working habits — flat hierarchies, fast iteration, generalist roles, and a tolerance for failure — that grew out of Silicon Valley's need to build new things quickly under conditions of extreme uncertainty. It is often defined against "corporate culture," which prizes stability, process, and risk avoidance over speed and … [Read more...]
From Hard Infrastructure to Soft Connectivity: Advancing Transport Links Between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan
In Mangystau Region—a Kazakhstan’s territory bordering Turkmenistan—modernizations work continues on a 50-kilometer section of the highway linking the city of Zhanaozen with the Turkmen-Kazakh border. The total length of the "Zhanaozen – Kenderli – Border of Turkmenistan" national highway stands at 229 kilometers. The terminus on the border with Turkmenistan is the … [Read more...]
Faster and Paperless: Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan Launch Electronic Customs Data Exchange
Starting August 2026, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan have officially launched an electronic pre-arrival information exchange for goods and vehicles crossing their shared border. The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan announced the operational rollout of the system. Under the new scheme, the IT systems of Turkmenistan’s State Customs Service and the State Revenue Committee of … [Read more...]
Korea’s energy opportunity in Central Asia
Mehmet Fatih Oztarsu, deputy director of the Seoul Institute of Global Affairs For much of the post-Soviet period, Korea’s relationship with Central Asia has been defined by trade. Seoul saw Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as emerging markets for Korean cars, electronics and consumer goods. Three decades later, that relationship is being … [Read more...]
Kurultai Elections: Kazakhstan’s Constitution Moves From Text to Practice
1. Kurultai as a new stage of constitutional modernization of Kazakhstan The upcoming Kurultai elections should be viewed as a key stage in Kazakhstan's political and legal transformation. Their significance extends beyond a typical parliamentary campaign: they mark the practical launch of a new constitutional model, which will update the system of representative … [Read more...]
Preparations for the First “Central Asia – Korea” Summit: Draft “Seoul Declaration” Agreed in Astana
On 31 July, Astana hosted the 3rd Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) to prepare for the first "Republic of Korea – Central Asia" Summit. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Chung Eui-hae, and attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Arman Issagaliyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Idibek … [Read more...]
The Architecture of a Unified Space: Key Outcomes of the Central Asia–Azerbaijan Informal Summit in Kyrgyzstan
Elvira Kadyrova An informal Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan was held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan on 31 July 2026. The summit was attended by President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, President … [Read more...]
A Fusion of Sports, Intellect, and Technology: Astana Hosts “Games of the Future 2026”
On 29 July, the grand opening ceremony of the international multi-sport tournament "Games of the Future 2026" took place at the Barys Arena in Astana. From 29 July to 9 August, the Kazakh capital is hosting the international event for the first time. The tournament uniquely bridges the gap between esports, traditional athletics, and cutting-edge technology, bringing together … [Read more...]
Kyrgyzstan to Host Informal Central Asia–Azerbaijan Summit
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay state visits to Kyrgyzstan from 30 July to 1 August. This was announced by Askat Alagozov, Press Secretary to the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, according to Kyrgyz media reports. During the same days, an informal consultative meeting of the heads of state of Central Asia and … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Strategic Convergence: A Region Finding Its Own Voice
Tariq Saeedi For most of the post-Soviet period, Central Asia was described in the passive voice. It was a space traversed by pipelines, contested by larger neighbors, and periodically revisited by Washington, Moscow, and Beijing whenever their own priorities required it. That description no longer fits. Over the past three years, something distinctive has been taking … [Read more...]
Euronews launches Kazakh language broadcasting
Euronews is launching a new channel broadcasting its global content in the Kazakh language. It will also be the first Central Asian language to be added to the media's worldwide broadcasting network. The channel will feature Euronews' international news coverage, produced by the broadcaster's multinational editorial team, translated into Kazakh. The content will be available … [Read more...]
