The United Kingdom government has taken a significant step towards addressing climate challenges in Central Asia by establishing the International Climate Change Fund for Central Asia. This marks the first dedicated international fund by the UK for climate action in the region. The announcement was made by UK Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kathy Leach, during a […]
Central Asia experiences a turning point, says President of Kazakhstan
Central Asia is experiencing a turning point in its history, and the region’s political and economic contacts have noticeably intensified, believes the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. “We are forming a new image of Central Asia, a region that has played an important role in the development of civilizations since ancient times, and also opens […]
Xinjiang Exports to Central Asia Surge, Led by Electric Vehicles and Solar Panels
Trade between China’s Xinjiang region and Central Asia hit a record high in 2023, totaling 283.67 billion yuan, according to Xinhua. This figure represents 79.4% of Xinjiang’s total foreign trade, highlighting the region’s growing importance as a trade hub. Xinjiang’s exports to Central Asia jumped 23.2% year-on-year to 246.57 billion yuan. Labor-intensive and electromechanical products […]
Central Asia Launches €11Million worth One Health Initiative to Combat Zoonotic Diseases
A new six-year, €11 million initiative, “One Health in Central Asia,” was launched at the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and funded by the German […]
Central Asian Representatives, EU Discuss Afghanistan’s Socio-Economic, Security Challenges
On 14 February 2024, Bishkek hosted the 5th meeting of special representatives from Central Asian states and the European Union on Afghanistan. Key participants included UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative, Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan Rosa Otumbayeva, the Special Representative of the European Union for Central Asia Terhi Hakala, and the Special Envoy […]
UN Women Tashkent Consultations: Central Asia’s potential for achieving gender equality under the spotlight
The potential and opportunities for Central Asia to achieve gender equality were explored in-depth at consultations held in Tashkent on 12 February. The event, titled “Empowering women and girls, as well as ensuring gender equality by addressing poverty, strengthening mechanisms and gender-oriented financing,” was jointly organized by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of […]
FAO, Supported by GEF, Launches Projects to Transform Central Asian Agriculture
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has greenlighted 48 FAO-led projects worth about $2.9 billion –$294 million in project financing and $2.6 billion in co-financing– that will play a pivotal role in fostering a sustainable agrifood systems transformation to end hunger and conserve the environment. Five Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan […]
USA and Central Asia held the inaugural meeting of the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue
On 8 February 2024, the US Department of State hosted the inaugural meeting of the C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue (CMD). According to press release, issued by the US Department of State, the meeting was chaired by Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez. The discussion was focused on goals and […]
TRUTH FOR THE DIPLOMAT – Part 4
Dr. Begench Karaev The science of diplomacy: the monolith of the East and the binary of the West “…The 21st century has brought into our lives not only high technologies, ultra-high-speed communications, fantastic innovations, but also many things that were unthinkable in the 20th century. In particular, before our eyes there is a transformation taking […]
Ambassador Akmaljon Kuchkarov hosted a press briefing – An overview of the current state of multidimensional Turkmen–Uzbek relations presented
On 5 February 2024, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, Akmaljon Kuchkarov, hosted a briefing for Turkmen journalists and representatives of foreign media accredited in Ashgabat. The event was dedicated to the 583rd anniversary of the great Uzbek writer and thinker Alisher Navoi, who made a huge contribution to the development of Turkic literature. In […]
Afghanistan Eyes Balanced Trade with Central Asia
In 2023, Afghanistan imported about $1.4 billion worth of goods from Central Asian countries, while the country exported goods worth $100 million, TOLOnews reports, citing the Afghan Ministry of Industry and Trade. According to the ministry’s spokesman Akhundzada Abdul Salam Javad, the country’s main exports to Central Asia are fresh fruits, dried fruits, while attempts […]
Turkish Giant Rönesans Expands to Central Asia, First PPP Hospital Project in Kazakhstan Underway
Leading Turkish contracting and investment group Rönesans, expecting €3.3 billion revenue in 2023, outlined its ambitious expansion plans focusing on Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. In 2023, Rönesans deepened its relationships with international partners and embarked on several new collaborations and investments, showcasing its successful implementation of the EPC-F (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing) […]
Central Asian SMEs are embracing sustainability – Success Stories from Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan
Bilguun Batsukh Known for their picturesque natural beauty and breath-taking mountains, the lands of Central Asia are especially vulnerable to climate change due to their high altitude and dependency on extractive industries. The EBRD and donors invest comprehensively in Green Economy Transformation in Central Asia, from facilitating policy dialogue, developing legislative frameworks, introducing renewable energy […]
Global Gateway: EU and Central Asian countries agree on building blocks to develop the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor
During the two-day Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity, the European Union, Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) and other gathered partners from across the world have made important steps to start the development of the fast route Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor linking Europe and Central Asia within 15 days. During yesterday’s […]
EIB Global to Support Sustainable Transport in Central Asia with Co-financing of €1.47 Billion
