31 March 2025, marks a landmark date for Central Asia. In the ancient Tajik city of Khujand, the Presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—Sadyr Japarov, Emomali Rahmon, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev—signed a historic agreement defining the junction of their state borders. This pivotal event strengthens regional stability and opens a new chapter in interstate relations. In […]
Uzbekistan–EU partnership: Progress, Investment and Future Prospects
In recent years, Uzbekistan and the European Union have been steadily expanding their trade, economic, investment, and financial-technical cooperation. The most active bilateral engagements across various levels have taken place over the past eight years, driven by the focused policy of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Strengthening political dialogue and supporting […]
The Vice-president of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Medical Activities met with the assistant to the President of Uzbekistan
Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice President of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, met with Saida Mirziyoyeva, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as part of the international conference entitled “The Year of Peace and Trust: developing international activities for the sake of children.” During the conversation, […]
EU-Central Asia: 20th Ministerial meeting held in Ashgabat on 27 March 2025
The European Union and the five Central Asian countries reaffirmed their strong political commitment to strengthening engagement and deepening cooperation during the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting, chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, on 27 March 2025 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The Foreign Ministers of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as well […]
The Central Asia–European Union ministerial meeting was held in Ashgabat
The 20th Central Asia-European Union Ministerial Meeting was held in Ashgabat on March 27, 2025. It was attended by the heads of the foreign ministries of the Central Asian countries, as well as a European delegation led by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European […]
The President of Turkmenistan received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan
On 27 March 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov. During the meeting, key aspects of bilateral cooperation and prospects for its further development were discussed. Bakhtiyor Saidov conveyed greetings to the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people on behalf of […]
EU Vice-President Kaja Kallas to travel to Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas will start the regional tour of Central Asia on 27 March 2025. The first stop is Turkmenistan where she will chair the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting in Ashgabat. High level delegations from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan […]
Uzbekistan plans to increase the share of renewable energy sources in electricity production to 40% by 2030
Boriy Alikhanov and Narimon Umarov, deputies of the Legislative Chamber Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Today, many countries are radically revising their policies in the transition from the traditional model, in which environmental protection is considered a burden on the economy, to an engine of sustainable environmental development – a green alternative. According […]
The National Leader of Turkmenistan and the President of Uzbekistan discussed preparations for the upcoming summits
On 19 March 2025, a telephone conversation was held between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. The discussion focused on opportunities to deepen interstate cooperation and preparations for upcoming regional summits. At the outset, the sides exchanged warm […]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed issues of rational use of the Amu Darya
A delegation of the Ministry of Water Resources of Uzbekistan has paid a working visit to Turkmenistan, the Uzbek news agency “Dunyo” reports. A meeting of heads and specialists of the water management departments of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan was held in Turkmenabad, during which issues of cooperation in the water sector, in particular the operation […]
Koytendag Caves: a unique natural treasure on the way to World Heritage Status
On 15 February, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO Activities. An important international project was discussed at the meeting – the preparation of a joint Turkmen-Uzbek nomination for the Koytendag mountain ecosystem to include this transboundary territory in the UNESCO World Heritage List. […]
Uzbekistan and France Elevate Relations to Strategic Partnership Level
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and President Emmanuel Macron of France adopted a joint declaration establishing a strategic partnership following high-level talks held at the Élysée Palace in Paris on 12 March 2025. This marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries. Moreover, a key outcome of the summit meeting was the […]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan introduce a free trade regime