EBRD finances first large-scale refractory concentrate processing facility in Central Asia
Anton Usov The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is contributing to the development of sustainable and ecologically responsible mining and processing in Kazakhstan by supporting the operations of its long-term client Solidcore Resources (SR), an AIFC-listed company and the country’s leading gold producer. The EBRD will provide a loan of up to US$ 300 … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Receives Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan
On Wednesday, 1 July, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Yermek Kosherbayev, who arrived in Ashgabat on an official visit. During the meeting, the Foreign Minister conveyed greetings from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Turkmen President and to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Hands Over Signed Central Asian Friendship Treaty to Kazakhstan
Turkmenistan has finalized a major step in formalizing a landmark regional agreement. Today, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the original copy of the Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century, signed by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was officially handed over to the … [Read more...]
Strategic Partnership in Action: Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan Hold Talks in Ashgabat
On 1 July 2026, negotiations were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and his Kazakh counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yermek Kosherbayev. On the same day, a regular round of Turkmen-Kazakh political consultations between the two ministries took place. During the meeting, the ministers noted that thanks to a … [Read more...]
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Visits Turkmenistan
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Ermek Kosherbaev, is on an official visit to Turkmenistan from 30 June to 1 July 2026. During the visit, a wide range of issues regarding Kazakh-Turkmen cooperation is scheduled for discussion. This includes advancing political dialogue, strengthening trade, economic, and investment ties, expanding cultural and humanitarian … [Read more...]
Beyond Geography: Why Operational Efficiency Will Define the Future of the Middle Corridor
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova The first generation of discussions about the Middle Corridor focused largely on geography. Maps were drawn, routes were compared, and countries were identified according to their position along the emerging Eurasian transport corridor. The next generation of discussion must move beyond maps. Transport corridors do not compete because … [Read more...]
Rail Cargo Between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Surges Amid Corridor Development
Rail freight traffic between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan has recorded robust growth in the first months of 2026, underscoring the strengthening of regional trade links and the expanding role of the eastern branch of the North-South International Transport Corridor. According to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway operator, bilateral rail cargo volumes with … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan Business Forum Boosts Economic Cooperation
Business representatives from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan met in Astana on 24 June 2026 for the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan Business Forum, an event aimed at deepening trade and economic cooperation and expanding ties between the private sectors of the two countries. Organized with the support of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan and the QazTrade Center for … [Read more...]
Iran Allocates Land for Kazakh Logistics Terminal at Shahid Rajaee Port, Advancing North-South Corridor Cooperation
nCa Report Iran has finalized approvals to allocate a land plot at its strategic Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas to Kazakhstan for the development of a dedicated logistics facility, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral transport and trade ties. According to Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister’s Office and multiple reports on the recent high-level talks, the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Completes Legal Groundwork for UN Regional SDG Centre as Tokayev Signs Ratification Law
nCa Report President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a law ratifying the agreement between Kazakhstan's government and the United Nations on the establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan, the presidential press service Akorda announced. Tokayev also separately ratified a Memorandum of Understanding … [Read more...]
SRSG Kaha Imnadze participates in the Eighth Meeting of Special Representatives and Envoys of European Union and Central Asian countries on Afghanistan
On 15 June 2026, Kaha Imnadze, the SRSG for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA, took part in the “8th Meeting of the Special Representatives and Envoys of the European Union and Central Asian Countries on Afghanistan”. The meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan at the UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and … [Read more...]
CSTO Advances Joint Electronic Warfare Capabilities, Bolstering Central Asian Security Amid Evolving Regional Threats
Defense officials from Central Asian states joined their CSTO counterparts in St. Petersburg on 17 June 2026 for a key meeting on electronic warfare (EW), highlighting the alliance’s push to integrate modern capabilities for collective defense in a region facing persistent security challenges. The Working Group on Electronic Warfare under the CSTO Council of Defense … [Read more...]
On the meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan
On June 16, 2026, a meeting was held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan Nurlan Nogayev. During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to the further development of bilateral relations. In particular, the importance of … [Read more...]
