Evgeny Vinokurov, Vice-Chairman and Chief Economist of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), presented the EDB research on Central Asia’s water and energy challenges at the ADFIAP Annual Meeting 2025 in Muscat. The plenary session highlighted urgent issues and actionable strategies for sustainable water management in the region. The key findings of the EDB’s think tank in regards […]
Italian Prime Minister to visit Central Asia
On 25-26 April, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will pay an official visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan. On April 26-27, at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, she will pay an official visit to Astana. “During the high-level talks, the parties plan to discuss the prospects for the development of the Kazakh-Italian […]
Gulf Cooperation Council – Central Asia: A New Model of Regional Diplomacy
Alisher Kadirov, head of division of the Institute of Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan The international expert community is paying special attention to the transformation of the role of regional diplomacy in the modern world. Diplomatic dialogue between various regions is becoming a key instrument not only for […]
Kuwait hosted the 3rd ministerial meeting of the Central Asia-Gulf Cooperation Council Strategic Dialogue
On April 15-16, 2025, a delegation of Turkmenistan headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs A. Gurbanov was on a working visit to the State of Kuwait to participate in the third ministerial meeting of the Central Asia-Gulf Cooperation Council (CA-GCC) Strategic Dialogue held in Kuwait city. The meeting was attended by the leadership of […]
The Empires of Central Asia and their enduring relevance
nCa Analysis Central Asia is the birthplace of at least 18 well-known Empires. Some of them influenced the world in many ways and their legacy endures. They remain hugely relevant today. 1. Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BCE) (Iran-based but with large territories of Central Asia in its orbit) 2. Greco-Bactrian Kingdom (250-125 BCE) 3. Kushan Empire […]
BOMCA 10 strengthens regional customs capacity
On 8-10 April in Astana, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) organised a regional workshop on the effective use of technical equipment in customs control. The event brought together representatives of customs services from five Central Asian countries with practical experience in the use and assessment of technical customs control tools. […]
The delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the regular meeting of the CIS Ministerial Council and the meeting in the Central Asia-Russia format
On 11 April 2025, in Almaty, a delegation of Turkmenistan led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmet Gurbanov took part in a regular meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The event was attended by the heads of the foreign ministries of […]
Almaty: The Foreign Ministers of Russia and Central Asia discuss strengthening cooperation and regional security
On 11 April 2025, the eighth meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Central Asian countries took place in Almaty. The meeting was attended by: At the meeting, the ministers expressed their appreciation for the strong and multifaceted cooperation between their countries, based on their shared approaches to key issues […]
3rd International Forum and Exhibition Thermal Power Plants Central Asia 2025 to Take Place on 25 – 26 June in Astana, Kazakhstan
The 3rd Annual International Forum and Exhibition Thermal Power Plants Central Asia 2025 will be held on 25 – 26 June 2025 in Astana, Kazakhstan. The event will gather key stakeholders from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and global investors to discuss strategic development of the region’s thermal power sector. The programme includes a technical visit […]
Foreign Ministers of Russia and Central Asian countries will meet in Alma Ata
On April 11, the 8th meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation and the Central Asian states – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – will take place in Alma Ata, the Russian Foreign Ministry reports. They will discuss a broad range of political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian matters of concern for […]
ALIPH, with the European Union, Launch Call for Projects to Safeguard Central Asia’s Cultural Heritage from Climate Threats
Geneva, Nukus, 8 April 2025 – At the Aral Culture Summit initiated by the Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) and ALIPH’s newest board member, H.E. Gayane Umerova, Valéry Freland, Executive Director of ALIPH, announced a new call for projects in partnership with the European Union, via the European Commission’s Service […]
Achieving a TB-free Central Asia: from vision to reality
WHO/Europe, in partnership with its 5 Central Asian Member States and a range of stakeholders, today launched the TB-Free Central Asia Initiative (CAI) — to accelerate the elimination of tuberculosis (TB), including drug-resistant TB (DR-TB), across the subregion by 2030. Health ministers and high-level officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan gathered in Astana […]
Law enforcement officers from Central Asia made a study visit to Romania to study methods of combating illicit trafficking in firearms
From 25 to 26 March 2025, Bucharest hosted a training visit for representatives of law enforcement agencies of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, organized by the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police (I.G.P.R.) under the auspices of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The theme of the event was the […]
EU-Central Asia Summit: EIB Global expands strategic investments in sustainable projects
At the inaugural EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris signed four memorandums of understanding with key partners in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. With these agreements, the EIB will provide €365 million, unlocking up to €1 billion of investment in sustainable transport, water management, and climate resilience projects. These […]
Samarkand Climate Summit: Central Asia seeks ways to sustainable development
On 4 April 2025, the international First Climate Forum “Central Asia in the Face of Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Common Prosperity” was held in Samarkand. The forum was chaired by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The forum was attended by President of the European Council Antonio Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der […]
Outcomes of the first Central Asia–EU Summit in Samarkand
