Tariq Saeedi The Central Asia Plus (CA+) format has emerged as one of the most dynamic diplomatic frameworks in recent years. What began as a modest initiative has blossomed into a diverse constellation of partnerships, with countries and regional blocs eager to engage with the five Central Asian republics—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and … [Read more...]
Tokyo Declaration: Japan and Central Asia Usher in a New Era of Strategic Partnership (summary+full text)
The inaugural first leaders-level summit of the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue (CA+JAD) concluded in Tokyo today (20 Dec 2025) with the adoption of the Tokyo Declaration, a comprehensive roadmap that elevates ties between Japan and the five Central Asian republics to a deeper, more multifaceted strategic partnership. Japan’s Key Commitments Tokyo pledged to drive 3 … [Read more...]
Historic First Leaders’ Summit Strengthens Japan-Central Asia Ties – Japan announces CA+JAD Tokyo Initiative aimed at industrial advancement in Central Asia
Japan hosted the inaugural leaders-level Summit of the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue (CA+JAD) on December 20 in Tokyo, marking a significant elevation of a six-lateral platform launched in 2004 to promote regional cooperation and development. The meeting was chaired by Japanese Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi. Attendees included: Prime Minister … [Read more...]
Official Visit of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Japan (December 18-20, 2025)
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan arrived in Tokyo on December 18, 2025, for a three-day official visit, coinciding with the inaugural heads-of-state level "Central Asia + Japan" Dialogue (CA+JAD) summit scheduled for December 19-20. This visit marks Tokayev's first official trip to Japan as president and aims to elevate bilateral ties to a "future-oriented … [Read more...]
Central Asia emerges as Powerhouse in Aviation World
Central Asia is quietly becoming a powerhouse in the aviation world, emerging as the fastest-growing market globally over the past two decades, even though it's still the smallest region in terms of total scheduled seats. According to a recent analysis from OAG, the region is on track to offer 33.7 million seats in 2025, fueled by a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%—that's … [Read more...]
China’s Economic Roadmap for 2026: A Pivot Toward Deeper Ties with Central Asia
nCa Report As 2025 draws to a close, China's Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC) has laid out a pragmatic blueprint for the year ahead, emphasizing stability amid domestic slowdowns and global uncertainties (source). The meeting, held in Beijing from December 10 to 11, reaffirmed commitments to boosting domestic demand, stabilizing the property sector, and leaning on … [Read more...]
Belarus Launches Accelerated Rail Route to Iran via Russia and Central Asia
Elvira Kadyrova The largest logistics operator in Belarus, “Beltamozhservice”, has announced the launch of an accelerated container rail service for cargo delivery to Iran. The new route follows the eastern branch of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) through Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. Delivery time is just 13–15 days, making it … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Launches Modernized Border Checkpoints with Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
Elvira Kadyrova Kazakhstan has commissioned two upgraded automobile border checkpoints: "Kazygurt" on the border with Uzbekistan and "Temir-Baba" on the border with Turkmenistan, according to the official website of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan. The upgrades have reduced border crossing times to as little as 30 minutes thanks to the introduction of new … [Read more...]
Tokayev at the International Forum in Ashgabat: Kazakhstan Proposes to Expand the UN Security Council and Create an International Water Organization
President of Kazakhstan Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev, addressing the International Forum on Peace and Trust, underscored the urgent need for reform of the United Nations. He called for the expansion of the Security Council and the strengthening of the role of the General Assembly in global decision‑making. “Despite certain successes in resolving individual conflicts, the overall … [Read more...]
Progress of Telemedicine in Central Asia
As of December 2025 Telemedicine continues to make meaningful strides across Central Asia in 2025, with a clear focus on reducing the urban–rural healthcare gap. All five countries are advancing digital health solutions, though at different paces and scales. The most visible progress is in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, where internationally supported projects are … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Infrastructure Revolution Is Already Underway — Now Let’s Make It the Most Innovative on Earth
Tariq Saeedi Central Asia has done something extraordinary in the past two decades: it has built. --- From the high-speed rail that now links Almaty to Tashkent in hours instead of days, to the gleaming new terminals at Nursultan Nazarbayev and Tashkent International airports, the Turkmenbashy-Farab motorway of Turkmenistan, to the fiber-optic networks that have brought … [Read more...]
