BY AIBARSHYN AKHMETKALI --- 28 FEBRUARY 2024 ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in a teleconference launching the transportation and logistics terminal in Chinese Xi’an, a joint project between Kazakhstan and China, on Feb. 28, reported Akorda press service. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev launched the logistics terminal in Chinese Xi’an and … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan Discuss Collaboration in Horse Breeding
On 23 February 2024, the Turkmen Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Batyr Rejepov, met with Bakytzhan Turlybekov, head of the Republican Equestrian Federation "JORYQ," according to the Turkmen diplomatic mission. During the meeting, Ambassador Rejepov highlighted steps Turkmenistan is taking to develop the domestic horse breeding industry, enhance the global recognition of Akhal-Teke … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Aims to Boost Transcaspian and North-South Transport Corridors
Kazakhstan is taking a proactive approach to enhance the capacity and efficiency of two critical transport corridors: the North-South corridor and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). These efforts involve both internal strategies and international collaboration. To improve service, reduce cargo delivery time and provide services on the principle of a … [Read more...]
Business Mission to Astana Paves the Way for Increased Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan cooperation
On February 19-23, 2024, a business mission of Turkmen entrepreneurs took place in Astana, Embassy of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan reports. A delegation of Turkmen businessmen visited the capital of Kazakhstan. Representatives of the textile industry and the production of building materials of Turkmenistan spent three days studying the huge investment potential of Astana and … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Regional Gas Landscape – Current Narrative
Elvira Kadyrova The gas landscape in Central Asia is complex and constantly evolving. The current situation relies on exports-imports of natural gas at least from three of the five countries in the region. What does the current gas landscape look like in this part of Eurasia and what agreements will determine gas relations in the future today? Uzbekistan plans to invest … [Read more...]
Astana Hosts Scientific and Creative Event Honoring Turkmen Poet Magtymguly Fragi
On 20 February 2024, a distinguished gathering convened in Astana, Kazakhstan, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of renowned Turkmen poet Magtymguly Fragi. Held at the National Center for Manuscripts and Rare Books, the event combined scientific discourse with artistic expression, fostering deeper appreciation for Magtymguly's enduring legacy, the Embassy of … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan is interested in building a prosperous and peaceful region and in the sustainable development of Central Asia, says Murat Nurtleu
Kazakhstan is interested in building a prosperous and peaceful region and in the sustainable development of the Central Asian countries, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu said at a meeting with Kaha Imnadze, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Eyes Turkmenistan, Latvia as Alternatives for Troubled Road Freight Routes
Facing hurdles in European road freight transport, Kazakhstan explores alternative routes via Turkmenistan and Latvia. The proposal came from deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament Bolatbek Nazhmetdinuly during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin. According to the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, by the end of 2023, the total volume of road … [Read more...]
OSCE-led field visit to Valencia port empowers Black Sea and Caspian Sea ports to accelerate sustainable connectivity and energy transition
Driven by the importance of enhancing the safety, resilience, and sustainability of supply chains between Asia and Europe, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities conducted a two-day field visit to the Port of Valencia for seaport experts from Azerbaijan (port of Baku), Georgia (port of Batumi), Kazakhstan (ports of Aktau and Kuryk), and … [Read more...]
Turkmen delegation from the Ministry of Culture visited Kazakhstan
A Turkmen delegation from the Ministry of Culture undertook a visit to Kazakhstan from 15 to 16 February 2024. Meetings with Kazakhstan's Ministry of Culture and Information, Astana governorate and the Turkmen Embassy fostered closer cultural cooperation. During the meeting with Vice Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan Yerbol Alikulov, Ambassador of … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan to Celebrate Cultures with Reciprocal Events
During a meeting on 16 February, Ambassador Batyr Rejepov of Turkmenistan and Yerbol Alikulov, Vice Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan, discussed upcoming cultural exchange events. Representatives from both nations confirmed plans to host Days of Culture events in each other's countries later this year. Turkmenistan will showcase its vibrant culture in … [Read more...]
Central Asia experiences a turning point, says President of Kazakhstan
Central Asia is experiencing a turning point in its history, and the region's political and economic contacts have noticeably intensified, believes the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. "We are forming a new image of Central Asia, a region that has played an important role in the development of civilizations since ancient times, and also opens up unique … [Read more...]
