The first meeting of the Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan in Kabul on 5 April 2026. Chaired by Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the session gathered senior representatives from Central Asian nations to strengthen political dialogue and diplomatic coordination, explore new opportunities for cooperation, … [Read more...]
OTS Meeting in Baku: Turkmenistan Outlines Key Priorities for Partnership Across the Turkic World
On 2 April 2026, Baku hosted the second meeting of heads of government and vice presidents of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). The meeting brought together high-level representatives, including: According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, participants discussed pressing issues regarding the expansion of multilateral … [Read more...]
“The Turkic World is Our Family”: President of Azerbaijan Meets with OTS Heads of Government in Baku
On 2 April 2026, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a meeting with the heads of government and delegations of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). The high-level gathering included Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye Cevdet Yılmaz, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, Chairman of the Cabinet of … [Read more...]
Peace Initiatives and Neutrality: Turkmenistan Presents Strategy at the Central Asia – EU Interparliamentary Forum in Samarkand
On 30-31 March 2026, the first Central Asia – European Union Interparliamentary Cooperation Forum took place in Samarkand. The event served as a dialogue platform for the systematic development of parliamentary diplomacy and the expansion of practical cooperation between the region and Europe. At the opening ceremony, Sodik Safoev, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate … [Read more...]
Astana Prepares to Host April Summit of IFAS Founding Heads of State
On 30 March, a meeting of the Board of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) was held in Astana, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kanat Bozumbayev. The event served as a key milestone in the preparations for the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Fund's founding members, scheduled for 22 April 2026 in the Kazakh … [Read more...]
Tashkent hosts Agro-Forum in Central Asia – Italy – Azerbaijan Format
An international business forum titled "Innovations, Regenerative Agriculture, Export, and Digitalization for Sustainable Agro-Ecosystems" is taking place in Tashkent on 23–24 March 2026, featuring participation from Italy, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan. On the first day of the forum, high-level delegates from Italy, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, … [Read more...]
Seoul starts preparations for the inaugural summit with Central Asia
On 16 March 2026, a launching ceremony for the establishment of a Preparatory Office was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. The Office will coordinate preparations for the first “Central Asia - Republic of Korea” Summit, scheduled to take place in Seoul on 16-17 September 2026. The event brought together heads and staff of diplomatic … [Read more...]
Nearly 30 new projects to protect cultural heritage launched by the European Union and ALIPH in Central Asia
The European Union and ALIPH have launched 29 cultural heritage projects across Central Asia to safeguard endangered tangible and intangible heritage from the impact of climate change, following a highly successful Call for Projects that elicited 233 applications. © ALIPH, 2026 The European Union and ALIPH have launched 29 cultural heritage projects across … [Read more...]
Closing Ceremony Marks Successful Completion of the Training for Young Diplomats of Central Asia
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan — 13 March 2026:The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Turkmenistan, together with the Government of Turkmenistan and with support from the Governments of Italy and the United Kingdom, concluded today the SecondTraining for Young Diplomats of Central Asia — a five-day capacity building programme aimed at strengthening the skills, knowledge, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Facilitates Evacuation of Foreign Nationals from Iran
Amid the current regional situation, Turkmenistan has opened its borders to ensure the safe transit of foreign citizens leaving Iranian territory. Diplomatic missions from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and South Korea, with the active cooperation of Turkmen authorities, have organized a large-scale operation to repatriate their citizens. Reopening of Border … [Read more...]
Central Asian Nations Respond to Middle East Escalation; Turkmenistan Opens Sarakhs Border Crossing for Evacuations of Foreign Citizens
Ashgabat, Tashkent, Astana, Bishkek, Dushanbe, 2 March 2026 — The states of Central Asia have issued official statements regarding the sharp escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The situation, triggered by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliatory attacks on American military bases in Arab nations, has drawn a unified regional … [Read more...]
The Development Model of UAE and its Replicable Components for Central Asia
Tariq Saeedi The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was formally established on December 2, 1971, as a federation of seven emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah (which joined in 1972)—following the end of British protection. In its early years, the UAE was a resource-scarce desert nation reliant almost entirely on hydrocarbon … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan participates in the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Germany – Central Asia
On 11 February 2026, in Berlin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmet Gurbanov took part in a meeting between the Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany and the heads of foreign ministries of Central Asian countries. The main topics of the talks were the development of cooperation in the energy sector, issues of regional partnership and others, … [Read more...]
