On 5 February 2026, summit talks took place in Islamabad between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif. The first day of the Uzbek leader’s two-day visit (5–6 February) was marked by negotiations in a narrow format, the inaugural session of the Supreme-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, and the signing of a substantial … [Read more...]
Strategic Partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan – A Key Factor in Strengthening Central and South Asia Connectivity
On February 5–6, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a state visit to Pakistan. This visit is seen as a logical continuation of the intensified Uzbek-Pakistani dialogue in recent years and, at the same time, as an important step in implementing Uzbekistan’s foreign policy strategy, focused on expanding cooperation with South Asian countries. The visit … [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...]
Embraer re-enters Central Asia market – Uzbekistan acquires C-390 military transport planes
At the Singapore Airshow on February 3, 2026, Embraer disclosed that the Republic of Uzbekistan was the mystery buyer behind a prior undisclosed order for the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. The Uzbek Air Force plans to deploy the C-390 mainly for logistics and humanitarian efforts, which will substantially boost its operational strength. This deal positions Uzbekistan … [Read more...]
Top 5 Mega-Projects in Central Asia with Asian Capital – EDB Data
Central Asia receives nearly 57% of all Asian investments, totaling US $68 billion. The key recipients are Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. This was stated in the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) report titled "The Eurasian Region and Partner Countries in Asia: Analysis of Investment Flows Based on EDB Mutual Investment Monitoring." According to the report, the … [Read more...]
The Economic Horizon for Central Asia: Experts Opine on Mid- to Long-Term Prospects
Tariq Saeedi Central Asia—comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—stands at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge, according to recent analyses from independent think tanks, academic experts, and regional specialists. Over the past six months, from August 2025 onward, discussions have centered on the region's potential to leverage … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Assumes Chairmanship of the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone
Kazakhstan has assumed the chairmanship for 2026 within the framework of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia (CANWFZ), according to the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The chairmanship functions were officially handed over to Kazakhstan during a consultative meeting of the CANWFZ member states. In addition, the parties discussed joint efforts … [Read more...]
Fifth Meeting of the Turkmen-Uzbek Commission on Water Management Issues Held in Khiva
On 30 January 2026, the ancient city of Khiva, Uzbekistan, hosted the Fifth Meeting of the Joint Turkmen-Uzbek Intergovernmental Commission on Water Management Issues, according to the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan T. Atakhalyev, who oversees agricultural affairs, while the … [Read more...]
EBRD invests almost US$ 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...]
Tashkent and Ankara Strengthen Strategic Partnership on the Eve of the 30th Anniversary of the Friendship Treaty – Outcomes of the Uzbekistan President’s Visit to Türkiye
On 29 January 2026, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Ankara on an official visit at the invitation of President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The main event of the one-day visit was the fourth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, co-chaired by the two presidents, followed by an expanded meeting of the delegations. The sides … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan-Türkiye: Development of Cooperation in Environmental Protection
Makhmud Khaydarov, Chief specialist Department of international cooperation and rankings of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change Uzbekistan and Türkiye are consistently developing bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the fields of ecology and environmental protection, paying special attention to the exchange of experience, the … [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...]
Uzbekistan announces the leasing of facilities in the free trade zone on the border with Turkmenistan
On the border territory of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the process of leasing commercial facilities in the Shavat–Dashoguz Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has officially been launched. This was reported by the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan. This is a key stage in the implementation of the project, aimed at stimulating bilateral trade, creating new business … [Read more...]
President of Uzbekistan Calls for Results-Driven Diplomacy in Era of Global Change
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev recently held an expanded meeting on January 15 to discuss the future direction of Uzbekistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic missions abroad. The meeting came at a time of significant geopolitical shifts globally, prompting the need for a critical reassessment of the country's foreign policy approach. The President reflected … [Read more...]
34th anniversary of Uzbekistan Armed Forces celebrated in Ashgabat
On 14 January 2026, a briefing and a reception were held at the Yyldyz Hotel in Ashgabat on the occasion of Defenders of the Motherland Day and the 34th anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan, as well as the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan to Expand Capacity of Tuyamuyun Hydro Complex on Border with Turkmenistan
Along the Amu Darya River on the border between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan lies a major hydroelectric facility known as the Tuyamuyun Hydro Complex. This complex includes 30 key hydraulic structures and four interconnected reservoirs: the Channel Reservoir, Sultansanjar Reservoir, Kaparas Reservoir, and Koshbulak Reservoir. These are linked by a system of canals and gates. The … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Align on 2025 Achievements and Set Plans for 2026
On 29 December 2025, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as reported by Turkmenistan's State News Agency (TDH). During the call, the sides exchanged New Year's greetings, reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation throughout the outgoing … [Read more...]
