During the state visit, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered the 46th Singapore lecture, in which he expressed his vision of the role of the middle powers in ensuring global security, stability and sustainable development. The Singapore lectures, organized by the Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS) since the 1980s, provide a unique opportunity for academics, political … [Read more...]
Growing partnership between Kazakhstan and Singapore may become a bridge between Southeast Asia and Central Asia
On 23-24 May 2024, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid his first state visit to Singapore, a country that is a strategic partner of Kazakhstan in Southeast Asia. This was the first visit in more than 20 years, but not the first visit for Tokayev personally. He previously served as a young diplomat in Singapore during the 1970s. President Tokayev's visit … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan met with the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan met with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov of Kazakhstan on 24 May 2024. Prime Minister Bektenov was in Turkmenistan for the regular meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The discussion encompassed a broad range of topics of the bilateral relationship. The sides highlighted … [Read more...]
CIS Approves Action Plan for Enhanced International Transport Corridors
The action plan for optimizing infrastructure and developing international transport corridors passing through the territories of the CIS member states for the period up to 2030 was approved at a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States held in Ashgabat on 24 May 2024. The action plan aims to strengthen cooperation between … [Read more...]
CIS Strengthens Cooperation in Energy, Chemical Industry, and Environmental Protection
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member countries have agreed to enhance cooperation in energy, chemical industries, and environmental protection. This decision comes after a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government in Ashgabat, where relevant concepts and action plans were approved. These documents were developed taking into account the need to reach … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Declared “City of New Sports Opportunities in the CIS”
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Heads of Government has declared Ashgabat the "City of New Sports Opportunities," according to a press release from the CIS Executive Committee on 24 May 2024. The council also instructed the CIS Council for Physical Culture and Sports to develop a 2024-2025 Action Plan to realize this initiative. Turkmenistan has a … [Read more...]
Ashgabat hosted a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government
On 24 May 2024, a regular meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States was held in Ashgabat. The meeting was attended by: Azerbaijan - Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev Belarus - Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko Kazakhstan - Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov Kyrgyzstan - Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers – Head … [Read more...]
Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus Meeting Concludes with Pivotal Commitments to Digital, Social, and Environmental Innovation
On 23 May 2024, the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus Meeting successfully concluded in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The event, centred on "The role of women in the economies of Central Asia: leadership for promoting digital, social, and environmental innovation,” brought together women leaders from across the region to strategize and commit to enhancing women’s roles in these … [Read more...]
Washington D.C. Hosts Annual Trans-Caspian Forum, Outlines Challenges
Assel Satubaldina The Caspian Policy Center organized the eighth Annual Trans-Caspian Forum on May 21 in Washington, D.C., to discuss the current challenges and prospects for a multi-modal Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) to maximize its capacity. From L to R: Tamar Satterwhite from the Commercial Law Development Program; Winnie Wang from the World Bank; … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and U.S. Continue Constructive Dialogue on Human Rights and Democratic Reforms
Astana, May 20, 2024 – The third meeting of the annual High-level Dialogue on Human Rights and Democratic Reforms between Kazakhstan and the United States took place in Astana co-chaired by Assistant to the President of Kazakhstan for International Affairs Erzhan Kazykhan and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra … [Read more...]
Central Asian States reaffirm commitment to registering all children at birth
On 17 May 2024, Representatives from the Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, gathered in Tashkent today, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring every child born on their territories are registered at birth. The ‘Central Asian Conference on Ensuring Birth Registration to … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan hosted the first Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of the Central Asian countries
The first Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of the Central Asian countries was held in Astana on 16 May 2024. The event was attended by Secretary of the Security Council of Kazakhstan Gizat Nurdauletov, Secretary of the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan Marat Imankulov, Secretary of the Security Council of Tajikistan Nasrullo Mahmudzoda, Secretary of the … [Read more...]
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received the secretaries of the security councils of Central Asian countries
Welcoming the heads of delegations, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the first meeting of the secretaries of the security councils of the countries of Central Asia is intended to become an effective platform for combining efforts to prevent external and internal challenges and threats, as well as developing the necessary response measures. – This is especially important … [Read more...]
Central Asian economies to record strong growth despite natural disasters in the region
Anton Usov According to the latest Regional Economic Prospects (REP) report published by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Central Asian economies in 2024 are expected to see growth slowing to 5.4 per cent. However, a rebound to 5.9 per cent is expected in 2025. The report notes that intermediated trade with Russia, which had been a significant … [Read more...]