Berlin Hosts Historic Central Asia-Germany Ministerial Meeting, Elevates Strategic Partnership
nCa Report Germany solidified its commitment to Central Asia on Wednesday, hosting the first-ever ministerial-level meeting in the C5+1 (Z5+1) format with all five Central Asian nations, marking a significant step in the deepening "Strategic Regional Partnership" between the regions. The high-level diplomatic gathering brought together Foreign Minister Johann … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Strategic Pivot: Navigating Between Giants While Building From Within
Tariq Saeedi The five republics of Central Asia—Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan—are experiencing a quiet but significant transformation. Three decades after independence, these countries are no longer merely buffer states caught between larger powers. They're actively crafting foreign policies that maximize their autonomy while pursuing … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Assumes Chairmanship of the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone
Kazakhstan has assumed the chairmanship for 2026 within the framework of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia (CANWFZ), according to the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The chairmanship functions were officially handed over to Kazakhstan during a consultative meeting of the CANWFZ member states. In addition, the parties discussed joint efforts … [Read more...]
EBRD invests almost US$ 2 billion in Central Asia and Mongolia in 2025
Anton Usov In 2025 the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invested almost US$2 billion (€1.72 billion) through 120 projects in Central Asia and Mongolia. This represents one of the Bank’s strongest operational results in the region for more than a decade. Uzbekistan was the leading recipient of EBRD funding in 2025 for the sixth year running (over … [Read more...]
World Bank Launches REMIT: $1 Billion for a Central Asia’s first-ever regional electricity market
The World Bank has approved the Regional Electricity Market Interconnectivity and Trade (REMIT) Program for Central Asia. The program aims to establish the region's first regional electricity market, enhancing energy security and affordability, expanding transmission capacity, and laying the foundation for large-scale integration of renewable energy sources into the power … [Read more...]
Russia and Central Asian Countries to Establish a Joint Energy Working Group
Russia and five Central Asian states—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan—have agreed to establish a specialized working group on energy at the level of deputy ministers. This was announced following consultations held in the “Central Asia–Russia” format at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The new working group will … [Read more...]
“Central Asia – Russia” Format Consultations Held in Moscow
On 22 January 2026, high-level consultations in the "Central Asia – Russia" format were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The meeting focused on the implementation of the Joint Action Plan for Central Asia and Russia for 2025–2027. The head of the Turkmen delegation, Ambassador of Turkmenistan E. Aydogdyev, noted in his remarks the importance … [Read more...]
The Turkish Embassy in Turkmenistan Celebrates World Turkic Language Family Day: From the Samarkand Declaration to Real rapprochement
Elvira Kadyrova On 21 January 2026, an event dedicated to the recently established World Turkic Language Family Day took place at the Cultural Center of the Embassy of Türkiye in Turkmenistan, Ashgabat. The event became one of the first major commemorations in the Turkic world following the historic decision of UNESCO’s General Conference in Samarkand in November 2025, … [Read more...]
Historic Milestone: China-Central Asia Trade Turnover Surpasses $100 Billion for the First Time
In 2025, economic and trade cooperation between China and Central Asian nations reached a qualitatively new level, hitting a historic milestone. According to official data from the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC, reported by Xinhua News Agency, the total trade turnover between China and the region amounted to $106.3 billion, a 12% increase over the previous year. This … [Read more...]
Russia’s pivot toward Asia includes increased gas supplies to Central Asia
As reported by 24.kg, Gazprom’s supplies to Central Asia will more than double within five years, with the company seeking to redirect volumes previously destined for the European market. According to information from EADaily, which cites data from Gazprombank’s Center for Economic Forecasting via Vedomosti, supplies are estimated at 19-20 billion cubic meters. Open.kg … [Read more...]
The Central Asia Plus Format: A Platform for Partnership, Not Political Realignment
Tariq Saeedi The Central Asia Plus (CA+) format has emerged as one of the most dynamic diplomatic frameworks in recent years. What began as a modest initiative has blossomed into a diverse constellation of partnerships, with countries and regional blocs eager to engage with the five Central Asian republics—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and … [Read more...]
Tokyo Declaration: Japan and Central Asia Usher in a New Era of Strategic Partnership (summary+full text)
The inaugural first leaders-level summit of the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue (CA+JAD) concluded in Tokyo today (20 Dec 2025) with the adoption of the Tokyo Declaration, a comprehensive roadmap that elevates ties between Japan and the five Central Asian republics to a deeper, more multifaceted strategic partnership. Japan’s Key Commitments Tokyo pledged to drive 3 … [Read more...]