Since 25 February 2025, a free trade regime has been introduced between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. According to the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, the bilateral implementation of the necessary procedures has been completed for the entry into force of the Protocol on Exemptions from the Free Trade regime to the Agreement between […]
Termez Logistics Hub Joins UN Global Supply Network, Boosting Humanitarian Aid Efforts
In a landmark development for global humanitarian logistics, the International Multifunctional Transport and Logistics Hub in Termez has been officially integrated into the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Global Supply Network. The ceremony marking this milestone took place on February 11, 2025, attended by high-ranking officials from Uzbekistan, the United Nations, and international […]
FitchRatings: Islamic Finance Shows Potential in Central Asia as GCC Ties Deepen
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan could lead Central Asian Islamic finance industry growth over the medium-to-long term, although the industry is likely to remain niche, Fitch Ratings says. Government initiatives to tap funding from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Islamic multilateral institutions, diversifying the financial sector and boosting financial inclusion, could support growth. However, non-enabling […]
The first container train launched from India to Kazakhstan
As part of the expansion of international transport corridors, the first container train connecting India and Kazakhstan was launched, Uzbek Railways reports. The project is implemented with the support of three major transport and logistics operators in the region: Uztemiryulcontainer JSC (the official forwarder for railways of Uzbekistan), TULM JSC (the Transport and Logistics Center […]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan strengthen cooperation in social protection
On 27 February 2025, a productive online meeting facilitated discussions between Mr. M. Oloyerov, Director of the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and M. Silapov, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Turkmenistan. The dialogue provided a platform for a comprehensive exchange of perspectives on key social […]
Central Asia expands cooperation on sustainable use of shared rivers
Over the past three years, the Central Asian countries have concluded four new bilateral agreements on river water resources management. In the context of climate change, cooperation between the countries of the region is becoming more active. However, there are still gaps in the protection of transboundary groundwater. These topics were discussed at a regional […]
EDB: Central Asia accounts for 47% of total Chinese investments to Eurasian region
China is the largest exporter of investments in the Eurasian region. By mid-2024, China’s direct investment stock amounted to $58.6 billion, according to the Eurasian Development Bank’s study titled “Mutual Investments on the Eurasian Continent: New and Traditional Partners”. China’s investments are traditionally concentrated in the extractive industries ($36.2 billion). Over 18 months (2023 – […]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan environmentalists seek to include Markhur in UNESCO List
Arailym Temirgaliyeva The Surkhan State Nature Reserve, located in Surkhandarya region, cooperates with the Koytendag State Nature Reserve of Turkmenistan to protect the flora and fauna of the region, UzA reports. Nature reserves rich in flora and fauna are on both sides of the Kuhitang mountain range.Koytendag has an area of 27,140 hectares and is located at […]
The Role of Caspian Energy in Global Supply Chains
The Caspian Sea region continues to be a pivotal energy hub, contributing significantly to global oil and natural gas markets. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan account for a substantial share of hydrocarbon reserves, with petroleum production from offshore Caspian fields constituting 1% of global oil supply and natural gas output exceeding 4 trillion cubic feet […]
First EU-Central Asia summit to take place on 3-4 April 2025 in Uzbekistan
The President of the European Council, António Costa, along with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, will be travelling to Uzbekistan for the first-ever EU-Central Asia summit on 3-4 April 2025, the European Council said in a press release. The summit will be hosted by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with the […]
Turkmenistan’s Oil and Gas Production Detailed in New EIA Caspian Sea Report
U.S. Energy Information Administration has issued an updated report titled “Regional Analysis Brief: Caspian Sea”. The report analyzes energy in the Caspian Sea region, focusing both on energy production and resources offshore in the Caspian Sea itself. It also provides an energy overview of several coasta countries of the Caspian Sea (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan). […]
United to advance the 2030 Agenda: Central Asia countries pledge to act for gender equality in the region
On February 6, 2025, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan collectively affirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, as outlined in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), during a high-level meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan. The pledge was formalized through a joint statement. The event, titled […]
Ending poverty through E-Commerce in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan?
