Uzbekistan has offered China access to a crucial transport corridor linking Central Asia with Türkiye. During last week meeting in Beijing, Uzbekistan Railways chairman Zufar Narzullayev proposed including Chinese State Railways in the protocol governing the corridor Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Türkiye. He also suggested collaborating to boost the corridor's capacity. The … [Read more...]
EBRD posts strong operational results in Central Asia in 2023
Anton Usov The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invested more than €1.2 billion (US$ 1.3 billion) in projects across Central Asia in 2023 to stimulate the region’s sustainable and inclusive growth, which is expected to continue at a pace of 5.9 per cent in 2024. Last year the Bank financed more than 100 projects in sectors including renewable energy, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Joins Regional Efforts to Expand Trans-Caspian Trade Route
Representatives from Turkmenistan, alongside officials from other Central Asian nations and international organizations, gathered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 25-26 January 2024, for the third meeting on expanding the Trans-Caspian Trade Route (TCTR). The Turkmen Logistics Association, Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan (TULM), and several transport and logistics … [Read more...]
Italy Proposes Aral Sea Restoration Project to Central Asia
An Italian engineering company has unveiled a project to revive the Aral Sea basin, offering hope for environmental recovery in Central Asia where the sea's shrinkage stands as a major crisis. President Roberto Mantovanelli and CEO Errico Stravato of SOGESID presented the initiative to ambassadors of Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan at the Ministry for … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan and China Elevate Ties with All-Weather Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
On 24 January 2024, a landmark summit in Beijing saw President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and President Xi Jinping of China elevate their bilateral relations to an "all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership." This historic statement marks a new stage era of cooperation between the Central Asian nation and the global powerhouse. The two leaders emphasized their … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan-China: age-old foundations of modern successful cooperation
On January 23-25, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will visit China on a state visit. The modern stage of Uzbek-Chinese cooperation began on January 2, 1992, when, after gaining independence, Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations with the PRC as a full member of the international community. The historical roots of relations between the two states go back … [Read more...]
Central Asia not circumventing Western sanctions
Raza Syed The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is forcing the whole world to adapt to a new political and economic reality. Sanctions, counter-sanctions, and the breakdown of existing production and logistics chains are becoming a serious challenge for some, and a matter of survival for other states. The countries of Central Asia are also deeply affected by this … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan Leads the Way in Central Asia Joining the UN Protocol on Water and Health
Uzbekistan has taken a significant step towards safeguarding its water resources and protecting public health by becoming the first Central Asian nation to join the UN Protocol on Water and Health, UN News reports. This initiative demonstrates the country's commitment to tackling critical water and sanitation challenges amidst a growing population and the harsh realities of … [Read more...]
The Director of the International Institute of Central Asia and the Ambassador of Turkmenistan discussed issues of the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership
Strengthening the bonds between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan took center stage in a recent meeting between Shadurdy Meredov, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Uzbekistan, and Javlon Vakhabov, Director of the International Institute of Central Asia (IICA). The conversation focused on fostering the longstanding friendship, good neighborliness, and deepening strategic partnership … [Read more...]
EU-Uzbekistan Trade Grows, and EU-Central Asia Summit in Sight
Uzbekistan and the European Union witnessed a 30% surge in trade volume during 2023, as announced by the Uzbek President's press service following a meeting between President Mirziyoyev and EU Vice President Margaritis Schinas. Leading European companies are actively participating in major investment projects within Uzbekistan's high-tech sectors, further solidifying the … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan prepare an agreement to simplify visa rules for international cargo carriers
On 10 January 2024, a meeting of the Turkmen-Uzbek expert working group on fees and charges levied during international road transport by carriers of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan was held, the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan reports. At the videoconference meeting, the parties discussed the following issues: • Streamlining the fees levied on carriers from both countries … [Read more...]
Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong Meets with Ambassadors of the Five Central Asian Countries to China
On January 11, 2024, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong held a group meeting with ambassadors of the five Central Asian countries to China. Sun Weidong said that the five Central Asian countries are China's close neighbors and comprehensive strategic partners. Over the past decade, President Xi Jinping has maintained close exchanges with heads of state of the Central Asian … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan Innovates with Tomato-Based COVID Vaccine
Uzbek scientists have developed a new generation vaccine against COVID-19 coronavirus infection based on genetic vectors and tomato. The tomato variety or TOMAVAC tomato vaccine was created as a result of placing a fragment of the gene encoding the S1 protein antigen of the coronavirus in special vectors. Such a tomato regularly produces the S1 antigen protein. In phase 1 of … [Read more...]
