President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sent a letter to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in which he expressed his deep respect and recognition of his contribution to the development of relations between the two countries. In his letter, Tokayev noted the high … [Read more...]
Trans-Caspian TIR pilot boosts global lithium-ion battery supply chains
The first Trans-Caspian corridor shipment of lithium-ion batteries from China to Türkiye under the TIR system has demonstrated the potential for faster trade by significantly reducing transport times. A pilot TIR operation via the Trans-Caspian route saw ten trucks operated by Chinese hauliers carry lithium-ion batteries from China’s Alashankou border crossing to … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan mainstreaming e-commerce through legislative adjustments – volumes grow
Kazakhstan continues to structuralize the space for e-commerce, protecting the interests of the consumers and creating a level playing field for all. The sector is thriving. Kazinform reports that the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan plans to tighten requirements for online platforms. The head of the department, Arman Shakkaliev, commented on … [Read more...]
EBRD sets an investment record in Central Asia
Anton Usov The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has set a new operational record in Central Asia by investing €2.26 billion through 121 projects in six regional economies last year – almost doubling its annual investment in Central Asia compared with 2023. It also mobilised €784 million from co-financiers, thus bringing more than €3 billion into the … [Read more...]
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan discussed issues on the bilateral agenda
On 16 January 2025, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov held a telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu. During the conversation, the foreign ministers discussed the state and prospects for further development of bilateral and … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan account for 95% of Central Asia’s total GDP, EDB says
The three largest economies — Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan — account for 95% of Central Asia’s total GDP and are net exporters of hydrocarbons, says Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) in the reports titled “Macroeconomic Forecasts 2025-2027”. In 2024, Central Asia’s nominal GDP could exceed $500bn. According to our estimates, it will increase by more than 10% and … [Read more...]
QazaqGaz and ADNOC aim for joint exploration in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan
Sanjar Zharkeshov, Chairman of the Management Board of JSC NC QazaqGaz, held a meeting with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Executive Vice President for International Development By Mohammed Al-Aryani. The parties discussed issues of cooperation in joint exploration projects in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. QazaqGaz expressed its willingness to offer transparent and … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Launches New Phase of Aral Sea Greening Project
A new stage of greening of the drained bottom of the Aral Sea launched in Kazakhstan as part of the implementation of a large-scale program to restore the ecosystem of the Aral Sea. The Ministry of Ecology, Geology, and Natural Resources has signed an agreement with the KATCO joint venture, comprising French state-owned Orano Mining SA and Kazakh company Kazatomprom, along … [Read more...]
Tokayev on Kazakhstan’s foreign policy: balancing interests, strengthening cooperation and finding new opportunities
Kazakhstan, recognized as a middle power on the world stage, strives to play an active and constructive role in solving global problems, supporting the principles of the United Nations and advocating multilateral cooperation. The country is a consistent supporter of the United Nations, considering this organization to be an alternative platform for tackling global challenges, … [Read more...]
Reconciling nature conservation and tourism – opportunities and challenges in Kazakhstan
Anton Genza Tourism accounts for over 9% of global gross domestic product worldwide; in Kazakhstan, it accounts for just over 3%, according to the latest report from the World Travel & Tourism Council from 2023. But what are the prospects for the Kazakh tourism industry and what challenges does it face today? Kazakhstan is becoming an increasingly popular vacation … [Read more...]
In Kazakhstan, robot dogs will ensure safety in mines
A unique robotic complex, a robot dog, designed to improve industrial safety in mines, was presented at the Astana Hub Technopark, Kazinform news agency reports. Developed by the Department of Development and Innovation at the Almaty branch of the autonomous cluster fund "Park of Innovative Technologies," this cutting-edge robot is specifically engineered to navigate mines … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan took part in the informal CIS summit in Russia
On Wednesday, 25 December 2024, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the informal summit of the CIS heads of state, which was held in the Leningrad Region, Russia. The summit was also attended by President of Russia Vladimir Putin, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan expressed condolences to Azerbaijan
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has sent condolences to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in connection with the numerous human casualties and injuries caused by the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane. On behalf of the people and the Government of the country, as well as on his own behalf, the President of Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan’s dream of self-sufficient energy
Anton Genza On October 6, Kazakhstan held a referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant to counteract the country's energy deficit. The Central Asian country has set itself the goal of becoming CO2-neutral by 2060, yet it is one of the world's largest coal-producing countries. How does that fit together? Room for improvement with regard to energy supply The … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan to Establish Single Operator for Aviation Fuel and Upgrade Transport Infrastructure
Kazakhstan plans to designate KazMunayGas-Aero as the single operator for aviation fuel to address shortages and reduce dependency on imports, Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev said at a Dec. 23 meeting in the Mazhilis, a lower house of Parliament, reported Mazhilis’s press service. According to Karabayev, enabling large purchases will eliminate intermediaries, stabilize … [Read more...]