OPEC Fund Has Invested Heavily in Central Asia, Kazakhstan Official Says
The OPEC Fund for International Development, a multilateral lender owned by OPEC member states, has directed more than $1.4 billion to development projects across Central Asia over the past 20 years, Kazakhstan’s first deputy minister of national economy, Azamat Amrin, told lawmakers this week. The figure emerged during parliamentary debate on ratification of a framework … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries agree on water limits for 2025–2026
The Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia has approved water intake limits and reservoir operation modes for the non-growing season of 2025–2026. So, for Amu Darya River, the total limit is set at 55.4 billion cubic meters, including 15.9 billion cubic meters for October—April period. Distribution by country: The Aral Sea and Amu Darya delta … [Read more...]
UNRCCA Convenes Fifteenth Annual Meeting with Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asian States in Almaty
The fifteenth annual Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian states, convened by the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), was held in Almaty on 27–28 November 2025. The event gathered the high-level officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Given the continued relevance of … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan Exchange Ideas on Advancing Scientific-Educational and Innovation Cooperation
The state visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Kazakhstan has become a landmark event that gave a powerful impetus to the development of bilateral relations, including in the scientific and educational sphere. This was highlighted by Turkmenistan’s Minister of Education Jumamurat Gurbangeldiyev in an article published in the newspaper … [Read more...]
State Visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan: A New Chapter in Strategic Partnership
On 24–25 November 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov paid a state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The summit talks were held at the Akorda Palace on 25 November, in a narrow and an expanded formats with the participation of official delegations. Both leaders emphasized the special closeness of … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Sign Agreement to Build Fiber Optic Link, Boosting Regional Digital Connectivity
On the sidelines of the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Kazakhstan, a bilateral meeting was held between the Minister of Communications of Turkmenistan, Hajimurat Hudayguliyev, and the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, Zhassulan Madiyev, as well as Vice Minister … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Forge Closer Economic Ties, Focus on $1 Billion Trade and New Transit Corridors
Deputy Prime Ministers of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan met in Astana today to accelerate economic partnership, setting their sights on a $1 billion trade target and securing vital logistics routes. Serik Zhumangarin, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, held discussions with Khodjamyrat Geldimyradov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers … [Read more...]
Food Security and Joint Research discussed by Agriculture Ministers of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan
A meeting between Turkmenistan’s Minister of Agriculture Charyyar Chetiyev and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov took place in Astana on 24 November 2025. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture, the parties discussed the current state of bilateral cooperation and prospects for its expansion in key areas of the agro-industrial … [Read more...]
Caspian Governors Meet in Rasht to Forge ‘Bridge for Friendship and Regional Development’
The inaugural Meeting of Governors of Coastal Provinces of the Caspian Sea Littoral States opened on Tuesday (18 Nov) in Rasht, the capital of Iran’s northern Gilan province, under the motto “Caspian: A Bridge for Friendship and Regional Development.” Hosted by Iran, the two-day forum brought together governors and high-level delegations from all five Caspian littoral … [Read more...]
Central Asian Leaders Forge ‘New Era’ of Unity in Tashkent, Welcoming Azerbaijan Into the Fold
nCa Report In a historic gathering that reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Eurasia, the presidents of five Central Asian nations convened on 16 November 2025 for the seventh consultative meeting of regional heads of state, unanimously admitting Azerbaijan as a full member and laying the groundwork for deeper economic, security and cultural integration. The summit, … [Read more...]
C5+1 Washington Summit: The Buttons align with the Buttonholes
Tariq Saeedi President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan at the C5+1 summit in Washington, DC, on November 6, 2025. According to the early reports, here are the main outcomes of the summit: * * * The outcomes, as we know from the early reports, are encouraging in that they build on the … [Read more...]
Rubio announces plans to visit all five Central Asian nations next year
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his intention to visit all five Central Asian countries in the coming year, signaling a renewed commitment to deepening ties with the region. Speaking at a welcome reception hosted at the State Department on 5 November, Rubio addressed foreign ministers from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, along with the … [Read more...]
Central Asia Economic Outlook 2025: A Comprehensive Survey of Macroeconomic Indicators and Projections
Editor’s Note: This report is experimental in nature. We have taken the data from IMF, World Bank, ADB, EBRD, and EDB and attempted to arrive at mean economic indicators. All of these financial institutions have their own methodologies because of the differences in their particular focus. This leads to the economic indicators being assessed differently by the different … [Read more...]
The C5+1 Summit in Washington: Toward Forging an Inclusive U.S.-Central Asia Partnership
Tariq Saeedi The recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, on October 30 feels like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise tense international landscape. Their bilateral talks led to breakthroughs on tariffs, rare earth minerals, and trade disputes, fostering a palpable mood of reconciliation that could … [Read more...]
