Russian war in Ukraine has had a minor influence on Central Asia, with high oil and gas income, a boost in labor, capital, and remittance inflows, as well as benefits from trade with Russia and China. Inflation and debt service expenses still exist, though, says the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) says in its February update of Regional Economic … [Read more...]
PM Narendra Modi: India has created five pillars of cooperation in the SCO
Opening the online SCO summit on 4 July 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi summed up the results of his country's chairmanship and spoke about efforts to bring multifaceted cooperation in the SCO to new heights. Modi highlighted five new pillars of cooperation established by India within the SCO. These are Startups and Innovation, Traditional Medicine, Youth … [Read more...]
President Ilham Aliyev: Central Asia and Azerbaijan are a single historical and cultural geographical region
"Central Asia and Azerbaijan are a single historical and cultural geographical region of strategic importance in world politics with a growing economy, demography and geopolitical potential," stressed President Ilham Aliyev, who was invited as an honorary guest to the 5th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in Dushanbe, 14 September. Aliyev said that … [Read more...]
President of Kazakhstan initiates creating an International water and energy consortium in Central Asia
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev calls for early completion of the process of improving the organizational structure and legal framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, as well as the creation of a mechanism for the effective use of Central Asia's water and energy resources. He stated this, speaking on Friday, 15 September, at a summit of the … [Read more...]
President of Kazakhstan Tokayev proposes to hold a Dialogue on security and cooperation in Central Asia in 2024
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his speech at the 5th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States, said that the summit will largely determine the further dynamics of multifaceted cooperation between the Central Asian states. "Mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation is consistently expanding. Contacts between businesses have … [Read more...]
President of Kazakhstan: “Despite the unprecedented geopolitical aggravation, the Central Asian countries have strengthened the intraregional dialogue”
Despite the unprecedented geopolitical aggravation, the Central Asian countries have strengthened the intraregional dialogue. Much of the credit for this goes for the European Union, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the second regional high–level meeting "Central Asia - European Union" in Cholpon-Ata. In his speech, Tokayev highlighted the main areas of … [Read more...]
President of Kyrgyzstan hosted an official reception in honor of the second EU-Central Asia high-level regional meeting
The President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov hosted an official reception on 2 June, in Cholpon-Ata, in honor of participants of the Second EU-Central Asia high-level meeting. The reception was attended by the President of the European Council Charles Michel, the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, as well as the head of the delegation of Turkmenistan – Deputy … [Read more...]
President of Kyrgyzstan: the development of regional transit, transport, logistics potential is the driving force for the growth in Central Asia
"It would be highly advantageous for the Central Asian countries to establish our region as a unified geo-economic space, facilitating diverse forms of successful economic cooperation and interaction," President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov said on 2 June, speaking at the Second high-level regional meeting with the participation of the heads of Central Asian states and … [Read more...]
President of Tajikistan called on the Central Asian countries to take more active steps towards intraregional integration
"Central Asia today is turning into one of the most important geopolitical centers of the modern world and unique geographical nodes," said President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, speaking at the Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States In his opinion, it is no coincidence that within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the heads of … [Read more...]
President of Tajikistan proposes to develop a Concept for the expansion of the SCO
During his speech at SCO Summit on 4 July 2023, the President Emomali Rahmon stressed the importance of further promoting cooperation within the SCO on the basis of coordinated actions and principles of mutual respect. The President of Tajikistan noted that the increasing attention of the world community to the SCO, embodying the unique interconnectedness of civilizations … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan received the new Ambassador of Tajikistan
On Wednesday, 28 June, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the newly appointed Ambassador of Tajikistan to Turkmenistan Vafo Alibek Niyatbekzoda. "Tajikistan has traditionally been a reliable friend and partner of Turkmenistan. Our cooperation continues to develop thanks to regular visits at the highest level, as well as active negotiations and consultations between the … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Dushanbe on a working visit
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov has arrived in the Republic of Tajikistan to participate in the Fifth Anniversary Consultative Meeting of the heads of Central Asian states and in the regular meeting of the Council of the Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), reports Khovar. At Dushanbe International Airport, … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov: “The Central Asian Water Strategy could become the basis for the development of the UN Global Water Strategy in the future”
At a meeting of the Council of the Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for the Aral Sea in Dushanbe on 15 September, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov pledged Turkmenistan's continued support for implementing specific initiatives of the IFAS founding countries to enhance regional cooperation and develop systemic mechanisms for cooperation in environmental … [Read more...]
