The Times Of Central Asia | Eurasian Publication & News Online

The Republic of Uzbekistan has officially become a member of the Global Alliance to Combat Hunger and Poverty, marking a significant step toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing global efforts to improve food security. This decision reflects Uzbekistan’s commitment to addressing pressing challenges related to hunger, poverty, and...

Air Pollution

Choking on Smog: Kazakhstan’s Ust-Kamenogorsk forced to suspend in-person schooling amid rising air pollution

Putin

Putin in Kazakhstan: Language Diplomacy, Treaty Fine Print and a Hack

CSTO

CSTO Leaders Tackle Regional Security, Nuclear Energy, and Afghan Border Concerns

Green Energy

Kazakhstan, with China’s Help, Plans to Export Green Energy to Europe

Although Kazakhstan is a major producer of all fossil fuels – coal, crude oil, and natural gas – it also has the capacity to secure its energy future by prioritizing renewable energy. Fully aware of that, the European Union – one of the former Soviet republic’s most significant trade partners...

South Korea

The Impact of Korean Culture on Kazakhstan: Personal Stories and Impressions

Mass Media

Central Asia in the Crosshairs: Experts Warn of Intensifying Global Information Wars

CSTO

On Kazakhstan Trip, Putin Touts Russian Military Power

Russian President Vladimir Putin briefed a regional security group meeting in Kazakhstan on Thursday about Russia’s latest hypersonic missile system and possible plans to strike “decision-making centers” in Kyiv, a step that would represent another escalation after nearly three years of war in Western-backed Ukraine. Putin’s speech to key figures...

Sunkar Podcast

Kazakhstan’s Return to Nuclear Power

00:00 / 00:00

Special Coverage Kazakhstan Referendum on Nuclear Energy

Opinions

Kazakhstan, with China’s Help, Plans to Export Green Energy to Europe

Nikola Mikovic

Kazakhstan and Taliban Afghanistan: An Overview of Relations

Aidar Borangaziyev

Kazakhstan and Serbia Strengthen Ties Despite Different Geopolitical Paths

Nikola Mikovic

Risk and Reward: Why Savvy Investors Should Dive into Central Asia-Caspian Region

Dr. Elkhan Nuriyev

How Can Central Asian Countries Advance Democratization Efforts Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty?

Eldaniz Gusseinov

How Central Asia Is Shifting From Russia Towards Turkey

Nikola Mikovic

The Geopolitical Battle for Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Power Plant

Nikola Mikovic

Navigating Challenges: The ICG Reports on Taliban Drug Ban and Its Global Implications

Aidar Borangaziyev

Azerbaijan Is Bringing Uzbekistan into the Middle Corridor

Dr. Robert M. Cutler

Why Does Energy-Rich Kazakhstan Want Tajikistan’s Uranium?

Nikola Mikovic

Bridging Continents: The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway – A Tale of Opportunities, Challenges, and Controversies

Irakli Chikhladze

Central Asians Beaten and Deported from Russia

Bruce Pannier

Business & Economy

WTO

Uzbekistan Completes Key Step in WTO Accession with China Agreement

Uzbekistan has successfully concluded bilateral negotiations with China regarding its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Azizbek Urunov, Special Representative of the President for the WTO, announced this milestone in a LinkedIn post. “[It was a] very short but productive visit to Beijing! Yesterday, we completed bilateral negotiations on Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO with the People’s Republic of China,” Urunov wrote. He expressed gratitude to China’s Ministry of Commerce, Deputy Minister Li Fei, Director Li Defeng, and their teams for their cooperation. “[It is] very important at [the] year-end to finish negotiations with the two biggest global trade...

Banking

Kazakhstan’s National Bank Raises Prime Rate to 15.25% Annually

Agricultural Produce

Kazakhstan’s Greenhouse Bananas: A Southern Success Story

Grain export

Kazakhstan Limits Re-Export of Russian Grain to Uzbekistan and China

Foreign Investment

Uzbekistan Attracts $26 Billion in Foreign Investment in First Ten Months of 2024

Legislation

Kyrgyzstan to Impose Fines for Online Insult and Libel

The Jogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan’s parliament, has approved a bill in its second reading to impose fines for insult and libel on the Internet. Initially criticized for its steep penalties, the fines have been reduced fivefold following public backlash. The bill was first introduced to the parliamentary committee in June. Public dissatisfaction arose over the high penalties it proposed, which included fines of 100,000 KGS ($1,200) for individuals and 200,000 KGS ($2,400) for legal entities. Kyrgyz Ombudsman Jamilya Dzhamanbaeva was among the first to voice opposition, arguing that the fines were “unreasonably high” and violated the principle of proportionality. Media representatives...