China’s major manufacturing hub opens new TIR route with Uzbekistan
Shenzhen is accelerating the development of TIR transport corridors connecting China to Central Asia to facilitate growing trade volumes, slashing delivery times. Following the successful launch of the Shenzhen (China) and Almaty (Kazakhstan) TIR route in 2023, a new route connecting Shenzhen to Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, has been activated by IRU member ZZHY. A Chinese … [Read more...]
Greening the Aral Sea: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Lead the Way
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, two Central Asian nations deeply affected by the Aral Sea's environmental tragedy, are spearheading remarkable efforts to green the vast, exposed seabed. Their determined strides in reforestation hold immense promise for mitigating the ecological disaster's negative impact on the region and beyond. Kazakhstan has set a target for 2024: sowing 275,000 … [Read more...]
Trade between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to exceed $1 billion in 2023
The trade between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will exceed $1 billion in 2023, according to a telephone conversation between the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on Thursday, 28 Dec 2023. The sides noted with deep satisfaction the noticeable … [Read more...]
Central Asia Goes Green: Uzbekistan Opens Six Eco-Friendly Power Plants, Adding 2.4 GW to the Grid
Six large renewable energy facilities have been put into operation in Uzbekistan on Wednesday, 27 December 2023. They include 5 solar and 1 wind power plant with a total capacity of 2.4 gigawatts. Masdar (UAE) has completed the implementation of projects for the construction of three modern photovoltaic plants in the Jizzakh, Samarkand and Surkhandarya regions with a total … [Read more...]
Istanbul meeting paves the way for the development of the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Türkiye multimodal transport corridor
The first meeting of the railway administrations of the participating countries of the multimodal transport corridor Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan – Iran – Türkiye was held in Istanbul, where important issues related to the development of this transport route were discussed, the Information and Analytical Media Center of Uzbekistan Temir Yullari (Uzbek Railways) reports. The key … [Read more...]
Trade between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan exceeds $970 million
According to the Agency of Statistics under the President of Uzbekistan, trade between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan amounted to $970.1 million in January-November 2023. Of this, exports of Uzbek products to Turkmenistan amounted to $106.5 million, while imports from Turkmenistan were $809.6 million. As the figures show, trade and economic relations between Turkmenistan and … [Read more...]
Russia aims to strengthen partnership, alliance and good neighborliness with Central Asia
Russia sees its main task as pursuing a balanced policy aimed at strengthening partnership, alliance and good-neighborliness, and preserving its role as a key partner of the Central Asian states. The statement came from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin during his remarks at parliament’s meeting devoted to the geopolitical importance of the Central Asian region … [Read more...]
Weaving a Brighter Future: Women Artisans of Central Asia Unveiled
The "Women Artisans of Central Asia: A Lookbook Journey," a new publication launched by USAID features the exceptional work of 50 women artisans from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, each piece a testament to their vibrant cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship. The Lookbook offers a gateway to amazing variety of hand-woven … [Read more...]
Afghanistan and Uzbekistan renewed agreement on electricity purchase
On Friday, 15 December 2023, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan the renewed the annual electricity purchase agreement between two countries for 2024, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, main electric energy company in Afghanistan, reports. The renewed agreement was signed on the sidelines of the visit by Chief Executive Officer of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat Muhammad Hanif Hamza and … [Read more...]
Russia’s FESCO and Uzbek Railways agreed to advance transit routes through Turkmenistan
Major Russian transport and logistics player FESCO and Uzbek Railways agreed to develop new transit routes through Turkmenistan, opening up corridors to Turkey, Africa, and the Mediterranean. This agreement was reached following a recent meeting in Tashkent between Andrey Severilov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the FESCO Transport Group, and Abdumalik Kamildzhanov, … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Consolidation opens New Era of Cooperation with South Korea
On 12 December, Tashkent hosted the third cultural and strategic forum, "The Korean Peninsula and the North: a joint journey to Uzbekistan," welcoming a prominent delegation from South Korea and ambassadors from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Turkiye. Launched by Seoul in 2021, the forum aims to foster understanding and collaboration … [Read more...]