EIB Global, the European Union’s bank for long-term investments outside the EU, has signed memorandums of understanding for project co-financing with Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan for a total of €1.47 billion, the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan reports. This significant commitment was announced at the EU-Central Asia Investors Forum […]
European and international financial institutions announce €10 billion commitment to support sustainable connectivity in Central Asia
The Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity started today (29 January 2024) in Brussels. The event brings together government officials, financing institutions, businesses and civil society from Europe, all five Central Asian countries, and beyond. European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis announced that European and international financial institutions present at the […]
Xinjiang Opens Large-Scale Electric Vehicle Production Targeting Central Asia
A large-scale production facility of motorcycles and electric bikes has opened in Khorgos, China, on the border with Kazakhstan, CGTN reports. The company is located in the Xinjiang Pilot Free Trade Zone and belongs to a local technology company in the field of new energy Kingold. This is the first such project in Xinjiang, fully […]
Xinjiang’s Trade grows with Central Asia, Becoming its Largest Market
Urumqi customs data shows Central Asia as the largest trading partner for China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR). In 2023, trade turnover surged by 50%, accounting for a remarkable 79.4% of XUAR’s total foreign trade volume, Xinhua reports. Trade with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, XUAR’s top three partners, increased by 70.8%, 25.8%, and 93.4%, respectively. […]
Central Asian Law Enforcements Trained in Advanced Crisis Negotiation Techniques
Techniques of negotiation in hostage and the use of weapons in crisis situations, has been the focus of a five-day training organized by the project on Law Enforcement in Central Asia – LEICA, funded by the European Union, in Almaty (Kazakhstan). The training took place from 22-26 January 2024. At the training actively participated 19 […]
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 […]
Turkmenistan voiced its priorities during High-Level Briefing to Member States on UN Office of Counter-Terrorism’s projects in Central Asia
On January 23, 2024, a High-Level Briefing to Member States on UN Office of Counter-Terrorism’s projects in Central Asia was organized at the UN headquarters. The briefing was attended by Under-Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Vladimir Voronkov, Executive Director of the Executive Directorate of the UN Counter-terrorism Committee (UN […]
Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity – 29 and 30 January 2024
The European Commission invites you to the Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity; Taking place on 29 and 30 January 2024 in Brussels, the Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity will bring together high-level representatives from Central Asian countries, EU Member States, partner countries along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, EU Institutions, international and bilateral […]
Ecology, climate and water are the foundation of effective domestic and foreign policy
Ismail Dairov “Our country is part of a transboundary water system” — President Sadyr Japarov, II People’s Kurultai, Bishkek, December 15-16, 2023 Environmental, climate change and water policy issues have been the focus of the author’s professional interests throughout his more than 30-year career at the national and regional levels. Moreover, if the first part […]
THE TRUTH FOR THE DIPLOMAT: A VIEW FROM THE EAST – 3
Dr. Begench Karaev Part 3. Eastern Diplomat: A Closer Look Winter January morning. More precisely – 7:58 am. Although there is not much time left before sunrise, it is nevertheless dark enough to not turn on the car’s headlights. I taxi out onto a small street that runs parallel to the fence of one of […]
Pakistan unveils concept of the Second CPEC Cultural Caravan for Central Asian States
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture of Pakistan Jamal Shah, on Tuesday (23 Jan) met with Ambassadors of Central Asian States, Russia and China to discuss the initial plan of second ‘CPEC Cultural Caravan 2024’, APP reports. Addressing the diplomats, Jamal Shah told that Pakistan plans to organize a second China Pakistan Economic Corridor […]
Kazakhstan Agency for International Development “KazAID” offers educational programs to civil servants from Central Asia
The Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID) is forging strong connections across Central Asia by offering valuable educational opportunities for civil servants. In a recent briefing attended by representatives from embassies of Central Asian countries, KazAID unveiled its 2024 program lineup, showcasing initiatives designed to enhance governance and regional collaboration. One of the programs is […]
Kazakhstan and Hopes to Save the Aral Lake
Prof. Dr. Abdulvahap kara Efforts to save the Aral Sea, which constitutes one of the world’s biggest ecological disasters, continue. Kazakhstan took over the presidency of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), which has increased its activities in this regard in recent years. As of January 2024. Kazakhstan will fulfill this duty […]
THE TRUTH FOR THE DIPLOMAT: A VIEW FROM THE EAST – 2
Dr. Begench Karaev The Caliph asked: “So you are Layla, that drove the poor man Kais crazy? But I don’t find beauty in you, no matter how I look, I’m not going crazy!” And the lips of the young maiden whispered: “To see beauty, you must be Majnun, And carry its light in your […]
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 […]
Margaritis Schinas – Europe is in long-term commitment with Central Asia
Vice President of EC completes his Central Asia visit with last stop in Turkmenistan Margaritis Schinas, the Vice President of the European Commission (EC) completed his tour of the five Central Asian countries with the last stop in Turkmenistan on 17 January 2023. In Turkmenistan, he had several meetings including with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and […]
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 […]