New Building of Kazakhstan’s Consulate Opens in Turkmenbashi
On 18 December 2024, a solemn ceremony marked the opening of the new building of the Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Turkmenbashi. The event was attended by Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Nurlan Nogayev. During the ceremony, Ambassador Nogayev emphasized that the strong foundation of Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan cooperation rests upon the dialogue between the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador visits western region of Turkmenistan
On 17-18 December 2024, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan, Nurlan Nogayev, paid a working visit to the Balkan province, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Turkmenistan reported on its social networks. During the visit, the Ambassador held meetings with governor of the Balkan province Khojamyrad Ashyrmyradov and mayor of Turkmenbashi Amangeldy Isaev. The main topics … [Read more...]
Central Asia commits to end statelessness with Ashgabat Declaration
ALMATY – Central Asian States have reaffirmed their commitment to eradicate statelessness, adopting the Ashgabat Declaration on Ending Statelessness in Central Asia, published today in Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, Turkmen, Uzbek, Russian and English languages. Adopted by the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
Dancing with the Swan – Between Politics and Art
Anton Genza The Georgian Royal National Ballet is also stopping in Almaty as part of its world tour. Between tradition and innovation, the troupe embodies national pride, a fighting spirit and artistry – and sets its own accents in the process. About the non-Soviet ballet in the former Soviet republics. Graceful and battle-hardened Georgian ballet by no means has its own … [Read more...]
What cross-border hubs is Kazakhstan developing?
Kazakhstan is actively developing cross-border hubs to enhance its position as a regional transport and logistics center in Central Asia and the Caspian region. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the government to establish fully-fledged transport and logistics hubs along Kazakhstan's borders with China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia, as well as on the … [Read more...]
Oscar submission and Tulpar Film Prize for nomadic tradition
Anton Genza A “Tulpar” is a figure from the mythology of the Turkic peoples that is similar to our understanding and form of Pegasus in Greek mythology. It embodies not only speed but also elegance and cultural significance. The Tulpar also adorns the coat of arms of Kazakhstan and stands for two things for the prestigious Kazakh film prize. This year, it went to a film that … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Discuss Resumption of Air Services
Recently, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan, Nurlan Nogaev, met with Dovran Saburov, Chairman of the Turkmenhowayollary Agency (Turkmen Airlines). The meeting was focused on the resumption of direct flights between the two countries, reported on the Embassy's social media accounts. Air travel between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan was previously disrupted due to the … [Read more...]
Digitization in Kazakhstan: PLUS Forum in Almaty
FinTech, Big Data and Blockchain are terms that are increasingly being used in the context of entrepreneurship. Digitization trends have become an integral part of all areas of life, but there is hardly any other area in which they have had such a significant impact as in the economy. How far has Kazakhstan come and what successes has it achieved? Anton Genza Dialogue between … [Read more...]
The National Leader of the Turkmen people participated in the One Water Summit in Riyadh
On 3 December 2024, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov paid a working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the One Water summit. At the beginning of the visit, Arkadag Berdimuhamedov performed Umrah (small pilgrimage) to the holy Kaaba, visiting Makkah. Participation in the … [Read more...]
Joint Statement of the Fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (Full Text)
(unofficial translation) On 1 December 2024, Wang Yi, member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Jeenbek Kulubayev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of … [Read more...]