Pharmaceutical Sector: Turkmenistan Expands Cooperation with Türkiye and Uzbekistan
Turkmenistan is strengthening its healthcare positions by entering into strategic agreements with regional partners. Recent arrangements with Turkish and Uzbek entities aim to secure the country’s medical supplies and train specialized personnel. The Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan has concluded a major agreement with the leading Turkish company Turk … [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...]
Central Asia emerges as Powerhouse in Aviation World
Central Asia is quietly becoming a powerhouse in the aviation world, emerging as the fastest-growing market globally over the past two decades, even though it's still the smallest region in terms of total scheduled seats. According to a recent analysis from OAG, the region is on track to offer 33.7 million seats in 2025, fueled by a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%—that's … [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...]
Uzbekistan Develops Container Transportation to Europe via Turkmenbashi Port: 18 Block Trains Dispatched in 2025
JSC "Uztemiryo'lkonteyner," the operator of the container fleet for the Uzbekistan railways, successfully organized regular container shipments from Uzbekistan to European countries in 2025 via the seaport of Turkmenistan on the Caspian Sea – the Port of Turkmenbashi. In total, 18 block trains carrying mineral fertilizers, potassium, carbamide, aluminum, and copper … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Launches Modernized Border Checkpoints with Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
Elvira Kadyrova Kazakhstan has commissioned two upgraded automobile border checkpoints: "Kazygurt" on the border with Uzbekistan and "Temir-Baba" on the border with Turkmenistan, according to the official website of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan. The upgrades have reduced border crossing times to as little as 30 minutes thanks to the introduction of new … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan to Declare 2027 as the Year of Preventive Diplomacy within the Non-Aligned Movement
Uzbekistan plans to declare 2027 as the Year of Preventive Diplomacy during its upcoming chairmanship in the Non-Aligned Movement. The initiative is aimed at supporting efforts to resolve conflicts in the interests of future generations. This was stated by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the International Forum of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat on 12 … [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...]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan: a strategic partnership that strengthens the region
In recent years, cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has been experiencing a new, truly rapid stage of development. Today, bilateral relations are no longer limited to just diplomatic ties — they have acquired a complex character: from joint economic, transport and logistics projects to large-scale cultural initiatives that strengthen friendship and … [Read more...]
Transport integration in Central Asia: the contribution of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Ibrahimova Dildora, Head of the Centre for Transport and Logistics Development Studies at the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan Transport cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is now taking on strategic importance, shaping a new architecture of connectivity in Central Asia and creating additional opportunities for the region to enter the wider … [Read more...]
International Team Rediscovers Turkestan Long-Eared Bat in Turkmenistan After 55 Years
An international team of scientists from Germany, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, led by the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, has rediscovered the Turkestan long-eared bat (Plecotus turkmenicus) in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan, a species not recorded alive for the past half-century. In October 2025, a targeted international expedition focused on locating this bat. … [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...]
Meeting of Energy Ministers of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Held in Tashkent
A meeting took place in Tashkent between the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, and a Turkmen delegation led by Minister of Energy Annageldi Saparov and Chairman of the State Concern “Turkmengas” Maksat Babayev, the press service of the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan reports. The talks were also attended by heads of leading fuel and … [Read more...]
Outcomes of the State Visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan: Mirziyoyev Awards Berdimuhamedov Uzbekistan’s Highest State Order – First Joint Border Trade Zone Launched
On 17 November 2025, in Tashkent, on the second day of the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Uzbekistan, high-level talks were held between President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The meeting, which took place first in a narrow format and then in an expanded format with the participation of official delegations, … [Read more...]
Visa-Free Access Introduced at Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan Joint Border Trade Zone
On the sidelines of the state visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov and Turkmenistan’s Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations Nazardurdy Agakhanov held detailed talks on the practical implementation of the newly launched Shavat–Dashoguz cross-border trade … [Read more...]
Tashkent: The Pulsating Heart of Central Asia
Elvira Kadyrova Tashkent is a city where you can literally feel the pulse of life and the unstoppable energy of youth. That’s exactly how Uzbekistan’s capital revealed itself to me, the vibrant megapolis of Central Asia. Our delegation of journalists from Turkmenistan stayed at one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, the InterContinental Tashkent, part of the prestigious … [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...]
President of Turkmenistan visits Uzbekistan
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan is on a two-day state visit to Uzbekistan, 16-17 November 2025. The visit coincides with the 7th meeting of the Council of the Heads of State of Central Asia that took place on 16 November 2025. The main content of the visit will take place on 17 November 2025. In addition to the other planned activities, there would be … [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...]
UNESCO Samarkand Summit: Recognition of Uzbekistan’s Role in Preserving World Heritage
Rarely do events within international organizations emerge that can truly symbolize a new era. The convening of the 43rd session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in the ancient city of Samarkand stands as one such landmark moment. For the first time in the 40-year history of the organization, the … [Read more...]