On 22 May 2026, ahead of the CIS Council of Heads of Government meeting in Ashgabat, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, the State News Agency (TDH) reports. At the start of the meeting, Aripov conveyed warm greetings from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Turkmen President and the National Leader of the Turkmen … [Read more...]
Digitalization, Navigation, and Transport Corridors: Key Takeaways from the CIS Summit in Ashgabat
Ashgabat took center stage today as the premier diplomatic and business hub for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government sparked a wave of rapid-fire bilateral talks, paving the way for full-scale multilateral discussions. Delegations focused on pivotal issues, ultimately sealing agreements that will reshape regional … [Read more...]
Could Central Asia help Europe address labour shortage concerns?
Dilbar Primova European labour shortages and legal migration systems were central topics at the Tashkent International Migration Forum, where officials came together for discussions and solutions. Policymakers, international organisations and business representatives discussed Europe’s ageing population and persistent labour shortage concerns - and as a result, how these … [Read more...]
China is willing to deepen security cooperation with Central Asia
China is willing to work with Central Asian countries to continuously deepen practical cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, combating telecom fraud and other transnational crimes, high-quality Belt and Road security cooperation, and immigration management, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong said Monday. Wang made the remarks … [Read more...]
Security at the Crossroads of Eurasian Routes: President of Kazakhstan Receives Interior Ministers of the “Central Asia – China” Format
Ensuring stability amidst the transformation of global trade chains, protecting the digital space from the destructive influence of artificial intelligence, and consolidating efforts against transnational crime were the key themes of the meeting between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the ministers of internal affairs and public security from Central Asian … [Read more...]
Astana: Central Asia – China Format Discusses Strengthening Regional Security
On 18 May 2026, Astana hosted the second meeting of Ministers of Internal Affairs and Public Security within the "Central Asia – China" format. The participants discussed strengthening regional security and countering transnational crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and extremism, according to the interior ministry of Kazakhstan. Amid growing contemporary challenges, the … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan participates in the Asian Partner Roundtable in Bonn
Bonn, Germany— A delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Shirin Abidova, Adviser to the Director of the Youth Affairs Agency, met with UNV’s Executive Coordinator, Toily Kurbanov, during the Asian Partner Roundtable at the United Nations Campus in Bonn on 12–13 May 2026. Held during International Volunteer Year 2026, the Roundtable will focus on how volunteer action can … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Mejlis Hosts Conference: “The Constitution – A Legal Guarantee for State Development and Social Prosperity”
On 14 May 2026, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan hosted a conference titled “The Constitution – A Legal Guarantee for State Development and Social Prosperity,” held in honor of the Day of the Constitution and the National Flag of Turkmenistan in a hybrid format. The forum served as a platform for exchanging advanced legal practices and showcasing positive initiatives aimed at … [Read more...]
Strengthening Inter-parliamentary Dialogue: Turkmenistan Delegation Participates in Bukhara Forums
From 13 to 14 May 2026, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by the Speaker of the Mejlis Dunyagozel Gulmanova, paid a working visit to Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Scientific Leadership and the SheScience Initiative On the first day of the visit, the Turkmen delegation took part in the women scientists' forum titled "Women's Leadership in Science: Modern Issues, Innovative … [Read more...]
Central Asia Islamic Finance Potential Catalysed by Reforms, GCC Interest
Regulatory initiatives across several Central Asian countries since the start of 2026 and increasing engagement with GCC investors and Islamic multilateral institutions are likely to support the Islamic finance industry’s growth potential in this region, Fitch Ratings says. Unlocking this potential would require sustained policy support, equal tax treatments, and greater public … [Read more...]
Akhal-Teke ‘Ambassadors of Peace’ Take Center Stage as International Forum and World Equestrian Championship Triumph in Tashkent
The Uzbek capital of Tashkent recently played host to a grand series of events celebrating the "heavenly" horses, including high-stakes equestrian competitions, the "Pearl of the East" World Beauty Championship, and the international scientific-practical conference titled "The Akhal-Teke Horse: A Symbol of Friendship Among Peoples." Turkmenistan was represented by a … [Read more...]