On 4 April 2025, the first Central Asia-European Union summit was held in Samarkand under the chairmanship of Uzbekistan. The summit was attended by: • Uzbekistan – President Shavkat Mirziyoyev • Kazakhstan – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev • Kyrgyzstan – President Sadyr Japarov • Turkmenistan – President Serdar Berdimuhamedov • Tajikistan – President Emomali Rahmon • […]
Europe and Central Asia: Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2024 – Managing Water Resources Sustainably for Improved Food Security and Nutrition
If the people of Europe and Central Asia are to have food on their plates, they must have water security. Moreover, water security is a catalyst for transforming the food and agriculture sectors of the region to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable. Therefore, sustainable water management practices are a prerequisite for farmers’ resilience […]
Samarkand to host first “Central Asia – European Union” summit on April 3-4
The first “Central Asia – European Union” summit will take place in Samarkand on April 3-4. According to the press service of the Head of our state, the summit which will be chaired by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will be attended by the President of the European Council Antonio Costa, President of the […]
European Union – Central Asia: regional consolidation and global partnership
On April 4, 2025, the first “Central Asia – European Union” official summit will be held in Samarkand, under the chairmanship of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This event is set to become a significant political milestone and will mark the beginning of a new phase in the relationship between the two regions. An […]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part Six
nCa Report During the screening event of the film Six inches of Soil on Ashgabat, there were some presentations and speeches. One of the presentations was by Prof Bob Doherty (Dean of School for Business and Society, University of York and Principal Investigator of the FixOurFood Research Programme). Here are the slides from his presentation: […]
Historical milestone: The Leaders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan sign Border Junction Agreement
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 […]
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Launch 500 kV Datka–Sugd Power Line Under CASA-1000 Project
On 31 March 2025, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon participated in the launch ceremony of the 500 kV Datka–Sughd power transmission line, a key component of the CASA-1000 international energy project. The event was held via videoconference from the city of Khujand. As part of the project, a new […]
Sustainable freight transport in Central Asia: A unified regional path
Central Asia’s freight transport faces key challenges, but a coordinated regional approach could unlock sustainable connectivity and resilience. Experts recently gathered at an International Transport Forum (ITF) event to assess strategies. The recent Policy Dialogue on Sustainable and Resilient Freight Connectivity in Central Asia – which brought together government representatives, international organisations, financial institutions, the […]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part Five
nCa Report Agroecology in Central Asia: Principles, Benefits, and Practical Implementation Introduction Agroecology is an interdisciplinary approach that integrates ecological principles into agricultural practices to create sustainable food systems. It seeks to balance productivity with environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic viability. In the context of Central Asia—a region characterized by its diverse landscapes, fragile […]
New Economic Prospects to Open in Samarkand – On the Upcoming EU–Central Asia Summit
Obid Khakimov, Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms On April 3–4, 2025, Samarkand will host a historic event: the first-ever Summit between the European Union and Central Asia. The meeting will be chaired by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and will include the participation of the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, […]
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 […]
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 […]
EU and Central Asia: Partnership on the strength of Peace, Trust, and Neutrality
nCa Commentary The ministerial meeting of EU and Central Asia is just about to take place in the run-up to the first EU and Central Asia summit, scheduled for early next month in Samarkand. The events are taking place in the year designated by the United Nations as the Year of Peace and Trust, aligning […]
Strengthening EU-Central Asia Cooperation: A Shared Vision for the Future
Op-ed by H.E. Beata Pęksa, Ambassador of the European Union to Turkmenistan The European Union’s partnership with Central Asia is built on a foundation of shared values and a commitment to mutual prosperity. As the EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan, I have witnessed firsthand the deepening of this relationship, which is not only a regional endeavor […]
Speech of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the International Conference “International Year of Peace and Trust: the role of interregional cooperation in ensuring sustainable development”
Here is slightly paraphrased translation of the speech by National Leader of Turkmenistan Arkadag Berdimuhamedov as given by Turkmen State News Agency TDH: Dear conference participants! I would like to thank you for participating in this forum and wish you a successful forum! Representatives of foreign countries, international organizations and large companies gathered here, which […]
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 […]
Arkadag explains some policy directions of Turkmenistan in speech at international forum
The National Leader of Turkmenistan, Arkadag Berdimuhamedov, spotlighted some policy direction of Turkmenistan on Wednesday, 19 March 2025. He was delivering a keynote address at the inaugural session of the “International Year of Peace and Trust: the Role of Interregional Economic Cooperation in Ensuring Sustainable Development.” In his speech, Arkadag highlighted the importance of the […]
Bridging Nations, Building Trust: How Infrastructure is Forging Peace, Trust and Prosperity across Central Asia
nCa Analysis The winds of change sweeping across Central Asia and its neighboring regions tell a story of transformation, one where the hum of construction and the promise of connectivity are rewriting old narratives of division and scarcity. At the heart of this shift lies a powerful idea: that infrastructure—both the tangible networks of roads, […]