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Trade and economic cooperation is the main driver of regional partnership and integration in Central Asia
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted in his speech that the Central Asian region is becoming one of the important centers of economic growth and investment activity, regaining its historical role as a transport hub connecting West with East and North with South. Taking into account the in-depth analysis of the impact of global processes on the … [Read more...]
President of Uzbekistan: It is important that the IFAS reform process is based on the principle of “water – energy – food”
Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev shared his vision for reforming the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) at a meeting of the Heads of State of the founding countries in Dushanbe on 15 September 2023. This topic was one of the central themes in the speeches of the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. "It is important that the process of … [Read more...]
President Sadyr Zhaparov: Kyrgyzstan attaches priority importance to the development of cooperation with Central Asian countries
President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, in his speech at the Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Dushanbe, noted that consultative meetings create favorable conditions for maintaining regular dialogue at the highest level, as well as significantly strengthen mutual trust between our states. "I am confident that our joint work, constant … [Read more...]
Tajikistan will co-host UN 2023 Water Conference next month. It will be first UN conference on water in almost 50 years.
The UN 2023 Water Conference will take place in New York, 22-24 March 2023. Its co-hosts are The Netherlands and Tajikistan. The conference will focus on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of Implementation of the UN Decade for Action on Water and Sanitation (2018-2028). It aims to raise awareness of the global water crisis and decide on concerted action to achieve the … [Read more...]
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev shared Uzbekistan’s vision on the prospects for the EU-Central Asia partnership
Today, Central Asia is a center of attraction and a space of new economic opportunities for leading European companies and banks, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated, speaking at the second EU-Central Asia high-level regional meeting in Kyrgyzstan on 2 June 2023. As Mirziyoyev noted, we are talking about a broad investment and technological partnership aimed at … [Read more...]
Presidents of China and Central Asian countries attended a joint press-conference following the Summit in Xi’an – the China-Central Asia Summit Mechanism officially inaugurated
On 19 May, the China-Central Asia Summit was successfully held at the Xi’an International Convention Center. President Xi Jinping together with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan jointly met the … [Read more...]
Research team from the University of Cologne decodes the ancient Kushan script – the Kushan Empire in Central Asia was one of the most influential states of the ancient world
A team of early-career researchers at the University of Cologne has succeeded in decoding a script that has been puzzling scholars for over seventy years: the so-called ‘unknown Kushan script’, the University said in a press release. Over a period of several years, Svenja Bonmann, Jakob Halfmann and Natalie Korobzow examined photographs of inscriptions found in caves as well … [Read more...]
Russia is increasing trade and economic ties with the SCO countries
Russia intends to further deepen ties with members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and these ties are becoming stronger and more multifaceted, President Vladimir Putin said during his remarks at SCO Summit on 4 July 2023. Last year, Russia's trade with the SCO member states increased by more than a third – 37%, reaching a record high of US $263 billion. And in … [Read more...]
Central Asian parliamentarians are ready to join the processes of comprehensive development of the region
The First Inter-Parliamentary Forum of Central Asian States with the participation of the heads of parliaments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan has wrapped up today, 10 February 2023, in Turkestan, Kazakhstan. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the participants of the forum with a welcoming message. "The initiative to … [Read more...]
Russian direct investments in Central Asia exceeded $3.6 billion in 2022
Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, spoke about the current economic and humanitarian cooperation between Russia and Central Asian countries Russia remains a key trade and economic partner of Central Asia with a high share of presence in the region's economy and is one of the main consumers of products manufactured in Central Asian … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan hosts First Inter-Parliamentary Forum of Central Asia
Delegations of Parliaments of Central Asian countries arrived today, February 9, in Kazakhstan's Turkestan to participate in the first Inter-Parliamentary Forum of Central Asian States. During the forum, parliamentarians of the region discuss topical issues of the development of a shared spiritual and cultural space and prospects for expanding inter-parliamentary relations, … [Read more...]
SCO Summit adopted New Delhi Declaration – Key Points
SCO confirms commitment to formation of a more representative, democratic, just and multipolar world with a central coordinating role of the UN. The Member States reaffirm that the SCO is not directed against other states and international organizations and is open to broad cooperation with them. SCO pursues a policy that excludes bloc, ideological and confrontational … [Read more...]