What Kazakhstan’s NVIDIA Deal Means for Central Asia
Kazakhstan has unveiled a landmark $10 billion package of agreements with U.S.-based Firebird and AI leader NVIDIA, marking one of the most ambitious technology investments in the country's history. The initiative is designed to transform Kazakhstan into a major global center for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure. By partnering with leading … [Read more...]
Evolving Geopolitical Reality: Central Asia in the Focus of the European Union’s Strategic Interests
Elvira Kadyrova The recently concluded Central Asia Press Trip to Brussels for journalists from the five Central Asian nations provided a valuable opportunity to look behind the scenes of European diplomacy, enriching existing knowledge with fresh insights and perspectives. Expert discussions and briefings in the EU capital clearly indicate that the European approach to … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan to Strengthen Consular Cooperation
On 4 June 2026, Ashgabat hosted the latest round of bilateral consular consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, according to the foreign ministries of both countries. The Kazakhstan’s delegation was led by Azamat Aubekov, Director of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of … [Read more...]
Outcomes of Putin’s Visit to Kazakhstan: Nuclear Power Plant, Billions in Investments, and a Breakthrough in Autonomous Shipping
The state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Kazakhstan is taking place from 27 to 29 May 2026. The main highest-level events were held in Astana on 28 May. The program traditionally included talks in narrow and expanded formats between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Putin, statements by the heads of state to the press, and the launch of joint … [Read more...]
Digitalization, Navigation, and Transport Corridors: Key Takeaways from the CIS Summit in Ashgabat
Ashgabat took center stage today as the premier diplomatic and business hub for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government sparked a wave of rapid-fire bilateral talks, paving the way for full-scale multilateral discussions. Delegations focused on pivotal issues, ultimately sealing agreements that will reshape regional … [Read more...]
Mutual trade between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan exceeds $125 million in Q1 2026
During January-March 2026, mutual trade between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan amounted to $125.3 million, with exports growing by 15% due to an increase in supplies of Kazakh agricultural products to Turkmenistan. These figures were announced during a meeting between the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov and the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Kenya Build an Economic Bridge Between Central Asia and Africa: Outcomes of the Tokayev-Ruto Summit Talks in Astana
Astana has become the venue for a major geopolitical and economic event, hosting the President of Kenya, William Ruto, on a state visit. This historic, first-ever visit by a Kenyan leader to the Central Asian republic marks the beginning of a new milestone in interregional partnership. On 20 May 2026, the leaders of the two countries, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and William Ruto, … [Read more...]
China is willing to deepen security cooperation with Central Asia
China is willing to work with Central Asian countries to continuously deepen practical cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, combating telecom fraud and other transnational crimes, high-quality Belt and Road security cooperation, and immigration management, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong said Monday. Wang made the remarks … [Read more...]
Security at the Crossroads of Eurasian Routes: President of Kazakhstan Receives Interior Ministers of the “Central Asia – China” Format
Ensuring stability amidst the transformation of global trade chains, protecting the digital space from the destructive influence of artificial intelligence, and consolidating efforts against transnational crime were the key themes of the meeting between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the ministers of internal affairs and public security from Central Asian … [Read more...]
Astana: Central Asia – China Format Discusses Strengthening Regional Security
On 18 May 2026, Astana hosted the second meeting of Ministers of Internal Affairs and Public Security within the "Central Asia – China" format. The participants discussed strengthening regional security and countering transnational crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and extremism, according to the interior ministry of Kazakhstan. Amid growing contemporary challenges, the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan participates in the UNV Asian Partner Roundtable in Bonn
Bonn, Germany— A delegation from Kazakhstan, led by Gulbara Sultanova from the Ministry of Culture and Information, met with UNV’s Executive Coordinator Toily Kurbanov during the Asian Partner Roundtable at the United Nations Campus in Bonn on 12–13 May 2026. Held during International Volunteer Year 2026, the Roundtable will focus on how volunteer action can strengthen … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Mejlis Hosts Conference: “The Constitution – A Legal Guarantee for State Development and Social Prosperity”
On 14 May 2026, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan hosted a conference titled “The Constitution – A Legal Guarantee for State Development and Social Prosperity,” held in honor of the Day of the Constitution and the National Flag of Turkmenistan in a hybrid format. The forum served as a platform for exchanging advanced legal practices and showcasing positive initiatives aimed at … [Read more...]