Yaroslav Eferin, Kate Gromova, Ana Cortes-Gonzalez Trade has fueled economic growth in Central Asia, despite geographic challenges. Goods from Central Asia, without seaports, must go the extra mile to reach their destination. Trade costs for landlocked developing countries–equivalent to a 540% tariff,–hinder the competitiveness of the region’s entrepreneurs and curb potential income growth. E-commerce may […]
Memory of Great Eastern Poet Alisher Navoi Honored in Ashgabat
The name of Alisher Navoi shines like a bright star across centuries, illuminating the path for descendants. His works, which have become the heritage not only of Turkic peoples but of the entire world, serve as a bridge connecting cultures and people’s hearts. On the eve of his 584th birth anniversary, a solemn flower-laying ceremony […]
Uzbekistan President’s Visit to Malaysia: Tashkent and Kuala Lumpur forge closer links, targeting strategic partnership
Malaysia and Uzbekistan have expressed their mutual desire to enhance their diplomatic relationship, with both nations agreeing to work toward establishing a strategic partnership in a joint statement released Wednesday (5 Feb) in Kuala Lumpur. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, who paid his first visit (4-5 Feb) to Malaysia since assuming office in December 2016, […]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed the prospects of increasing the capacity of the Farap-Alat checkpoints
On 4 February 2025, representatives of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the Customs Committee under the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a videoconference meeting. The agenda included increasing the capacity of the Farap–Alat road checkpoints and discussing proposals from the parties on this issue. As noted, after […]
Artificial Intelligence in Central Asia: strategies, initiatives, prospects
nCa Report The development of artificial intelligence is becoming one of the key priorities of the state policy of the Central Asian countries. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan demonstrate a systematic approach to the development of AI, forming the necessary infrastructure, training personnel and creating favorable conditions for innovation. Each country has identified its […]
Afghanistan’s Trade with Central Asia Reaches $1.6 Billion
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced that Afghanistan’s trade with five Central Asian countries has reached a total value of $1.696 billion during the current solar year (March 2024 to March 2025), TOLOnews reported. According to ministry spokesperson Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, exports accounted for $112 million of this trade volume, while imports […]
EU Provides €8.8 Million Grant to Uzbekistan for Aral Sea Basin Land Restoration
The European Union has committed €8.8 million in grant funding to support land restoration efforts in Uzbekistan’s Aral Sea Basin, with a new environmental initiative set to launch in 2025. This investment falls under the EU’s broader “Green Central Asia” initiative, which tackles regional challenges related to water resources, energy, and climate change. The project […]
Mary International Airport permitted emergency landing for Uzbekistan’s Centrum Air flight
On 1 February 2025, the crew of Centrum Air flight C6 3336, en route from Medina to Fergana aboard an A321neo aircraft, detected an oil leak in one of the engines. The incident occurred while flying over Turkmenistan. In accordance with safety regulations, the captain decided to divert the aircraft to the nearest alternative airport […]
Koytendag Mountain Ecosystem – UNESCO World Heritage Candidate
Shirin Karryeva, CLLC Project Manager On January 30, 2025, an online meeting was held at the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan (MOEPT) with representatives from the Michael Succow Foundation for Nature Conservation (MSF, Germany), the Center for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC, USA), Slovak Speleological Society, French Côte d’Azur University, Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection […]
Comprehensive Report on E-Commerce Trends and Developments with Focus on Central Asia
E-commerce in 2025: Trends, Challenges, and Innovations The e-commerce landscape is constantly evolving, with new trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the way we buy and sell online. Here’s a look at some of the key developments in the e-commerce world: 1. The Rise of AI-Powered Shopping Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the e-commerce experience. […]
Meeting in Brussels: The ambassadors of Central Asia and Mongolia discussed with the head of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee preparations for key events in 2025
On 27 January 2025, at the initiative of the Ambassadors of Central Asia countries and Mongolia accredited in Belgium, a meeting was held in Brussels with David McAllister, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Embassy of Kazakhstan to Belgium reports. The meeting participants discussed preparations for key events, including: • […]
Japanese PM’s Envoy Embarks on Diplomatic Tour of Central Asia
Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Nagashima Akihisa, begins a diplomatic mission to Central Asia as Special Envoy of the Prime Minister. The 11-day tour will cover all five Central Asian nations in an effort to strengthen Japan’s ties with the region. The trip, scheduled from 29 January to 8 February, will include […]
Turkmen-Uzbek political consultations held in Tashkent
On 26-27 January 2025, the Turkmen delegation headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov was on a visit to Uzbekistan. During the visit, political consultations were held at the level of the foreign ministers. During the consultations, the development of the political and diplomatic dialogue between the two countries was discussed, […]
The President of Uzbekistan stressed the importance of expanding the agenda of the multifaceted partnership with Turkmenistan.