Historic First Leaders’ Summit Strengthens Japan-Central Asia Ties – Japan announces CA+JAD Tokyo Initiative aimed at industrial advancement in Central Asia
Japan hosted the inaugural leaders-level Summit of the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue (CA+JAD) on December 20 in Tokyo, marking a significant elevation of a six-lateral platform launched in 2004 to promote regional cooperation and development. The meeting was chaired by Japanese Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi. Attendees included: Prime Minister … [Read more...]
China’s Economic Roadmap for 2026: A Pivot Toward Deeper Ties with Central Asia
nCa Report As 2025 draws to a close, China's Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC) has laid out a pragmatic blueprint for the year ahead, emphasizing stability amid domestic slowdowns and global uncertainties (source). The meeting, held in Beijing from December 10 to 11, reaffirmed commitments to boosting domestic demand, stabilizing the property sector, and leaning on … [Read more...]
President of Kyrgyzstan: Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Heads – Important Platform for Strengthening Peace and Trust
President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov delivered a speech on December 12 at the international forum “Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future,” dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. In his remarks, President Japarov commended … [Read more...]
Progress of Telemedicine in Central Asia
As of December 2025 Telemedicine continues to make meaningful strides across Central Asia in 2025, with a clear focus on reducing the urban–rural healthcare gap. All five countries are advancing digital health solutions, though at different paces and scales. The most visible progress is in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, where internationally supported projects are … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Infrastructure Revolution Is Already Underway — Now Let’s Make It the Most Innovative on Earth
Tariq Saeedi Central Asia has done something extraordinary in the past two decades: it has built. --- From the high-speed rail that now links Almaty to Tashkent in hours instead of days, to the gleaming new terminals at Nursultan Nazarbayev and Tashkent International airports, the Turkmenbashy-Farab motorway of Turkmenistan, to the fiber-optic networks that have brought … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Voice in the UN: Kyrgyzstan Ambassador to Turkmenistan Holds Briefing on His Country’s Candidacy for UN Security Council
Elvira Kadyrova As part of diplomatic efforts aimed at gaining international support, the Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Turkmenistan, Azizbek Madmarov, held a briefing in Ashgabat dedicated to Kyrgyzstan's candidacy for non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 period. The event was attended by heads and staff of … [Read more...]
OPEC Fund Has Invested Heavily in Central Asia, Kazakhstan Official Says
The OPEC Fund for International Development, a multilateral lender owned by OPEC member states, has directed more than $1.4 billion to development projects across Central Asia over the past 20 years, Kazakhstan’s first deputy minister of national economy, Azamat Amrin, told lawmakers this week. The figure emerged during parliamentary debate on ratification of a framework … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries agree on water limits for 2025–2026
The Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia has approved water intake limits and reservoir operation modes for the non-growing season of 2025–2026. So, for Amu Darya River, the total limit is set at 55.4 billion cubic meters, including 15.9 billion cubic meters for October—April period. Distribution by country: The Aral Sea and Amu Darya delta … [Read more...]
UNRCCA Convenes Fifteenth Annual Meeting with Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asian States in Almaty
The fifteenth annual Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian states, convened by the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), was held in Almaty on 27–28 November 2025. The event gathered the high-level officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Given the continued relevance of … [Read more...]
ADB President Highlights $10 Billion Investment Push as CAREC Marks 24th Ministerial Conference in Bishkek
The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program convened its 24th Ministerial Conference in Bishkek on 20 November 2025, where Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda delivered a keynote address underscoring the program's transformative impact over two decades and unveiling ambitious plans for future regional integration. Hosted by the Kyrgyz … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Participated in CAREC 2025 Business Forum and 24th Ministerial Conference in Bishkek
A Turkmen delegation took part in the CAREC 2025 Business Forum and the 24th Ministerial Conference of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program titled “Green and Digital CAREC,” held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Finance B. Veliyev and Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Service M. Vasiyev, the Ministry of … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Central Asia and China Open New Logistics Routes: Trial Launch of Multimodal Corridor to Turkmenistan
On Wednesday, 15 October, the trial operation of the international multimodal transport corridor linking China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan officially launched, according to Xinhua. The corridor features two multimodal routes, with goods transported by rail from Xi’an (Shaanxi Province, Northwest China) and Chengdu (Sichuan Province, Southwest China) to Kashgar … [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...]