Rome to host Italy+Central Asia meeting at the end of May
On 29 May 2024, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani will meet in Rome with colleagues from five Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, Nova News agency reports. According to the source, the meeting will bring together Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, … [Read more...]
Trade integration in Central Asia under the spotlight at the CATF in Almaty
The 13th Central Asia Trade Forum (CATF) themed “Trade Connections: Bridging Globally” started on 15 May 2024 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The event is organized by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). More than 300 business executives and government officials from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and the United States are meeting in … [Read more...]
Central Asia + Japan Dialogue Summit Preparations Underway in Astana
On 14 May 2024, Astana hosted a meeting of Senior Officials for the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue. Representatives from the foreign ministries of Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan attended, along with Tajikistan's Ambassador to Kazakhstan. The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Gurbanov. Discussions centered on … [Read more...]
Trilateral working group Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan on improving connectivity in the Caspian Sea convened in Baku
On 10 May 2024 the first meeting of the trilateral working group on optimization of connectivity in the Caspian Sea was held at the Headquarters of the Permanent Secretariat of Interstate Committee TRACECA in Baku, Azerbaijan in a hybrid format. During the meeting, representatives of the Parties involved (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan) discussed in detail the … [Read more...]
Russian and Kazakhstan diplomats led a flower-laying ceremony in Turkmenbashi
On 9 May 2024, the head of the consular post of the Russian Embassy in Turkmenistan in the city of Turkmenbashi A.M. Korzhov and the Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zh.G. Zhumbergenov took part in the ceremony of laying flowers at the eternal flame monument in the central square of the city. The diplomats from Russia and Kazakhstan also paid tribute to the fallen … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part Four
nCa Report CADI – Central Asia Desert Initiative – was a project involving several countries and organizations. It lasted from July 2016 to July 2022, stretching beyond its planned period of implementation. CADI studied the deserts of Central Asia from different perspectives and gave valuable insight. Here is the text of the brochure of the project: Conservation and … [Read more...]
7th meeting of the High-level Working Group on the Caspian Sea convened in Baku
On May 6-7, 2024, the 7th meeting of the High-level Working Group on the Caspian Sea was held in Baku, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reports. The negotiations were attended by Azerbaijan (head of delegation - S. Sharifov), Iran (head of delegation - A. Jahangiri), Kazakhstan (Head of delegation - Z. Amandzholova), Russia (head of delegation – M. Petrakov) and Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part Two
nCa Report Lumping some of the deserts in Central Asia together, based on their characteristic, and objectives of the study, is a useful idea. In the experts’ circle, two desert groups are prominent: 1. Central Asian Southern Desert; 2. Central Asian Northern Desert. Central Asian Southern Desert Here is the write-up from One … [Read more...]
Signs of Recovery: Northern Caspian Sea Sees Rising Water Levels
Positive developments are emerging from the Caspian Sea, particularly in the northern region bordering Kazakhstan. Blogger Azamat Sarsenbayev from Aktau, reports a potential reversal in the water level decline. "The tide seems to be turning for the Caspian Sea," Sarsenbayev writes on social media. "Just a year ago, the receding water exposed the shoreline by tens of … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part One
nCa Report There are some 14 territories and areas in Central Asia that are categorized as deserts. Some of them are in this category mainly for technical reasons and one of them should not have existed at all. The total area of deserts in Central Asia comes to about 1.5 million square km. This should be taken as an approximation because some territories overlap at some … [Read more...]
Afghanistan starts unfolding its huge transit potential – trilateral hub planned in Herat
Afghanistan, a country at the crossroads of some major corridors, has started unfolding its transit potential in a systematic and measured manner. In a news story first reported by Reuters and subsequently expanded on by other media services, the acting commerce minister of Afghanistan, Nooruddin Azizi, told Reuters that Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan would … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Diverted 1 bln cu m of Floodwaters to Replenish Caspian Sea
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation redirected nearly 1 billion cubic meters of floodwater to the Caspian Sea. The water was channeled through four waterways: Baksai, Naryn, Chernaya Rechka, and Sokolok. These channels have a combined daily capacity of 12 million cubic meters, according to the ministry. Prior to the diversion, each channel underwent … [Read more...]
