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...]
Kazakhstan: Advancing Toward Democratic Progress
Kazakhstan has navigated a series of transformative challenges in recent years that could have prompted a retreat from reformist ambitions. Under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s leadership, the nation has encountered significant disruptions, both global and domestic, with the events of January 2022 standing out as a pivotal moment. While such crises often lead to stricter … [Read more...]
VIII Congress of World Religions Convened in Kazakhstan to Forge ‘Synergy for the Future’ Amid Global Tensions
Introduction The VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions convened in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on September 17-18, 2025. Chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, this international forum brought together more than 100 delegations from approximately 60 countries. Participants included spiritual leaders from major faiths such as Islam, … [Read more...]
EBRD gives positive outlook for Central Asian economies
Anton Usov The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) expects the Central Asian economies of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to grow by 6.1 per cent on average in 2025, according to its latest Regional Economic Prospects report. This solid growth is supported by strong industrial output, robust domestic … [Read more...]
3rd Central Asia Inter-Parliamentary Forum Held in Bishkek
On 23 September 2025, the 3rd Inter-Parliamentary Forum of Central Asian States was held in Bishkek under the theme “Parliaments of Central Asian Countries: Effective Solutions for Comprehensive Regional Development.” Opening the forum, Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament of Kyrgyzstan) Nurlanbek Shakiev emphasized that in a short period, the forum has become the … [Read more...]
Central Asia: Where Privilege Meets Global Responsibility
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova In the vast expanse of the Eurasian landmass, Central Asia occupies a position that is both geographically central and strategically pivotal. This region, encompassing Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, possesses a constellation of unique characteristics that distinguish it from any other part of the … [Read more...]
Second Ministerial Dialogue “Central Asia + Japan” on Economy and Energy Held in Tokyo
On 16 September 2025, the Second Ministerial Dialogue on Economy and Energy in the “Central Asia + Japan” format took place in Tokyo, chaired by Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Yoji Muto. The meeting brought together high-level representatives from Central Asian countries and Japan: - Yoji Muto, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan; - … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Hosts Meeting of the Working Group on Caspian Sea Issues
On 15 September 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan launched the eleventh session of the High-Level Working Group (HLWG) on Caspian Sea issues. Delegations from Turkmenistan (headed by M.G. Atajanov), the Republic of Azerbaijan (headed by S.A. Sharifov), the Islamic Republic of Iran (headed by K.G. Abadi), the Republic of Kazakhstan (headed by Z.A. … [Read more...]
The EU flagship initiative Border Management Programme in Central Asia holds the Closing Conference of the 10th Phase in Kyrgyzstan
On 5 September 2025, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) marked the completion of its 10th phase with a Closing Conference held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The conference served as the final milestone in the Programme’s journey, drawing conclusions, reviewing achievements and discussing the future direction of EU–Central Asia cooperation in the … [Read more...]
Tashkent hosts First Ever International Forum of Children’s Ombudsmen of Central Asian Countries
On 11–12 September 2025, Tashkent is hosting the first ever International Forum of Central Asian Commissioners for Children’s Rights under the title of “Current issues in strengthening mechanisms for the protection of children's rights in Central Asian countries: regional cooperation among Children's Rights Commissioners.” The event is organized by the Children’s Ombudsman of … [Read more...]
EDB and India Exim Bank Analyze Trade and Investment Relations Between India and Central Asia
Mutual trade between India and Central Asian countries has grown from $500 million in 2010 to $1.7 billion, following an upward trajectory. This is highlighted in an analytical report titled “Exploring Trade and Investment Relations between India and Central Asia: Unlocking Economic Benefits.” The report was jointly prepared by the Eurasian Development Bank (EABR) and the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Strengthen Interregional Ties
A delegation from Turkmenistan's Balkan province, led by the governor Khojamyrat Ashirmyradov, paid a visit to Kazakhstan's Mangystau region. During the visit, a meeting was held on 28 August with the Akim (governor) of the region, Nurdaulet Kilybay. According to the press service of the Akim of the Mangystau region, the parties discussed the Strategic Partnership … [Read more...]
Roadmap to Boost Trade: How Bishkek and Astana Strengthen Economic Ties
On 22 August 2025, during the official visit of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Kyrgyz Republic and summit talks with President Sadyr Japarov, a series of bilateral documents were signed aimed at further strengthening cooperation between the two countries across various domains, from economy and trade to culture and security. This recent … [Read more...]
From Zhanaozen to Turkmenistan: Major Road Modernization to Boost Trade and Tourism Ties Between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan
In Kazakhstan’s Mangistau Region, which borders Turkmenistan, a large-scale modernization of the highway connecting the city of Zhanaozen to the Turkmen-Kazakh border has started, according to the “24KZ” TV channel. The 164-kilometer-long road is a vital transportation artery linking Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Medium-level repairs are being carried out on 114 kilometers of … [Read more...]