Qatar-Kazakhstan Energy Partnership: Major Gas Infrastructure Projects Move Forward
nCa Report A Qatar-based investor has finalized agreements with Kazakhstan's national gas company and government to undertake seven major energy projects, including a second natural gas pipeline that will boost exports to China and supply gas to energy-deficient regions across the Central Asian country. UCC Holding, a subsidiary of Qatar's Power International Holding, … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan, Afghanistan Advance Industrial Cooperation, Plan New Transit Corridor
The third Kazakhstan–Afghanistan Business Forum and Afghan Goods Exhibition opened in Shymkent on Oct. 28, bringing together more than 180 Afghan entrepreneurs and representatives from both governments to expand trade, industrial cooperation, and humanitarian partnership. The event was attended by Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik … [Read more...]
“Friendship is an inexhaustible treasure”: Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan Hosts Reception for Republic Day
On 25 October 2025, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan, Nurlan Nogayev, hosted a reception in Ashgabat to mark his country’s national holiday—Republic Day. DPM Khodjamurad Geldymuradov, who oversees the financial and economic sector, attended as the chief guest, representing the Turkmenistan government. Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Nogayev highlighted … [Read more...]
Samarkand hosted the first meeting of defense ministers of Central Asian states
On 20 October 2025, the first-ever meeting of defense ministers of Central Asian states was held in Samarkand, as reported by Uzbekistan’s National Information Agency UzA. At the beginning of the session, a message from the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was presented to the participants. The message emphasized that in recent years, … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Receives Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan: Focus on Trade, Economic, and Transport Cooperation
On 17 October 2025, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Galymzhan Koishybayev, Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Government Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the beginning of the meeting, Koishybayev conveyed greetings from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan to the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people. In turn, … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Rice Report
nCa Report Key Points on Rice in Central Asia Annual Consumption Evidence leans toward total regional consumption of about 1 million tons in recent years, with per-country estimates based on population and per capita data. For instance, Kyrgyzstan's consumption is around 50,000 tons (Statista: CIS Rice Consumption by Country), reflecting lower reliance on … [Read more...]
Kyrgyzstan hosted 3rd Central Asia-India Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils/National Security Advisers
On 16 October, in Bishkek, the third Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils/National Security Advisers in the Central Asia and India format was held under the chairmanship of the Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic Baktybek Bekbolotov. This multilateral format is a continuation of broad regional cooperation in the interests of peace … [Read more...]
Report: State of E-Commerce in Central Asia
nCa Report Editor’s Note: There are certain shortcomings in this report, mainly because quite a bit of the related information and data is not available on the net. Some of the information is behind the firewalls. The difference in methodologies among the data sources is another factor. For the collation and augmentation of information and for the general heavy … [Read more...]
Digital Bridge 2025 Astana: Kazakhstan’s Leadership in the Digital Era
Derya Soysal President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev opened the Digital Bridge 2025 International Tech Forum on Oct. 2, stressing that artificial intelligence (AI) must serve humanity in a responsible and inclusive manner. The Digital Bridge International Forum took place on Oct. 2–4 in Astana. It is the largest international technology forum in Central Eurasia focused on digital … [Read more...]
The Taste of Diplomacy: How Tajikistan Charmed Leaders of Central Asian and Russia with a Spectacular Harvest Display
On 9 October 2025, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon hosted an informal gathering—a "friendship evening"—for the heads of state participating in the Central Asia–Russia Summit and the CIS Summit at the government residence in Dushanbe. A vibrant exhibition of Tajikistan’s agricultural products and national cuisine was organized in the picturesque setting of the … [Read more...]
A firm commitment to partnership and alliance: Putin on Strengthening Russia-Central Asia Ties
On October 9, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the second Central Asia–Russia summit in Dushanbe, reaffirming Russia's dedication to strengthening strategic partnerships and alliances with Central Asian states—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The speech highlighted the immense potential for economic cooperation, outlining key … [Read more...]
Transport, Nuclear Energy, Industrial Cooperation: Uzbekistan’s President Names Partnership Priorities for Central Asia and Russia
At Dushanbe Summit on Thursday, 9 October 2025, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev called on the countries of Central Asia and Russia for closer coordination and cooperation in the six-sided format, urged by "growing geopolitical tension and crisis phenomena in the world economy." In this context, the leader of Uzbekistan outlined his vision for the prospects of … [Read more...]
