Countries in Central Asia can foster closer regional ties and increase trade amongst one another if they are all members of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This emerged at the second Central Asia Trade Policy Forum, held from 3-5 June 2024 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It brought together senior representatives of the five Central Asian countries […]
Parliament of Turkmenistan hosted a Special Meeting dedicated to the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi
On 22 June 2024, a special videoconference meeting titled “Historical and cultural values uniting peoples” was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great thinker and poet Magtymguly Fragi. The meeting was attended by representatives of the parliaments of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, […]
The Nomad Games will be held in Astana from September 8 to 13, 2024
The Nomad Games will be held in Astana from September 8 to 13, 2024. Çarwa oýunlary 2024-nji ýylyň 8-13-nji sentýabry aralygynda Astanada geçiriler. Бүкіл әлем көз тіккен жарыс 2024 жылы 8-13 қыркүйек аралығында Астанада өтеді. Игры кочевников пройдут в Астане с 8 по 13 сентября 2024 года. ///Embassy of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan
Kazakhstan appoints new Ambassador to Turkmenistan
In accordance with the Decree of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, published on 20 June, Nurlan Nogayev was appointed Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan. Former Minister of Energy, prior to his appointment to Ashgabat, Nogaev held the position of akim (governor) of Mangystau region, bordering Turkmenistan. Kazakhstan’s media outlets report the following details of […]
CALL FOR ENTRIES: “Kazakhstan through the Eyes of Foreign Media” Contest
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in partnership with Kazakhstan’s Chief Editors’ Club, is delighted to announce the opening of applications for the 9th edition of the “Kazakhstan through the Eyes of Foreign Media” contest. This competition invites foreign journalists to submit their written or filmed works showcasing diverse aspects of Kazakhstan. Since […]
Kazakhstan Sees $120 Million Export Potential to Turkmenistan
During the meeting in Astana on 13 June 2024, Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliyev and Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan Begench Gochmollayev exchanged views on a wide range of issues related to the development of trade and economic relations between the two countries. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry […]
Central Asian States rally for water and climate solutions: Dushanbe Forum tackles critical water and climate challenges, signalling a united regional approach
Dushanbe, 14 June 2024 – The High-level Central Asian Forum on ‘Water and Climate Change’, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in cooperation with the European Union and the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan, has become a cornerstone of the 3rd High-level International Conference on the International […]
Power Systems Cooperation in Central Asia
The power systems in Central Asia have undergone several phases of initial integration, subsequent dis-integration, and gradual and systematic reintegration. The Director of CDC Energia, Kh. Shamsiev, PhD, gave a useful and informative presentation at the recently held TESC 2024 in Ashgabat. The presentation was titled: Power systems’ cooperation within the framework of the United […]
President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to Astana – South Korea and Kazakhstan signed dozens of agreements, MoUs and commercial deals worth over $430 million
South Korea and Kazakhstan signed more than 30 agreements on the sidelines of President Yoon Sok Yeol’s state visit to Astana. Following the summit talks with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, 11 documents on cooperation were signed, including: 1. Agreement on cooperation in the field of energy industry development; 2. Agreement on cooperation in the […]
New Trade Route Opens: Kazakhstan to UAE via Afghanistan and Pakistan
A landmark pilot project has successfully completed a new multimodal transportation route from Kazakhstan to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). KTZ Express JSC, QazTrade JSC, and their Pakistani partner, National Logistics Corporation (NLC), collaborated to deliver cargo from Kazakhstan to Jebel Ali port in the UAE via Afghanistan and Pakistan. This route offers a fresh […]
Central Asia Secured Long-Term Gas Supplies from Russia – Gazprom Signs 15-Year Deal for Gas Transit Through Kazakhstan
At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, major energy players inked a significant agreement. Gazprom, the Russian gas giant, signed long-term contracts with Kazakhstan’s National Company QazaqGaz to transport gas to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan for 15 years (2025-2040). To facilitate this transit, plans include expanding the existing Central Asia-Center gas pipeline network and developing additional […]
President of S.Korea embarks on state visit to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
President Yoon Suk Yeol will be on a state visit to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan next week, the Korea Herald reports. Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee will embark on the trip on Monday and are scheduled to wrap up their visit on 15 June. Seoul will work to integrate South Korea’s innovation prowess […]
Meeting in the Great Steppe: Astana Welcomes the World for 5th Nomad Games