Transport

Kyrgyzstan’s Airlines Could Be Removed from EU Blacklist in 2024

Kyrgyzstan’s airlines may soon achieve a significant milestone by being removed from the European Union’s Air Safety List, which currently bans them from operating flights to Europe. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov made this announcement on November 27 during a meeting in Berlin with Johan Pelissier, the head of Airbus Europe, where they discussed the future of Kyrgyzstan’s aviation sector. Japarov emphasized the government’s concerted efforts to enhance aviation safety, implement international standards, and modernize infrastructure. He expressed optimism that these measures have significantly improved the likelihood of lifting restrictions on Kyrgyz airlines. As part of these developments, Japarov highlighted the...

Agriculture

Kyrgyzstan Seeks to Boost Food Exports to EU Markets

Kyrgyzstan is set to increase its agricultural exports to the European Union following an agreement with British certification company Intertek. Minister of Economy and Commerce Daniyar Amangeldiev recently met with Jeremy Gaspar, Vice President for Government and Trade Services at Intertek, in Berlin to discuss the initiative. The agreement will help Kyrgyz companies certify their products according to international standards, significantly improving their competitiveness in EU markets. The Ministry of Economy is optimistic that this collaboration will expand the country's export capacity while modernizing its quality assurance systems. Beyond agriculture, the ministry is also exploring certification opportunities for the manufacturing...

Transport

Kazakhstan and Russia Strengthen Cooperation on North-South Transport Corridor

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the country’s national railway company, and Russian Railways have signed a landmark agreement aimed at modernizing railway infrastructure at nine border stations, increasing capacity, and developing a unified digital system for transportation and cross-border operations. The agreement was signed on November 27 during Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to Kazakhstan. Enhancing Key Trade Corridors This cooperation seeks to boost the efficiency of trans-Eurasian transport corridors, with a particular focus on increasing cargo volumes along the East-West and North-South routes. The North-South corridor, connecting Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Iran, has an annual capacity of 10 million...

Local Politics

Tashkent

New Project in Tashkent Offers Free Housing to Residents of Wooden Homes

Residents of wooden houses in Yangikhayot will be relocated to new apartments, and an arboretum will be created in their place. Residents of wooden two-story houses in Tashkent's Yangikhayot district will be relocated to the Yangi Mahalla residential complex in two to three years, with families receiving free accommodation in the new complex. The project, the cost of which is estimated at 1.5 trillion-som ($117 million), will affect 409 wooden houses in the Yuldosh (Sputnik) massif, where more than 21,000 people reside. The resettlement will affect 4,341 families, who will be relocated to modern apartment buildings in Gulshanobod mahalla. The...

Human Rights

Global Human Rights Body Condemns Inaction of Turkmenistan’s Ombudsman

Banking

Kazakhstan’s National Bank Raises Prime Rate to 15.25% Annually

Social protection

Uzbekistan Engages Elders in Poverty Alleviation Efforts

Human Rights

Tajik Journalist Rukhshona Khakimova Faces Treason Charges Amid Controversy

Legislation

Kyrgyzstan to Impose Fines for Online Insult and Libel

Water Security

Kyrgyzstan Tackles Decreasing Water Levels in Lake Issyk-Kul

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, with support from the World Bank, hosted a National Water Forum on November 29 to address the country’s water resource challenges. The forum focused on the impacts of climate change and strategies to preserve Lake Issyk-Kul, the country’s largest lake and a key tourist destination. Lake Issyk-Kul is under significant threat due to climate change, overuse of natural resources, and ecosystem degradation. The most urgent issue is the declining water level, largely caused by the diversion of water from rivers that feed the lake. These rivers are heavily utilized for local...