Trade, Transport, Energy, and Security: Initiatives of the President of Kazakhstan at the Central Asia – Russia Summit
Trade with Russia accounts for one-third of the total trade turnover of the Central Asian countries, announced President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev while addressing the Central Asia – Russia Summit in Tajikistan. "It is gratifying that the situation in the Central Asian region itself has evolved in recent years towards political solidarity, economic cooperation, and … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Russia Summit: Kyrgyz President Highlights Positive Shift in Central Asian Security Situation
For Kyrgyzstan, the Central Asian countries and Russia invariably remain key partners. This format serves as a practical tool for deepening comprehensive partnership, stated President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic at the Second Central Asia – Russia Summit in Dushanbe. Speaking about the current international situation, Sadyr Japarov noted that the meeting was … [Read more...]
President of Tajikistan Chaired the Second “Central Asia–Russia” Summit in Dushanbe
On 9 October 2025, under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, the Second “Central Asia–Russia” Summit was held at the Government Residence in Dushanbe. The summit brought together the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Russian … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Russia Summit: Turkmenistan’s President Calls for a Return Civilized Communication in International Relations
On 9 October 2025, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the Second Central Asia – Russia Summit in Dushanbe, which was held under the chairmanship of Tajikistan. President Berdimuhamedov underscored the importance of the Second Summit as a step towards transitioning cooperation in this format onto a systemic basis, reflecting an objective process … [Read more...]
Communiqué of the Dushanbe Summit: Central Asia and Russia Reaffirm Commitment to Multipolarity and Strategic Partnership
On 9 October 2025, the Central Asia–Russia Summit was held in Dushanbe under the chairmanship of President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. The summit was attended by the heads of state of Central Asia and Russia: President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, … [Read more...]
Report: China and Central Asia Railway Connections
nCa-AI Collaborative Report Key Points Current Railway Connections The primary links are at Alashankou-Dostyk and Khorgos-Altynkol, both on the China-Kazakhstan border. These handle the vast majority of rail cargo between China and Central Asia. A third crossing, Bakhty-Chuguchak, is being developed to increase capacity. No direct rail connections exist yet to … [Read more...]
National Leader of Turkmenistan Calls for Coordinated Action by OTS on Global Stage
At the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held in Gabala on 7 October 2025, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, delivered a speech emphasizing key aspects of cooperation among Turkic states and Turkmenistan’s role in promoting peace, stability, and cultural … [Read more...]
OTS Summit: Turkic States Adopt Gabala Declaration, Pledge Deeper Strategic Partnership, Establish OTS+ cooperation mechanism
Hosted by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held on 7 October 2025 in Gabala under the theme “Regional Peace and Security.” The Summit was attended by: The Chairman and Members of the Council of Elders of the OTS, as well as the Heads of the Turkic Cooperation Organizations, were also in … [Read more...]
Central Asia Wheat Situation Report: Season 2024-2025
nCa Report Executive Summary The wheat situation in Central Asia for the 2024-2025 agricultural season presents a generally positive outlook despite significant climate challenges. The region successfully completed autumn sowing under favorable conditions, achieved average to above-average harvests in most countries, and experienced robust export demand, particularly from … [Read more...]
Dushanbe to host CIS and “Central Asia–Russia” Summits
On 9–10 October 2025, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, will host a series of high-level meetings in the formats of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Central Asia: • Summit of Heads of State in the “Central Asia–Russia” format• Meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State• Meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers On 9 October, the Presidents of Tajikistan, … [Read more...]
Central Asian Leaders at UN General Assembly: Urgent Call to Protect Glaciers and Water Resources
At the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Central Asian leaders issued a stark warning about the rapid melting of glaciers, which threatens water and food security for millions. The Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan proposed bold initiatives, including international forums and new institutions, to avert an impending … [Read more...]
ADB Cuts Developing Asia Growth Outlook Amid Trade Tensions, But Central Asia Stays Robust
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is trimming its growth outlook for developing Asia and the Pacific by 0.1 and 0.2 percentage points for this year and next, respectively, amid the emergence of a new global trade environment, shaped by tariffs and updated trade agreements. Economies in the region are projected to grow by 4.8% this year and 4.5% next year, according … [Read more...]
Political Evolution of Kazakhstan
The turmoil of January 2022 posed a significant and unique challenge for Kazakhstan. After the situation was brought under control, analysts both domestically and internationally voiced concerns that the political system might shift toward stricter governance and tightened control, as is common following political crises.However, time has proven these concerns unfounded. … [Read more...]