SCO Summit: Kyrgyzstan is promoting the idea of establishing a Center for combating international crime in Bishkek
Addressing at online SCO Summit on 4 July 2023, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov noted the importance of the establishment of the SCO Center for Combating International Organized Crime in Bishkek. According to the Head of Kyrgyzstan, the implementation of this initiative will give a tangible impetus to increasing cooperation on issues related to ensuring regional … [Read more...]
Second regional high-level EU-Central Asia meeting wrapped up in Kyrgyzstan – Joint press communique issued – Uzbekistan offers to host First EU-Central Asia Summit next year
Today, on 2 June 2023, the leaders of Central Asia countries and the President of European Council met in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan for second regional high-level meeting. Following the meeting, Joint press communique was issued. According to the document, the sides underlined the need to strengthen cooperation between Central Asia and the EU on the old, new and emerging … [Read more...]
Seismology is a potential area of scientific cooperation between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan
The problems of seismology, earthquake-resistant construction and seismic risk reduction became one of the topics of discussion at the scientific Turkmen-Tajik forum held in Dushanbe last week on the eve of the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Tajikistan. Guljemal Saryeva, Director of the Institute of Seismology and Atmospheric Physics of the Academy of … [Read more...]
Seoul hosted the first Central Asia–Korea parliamentary forum, Turkmenistan to host the next meeting of the platform
The speakers of the parliaments of South Korea and five Central Asian countries held the first forum in Seoul on Tuesday, 19 September, to discuss cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The event was attended by Kim Jin-pyo, Speaker of the National Assembly of Korea, Speaker of the Majilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan Yerlan Koshanov, Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy … [Read more...]
Six foreign presidents, one prime minister, participating in victory day parade in Moscow – Flowers placed at the tomb of unknown soldier
The Victory Day parade is in progress in Moscow. Six foreign presidents and one prime minister are participating in the event as invited guests of President Putin. President Putin and the invited guests placed flowers at the tomb of the unknown soldier after the parade. They include: Belarus – President Alexander Lukashenko Kazakhstan – President … [Read more...]
Special Representative of UN Secretary-General for Central Asia addresses the Council of heads of founding states of the International Fund for Saving the Aral sea
On 15 September 2023, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia Kaha Imnadze participated in the Council of Heads of Founding States of IFAS in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan. At the meeting, hosted by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Heads of the Founding States welcomed the activities under the Chairmanship of Tajikistan in IFAS … [Read more...]
Speech by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at online SCO Summit on 4 July 2023
Dear Mr. Chairman, Dear Heads of State and Delegations, First of all, let me warmly welcome all participants, leaders and members of delegations. I express my gratitude to the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, for inviting me to this important meeting as an honorary guest. Dear Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich! Taking this opportunity, I cordially congratulate you … [Read more...]
Speech by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States
Dear Heads of State! Dear members of the delegations! Allow me to express my gratitude to the distinguished President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Sharifovich Rahmon for the warm hospitality and excellent conditions created for fruitful joint work. Let me also welcome the distinguished Ilham Heydarovich as an honorary guest of the Consultative Meeting of the … [Read more...]
Central Asia sent rescue teams to Turkey
Central Asian countries, like the whole world, responded to the troubles of Turkiye, which suffered from numerous deadly earthquakes. Turkmenistan has sent to Turkey a relief group of doctors and medical workers, basic necessities, such medicines and textile products. Rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan arrived on Tuesday, 7 February in … [Read more...]
Stepping up regional co-operation on climate change and security in Central Asia: High mountain areas in focus at OSCE-adelphi workshop in Tashkent
On 20 and 21 June 2023, over 60 participants representing a wide range of government and civil society organizations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as well as regional and international organizations convened in a workshop in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The event was organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental … [Read more...]
Summit of Central Asia-China will lead to signing important political document – MFA China
From May 18 to 19, President Xi Jinping will chair the China-Central Asia Summit in Xi’an, Shaanxi, reported today Foreign Ministry of China. According to the Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Wang Wenbin, the heads of state of the five Central Asian countries will attend the Summit in China. This will be the first major diplomatic event that China hosts this year and the … [Read more...]
Tajik Foreign Minister to visit Turkmenistan
On 15-16 July 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirodjiddin Mukhriddin will pay an official visit to Turkmenistan, the press service of the MFA Tajikistan reports. The visit will take place at the invitation of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov The Tajik Foreign Minister will be … [Read more...]