On 27 January 2025, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. The meeting took place within the framework of the visit of the Turkmen delegation to Uzbekistan with the purpose of holding the regular Uzbek-Turkmen political consultations. At the beginning of the […]
EBRD sets an investment record in Central Asia
Anton Usov The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has set a new operational record in Central Asia by investing €2.26 billion through 121 projects in six regional economies last year – almost doubling its annual investment in Central Asia compared with 2023. It also mobilised €784 million from co-financiers, thus bringing more than […]
The 33rd anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan celebrated in Ashgabat
On 15 January 2025, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan hosted a briefing in honor of Defender of the Motherland Day and the 33rd anniversary of the founding of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The official guest of the Government of Turkmenistan was the Deputy Minister of Defense, Chief of the General […]
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan account for 95% of Central Asia’s total GDP, EDB says
The three largest economies — Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan — account for 95% of Central Asia’s total GDP and are net exporters of hydrocarbons, says Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) in the reports titled “Macroeconomic Forecasts 2025-2027”. In 2024, Central Asia’s nominal GDP could exceed $500bn. According to our estimates, it will increase by more than […]
Uzbekistan Seeks Alternative Trade Corridors – Some will pass through Turkmenistan
The Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan is actively working to diversify international routes and create alternative transport corridors for cargo transportation. This move aims to reduce reliance on transit countries facing challenges and ensure the stability of foreign trade operations. Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov emphasized this need, stating in an interview with Uzbekistan 24 TV […]
Uzbekistan – UAE: Partnership for a Green Future
Alisher Kadirov, Head of Department, Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been experiencing a period of rapid development in recent years, characterized by deepening cooperation in many areas, especially sustainable development and the green […]
Uzbekistan to build first storage power plants in Central Asia jointly with China
An ambitious project for the construction of the first storage hydropower plants in Central Asia will be implemented in Uzbekistan. This event marks an important step towards the energy independence of the region and the transition to more sustainable energy sources. Last week, during a visit to China, the Uzbek hydropower company “Uzbekgidroenergo” and the […]
Central Asia is a Key Vector of Uzbekistan’s Foreign Policy
Azamat Sulimanov, Head of Department, Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Analyzing the events of recent years, as well as the processes taking place in Central Asia, the radical changes that have taken place in the region in a fairly short period of time become obvious. Many […]
Uzbekistan’s Eco-Course: Ban on AI-80, New Industrial Restrictions and Mandatory Plastic Recycling
By the end of 2025, Uzbekistan plans to completely abandon the use of AI-80 gasoline, which does not comply with the Euro-4 environmental standard and significantly pollutes the environment. This is reported by the Uz Daily agency. The ban stems from recommendations received from various sources, including the general public, international and local environmental organizations, […]
PMs of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan met at Tri-Border Point, push for regional integration
On 8 January 2025, a trilateral meeting was held between Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic-Head of the Presidential Administration Adylbek Kasymaliyev, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdullah Aripov and Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kohir Rasulzoda. The premiers met at the junction of the state borders of the three countries — in […]
Trading houses open up new opportunities for cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan
The UzbekPak International Trade Center, as well as the UzbekPak Cultural Center, have opened in Karachi, Pakistan, the Dunyo news agency reports. The opening took place with the support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan and the Pakistani company Diners Group. According to Sohail Moten, the head of the Diners Group, the trading house and cultural […]
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed topical issues of Turkmen-Uzbek cooperation
During a telephone conversation on 30 December, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated each other and the fraternal peoples of the two countries on the coming 2025, sincerely wishing health, happiness, well-being, peace and prosperity, reports the press […]
Turkmen experts visited the Surkhan State Nature Reserve in Uzbekistan – Transnational Nomination Koitendag and Surkhan nature reserves aim for UNESCO World Natural Heritage List
From December 16 to 20, 2024, specialists from Turkmenistan undertook a working trip to Uzbekistan as part of the Center for the Conservation of Large Landscapes (CLLC) project, “Improving the potential and connectivity between the reserves of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.” The trip included visits to Termez and the Surkhan State Nature Reserve. This project, implemented […]