Tokayev’s first state visit to Qatar – Kazakhstan and Qatar inked 9 agreements and commercial deals worth $ 18 billion
On 13-14 February 2024, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made his first state visit to Qatar. In Doha, the head of Kazakhstan met with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as with the Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Tokayev also had a series of meetings with representatives of Qatari business, took part … [Read more...]
UN Women Tashkent Consultations: Central Asia’s potential for achieving gender equality under the spotlight
The potential and opportunities for Central Asia to achieve gender equality were explored in-depth at consultations held in Tashkent on 12 February. The event, titled "Empowering women and girls, as well as ensuring gender equality by addressing poverty, strengthening mechanisms and gender-oriented financing," was jointly organized by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan hosts the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
On 12 February 2024, the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) kicked off in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, under the slogan "Nature knows no borders". The Forum brought together more than 1,800 participants from 130 countries to solve one of the most pressing problems affecting the entire … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Delivers 2,000 Tons of Liquefied Gas to Kyrgyzstan as Humanitarian Aid
On February 5, 2024, a shipment of 2,000 tons of liquefied gas (57 tank wagons) arrived at the Shopokov railway station in Kyrgyzstan. This humanitarian aid, sent upon the initiative of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was provided free of charge by Turkmenistan in response to the recent accident at the Bishkek CHP plant. Representatives from the Kyrgyz Ministry of Energy, … [Read more...]
Afghanistan Eyes Balanced Trade with Central Asia
In 2023, Afghanistan imported about $1.4 billion worth of goods from Central Asian countries, while the country exported goods worth $100 million, TOLOnews reports, citing the Afghan Ministry of Industry and Trade. According to the ministry's spokesman Akhundzada Abdul Salam Javad, the country's main exports to Central Asia are fresh fruits, dried fruits, while attempts are … [Read more...]
Turkish Giant Rönesans Expands to Central Asia, First PPP Hospital Project in Kazakhstan Underway
Leading Turkish contracting and investment group Rönesans, expecting €3.3 billion revenue in 2023, outlined its ambitious expansion plans focusing on Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. In 2023, Rönesans deepened its relationships with international partners and embarked on several new collaborations and investments, showcasing its successful … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Modernizes Customs Posts on the Border with Turkmenistan, China and Uzbekistan
The Government of Kazakhstan is launching a full-scale modernization of checkpoints on the border with China, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This was announced by Vice Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Birzhanov during a press conference at the Central Communications Service under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. These measures are being … [Read more...]
European and international financial institutions announce €10 billion commitment to support sustainable connectivity in Central Asia
The Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity started today (29 January 2024) in Brussels. The event brings together government officials, financing institutions, businesses and civil society from Europe, all five Central Asian countries, and beyond. European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis announced that European and … [Read more...]
EBRD posts strong operational results in Central Asia in 2023
Anton Usov The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invested more than €1.2 billion (US$ 1.3 billion) in projects across Central Asia in 2023 to stimulate the region’s sustainable and inclusive growth, which is expected to continue at a pace of 5.9 per cent in 2024. Last year the Bank financed more than 100 projects in sectors including renewable energy, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Joins Regional Efforts to Expand Trans-Caspian Trade Route
Representatives from Turkmenistan, alongside officials from other Central Asian nations and international organizations, gathered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 25-26 January 2024, for the third meeting on expanding the Trans-Caspian Trade Route (TCTR). The Turkmen Logistics Association, Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan (TULM), and several transport and logistics … [Read more...]
Italy Proposes Aral Sea Restoration Project to Central Asia
An Italian engineering company has unveiled a project to revive the Aral Sea basin, offering hope for environmental recovery in Central Asia where the sea's shrinkage stands as a major crisis. President Roberto Mantovanelli and CEO Errico Stravato of SOGESID presented the initiative to ambassadors of Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan at the Ministry for … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Pakistan are discussing options for transport connectivity – one of the routes runs through Turkmenistan
Kazakhstan and Pakistan are considering various options for transport connectivity in order to create an effective transport and logistics system that could play a critical role in enhancing economic relations. Vice Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan Talgat Lastaev met with First Deputy Minister of Communications, Railways and Maritime Affairs of Pakistan Syed Mazhar Ali Shah … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Gears Up for Second Phase of Northern Aral Sea Restoration Project
Kazakhstan is preparing to launch the second phase of the project to restore the Northern Aral Sea. Having completed a feasibility study that's currently under state expertise, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation is setting the stage for further collaboration with the World Bank. This renewed partnership builds on significant progress achieved in 2023, with over 2 … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Agency for International Development “KazAID” offers educational programs to civil servants from Central Asia
The Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID) is forging strong connections across Central Asia by offering valuable educational opportunities for civil servants. In a recent briefing attended by representatives from embassies of Central Asian countries, KazAID unveiled its 2024 program lineup, showcasing initiatives designed to enhance governance and regional … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Hopes to Save the Aral Lake
Prof. Dr. Abdulvahap kara Efforts to save the Aral Sea, which constitutes one of the world's biggest ecological disasters, continue. Kazakhstan took over the presidency of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), which has increased its activities in this regard in recent years. As of January 2024. Kazakhstan will fulfill this duty for a period of three … [Read more...]