Tajikistan hosted IAEA seminar on nuclear law for Central Asian countries
At the recent IAEA Central Asian seminar in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, the legislative aspects of the nuclear sector were discussed, as the IAEA plays an important role in assisting in the development of a legislative framework to improve the reliability of nuclear installations and materials. The regional seminar on nuclear law brought together 24 representatives from 11 … [Read more...]
Tajikistan intends to launch container transportation to Europe via Turkmenistan
On 10 May 2023 in Dushanbe, following the summit talks between the Presidents of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, 24 documents on cooperation were signed, two of which relate to the transport sector. The joint program (“Roadmap”) for further expansion of cooperation in the field of increasing cargo traffic and activating multimodal transport between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
Tajikistan Issues Postage Stamps to Mark 5th Anniversary of Central Asian Consultative Mechanism
On 12 September 2023, a solemn stamp cancellation ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan issued on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the mechanism of consultative meetings of the heads of Central Asian states and the 30th anniversary of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan … [Read more...]
Tajikistan President Highlights Need for Regional Cooperation on Climate Change
At a meeting of the Heads of the founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea in Dushanbe on 15 September, President Emomali Rahmon highly appreciated the thirty-year activity of IFAS, but believes there is still much work to be done. "This is especially important taking into account the population in the region, ensuring economic development and … [Read more...]
Tajikistan will increase salaries of military and security forces from 1 March 2023 – some other sectors, from 1 July 2023
From 1 March 2023, Tajikistan will increase the salaries of armed forces and law enforcement agencies by 25%. Based on the minimum salary established by the government, the privates and up to lieutenant will receive a raise of 995 somoni in their monthly salary. The officers from senior lieutenant to army general will get a raise of 895 … [Read more...]
Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Türkiye to discuss the development of the TUTIT multimodal corridor in Dushanbe
The first meeting of the High-Level Working Group on the Multimodal Corridor "Tajikistan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Türkiye" (TUTIT) will be held in Dushanbe on Thursday, 21 September. The meeting will be held under the auspices of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan reports. The meeting of the High-Level Working Group … [Read more...]
Tajikistan: President Emomali Rahmon highlighted promising areas of cooperation between Central Asia and the Arab countries of the Gulf
During his remarks at the GCC-Central Asia Summit in Jeddah on 19 July 2023, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan emphasized the importance of establishing a strategic dialogue in the Central Asia-Gulf format and expressed the readiness of Tajikistan to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields of economy, trade, investment, culture and other areas of … [Read more...]
Taliban have modernized signs and symbols at borders with neighbouring countries
The Taliban government has completed the plan to modernize the border signs and symbols with the countries of Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. This was mentioned by Noorullah Noori, the acting minister of Borders and Tribes, in his annual report, reports the Afghan media. He said that the change of signs and symbols was done according to a decree by … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan hosts regional seminar on transboundary rivers and lakes
Representatives of Turkmenistan participate in the Regional Workshop on Monitoring, Assessment and Information Sharing in Transboundary Basins in Central Asia, held in Astana (Kazakhstan) on 1-2 February, the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reports. The meeting brought together experts in the field of water resources, environment, foreign affairs, hydrometeorological services … [Read more...]
Korea will foot the bill for feasibility study of Tajik section of TAT rail
Korea will bear the expenses for the preparation of the feasibility study for the construction of the Tajik section of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan railway line (TAT rail). This was reported by the Tajik news service Asia-Plus on 1 February 2023. The J. Balkhi - Dzhaihun - Nizhny Pyanj railway section inside Tajikistan will be about 50km in length. In addition, there … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan
On Saturday, 15 July, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Mukhriddin. During the meeting, the sides stressed that interstate cooperation, built on the principles of equality, mutual respect and trust, has a progressive dynamic. In the 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Turkmen-Tajik … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan to take part in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asia States in Tajikistan
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov will pay a working visit to Tajikistan to participate in the fifth Consultative Meeting of the heads of Central Asian states and in the meeting of the heads of the founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), scheduled for 14-15 September 2023. Deputy Prime Minister, foreign minister of Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan will visit Tajikistan
On September 14-15, 2023, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov will pay a working visit to the Republic of Tajikistan to participate in the fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the next meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the founders of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). As part of the summit meetings, a … [Read more...]