Strengthening multilateral cooperation: outcomes of the 5th meeting of the Foreign Ministers of China and Central Asian countries
On 1 December 2024, the fifth meeting of the Foreign Ministers of China and Central Asian countries took place in Chengdu. The meeting, which was chaired by Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi, was attended by: • Kazakhstan - Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu. • Kyrgyzstan – Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeenbek Kulubayev • Tajikistan - … [Read more...]
The delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the ministerial meeting “Central Asia – China”
On 1 December 2024, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, participated in the 5th meeting of foreign ministers of the Central Asia-China format, held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Participants at the meeting emphasized the significant role of cooperation within the CA-China format in strengthening constructive partnerships and … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries adopt Dushanbe Declaration to advance green development and internationally agreed goals
Representatives of Central Asian countries today acknowledged the urgent need for regional cooperation in green development and committed to strengthen collaboration across critical sectors, including energy, trade digitalization, trade integration, trade facilitation, investment promotion, SME development, water cooperation and innovation ecosystems. The Dushanbe … [Read more...]
Chinese foreign minister to chair fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, will chair the fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting from 30 November to 1 December in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Xinhua reports with reference to Chinese foreign ministry. Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of … [Read more...]
The Leaders of Kazakhstan and Russia announced the deepening of strategic partnership in the new global order
The state visit of the President of Russia to Kazakhstan is taking place on 27-28 November 2024. On the first day of the visit, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Vladimir Putin held summit talks. Following the talks, a joint statement was signed on deepening strategic partnership in the context of a new global order. The delegations of the two … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Russia: new horizons of strategic partnership
Article by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan K.K.Tokayev published in the Russian newspaper Izvestia The relations between Kazakhstan and Russia serve as a model of strong and unbreakable friendship. Our strategic partnership and alliance are based on close historical and cultural ties, as well as shared responsibility for the future of the two peoples. Our … [Read more...]
Russia – Kazakhstan: a Forward-Looking Alliance Demanded by Life
Article by Vladimir Putin published in the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda newspaper On the eve of my regular state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, I would like to share my vision of the current state and future of the relations between our two countries on the pages of the authoritative Kazakhstanskaya Pravda newspaper. The cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan has been a … [Read more...]
ITTC-2024: The Plenary session highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the field of transport
On 26 November, the International Conference "International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development" (ITTC-2024) began its work in Ashgabat. The speeches of the plenary session were devoted to topical issues of the development of the transport industry, including strengthening international cooperation, innovation, digitalization and environmental … [Read more...]
China Exim Bank opens a regional office in Uzbekistan
The Export-Import Bank of China (China Exim Bank) further strengthened its presence in Central Asia with the opening of a representative office in Tashkent on 22 November 2024. The China Exim Bank was founded in 1994. It is a state-owned political bank aimed to support China's foreign trade, investment and international economic cooperation, and is directly subordinate to … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Hungary strengthen strategic partnership: President Tokayev visited Budapest
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid a state visit to Hungary, the purpose of which was to give a new impetus to the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. The visit, which marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of strategic partnership, confirmed the desire of the two countries to deepen … [Read more...]
Tokayev visited Belgrade – Kazakhstan and Serbia set sights on joint projects in industry, transport, energy, and defense industry
On 19 November, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid an official visit to Serbia, where he held talks with the country's top leadership, including President Alexander Vucic and Prime Minister Milos Vucevic. The visit was marked by the strengthening of bilateral relations and the signing of a number of important agreements. During the talks, special attention … [Read more...]
Caspian Littoral Countries Unite to Address Sea Level Decline
At the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), officials of the Caspian littoral countries met at the national pavilion of Azerbaijan to discuss the problem of Caspian Sea's declining water level in the context of climate change. The meeting, organized by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Ecology and Natural … [Read more...]
Turkmen Anau concludes year as Cultural capital of the Turkic world – Aktau, Kazakhstan, takes over the baton
Turkmenistan hosted a grand ceremony on November 16 to mark the conclusion of Anau’s year as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World. The event celebrated the various cultural initiatives undertaken by throughout 2024. A highlight of the ceremony was a festive concert featuring renowned artists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Türkiye. The concert featured both … [Read more...]
Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus concludes Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship with the final Conference and Expo aimed at strengthening women’s entrepreneurship in Central Asia
On 14-15 November, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia, Head of UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze participated in the final Conference of the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC) under Kyrgyzstan’s presidency in Bishkek. The conference was preceded by the regional "Woman Entrepreneurship EXPO-2024," which brought together women entrepreneurs and … [Read more...]
Saudi Arabia signs major green energy deals with Central Asian nations
Saudi Arabia has signed a joint executive program with Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan to strengthen collaboration on renewable energy development and transmission. The deal was signed on the sidelines of the 29th UN Climate Summit in Baku by Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and energy ministers of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. The … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan Sign Strategic Green Energy Partnership Agreement
At the COP 29 World Climate Summit, the heads of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan signed an agreement on strategic partnership in the field of green energy production and transmission. "The document opens up new opportunities for the integration of the energy systems of our states, as well as the creation of reliable corridors for the supply of environmentally friendly … [Read more...]
Accelerating Change: The Regional Platform for Fast-Tracking the Implementation of the UN Convention Against Corruption in Central Asia Contributes to Positive Developments!
At the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption held in December 2021, Resolution 9/4 on "Strengthening the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption at regional levels" was adopted, emphasizing the importance of developing technical assistance programs and adopting a regional approach in delivering anti-corruption technical … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s contribution to global emissions is only 1% – President of Kazakhstan
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke at the Summit of World Leaders on Climate Action, which is taking place within the framework of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku (Azerbaijan). In his speech, the President reaffirmed Kazakhstan's commitment to the global climate agenda and stressed the … [Read more...]
Financial fortification: Central Asia’s approach to natural disaster readiness
Astana hosts the Central Asian forum on disaster financing and insurance, bringing together key stakeholders from across the region to address the urgent need for financial preparedness in battling natural disasters. Government leaders, insurance regulators, private sector representatives, and international experts looked into both the financial and logistical demands of … [Read more...]
Freight costs along the eastern branch of the North–South Corridor halved
The cost of transporting goods by rail along the eastern branch of the North-South International Transport Corridor has been reduced by over 50% since 2022, now reaching $32 per ton. This was announced by Alexander Sharov, CEO of Rusiranexpo (a Russian group of companies operating in the Iranian market), Logirus reports. Fully operational since 2023, the eastern branch … [Read more...]
CAREC Ministers launched the Regional Climate Fund and endorsed Climate Change Action Plan
Member countries of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program have endorsed a new Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) and launched the CAREC Climate and Sustainability Project Preparatory Fund (CSPPF) to strengthen regional collaboration on climate resilience, low-carbon growth, and sustainable development. This endorsement took place at the 23rd CAREC … [Read more...]
Turkic States Deepen Cooperation at OTS Bishkek Summit: Green Vision, Charter of the Turkic World and New Flag Adopted
The Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States met on 6 November 2024 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on the theme of “Empowering the Turkic World: Economic Integration, Sustainable Development, Digital Future and Security for all”. The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Türkiye Recep … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and France expand cooperation in the field of critical resources and investments – $2.2 billion deals signed
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan concluded a two-day state visit to France on 5 November 2024. The visit resulted in the signing of a comprehensive package of 36 documents, including 14 commercial agreements valued at $2.2 billion. The set of documents also includes 1 intergovernmental and 21 interdepartmental agreements. One of the landmark documents signed … [Read more...]
Afghanistan is Ready to Accept 200,000 Tons of Grain from Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) announced that Afghanistan is prepared to import approximately 200,000 tons of grain products from Kazakhstan. KTZ recently held negotiations with shippers and the Beine grain elevator to discuss the logistics of transporting grain to Afghanistan. Representatives from JSC NC Prodcorporation (Food Contract Corporation) also participated in the … [Read more...]
The Turkmen delegation attended the 17th “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” Cooperation Forum
On November 4, 2024 the 17th "Central Asia - Republic of Korea" Cooperation Forum took place in Seoul. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea Begench Durdyyev attended this Forum on behalf of the Turkmen side. The forum was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Cho Tae-yul. Delegations led by high-ranking officials from Central … [Read more...]