Under the slogan “New Energy: Innovation, Sustainability, and Regional Cooperation”, Uzbekistan Energy Week will be held in Tashkent
A total of 537 companies and brands, 125 speakers, and more than 1,000 delegates from 31 countries have confirmed their participation in the forum One of the most significant exhibition and conference events in the country’s fuel and energy sector - Uzbekistan Energy Week (UEW 2026) - will be held at the CAEx Uzbekistan International Exhibition Center. Uzbekistan Energy … [Read more...]
The Ashgabat Corridor Revisited: A Quiet Artery Gains Strategic Weight
nCa Report In an era defined by shifting trade routes and geopolitical uncertainty, an old regional initiative is quietly re-emerging with renewed relevance. The Ashgabat Agreement corridor—linking Central Asia to the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman—has moved back into focus as countries seek resilient, diversified pathways for trade. What began in 2011 as a modest … [Read more...]
New Multimodal Corridor: Cargo from China to Afghanistan to Transit via Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
As part of the strategy to diversify transport and logistics corridors in the region, a new multimodal route has been launched for the delivery of containerized cargo from China to Afghanistan. The new path is designed to be a more efficient alternative to traditional maritime shipping. This was reported by Uztemiryulkonteyner (the container fleet operator of Uzbekistan … [Read more...]
Astana 2026: Ecology, Water, and Strategic Convergence in Central Asia
nCa Report In a rare convergence of environmental urgency and geopolitical coordination, Kazakhstan hosted two interlinked high-level gatherings in Astana: Together, these meetings mark a qualitative shift in Central Asian diplomacy—from parallel national approaches toward collective regional frameworks, particularly in the critical domain of water and environmental … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan participates in Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian States event hosted by Tashkent
The Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan joined on 21 April 2026 a growing regional effort to institutionalize cooperation among women leaders as she took part—via video link—in the first meeting under Uzbekistan’s 2026 chairmanship of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asian States, a platform that has been steadily gaining political weight across the … [Read more...]
A new ecosystem has emerged on the dried seabed of the Aral Sea
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Aral Sea was the largest lake in Central Asia (Fig. 1). Starting from the second half of this century, as a result of the drying up of the sea, a new desert ecosystem—the Aralkum Desert—was formed at its bottom (Fig. 2). This area is currently considered one of the largest anthropogenic desert ecosystems in Central Asia. As a result of … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s “Green Corridor” Gains Momentum as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan Target Europe
A new regional energy axis is taking shape across Central Asia and the Caspian region, as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan advance plans to export renewable electricity to Europe through the ambitious “Green Corridor” project. The initiative reflects a deepening strategic partnership among the three countries, combining expanding renewable energy capacity with … [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...]
Uzbekistan will welcome the international exhibition-fair “UzCharmExpoEurAsia–2025”, a premier event dedicated to leather, footwear, accessories, karakul, fur, wool, and locally produced goods
The upcoming “UzCharmExpoEurAsia–2025” exhibition will featuremore than 30 leading companiesfrom countries includingItaly, Turkey, Latvia, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan From October 28 to 30, 2025, the 19th International Exhibition-Fair “UzCharmExpoEurAsia–2025” will be held at the “Uzexpomarkaz” exhibition center in Tashkent, a premier event dedicated … [Read more...]
OGT 2025: Uzbekistan Ready to Participate in Hydrocarbon Production Projects in Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan is ready to take part in hydrocarbon production projects on the territory of Turkmenistan. This was announced by the Deputy Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Azizhoja Kobilov, speaking at the opening session of the International Conference “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2025” (OGT 2025). Key Areas of Bilateral Partnership Cooperation between Uzbekistan and … [Read more...]