Tokayev visited Rome: Kazakhstan and Italy Chart Course for Enhanced Trade and Investment Cooperation
Kazakhstan is Italy's main economic partner in Central Asia, and Italy is Kazakhstan's largest trading partner in the European Union and one of the leading investors in Kazakhstan’s economy. --- underscored President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and Giorgia Meloni, the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy in their joint statement, adopted in Rome on 18 January … [Read more...]
Central Asia not circumventing Western sanctions
Raza Syed The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is forcing the whole world to adapt to a new political and economic reality. Sanctions, counter-sanctions, and the breakdown of existing production and logistics chains are becoming a serious challenge for some, and a matter of survival for other states. The countries of Central Asia are also deeply affected by this … [Read more...]
40% of investments in the economy of Kazakhstan come from the European Union
About 40% of the attracted investments in the economy of Kazakhstan come from the countries of the European Union. This was stated by Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov at a meeting with Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas, held in Astana on 15 January. During the meeting, the sides discussed issues of increasing trade turnover, attracting … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan discussed prospects for cultural and humanitarian cooperation
On 11 January 2024, Ambassador of Turkmenistan Batyr Rejepov met with Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan Balayeva Aida. During this meeting, the parties discussed a number of bilateral issues of cultural and humanitarian cooperation and touched upon the issues of developing promising areas of collaboration. In particular, the parties exchanged views on the … [Read more...]
A Decade of Booming Trade: China-Kazakhstan Logistics Base Surpasses 500,000 TEUs
For the past ten years, the China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base has been a driving force in cross-border trade, exceeding a significant milestone by handling over 500,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) transported via China-Europe freight trains, according to Xinhua. This achievement marks a testament to the success of the Belt and Road Initiative, … [Read more...]
Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong Meets with Ambassadors of the Five Central Asian Countries to China
On January 11, 2024, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong held a group meeting with ambassadors of the five Central Asian countries to China. Sun Weidong said that the five Central Asian countries are China's close neighbors and comprehensive strategic partners. Over the past decade, President Xi Jinping has maintained close exchanges with heads of state of the Central Asian … [Read more...]
Greening the Aral Sea: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Lead the Way
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, two Central Asian nations deeply affected by the Aral Sea's environmental tragedy, are spearheading remarkable efforts to green the vast, exposed seabed. Their determined strides in reforestation hold immense promise for mitigating the ecological disaster's negative impact on the region and beyond. Kazakhstan has set a target for 2024: sowing 275,000 … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan to reconstruct a customs post on the border with Kazakhstan
In January 2024, Turkmenistan will begin the reconstruction of the Garabogaz customs post on the border of Turkmenistan with Kazakhstan. The corresponding decree was signed by the President of Turkmenistan on 29 December 2023. The project is aimed at expanding the territory of the checkpoint, re-equipping and increasing its capacity. As part of the project, it is planned to … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Seeks Access to Pakistani Seaports to Boost Trade
Kazakhstan is interested in gaining access to Pakistani seaports, such as Gwadar and Karachi, to promote exports to the markets of Pakistan and South Asia and to increase the attractiveness of the transit potential of the two countries in entering the markets of the Persian Gulf and East Africa. This was stated by the Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Arman … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Commissions Major Gas Field, Securing Domestic Energy Future
Friday, 22 December 2023, marked the historic commissioning of the Rozhkovskoye gas condensate field, a giant in western part of Kazakhstan that promises to forge regional development and strengthen domestic energy security through its immense hydrocarbon reserves. The field is being developed by a joint venture, which includes KazMunaiGas (50%), the Hungarian company MOL … [Read more...]