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 economic partnership. Additionally, the […]
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 […]
Wang Yi: China-Central Asia Summit created a new platform for good-neighbourliness and friendly cooperation in the region
A successful China-Central Asia Summit, held last year, created a new platform for good-neighbourliness and friendly cooperation in the region. This statement came from foreign minister of China Wang Yi during his remarks at the Symposium on the International Situation and China’s Foreign Relations in Beijing on 9 January 2024. Here is a corresponding excerpt […]
Brussels to host Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity
Brussels will host Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity on 29-30 January 2024, European Commission reports. The Global Gateway Transport Investors Forum takes forward the conclusions of the EU-commissioned Study on Sustainable Transport Corridors between the EU and Central Asia, and aims to translate the political commitments of the EU and the five countries […]
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 […]
THE TRUTH FOR THE DIPLOMAT: A VIEW FROM THE EAST
Dr. Begench Karayev Everything we see is only one appearance. Far from the surface of the world to the bottom. Consider the obvious in the world to be unimportant, For the secret essence of things is not visible. Omar Khayyam Whenever you trust words, And the truth that is known by the heart, Let […]
ADB approved Project for Agricultural Development and Food Security in the Central Asia
Recently the Asian Development Bank approved technical assistance project titled “Resilient and Inclusive Agricultural Development and Food Security in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation”. The project’s covers Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The CAREC member countries face considerable challenges in ensuring food security. A number of factors, […]
From Droughts to Floods: Adapting Central Asia’s Transport to a Changing Climate
Over the next decades, the effects of climate change will likely exert considerable pressure on the transport infrastructure of Central Asia. In response, policymakers and the engineering community need to implement resilient yet sustainable designs and construction solutions. Manual for Climate Change Adaptation Measures for Transport Infrastructure in Central Asia, developed by the Asian Development […]
PetroChina mulls construction of Line D of Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline in 2024
PetroChina is looking to start building the Line D of the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline in 2024. This was reported on 21 December 2023 by S&P Global, in an article penned by their analyst, Cindy Liang. It is understood that the negotiations between Turkmenistan and China are in an active stage, with both sides expecting to […]
EDB: mutual direct investments among Central Asian countries grow at 9.2% per year on average over the past seven years
The volume of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Central Asia is estimated at US$ 1.1 billion by the end of the H1 2023, marking a 1.8-fold increase from 2016. This is stated in the report of the Eurasian Development Bank “EDB Monitoring of Mutual Investments 2023”. EDB analysts note that by mid-2023, the volume of FDI […]
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on combating environmental problems in Central Asia
In a crucial step towards tackling the region’s mounting environmental concerns, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution titled “Central Asia facing environmental challenges: fostering regional solidarity for sustainable development and prosperity”. This document, spearheaded by Uzbekistan alongside numerous countries, marks a vital recognition of the dire challenges facing Central Asia. The resolution emphasizes the […]
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 […]
Role of women in organized crime in focus at OSCE workshop for law enforcement bodies in Central Asia
On 18 and 19 December, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, in co-operation with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, organized a regional workshop to present and discuss the findings of the OSCE assessment report on ‘Understanding the role of women in organized crime’ in the context of Central Asia. The workshop was held in Tashkent, […]
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 carpets, intricate wood carvings, gleaming metalwork, […]
Experts from EU and CA exchanging views regarding drug situation
On December 13 in Brussels, Belgium, the EU-Central Asia Drug Dialogue has been conducted under the chairmanship of Spain – regular annual dialogue aiming to strengthen international cooperation, exchange views and support the proper development of drug policies. CADAP supported the participation in the Dialogue of delegations from all 5 Central Asian countries among the […]
Turkmen experts took part in the Central Asia–Republic of Korea Strategic Dialogue
Turkmen experts took part in the International Forum entitled “Strategic Dialogue Central Asia–Republic of Korea: Prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation”, which was recently held in a hybrid format in Uzbekistan. The participants of the meeting from Turkmenistan, Chief Researcher Orazmukhammet Annabayev and researcher Dovletmurad Mammedov from the Scientific Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute […]
Asian Development Bank slightly raises its 2023 forecast for economies of Caucasus and Central Asia
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has slightly raised its economic forecast for economies in Caucasus and Central Asia 2023. The upward revision reflects an improved outlook for Kazakhstan and Tajikistan for 2023. The growth forecasts for the Caucasus and Central Asia are revised up to 4.8% for 2023 from September’s 4.6% projection and down to […]
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 between South […]
Kazakhstan Supports Turkmenistan’s Efforts to Strengthen Peace and Stability
Kazakhstan has expressed its strong support for Turkmenistan’s efforts to strengthen peace and stability in the Central Asian region. During a meeting of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development, held in Ashgabat, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Alibek Bakayev, lauded Turkmenistan’s positive neutrality as a key factor […]