The border of eternal friendship from now on and forever – Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan sign an epochal Treaty on the state border
The historic Treaty on the state border was signed by President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov following summit talks in Bishkek on 13 March 2025. Two border crossings, which have been closed since 2021, have resumed operation on the Tajik-Kyrgyz border. On 14 March, Tajik Somonair Airline will perform its […]
Visit of the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships to Ashgabat – transport, energy and trade among the key topics of the upcoming talks
On the eve of the first Central Asia–European Union Summit, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela begins his week-long tour of five Central Asian countries on 12 March. Turkmenistan will be the first country to be visited by the Commissioner. In an exclusive interview with the newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan, Síkela revealed the purpose […]
EU Commissioner Síkela to Embark on Ambitious Central Asia Tour this week
Jozef Síkela, the European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, is set to embark on a seven-day diplomatic mission across all five Central Asian countries from 12 to 18 March 2025. The tour reflects the EU’s growing strategic interest in a region representing a €340 billion economy with an average annual growth rate of 5%. In […]
Japan expresses readiness for further cooperation with Turkmenistan in preparation for the Central Asian summit
The recent visit of Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Japan Akihisa Nagashima to Turkmenistan has become an important stage in the development of bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation within the framework of the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue. In a letter addressed to the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Akihisa […]
Interview of the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Euronews TV channel
The Euronews team visited Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov answered questions from the correspondent of this TV company Loro Bakwelli. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s interview opens up a unique opportunity for an international audience to get acquainted with the country’s position on key regional […]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part One
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova “Despite all our accomplishments, we owe our existence to a six-inch layer of topsoil and the fact it rains,” said the U.S. radio broadcaster, Paul Harvey in 1978. Yes, just six inches of soil. This is the thin layer between our existence and non-existence. The inspiring British film ‘Six Inches […]
Global Gateway in Central Asia: Commissioner Síkela’s mission will focus on mutual development projects
Between 12 and 18 March, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela will visit the five Central Asian countries to strengthen the EU-Central Asia partnership ahead of the EU-Central Asia Summit and scale up Global Gateway, the EU’s investment strategy to boost jobs and sustainable economic growth. Commissioner Síkela said: “Central Asia is an important […]
Management of border crossing points located along transit corridors in Central Asia discussed at OSCE regional workshop in Turkmenistan
An OSCE-organized regional workshop on the management of border crossing points located along transit corridors in Central Asia, held in a blended format, took place from 4 to 6 March 2025 in Ashgabat. The workshop brought together, online and in-person, officials from the five Central Asian countries’ border security and customs management, migration, law-enforcement, veterinary, […]
EU-funded BOMCA 10 empowering women in Central Asian border regions
On 4-6 March 2025, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10), which is funded by the European Union (EU), successfully conducted a regional workshop “Women for Development of Central Asian Border Regions” in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. This initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to enhancing gender equality and empowering female professionals within state agencies across […]
EU-funded BOMCA 10 Programme organised Study visit to Latvia on national customs information systems
From 4-6 March, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) organised a study visit Latvia on introduction of the national customs information systems for representatives of customs services from Central Asian countries. During the previous activities of BOMCA 10, EU experts visited CA countries to provide assistance, develop recommendations and share experience […]
First visit of the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia to Turkmenistan
The newly appointed European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia, Ambassador Eduards Stiprais, paid working visit to Turkmenistan on 4-6 March. Mr Stiprais arrived in Ashgabat just three days after his appointment, underlining the importance the European Union places on its engagement with Turkmenistan and Central Asia. During his visit, Mr Stiprais held a […]
UN General Assembly Establishes Regional Centre for Sustainable Development in Almaty
In a landmark decision underscoring global commitment to sustainable development, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution to establish the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan. The resolution, spearheaded by Kazakhstan on behalf of Central Asian states, garnered support from 152 UN member states as co-sponsors, […]
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 […]
“Drops of the Future” workshop series concludes with a public event in Vienna, advancing co-operation on water, energy, and food in Central Asia
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has recently hosted the final event of the “Drops of the Future” workshop series. The event brought together young leaders, experts, and key stakeholders from Central Asia and beyond to explore collaborative and consensus-driven approaches to finding sustainable solutions for water, energy and food systems. The […]
EU and Central Asia – Redefining the paradigm
Tariq Saeedi Geologically, mainland Europe and mainland Asia are one gigantic continent – Eurasia. They share the same tectonic plates, and they are a contiguous landmass, with lack of water boundaries that define a continent. They are separated by a line that is imaginary – the Ural River and the Ural Mountain. The mass travels, […]