Russian Railways extend discounts on transportation on the eastern branch of the North-South corridor
The Board of Russian Railways has decided to extend for 2024 the previously introduced discounts for the transportation of a wide range of goods. In particular, 20% discounts are extended for export-import container shipments through Russian-Kazakhstan border crossings, provided that the cargo also passes through the Bolashak – Serkhetyaka border crossing between Kazakhstan … [Read more...]
EDB: mutual direct investments among Central Asian countries grow at 9.2% per year on average over the past seven years
The volume of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Central Asia is estimated at US$ 1.1 billion by the end of the H1 2023, marking a 1.8-fold increase from 2016. This is stated in the report of the Eurasian Development Bank "EDB Monitoring of Mutual Investments 2023". EDB analysts note that by mid-2023, the volume of FDI from Eurasian countries reached US$48.8 billion, … [Read more...]
Russia aims to strengthen partnership, alliance and good neighborliness with Central Asia
Russia sees its main task as pursuing a balanced policy aimed at strengthening partnership, alliance and good-neighborliness, and preserving its role as a key partner of the Central Asian states. The statement came from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin during his remarks at parliament’s meeting devoted to the geopolitical importance of the Central Asian region … [Read more...]
Weaving a Brighter Future: Women Artisans of Central Asia Unveiled
The "Women Artisans of Central Asia: A Lookbook Journey," a new publication launched by USAID features the exceptional work of 50 women artisans from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, each piece a testament to their vibrant cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship. The Lookbook offers a gateway to amazing variety of hand-woven … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan will continue to strengthen mutual understanding and expand cooperation in all fields, says President Serdar Berdimuhamedov
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan, celebrated annually on 16 December. "Kazakhstan has traditionally been a reliable friend and partner of Turkmenistan. Our cooperation continues to strengthen and develop thanks to regular high-level … [Read more...]
Central Asian Emergency Services Learn from German Climate Risk Management
Representatives of emergency services from across Central Asia recently embarked on a learning journey to Germany, gaining firsthand insights into the country's advanced approach to climate risk management, “Neutral Turkmenistan” newspaper reports. This tour, organized by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) under the "Climate Risk Management in Central … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Businessmen agreed to hold a bilateral business forum in 2024
In the first decade of December, a delegation from Kazakhstan successfully completed a four-day business mission to Turkmenistan. Organized by the Diplomatic Club "Astana" with the support of the Embassy of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan, the mission aimed to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. The delegation members visited Ashgabat, Mary, Arkadag, Turkmenbashi, … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Supports Turkmenistan’s Efforts to Strengthen Peace and Stability
Kazakhstan has expressed its strong support for Turkmenistan's efforts to strengthen peace and stability in the Central Asian region. During a meeting of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development, held in Ashgabat, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Alibek Bakayev, lauded Turkmenistan's positive neutrality as a key … [Read more...]
EBRD launches Youth in Business programme in Central Asia
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is addressing the issue of youth entrepreneurship and employment in Central Asia by launching a seven-year €200 million (US$ 218 million) Youth in Business programme. It is designed to provide better access to finance and relevant training to young entrepreneurs in the region, where up to one third of the population is … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan’s Cargo Carriers Divert Routes to Turkmenistan and Iran Amid EU Border Closures
Kazakhstan’s cargo carriers bound for Europe are reorienting their routes to Turkmenistan and Iran to ensure unhindered transit. This was announced by Vice Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan Satzhan Ablaliyev at a government meeting on Tuesday, 5 December 2023. Ablaliyev noted a positive trend in recent years, with Kazakhstani carriers increasing their share in the EU cargo … [Read more...]
Iranian Foreign Minister urges to step up work on defining baselines in the Caspian Sea
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian called on his colleagues from the Caspian countries to step up work on defining baselines in the Caspian Sea for further delineation of internal waters. "The convention on the legal status of the Caspian Sea, signed in Kazakhstan, defines the rights, duties and general framework of cooperation between the five coastal countries … [Read more...]
Deepening cooperation between the Caspian littoral states is relevant in the context of forming a multipolar world order, says Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted the huge potential for the development of the Caspian region in trade, economic, environmental, scientific, humanitarian, transport and transit spheres. "Deepening practical cooperation between the Caspian states is also relevant in a broader sense: in the context of forming a multipolar world order and strengthening the positions … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan supports the creation of an arms control mechanism in the Caspian basin
The need to create an arms control mechanism in the Caspian Sea basin was emphasized by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu during a meeting of foreign ministers of the Caspian littoral states (Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan) in Moscow, on 5 December 2023. "The Kazakhstan Foreign Minister also noted that … [Read more...]