Kyrgyz assassination plot

Just Another Reported Assassination Attempt in Kyrgyzstan

The head of Kyrgyzstan’s State National Security Committee (GKNB), Kamchybek Tashiyev, says someone was plotting to kill him, and it is not the first time, and it is not only Tashiyev people want to assassinate. On November 20, Tashiyev said he received an anonymous letter with a flash drive that contained a death threat. Tashiyev also remarked that already “5-6 assassination attempts were prepared against me,” and “GKNB officers prevented two attempts on the life of President Sadyr Japarov.” Normally this would be amazing, even chilling news. However, Japarov and Tashiyev have been uncovering so many plots, some rather dubious,...

Transport

Kazakhstan and Russia Strengthen Cooperation on North-South Transport Corridor

International Affairs

WTO

Uzbekistan Completes Key Step in WTO Accession with China Agreement

Human Rights

Global Human Rights Body Condemns Inaction of Turkmenistan’s Ombudsman

Green Energy

Kazakhstan, with China’s Help, Plans to Export Green Energy to Europe

CSTO

On Kazakhstan Trip, Putin Touts Russian Military Power

Grain export

Kazakhstan Limits Re-Export of Russian Grain to Uzbekistan and China

Putin

Putin in Kazakhstan: Language Diplomacy, Treaty Fine Print and a Hack

Geopolitical tensions, finding common ground on oil and gas transportation and deliveries and Russia’s hopes of beating out rivals to build Kazakhstan´s first nuclear power plant. These were some of the big ticket themes framing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s trip to the Central Asian nation last week. The Times of Central Asia looks at a few other things that happened on the sidelines: A Tale of Two Languages “Kazakhstan is practically a Russian-speaking country, which you have probably had a chance to see for yourself.” Putin was extolling close ties between Russia and Kazakhstan when he made that remark to journalists in Astana...

CSTO

CSTO Leaders Tackle Regional Security, Nuclear Energy, and Afghan Border Concerns

Astana hosted a summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), gathering heads of member states to discuss pressing regional and international issues. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired the session of the CSTO Collective Security Council. Attendees included Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, and CSTO Secretary-General Imangali Tasmagambetov. In his address, President Tokayev highlighted the CSTO’s pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in Eurasia. “Amid modern challenges, the CSTO consistently demonstrates its relevance as a guarantor of security for all member states. Our coordinated actions, mutual trust, and...

Mass Media

Central Asia in the Crosshairs: Experts Warn of Intensifying Global Information Wars

The shift toward a multipolar world is unlikely to spark a nuclear conflict, but it is setting the stage for a global information war, according to Kazakh experts. They predict that Central Asia will soon become the focal point of this confrontation. At a roundtable in Astana titled "Humanitarian Aspects of Information Security and Soft Power as Factors of Sustainable Development and National Consolidation of Kazakhstan," participants discussed how Kazakhstan could address these challenges while leveraging "soft power" to its advantage. The Information Warfront Yerzhan Bagdatov, director of the information agency Toppress.kz, stated that Kazakhstan has long been a hotspot...

International Diplomacy

Geopolitical Posturing or Genuine Partnership? Key Takeaways from Putin’s Trip to Kazakhstan

On November 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Astana for a state visit. He was met at the airport by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The streets of Astana, along Putin’s motorcade route, were adorned with Russian flags, creating a ceremonial backdrop for a meeting touted as a symbol of strategic partnership between the two nations. At the Akorda Presidential Palace, Tokayev hosted a reception for Putin that blended official decorum with cultural displays. The program featured children reciting poetry and participation in a collaborative painting led by renowned Kazakh artist Assol (Asel Sabyrzhankyzy), who named the artwork Bridge of...

Life & Culture

Tashkent

New Project in Tashkent Offers Free Housing to Residents of Wooden Homes

Tourism

Kazakhstan Sees 50% Surge in Chinese Tourism During Landmark Year of Collaboration

Mass Media

Central Asia in the Crosshairs: Experts Warn of Intensifying Global Information Wars

international tourism

France to Support Development of Kyrgyzstan’s Largest Ski Resort

Culture

XVII Eurasia International Film Festival Kicks Off in Kazakhstan

Cultural Heritage

Turkmen Scientists Acquire Over 100 Rare Manuscripts from the UK

Researchers from the Institute of Language, Literature, and National Manuscripts at the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have returned from the United Kingdom with 107 electronic copies of valuable manuscripts. These acquisitions enrich the collection of historical materials documenting the cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. From November 2 to 23, researchers Amandurdy Nuraev and Guichmyrat Changliyev conducted studies at two of the UK’s most renowned repositories: the British Library in London and the John Rylands Research Institute and Library in Manchester. These archives house extensive collections of historical documents, including rare manuscripts with significant relevance to Turkmenistan’s history and...