First Agroexpress Train Delivers Oat Flakes from Russia to India via Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan
The first Agroexpress train carrying oat flakes departed Russia for India. This inaugural trip utilized the eastern route of the North-South International Transport Corridor, traversing Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. This multimodal shipment of cargo was organized by the logistics arm of Russian Railways "Russian Railways Logistics" and LLC "Dry Port Yuzhnouralsky" … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan to connect energy systems – MoU inked in Tashkent
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan are joining forces to create a unified energy grid, paving the way for a future of green energy exports to Europe. On May 1, Tashkent hosted the second meeting of the Ministers of Energy of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, during which the parties signed a memorandum of cooperation on the interconnection of the energy … [Read more...]
Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan held a trilateral meeting on transport issues in Kabul
A trilateral meeting was held in Kabul on 26 April 2024 with the participation of delegations from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan reports. The delegations were headed by: Afghanistan – Minister of Industry and Commerce Nuruddin Azizi Turkmenistan – Director of the Agency for Transport and Communications … [Read more...]
President of Kazakhstan calls for ‘Unity-Creation-Progress’ in his speech at Assembly of People Session
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his speech at the XXXIII session of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan, has dedicated the session to "Unity. Creation. Progress." He noted the large-scale work carried out to overcome the consequences of floods in a number of regions of the country. The president stressed that from the first days of the occurrence of the natural disaster, … [Read more...]
Jana Post of Kazakhstan is a success story in e-commerce in Central Asia
E-Commerce is not a novelty in Central Asia anymore. It has been embraced by the mainstream society. However, the activity at e-commerce platform, though robust, is mostly on the local scale. The expansion is constrained by two factor: 1. The limited geography of first-mile-collection and last-mile-delivery services; and 2. Lack of unified payment gateway solutions. Some … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Pakistan Pilot New Multimodal Export Route
A pilot project is underway to create a new multimodal export route stretching from Kazakhstan to Pakistan. The route will traverse Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, with a final leg by sea to Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. This was announced by Bauyrzhan Urynbasarov, Managing Director of Kazakhstan Railways JSC NC KTZ, during a visit to Afghanistan. The statement … [Read more...]
Russian Railways Offers Discount for Metal Exports on North-South Corridor
Russian Railways has implemented a significant discount for transporting ferrous metals through the eastern branch of the North-South international transport corridor. This route traverses Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The company's board approved a coefficient of 0.5 applied to the existing tariff for metal transportation in wagons. This translates to a 50% discount for … [Read more...]
Customs representatives of Central Asia, Southern Caucasus, Pakistan and the WCO Europe region discuss cooperation mechanisms and information exchange
On 9 and 10 April 2024, representatives from countries participating in the Inter-Regional Network of Customs Authorities and Port Control Units (IREN) held their sixth meeting to discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from data sharing in relation to high-risk cargo. Representatives from Bulgaria, Poland, Türkiye and Italy also participated in the meeting which took … [Read more...]
UK Foreign Secretary travels to Central Asia and Mongolia – London announces £50 million of new funding to support region’s sovereignty
The UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron will visit Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia to as part of government ambition to increase engagement with this pivotal region of the world, Foreign Office reports. He will meet leaders across the region to deepen cooperation on shared challenges, from counter-terrorism to climate change. He … [Read more...]
Inter-regional and Intra-regional partnership formats speed up economic integration in Central Asia
nCa Analysis The pith of the recent inter-regional and intra-regional formats of partnership in Central Asia is simply impressive. While it contributes solidly to the space for peace and progress, it also creates bulwarks against any negative influences of the prevailing geopolitical situations from spilling over into the region. In the past few days, the GCC and Central … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Forge Stronger Alliance
Central Asian neighbors Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan solidified their partnership on Friday, April 19th, 2024, with a signed agreement by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Sadyr Japarov. The historic document – the Treaty on deepening and expansion of allied relations was inked during Japarov's official visit to Astana. "This document fully meets the interests of … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan’s efforts to balance media freedom with protecting national interests
Emir Nuhanovic, President of the Institute for European policies and digital society. Kazakhstan’s media landscape has devolved into an arena where powerful interest groups vie for leverage over state assets and public influence. The country’s leadership is in a process of carrying out wide-ranging reforms, including strengthening freedom of speech, while also working to … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Boost Trade Ties with $300 Million Deal
Business leaders from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan struck a series of agreements worth $300 million during a major business forum held in Astana on 17 April 2024 The Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan reported this positive development. These deals encompass a variety of projects, including construction of solar power plants, development of a … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Japan share experience: Seminar for the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus on earthquake risk reduction
From 16 to 19 April this year, Almaty is hosting a seminar organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA in cooperation with the Kazakhstan Agency of International Development «KazAID», the Kazakh Research Institute of Construction and Architecture and the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction. Japan, being one of the most seismically … [Read more...]