The Nomad Games will be held in Astana from 8 to 13 September 2024. About 4 thousand participants from more than 100 countries will take part in the competition. It is expected that more than 100 thousand tourists will visit sports competitions and cultural events. The 5th World Nomad Games in Astana will be held […]
Kazakhstan: Active involvement of Afghanistan in interregional ties is a strategic task
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan has said that in his opinion, one of the strategic tasks at the present stage is the active involvement of Afghanistan in interregional ties. “Kazakhstan removed the Taliban regime from the terrorist list, based on the importance of developing trade and economic cooperation with modern Afghanistan and the understanding that […]
Diplomatic Club Astana Invites Turkmen Businessmen to Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are committed to strengthening trade and economic ties. The Diplomatic Club Astana plays a crucial role in facilitating these goals by fostering partnerships between businesses from both countries. Turkmen entrepreneurs are familiar with the Club’s successful track record. The Diplomatic Club Astana regularly organize business missions and tours, connecting entrepreneurs from both […]
Astana hosted the 2024 China-Central Asia Human Rights Development Forum
The Central Asia-China cooperation mechanism has brought valuable opportunities for human rights protection, livelihood and economic development in the region, said stated participants at the 2024 China-Central Asia Human Rights Development Forum which was held in Kazakhstan’s Astana on 28-29 May 2024. The forum themed “building a China-Central Asia community of shared future: a new […]
Hope for the Aral Sea: Italy and Central Asia Partner on Restoration Project
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (Aics) and the Water system management company (Sogesid) signed a document, which will pave the way for realization of project of Aral sea rehabilitation. The declaration of intent for the “definition of an operational and functional model for environmental remediation and regeneration interventions in contaminated areas” was inked on […]
Rome hosted 3rd Ministerial Conference “Italy-Central Asia”
On 29 May 2024, in Rome Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani met with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan for the third Ministerial Conference Italy-Central Asia. “Italy looks with great interest to the political collaboration and opportunities that arise for our companies […]
“Kazakh Tazy” Dog Breed May Become a National Brand of Kazakhstan
A dog show organized by the Union of Cynologists of Kazakhstan was held in Astana on May 26th, where a special international commission examined about 100 dogs of the Kazakh Tazy breed from all over Kazakhstan. According to Yves de Clercq, executive director of the International Cynological Federation, members of the commission came to study […]
Kazakhstan Upgrading Gas Pipeline System to Boost Russian Gas Flow to Uzbekistan
Russia aims to significantly increase gas exports to Uzbekistan, with plans to reach 11 billion cubic meters annually by next year. This is a substantial jump from the current level of 3.8 billion cubic meters. The statement came after talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan in Tashkent. The availability […]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan discussed preparations for the Consultative Summit of Central Asia
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and his Kazakhstan counterpart Murat Nurtleu discussed preparations for the 6th summit of the Advisory Council of the Heads of Central Asian States, which will be held in Astana in August this year, Kazinform reports. According to Nutrleu, during the negotiations with Meredov, “new […]
Kazakhstan offers Turkmenistan a number of areas for energy cooperation
Energy integration relations between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are developing dynamically. This statement came from Deputy Prime Minister, foreign minister of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu following talks with Turkmenistan’s foreign minister Rashid Meredov, Kazinform reports. Kazakhstan underlined its commitment to fostering long-term bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, according to Nurtleu. To this end, Kazakhstan has presented […]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Boost Cargo Flow: Aktau-Turkmenbashi Route Sees 50% Surge over past three years
Talks between Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu and his Turkmen counterpart Rashid Meredov yielded positive results for regional trade. The nations agreed to significantly increase cargo transportation between the key ports of Aktau (Kazakhstan) and Turkmenbashi (Turkmenistan). This decision builds upon an increase of cargo transshipment on this route surging by […]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Look to the Future: Digital Cooperation Takes Center Stage
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiyev during an official visit to Astana. During the meeting, prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanging experience in strategically important areas were discussed. Madiyev stressed that this […]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan FMs held talks in Astana – transport, trade & economic relations under the spotlight
On Monday, 27 May 2024, negotiations were held in Astana between Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, MFA Kazakhstan reports. The ministers reviewed a wide range of cooperation areas, including political ties, trade, […]