South Korea

The Impact of Korean Culture on Kazakhstan: Personal Stories and Impressions

In recent years, Korean culture - including K-pop and doramas (dramas) - has gained incredible popularity in Kazakhstan. It has had a significant impact on young people, offering not only entertainment, but also support, motivation, and new opportunities to socialize and express themselves. To better understand how Korean culture is influencing life in Kazakhstan, TCA talked to young people about their stories and experiences. [caption id="attachment_26045" align="aligncenter" width="585"] Image: TCA[/caption] Alua, 22, computer club administrator For me, as an insecure teenager, K-pop and doramas have been a tremendous support and help in shaping my personality. Songs about self-love, with words...

Art and Culture

Ashgabat Hosts Vibrant Days of Korean Culture, Showcasing Music, Art, and Tradition

On November 22 and 23, Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, became a hub of cultural exchange during the Days of Korean Culture, an event organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. The festivities kicked off on November 22 at the Arkach Shopping and Entertainment Center, where visitors were treated to a lively introduction to Korean culture. Colorful photo zones displayed scenic Korean landscapes, while interactive stations allowed attendees to craft souvenirs such as traditional-style trinkets and mirrors. Korean snack tastings and live music enhanced the festive atmosphere, making it a family-friendly event that drew many visitors of all...

Cultural Heritage

London Hosts Celebration for the 300th Anniversary of Turkmen Poet Makhtumkuli Fraghi

Makhtumkuli Fraghi, a revered Turkmen poet and philosopher, whose writings have profoundly shaped Turkmenistan’s national identity and enriched global cultural heritage, was celebrated in London on November 22, 2024. Known for his deep reflections on life, justice, and humanism, Makhtumkuli’s works have become an integral part of the world’s cultural heritage, emphasizing universal values and profound human insight. The Embassy of Turkmenistan in London hosted a gala evening to mark the 300th anniversary of the poet’s birth. Organized in collaboration with the Makhtumkuli Institute of Language, Literature, and National Manuscripts of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, the event welcomed...

Justice

Media Freedom

Russian Journalist Pivovarov Detained After Filming Cotton Fields in Karakalpakstan

Alexey Pivovarov, a Russian journalist and YouTuber, was detained in Nukus, the capital of the autonomous Uzbek republic of Karakalpakstan. He was questioned by authorities along with the photography team for his project, Redaktsiya (Editorial), and Feride Makhsetova, a journalist from the local news portal Hook. Their arrest was initially reported by Hook. The journalists were detained "for an interview", supposedly following a complaint by an unidentified citizen. Authorities confiscated the visual material collected by the team, who, according to Pivovarov on his Telegram channel, had been filming in one of the region's cotton fields. The Karakalpakstan branch of the...

Legislation

Kyrgyzstan to Impose Fines for Online Insult and Libel

Human Rights

Tajik Journalist Rukhshona Khakimova Faces Treason Charges Amid Controversy

Crime

Uzbek Nationals Arrested in UAE Over Murder of Israeli Rabbi Zvi Kagan

Crime

United Arab Emirates: 3 Uzbek Citizens Arrested in Rabbi Killing

Healthcare

Kyrgyz Health Ministry Pushes for Laws to Shield Medics from Violence

The Kyrgyz Ministry of Health has called for amendments to the country’s criminal code to establish a legal framework protecting medical professionals from violence by citizens. The proposed measures aim to address a growing concern for the safety of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. “Violence against medical workers is a serious problem that requires immediate action,” the ministry stated in its justification for the bill. “Doctors, nurses, and other staff face physical aggression from patients, relatives, or even bystanders. This threatens the health and lives of medical personnel and disrupts the normal functioning of healthcare institutions.” The ministry emphasized...