EBRD launches Youth in Business programme in Central Asia
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is addressing the issue of youth entrepreneurship and employment in Central Asia by launching a seven-year €200 million (US$ 218 million) Youth in Business programme. It is designed to provide better access to finance and relevant training to young entrepreneurs in the region, where up to one third of the population is … [Read more...]
Addressing Environmental Challenges Requires Collective Effort, Say Representatives of Foreign Ministries and Lawmakers from Central Asian countries
On 3 December 2023, the 10th meeting of representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Parliamentarians of Central Asian countries was held in Dubai (UAE) at the COP28 platform, Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia reports. The session's moderator and Center’s consultant, Ikrom Nazarov, outlined several tasks the countries have to solve. The first is … [Read more...]
The Central Asia Pavilion opens at COP28 in Dubai
On 1 December 2023, the grand opening of the Central Asia Pavilion at the 28th UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP28) took place in Dubai, the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC) reports. The pavilion launch ceremony was attended by representatives of the Central Asian countries, development partners and representatives of civil society. Representative of … [Read more...]
Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan Explore Multimodal Transportation through Turkmenistan
Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan have initiated discussions on establishing a multimodal cargo transportation route via the International Port of Turkmenbashi, a Caspian Sea port in Turkmenistan. This development holds the potential to streamline the movement of goods between the two countries and enhance economic cooperation. Representatives of Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of … [Read more...]
CAREC Award: Turkmenistan’s Women’s Union Recognized for Advancing Gender Equality
At a landmark event, the first prize of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program for promoting gender equality was awarded. Eleven organizations and individuals from ten CAREC member countries were recognized at an awards ceremony in Tbilisi, Georgia, on 29 November 2023, on the sidelines of the 22nd CAREC Ministerial Conference. The CAREC Award … [Read more...]
Tashkent hosted OSCE-organized conference to discuss regional security in a globalized world
The Academy of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan in Tashkent hosted the V International scientific and theoretical conference on "The main trends in ensuring regional security in the context of globalization," as reported by the Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan. The conference, organized in cooperation with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), … [Read more...]
Why is COP 28 a landmark event for the future of Central Asian countries?
On 30 November 2023, the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP28) started its work in the UAE, Dubai. At this global climate summit engaged almost all countries of the world, the states of Central Asia - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - will be presented as a single region … [Read more...]
Media Forum sums up the outcomes of the Ashgabat World Kurash Championship
On Wednesday, 29 November 2023, a media forum was held in Ashgabat to celebrate the successful culmination of the 14th World Kurash Championship. The event, which concluded the previous day, witnessed the participation of 181 athletes from 45 countries across four continents, all vying for top honors in 15 medal categories. The media forum was graced by the presence of … [Read more...]
One Health Framework for Action Set to Enhance the Quality of Health Care Services Across Central Asia
Government officials of Central Asia gathered today at World Bank hosted regional conference to endorse the Central Asia One Health Framework for Action- a regional cooperation program designed to enhance the quality and productivity of health, agriculture, and environment sectors across the region. The framework serves as a strategic plan and investment structure, requiring … [Read more...]
UNRCCA convened annual meeting with deputy foreign ministers of Central Asian states in Bishkek
The thirteenth 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), took place in Bishkek on 27-28 November. The meeting brought together the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Taking into consideration … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan launches new railway project, improving regional connectivity and boosting trade
On Monday, 27 November, Kazakhstan started construction of a new railway line that will connect the southernmost regions of Kazakhstan with the rest of the country and improve transport connectivity with neighboring Uzbekistan. The project is expected to be completed in 2025. The 152 km long Darbaza – Maktaaral railway line will allow to reorient cargo from the existing … [Read more...]
DARYA project – Central Asia and the EU sum up the progress in flagship project focused on youth and education
Education and Labour Deputy Ministers from Central Asia gathered for two-day meeting (23-24 Nov 2023) in Torino, Italy, for a high-level meeting of DARYA (Dialogue and Action for Resourceful Youth in Central Asia), the first European Union’s regional project supporting education, youth employment and inclusive skills development in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, … [Read more...]
Summit of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia in Azerbaijan – Outcomes
nCa Report On 24 November 2023, the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the participating countries of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) was held in Baku. The Summit was attended by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Ambassador Meets with Uzbek Senate Speaker to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
On 21 November, Tanzila Narbayeva, the Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis (upper house of Uzbek Parliament), met with Shadurdy Meredov, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan. The wide-ranging discussion delved into the multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, rooted in their shared history, traditions, and values. The focus centered on the … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries and Korea Launch Forum of Think Tanks
A roundtable of think tanks of Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea was held in Seoul on 20 November 2023, the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan said in a press release. During the event, the participants discussed issues of cooperation within the framework of the Central Asia – Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum (CARK). Speaking at the event, Ambassador of … [Read more...]