President of Kazakhstan received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
On 27 May 2024, the President of Kazakhstan received Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, who arrived in Astana on an official visit, Akorda reported. Welcoming the Turkmen diplomat, Tokayev expressed satisfaction with the current state of Kazakhstani-Turkmen relations, which are steadily strengthening in the […]
Tokayev delivered a lecture in Singapore on the theme “Kazakhstan and the role of the Middle Powers: promoting security, stability and sustainable development”
During the state visit, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered the 46th Singapore lecture, in which he expressed his vision of the role of the middle powers in ensuring global security, stability and sustainable development. The Singapore lectures, organized by the Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS) since the 1980s, provide a unique opportunity for academics, political scientists, diplomats […]
Growing partnership between Kazakhstan and Singapore may become a bridge between Southeast Asia and Central Asia
On 23-24 May 2024, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid his first state visit to Singapore, a country that is a strategic partner of Kazakhstan in Southeast Asia. This was the first visit in more than 20 years, but not the first visit for Tokayev personally. He previously served as a young diplomat in Singapore […]
President of Turkmenistan met with the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan met with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov of Kazakhstan on 24 May 2024. Prime Minister Bektenov was in Turkmenistan for the regular meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The discussion encompassed a broad range of topics of the bilateral relationship. The sides […]
CIS Approves Action Plan for Enhanced International Transport Corridors
The action plan for optimizing infrastructure and developing international transport corridors passing through the territories of the CIS member states for the period up to 2030 was approved at a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States held in Ashgabat on 24 May 2024. The action plan aims […]
CIS Strengthens Cooperation in Energy, Chemical Industry, and Environmental Protection
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member countries have agreed to enhance cooperation in energy, chemical industries, and environmental protection. This decision comes after a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government in Ashgabat, where relevant concepts and action plans were approved. These documents were developed taking into account the need to reach […]
Ashgabat Declared “City of New Sports Opportunities in the CIS”
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Heads of Government has declared Ashgabat the “City of New Sports Opportunities,” according to a press release from the CIS Executive Committee on 24 May 2024. The council also instructed the CIS Council for Physical Culture and Sports to develop a 2024-2025 Action Plan to realize this […]
Ashgabat hosted a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government
On 24 May 2024, a regular meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States was held in Ashgabat. The meeting was attended by: Azerbaijan – Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev Belarus – Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko Kazakhstan – Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov Kyrgyzstan – Chairman of the Cabinet of […]
Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus Meeting Concludes with Pivotal Commitments to Digital, Social, and Environmental Innovation
On 23 May 2024, the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus Meeting successfully concluded in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The event, centred on “The role of women in the economies of Central Asia: leadership for promoting digital, social, and environmental innovation,” brought together women leaders from across the region to strategize and commit to enhancing women’s roles in […]
Washington D.C. Hosts Annual Trans-Caspian Forum, Outlines Challenges
Assel Satubaldina The Caspian Policy Center organized the eighth Annual Trans-Caspian Forum on May 21 in Washington, D.C., to discuss the current challenges and prospects for a multi-modal Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) to maximize its capacity. From L to R: Tamar Satterwhite from the Commercial Law Development Program; Winnie Wang from the World Bank; […]
Kazakhstan and U.S. Continue Constructive Dialogue on Human Rights and Democratic Reforms
Astana, May 20, 2024 – The third meeting of the annual High-level Dialogue on Human Rights and Democratic Reforms between Kazakhstan and the United States took place in Astana co-chaired by Assistant to the President of Kazakhstan for International Affairs Erzhan Kazykhan and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra […]
Central Asian States reaffirm commitment to registering all children at birth
On 17 May 2024, Representatives from the Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, gathered in Tashkent today, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring every child born on their territories are registered at birth. The ‘Central Asian Conference on Ensuring Birth Registration to Prevent […]
Kazakhstan hosted the first Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of the Central Asian countries