Central Asia Islamic Finance Potential Catalysed by Reforms, GCC Interest
Regulatory initiatives across several Central Asian countries since the start of 2026 and increasing engagement with GCC investors and Islamic multilateral institutions are likely to support the Islamic finance industry’s growth potential in this region, Fitch Ratings says. Unlocking this potential would require sustained policy support, equal tax treatments, and greater public … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan to host OTS Informal Summit this week
The Informal Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will be hosted by Kazakhstan on 15 May 2026 in Turkistan, the spiritual capital of the Turkic World. The summit will be held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development”, according to the OTS press release. The Summit will bring together the Heads of State … [Read more...]
The Ashgabat Corridor Revisited: A Quiet Artery Gains Strategic Weight
nCa Report In an era defined by shifting trade routes and geopolitical uncertainty, an old regional initiative is quietly re-emerging with renewed relevance. The Ashgabat Agreement corridor—linking Central Asia to the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman—has moved back into focus as countries seek resilient, diversified pathways for trade. What began in 2011 as a modest … [Read more...]
New Multimodal Corridor: Cargo from China to Afghanistan to Transit via Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
As part of the strategy to diversify transport and logistics corridors in the region, a new multimodal route has been launched for the delivery of containerized cargo from China to Afghanistan. The new path is designed to be a more efficient alternative to traditional maritime shipping. This was reported by Uztemiryulkonteyner (the container fleet operator of Uzbekistan … [Read more...]
Announce Your Achievements at the WOWBIZ Central Asia Business Solutions Awards
WOW GROUP invites you to participate in the international WOWBIZ Business Awards and Conference, which will take place in Almaty on July 3, 2026. The event brings together and promotes the best implemented projects from companies operating in the Central Asian market. The awards celebrate real-world business solutions across the full … [Read more...]
Beyond Herd Size: What Really Drives Farmers to Formal Markets in Central Asia
Efforts to modernize agriculture in Central Asia often focus on a simple idea: bigger farms perform better and integrate more easily into formal markets. However, research by Rustam Rakhmetov suggests that reality is far more nuanced. In his 2026 study, “Formal Market Participation and Farm Performance: The Case of Cattle Producers in Central Asia,” published in … [Read more...]
Astana 2026: Ecology, Water, and Strategic Convergence in Central Asia
nCa Report In a rare convergence of environmental urgency and geopolitical coordination, Kazakhstan hosted two interlinked high-level gatherings in Astana: Together, these meetings mark a qualitative shift in Central Asian diplomacy—from parallel national approaches toward collective regional frameworks, particularly in the critical domain of water and environmental … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan visits Kazakhstan for Regional Environmental Summit and Aral Sea Meeting
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Astana on April 21 for a working visit that places environmental diplomacy and regional cooperation at the forefront of Central Asia’s agenda. He is in Kazakhstan to take part in two key events: the Regional Environmental Summit and a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea—a body … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s “Green Corridor” Gains Momentum as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan Target Europe
A new regional energy axis is taking shape across Central Asia and the Caspian region, as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan advance plans to export renewable electricity to Europe through the ambitious “Green Corridor” project. The initiative reflects a deepening strategic partnership among the three countries, combining expanding renewable energy capacity with … [Read more...]
EDB: China’s FDI stock in Central Asia has increased over ten years to US $35.9 billion
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has released its second report under the flagship Monitoring of Mutual Investments project. The paper focuses on China, the Eurasian region’s leading investment partner in 2025, and shows that Chinese investment in the region continues to grow steadily despite the global decline in FDI flows. Over the past ten years, this investment has … [Read more...]