2nd Ministerial Meeting of the “GCC + Central Asia” Strategic Dialogue adopted a Joint Statement – Samarkand to host the Dialogue’s next Summit
On 15 April 2024, Tashkent, hosted the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue “Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf - Central Asia” (GCC + Central Asia), chaired by the foreign minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov. The forum was attended by: Bahrain – Foreign minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani Kazakhstan - Deputy Minister of … [Read more...]
President Tokayev Signs Laws Aimed at Protecting the Rights of Women and Safety of Children
April 15, 2024 - Astana, Kazakhstan – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has enacted the laws of Kazakhstan “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan Regarding the Protection of Women’s Rights and Children’s Safety” and “On Amendments and Additions to the Administrative Offenses Code of Kazakhstan Regarding the Protection of Women’s … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan decides to establish railway connection with Pakistan through Trans-Afghan rail link
Pakistan and Kazakhstan have agreed to expand the Trans-Afghan rail link to enhance rail connectivity to boost transit, bilateral, and regional trade, report several media outlets including the Business Recorder. A meeting took place on 9 April 2024 in Islamabad between the Federal Secretary Railways and Chairman Pakistan Railways Board Syed Mazhar Ali Shah and the Ambassador … [Read more...]
Обращение Президента Казахстана в связи со сложной ситуацией из-за наводнения
Дорогие соотечественники! Обращаюсь к вам в связи с тяжелой ситуацией с весенними паводками после обильного снеготаяния. Произошла природная катастрофа, равной которой не было многие годы. Возможно, это самое крупное бедствие по своим масштабам и последствиям за последние 80 с лишним лет. Из-за паводков режим чрезвычайной ситуации местного масштаба объявлен в десяти … [Read more...]
Address of the President of Kazakhstan in connection with the difficult situation due to floods
Dear compatriots! I am addressing you in connection with the difficult situation with spring floods after heavy snowmelt. A natural disaster has occurred, the likes of which has not been seen for many years. This might be the biggest disaster in terms of its scale and impact in more than 80 years. Due to the floods, a local emergency situation has been declared in … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan has 78 billion tons of oil reserves. Caspian explorations may push it to 1 Trillion tons.
The estimated reserves of domestic oil of Kazakhstan amount to 78 billion tons. This information was provided by the Chairman of the Geology Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan, Erlan Akbarov, while answering a question by the news service Kazinform. He said that currently, the country has oil reserves equal to 4 billion 400 million tons. Of … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan join hands to bolster railway connectivity with China, establish Central Asia – South Asia rail links
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have agreed to create a joint venture between the railway authorities of the two countries. It will serve two major purposes: Bolster the railway cargo capacity along the China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan route Work together to build the Trans-Afghan railway line that will connect the Uzbek (and Kazakh) railway systems through a railway line … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Eye Expansion of Gas Cooperation
Senior officials from hydrocarbon industry of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan met today, 2 April 2024, in Ashgabat to discuss strengthening cooperation in gas sector. Sanjar Jarkeshov, Chairman of the Board of Kazakh gas giant QazaqGaz, met with Deputy Prime Minister Batyr Amanov and Turkmengaz Chairman Maksat Babayev. In particular, the parties noted their mutual interest in … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Hosts Digitalization Training for Central Asian Civil Servants
The Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID) is partnering with Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to offer the Dostyk Digitalization program. This initiative aims to enhance the digital skills of civil servants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, KazAID reports. From 1 to 5 April 2024, in Astana, 20 civil servants will … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan offers Armenia to benefit from transport opportunities through Iran and Turkmenistan
The Kazakhstani-Armenian business forum, organized by the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Armenia and the Diplomatic Club "Astana", was held in Yerevan on 27-31 March 2024. The forum fostered Business-to-Business (B2B) negotiations between representatives from various sectors – logistics, industry, IT, and trade. During the business forum, Kaiyrbolat Sakhmetov, … [Read more...]