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...]
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...]
Dushanbe and Tashkent Target $2 Billion Trade Turnover and Launch 12 Joint Projects: Outcomes of the Tajikistan-Uzbekistan Summit
26–27 March 2026 President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon paid a state visit to Uzbekistan. The events took place in Tashkent and Bukhara. The visit included high-level negotiations, the inaugural meeting of the Supreme Inter-State Council, the launch of joint projects, a business forum, a joint exhibition, and cultural events. Following the high-level talks, a … [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...]
President of Tajikistan and Deputy PM of Turkmenistan Discuss Bilateral Cooperation Dynamics
On 4 March 2026, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, received the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Tangryguly Atakhallyev, who is visiting Dushanbe. During the meeting, President Rahmon highlighted the significant potential for advancing cooperation across various economic sectors, specifically focusing on trade, industry, … [Read more...]
Tajik-Turkmen Trade Surges 17.1% in 2025
On 3–4 March 2026, Dushanbe is hosting the 14th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation. The meeting is co-chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Sulaymon Ziyozoda, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan in charge of the agro-industrial complex, Tangryguly … [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...]
London and Central Asia: Launch of the CA5+UK Format Ushers in a New Era of Strategic Partnership
On 26 February 2026, London hosted the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Central Asian countries and the United Kingdom in the CA5+UK format. The meeting was attended by: This marks the first time since the Central Asian nations gained independence in 1991 that the Foreign Ministers of the region and the United Kingdom have convened in such a format. During the … [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...]
The Economic Horizon for Central Asia: Experts Opine on Mid- to Long-Term Prospects
Tariq Saeedi Central Asia—comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—stands at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge, according to recent analyses from independent think tanks, academic experts, and regional specialists. Over the past six months, from August 2025 onward, discussions have centered on the region's potential to leverage … [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...]
33 years of mutual trust and creation: Turkmenistan and Tajikistan on the path of strategic partnership
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Tajikistan Aimyrat Gochmyradov January 27, 2026, marks the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Tajikistan. They were officially established on January 27, 1993. Over the past period, bilateral cooperation has acquired a stable, … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Tajikistan Calls for a “Decade of Strengthening Peace” at International Forum in Turkmenistan
President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon participated in the International Forum of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat, where he called on the global community to consolidate efforts in the face of global challenges. Rahmon emphasized the complexity of the current geopolitical situation, where competition is intensifying and norms of international law are weakening. According to him, … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Tajikistan’s: Pioneering AI Leadership in Central Asia and Beyond
nCa Analysis Tajikistan is moving energetically, and pretty fast, to position itself as the regional powerhouse in artificial intelligence (AI) and related disciplines. It is following a hybrid model, merging the indigenous components with the foreign partnership elements. The sum total can possibly be more than its component parts. Under the vision and patronage of … [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...]
The Taste of Diplomacy: How Tajikistan Charmed Leaders of Central Asian and Russia with a Spectacular Harvest Display
On 9 October 2025, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon hosted an informal gathering—a "friendship evening"—for the heads of state participating in the Central Asia–Russia Summit and the CIS Summit at the government residence in Dushanbe. A vibrant exhibition of Tajikistan’s agricultural products and national cuisine was organized in the picturesque setting of the … [Read more...]
A firm commitment to partnership and alliance: Putin on Strengthening Russia-Central Asia Ties
On October 9, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the second Central Asia–Russia summit in Dushanbe, reaffirming Russia's dedication to strengthening strategic partnerships and alliances with Central Asian states—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The speech highlighted the immense potential for economic cooperation, outlining key … [Read more...]
Transport, Nuclear Energy, Industrial Cooperation: Uzbekistan’s President Names Partnership Priorities for Central Asia and Russia
At Dushanbe Summit on Thursday, 9 October 2025, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev called on the countries of Central Asia and Russia for closer coordination and cooperation in the six-sided format, urged by "growing geopolitical tension and crisis phenomena in the world economy." In this context, the leader of Uzbekistan outlined his vision for the prospects of … [Read more...]
Trade, Transport, Energy, and Security: Initiatives of the President of Kazakhstan at the Central Asia – Russia Summit
Trade with Russia accounts for one-third of the total trade turnover of the Central Asian countries, announced President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev while addressing the Central Asia – Russia Summit in Tajikistan. "It is gratifying that the situation in the Central Asian region itself has evolved in recent years towards political solidarity, economic cooperation, and … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Russia Summit: Kyrgyz President Highlights Positive Shift in Central Asian Security Situation
For Kyrgyzstan, the Central Asian countries and Russia invariably remain key partners. This format serves as a practical tool for deepening comprehensive partnership, stated President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic at the Second Central Asia – Russia Summit in Dushanbe. Speaking about the current international situation, Sadyr Japarov noted that the meeting was … [Read more...]
President of Tajikistan Chaired the Second “Central Asia–Russia” Summit in Dushanbe
On 9 October 2025, under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, the Second “Central Asia–Russia” Summit was held at the Government Residence in Dushanbe. The summit brought together the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Russian … [Read more...]