On 3 February 2025, Turkmen-Kazakh political consultations were held in Astana, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu. During the meeting, a wide range of bilateral cooperation issues were discussed, including prospects for … [Read more...]
Artificial Intelligence in Central Asia: strategies, initiatives, prospects
nCa Report The development of artificial intelligence is becoming one of the key priorities of the state policy of the Central Asian countries. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan demonstrate a systematic approach to the development of AI, forming the necessary infrastructure, training personnel and creating favorable conditions for … [Read more...]
Afghanistan’s Trade with Central Asia Reaches $1.6 Billion
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced that Afghanistan's trade with five Central Asian countries has reached a total value of $1.696 billion during the current solar year (March 2024 to March 2025), TOLOnews reported. According to ministry spokesperson Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, exports accounted for $112 million of this trade volume, while imports made up … [Read more...]
Comprehensive Report on E-Commerce Trends and Developments with Focus on Central Asia
E-commerce in 2025: Trends, Challenges, and Innovations The e-commerce landscape is constantly evolving, with new trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the way we buy and sell online. Here's a look at some of the key developments in the e-commerce world: 1. The Rise of AI-Powered Shopping Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the e-commerce … [Read more...]
The railway companies of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan set to streamline freight transportation
The railway companies of Kazakhstan KTZ and Turkmendemiryollary [Turkmen railways] met in Almaty to discuss the issues of expanding cooperation and optimizing railway communication between the two countries. According to data for 2024, the volume of cargo transportation between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan reached 1.6 million tons. KTZ press service reports that the key … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Russia and Iran agree to boost rail traffic on the North-South route
A railway cooperation meeting has concluded in Almaty, bringing together railway authorities from four countries to enhance transportation links along the International North-South Transport Corridor. The two-day discussions involved representatives from Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), Russian Railways (RZD), Turkmenistan Railways (Turkmendemiryollary), and the Islamic Republic … [Read more...]
Meeting in Brussels: The ambassadors of Central Asia and Mongolia discussed with the head of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee preparations for key events in 2025
On 27 January 2025, at the initiative of the Ambassadors of Central Asia countries and Mongolia accredited in Belgium, a meeting was held in Brussels with David McAllister, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Embassy of Kazakhstan to Belgium reports. The meeting participants discussed preparations for key events, including: • 6th … [Read more...]
Japanese PM’s Envoy Embarks on Diplomatic Tour of Central Asia
Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Nagashima Akihisa, begins a diplomatic mission to Central Asia as Special Envoy of the Prime Minister. The 11-day tour will cover all five Central Asian nations in an effort to strengthen Japan's ties with the region. The trip, scheduled from 29 January to 8 February, will include visits to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Seeks Alternative Europe Routes via Turkmenistan
Kazakhstan is developing alternative transport routes to Europe via Turkmenistan, Iran and Türkiye. This follows from the commentary of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kazinform agency. According to the Ministry, work is currently underway to develop an alternative route bypassing Russia and Belarus. The new route will pass through the … [Read more...]
TAPI Update – Afghanistan lays 6 kilometers of the pipeline, Kazakhstan negotiates the joining to the project
The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project is gaining momentum, with six kilometers of pipeline already laid in Afghanistan since the start of practical work early last month, Afghanistan’s Ariana news outlet reports with reference to the office of Herat Governor Maulana Islam Jar. In a statement on Monday, the governor’s press office confirmed … [Read more...]
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan and the Rector of the Academy of Public Administration of Kazakhstan discussed holding joint events and competitions
On 23 January 2025, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan B.Rejepov met with Rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Abil Yerlan. During the meeting, topical issues of bilateral cooperation were discussed, including the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the Academy and the Institute of … [Read more...]
(UPDATED) The National Leader of the Turkmen people held telephone talks with the President of Kazakhstan
On Wednesday, 22 January 2025, telephone talks were held between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This was reported by the press service of the President of Kazakhstan. During the conversation, the sides discussed issues of further strengthening the strategic … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan is ready to continue providing full support to Turkmenistan to achieve noble goals in the interests of universal progress, says President Tokayev
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...]