The first Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of the Central Asian countries was held in Astana on 16 May 2024. The event was attended by Secretary of the Security Council of Kazakhstan Gizat Nurdauletov, Secretary of the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan Marat Imankulov, Secretary of the Security Council of Tajikistan Nasrullo Mahmudzoda, […]
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received the secretaries of the security councils of Central Asian countries
Welcoming the heads of delegations, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the first meeting of the secretaries of the security councils of the countries of Central Asia is intended to become an effective platform for combining efforts to prevent external and internal challenges and threats, as well as developing the necessary response measures. – This is especially […]
Central Asian economies to record strong growth despite natural disasters in the region
Anton Usov According to the latest Regional Economic Prospects (REP) report published by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Central Asian economies in 2024 are expected to see growth slowing to 5.4 per cent. However, a rebound to 5.9 per cent is expected in 2025. The report notes that intermediated trade with Russia, which had […]
Rome to host Italy+Central Asia meeting at the end of May
On 29 May 2024, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani will meet in Rome with colleagues from five Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, Nova News agency reports. According to the source, the meeting will bring together Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, Minister of […]
Trade integration in Central Asia under the spotlight at the CATF in Almaty
The 13th Central Asia Trade Forum (CATF) themed “Trade Connections: Bridging Globally” started on 15 May 2024 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The event is organized by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). More than 300 business executives and government officials from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and the United States are […]
Central Asia + Japan Dialogue Summit Preparations Underway in Astana
On 14 May 2024, Astana hosted a meeting of Senior Officials for the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue. Representatives from the foreign ministries of Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan attended, along with Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan. The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Gurbanov. Discussions centered on preparations for […]
Trilateral working group Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan on improving connectivity in the Caspian Sea convened in Baku
On 10 May 2024 the first meeting of the trilateral working group on optimization of connectivity in the Caspian Sea was held at the Headquarters of the Permanent Secretariat of Interstate Committee TRACECA in Baku, Azerbaijan in a hybrid format. During the meeting, representatives of the Parties involved (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan) discussed in detail […]
Russian and Kazakhstan diplomats led a flower-laying ceremony in Turkmenbashi
On 9 May 2024, the head of the consular post of the Russian Embassy in Turkmenistan in the city of Turkmenbashi A.M. Korzhov and the Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zh.G. Zhumbergenov took part in the ceremony of laying flowers at the eternal flame monument in the central square of the city. The diplomats […]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part Four
nCa Report CADI – Central Asia Desert Initiative – was a project involving several countries and organizations. It lasted from July 2016 to July 2022, stretching beyond its planned period of implementation. CADI studied the deserts of Central Asia from different perspectives and gave valuable insight. Here is the text of the brochure of the […]
7th meeting of the High-level Working Group on the Caspian Sea convened in Baku
On May 6-7, 2024, the 7th meeting of the High-level Working Group on the Caspian Sea was held in Baku, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reports. The negotiations were attended by Azerbaijan (head of delegation – S. Sharifov), Iran (head of delegation – A. Jahangiri), Kazakhstan (Head of delegation – Z. Amandzholova), Russia (head of delegation […]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part Two
nCa Report Lumping some of the deserts in Central Asia together, based on their characteristic, and objectives of the study, is a useful idea. In the experts’ circle, two desert groups are prominent: 1. Central Asian Southern Desert; 2. Central Asian Northern Desert. Central Asian Southern Desert Here is the write-up from One Earth: https://www.oneearth.org/ecoregions/central-asian-southern-desert/ […]
Signs of Recovery: Northern Caspian Sea Sees Rising Water Levels
Positive developments are emerging from the Caspian Sea, particularly in the northern region bordering Kazakhstan. Blogger Azamat Sarsenbayev from Aktau, reports a potential reversal in the water level decline. “The tide seems to be turning for the Caspian Sea,” Sarsenbayev writes on social media. “Just a year ago, the receding water exposed the shoreline by […]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part One
nCa Report There are some 14 territories and areas in Central Asia that are categorized as deserts. Some of them are in this category mainly for technical reasons and one of them should not have existed at all. The total area of deserts in Central Asia comes to about 1.5 million square km. This should […]