Trade Between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Thrives, Reaching Nearly $940 Million
The economic partnership between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan continues to flourish, as bilateral trade turnover soared to $939.1 million in January-October 2023, according to the Statistics Agency under the President of Uzbekistan. This remarkable growth underscores the deepening ties between the two nations. Uzbekistan's exports to Turkmenistan during this period reached … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan discussed the prospects of cooperation
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan received the Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov of Uzbekistan on 17 November. The sides discussed a comprehensive cooperation agenda encompassing trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian, and political aspects. President Berdimuhamedov underscored the significance of Uzbekistan as a close neighbor and strategic … [Read more...]
Lavrov met with ambassadors of Central Asian countries
On 17 November 2023, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov met with the ambassadors of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, accredited in Moscow, Russian foreign ministry reports. During the meeting, the sides evaluated Russia’s bilateral interaction with each Central Asian state, as well as within the framework of common international … [Read more...]
UNRCCA and EUSR Host The Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus Visit to European Union Institutions In Brussels
BRUSSELS, Belgium - On 13-15 November UNRCCA and the office of the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia (EUSR CA) jointly organized the visit of members of the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC) and civil society representatives from Central Asia to the Institutions of European Union in Brussels. The visit was organized within the framework of the … [Read more...]
2 billion tons of sand and dust, equal in weight to 350 Great Pyramids of Giza, enter the atmosphere every year – warn UN experts
The prevalence of sand and dust storms has intensified worldwide, with human activity contributing to over 25% of these occurrences, according to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Each year, an estimated 2 billion tons of sand and dust enter the atmosphere, a weight equivalent to 350 Great Pyramids of Giza. This alarming trend was highlighted during the … [Read more...]
Ambassadors of Central Asian countries to Austria visited Graz, the second largest Austrian city
On 8-9 November 2023, at the initiative of the Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Austria Tolenda Makeev, the ambassadors of the Central Asian countries to Austria visited the capital of the Austrian Federal State of Styria (Steiermark) – the city of Graz, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan reports. The visit was organized with the support of Stefan Düss, … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Hosts Meeting on CASCA+ Multimodal Transport Corridor Development
A three-day meeting of heads of railway departments from countries participating in the international multimodal transport corridor "Countries of the Asia-Pacific region-China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Türkiye-Europe" (CASCA+) kicked off in Ashgabat on 15 November. Representatives from the public and private sectors of CASCA+ member countries … [Read more...]
Italy and Uzbekistan Plan to Expand Strategic Partnership Relations
On Friday, 10 November 2023, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Italy Sergio Mattarella held summit talks in Tashkent to discuss the further expansion of bilateral strategic partnership and multifaceted relations in priority areas. Mattarella paid a three-day visit to Uzbekistan, visiting Tashkent, Samarkand and Khiva. This was the first visit of the … [Read more...]
Tashkent hosted the International Forum “Children and Youth in Action – Climate Change in Central Asia”
On 9 November 2023 Tashkent hosted the International Forum "Children and Youth in Action – Climate Change in Central Asia", dedicated to recognizing the role of children and youth in combating the negative impacts of climate change, including through the promotion of environmental education, UNICEF Uzbekistan reports. During the opening of the Forum, addressing the young … [Read more...]
Speech by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the sixteenth summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization
Dear heads of delegations! Dear Secretary General! Summit participants! I am very glad to see you at the next summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization. Welcome to Uzbekistan! The current summit is a clear confirmation of our determination to expand comprehensive cooperation on the path of common development. Today, before our eyes, the political architecture … [Read more...]
Выступление Президента Республики Узбекистан Шавката Мирзиёева на 16-м саммите Организации экономического сотрудничества
Уважаемые главы делегаций! Уважаемый Генеральный секретарь! Участники саммита! Очень рад видеть вас на очередном саммите Организации экономического сотрудничества. Добро пожаловать в Узбекистан! Нынешняя встреча на высшем уровне является ярким подтверждением нашей решимости к расширению всестороннего сотрудничества на пути общего развития. Сегодня на наших глазах … [Read more...]