Kyrgyz assassination plot

Just Another Reported Assassination Attempt in Kyrgyzstan

Justice

Prosecutor General’s Office Issues Statement on Allamjonov Assassination Attempt

A month ago, reports emerged of an assassination attempt on Komil Allamjonov, the former head of the Presidential Department in Uzbekistan. Some media outlets speculated that Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov might be connected to the case. In response, the Prosecutor General’s Office has released an official statement addressing the incident. According to the statement, material evidence linked to the case was discovered during the inspection of the crime scene, searches of vehicles used by the suspects, and investigations at their residences. These findings have been crucial in advancing the case. So far, investigative efforts have identified seven individuals involved in...

Human rights

Turkmen Human Rights Activist Soltan Achilova Released After Forced Hospitalization

Renowned Turkmen journalist Soltan Achilova, along with her daughter and son-in-law, has been discharged from the infectious disease department of Choganly Hospital after six days of forced isolation. According to the Turkmenistan Chronicle portal, none of the three showed symptoms or signs of any infectious disease. Prior to their release, Achilova's apartment was disinfected, but authorities provided no explanation for their hospitalization or the results of medical tests conducted during their detention. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Achilova and her relatives were hospitalized after a group of men in medical coats forcibly removed them from their home...

Environment

Air Pollution

Choking on Smog: Kazakhstan’s Ust-Kamenogorsk forced to suspend in-person schooling amid rising air pollution

The city of Ust-Kamenogorsk in eastern Kazakhstan has once again found itself at the center of an environmental scandal, with polluted air and unfavorable weather conditions causing deteriorating health among its citizens and forcing schoolchildren to move to distance learning. Smog in the city: complaints and consequences In the last week of November, unfavorable weather conditions hit Ust-Kamenogorsk, aggravating the problem of air pollution. Citizens complained of worsening health: headaches, nausea, vomiting, coughing, and fever. Children, who have to breathe polluted air on their way to school, are particularly affected. Parents have repeatedly expressed their outrage, demanding action. In response...

Green Energy

Kazakhstan, with China’s Help, Plans to Export Green Energy to Europe

Aral Sea

Kazakhstan Increases Water Allocation to Restore the Aral Sea

Public Transport

End of the Trolleybus: Bishkek Authorities Abandon Eco-Friendly Transport Option

Water Management

EBRD Supports Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Northern Kyrgyzstan

Water Security

Kyrgyzstan Tackles Decreasing Water Levels in Lake Issyk-Kul

Ecology

Satellite Data Reveals High Methane Emissions in Turkmenistan’s Oil and Gas Fields

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has released the first images from MethaneSAT, a cutting-edge satellite designed to monitor methane emissions globally. The data reveals significant leaks from key fossil fuel production regions, including the United States, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Initial findings indicate methane emissions from North American and Central Asian production sites are substantially higher than earlier estimates based on ground-based monitoring. Both Turkmenistan and the U.S. are signatories to the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to reduce global methane emissions by 30% by 2030. MethaneSAT is part of a new wave of satellite missions focused on holding major emitters...

Aral Sea

The Amu Darya and the Aral Sea Crisis: Voices from the Heart of an Environmental Disaster

A documentary entitled Amu Darya: Missing to the River has been produced as part of Project Amu Darya. This initiative began in 2022, and is a collaboration between students from Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, and Oxford University in the UK. This research is important for several reasons. Firstly, the Aral Sea crisis, which is one of the most severe man-made ecological disasters in history, is under-reported by the global media. Secondly, the academic field is limited - outside of Uzbekistan, the historiography of the Aral crisis is still a developing field. Thirdly, the geographical scope of research is limited. Research is often...

COP29

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan Stand Out at COP29

The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), held in Baku from November 11–22, 2024, has underscored the critical role of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in advancing Caspian Sea regional energy transitions. Both countries leveraged their positions along the Middle Corridor to present ambitious renewable and nuclear energy strategies. Azerbaijan: Renewables and the Middle Corridor Azerbaijan, the host and chair of COP29, has positioned itself as a renewable energy connector between Central Asia and Europe. Its energy strategy reflects a pragmatic approach to transitioning from hydrocarbons, which accounted for 88% of government revenues in 2023, to a diversified portfolio incorporating...

Just Another Reported Assassination Attempt in Kyrgyzstan

Latest

Features

Features

Sunkar Podcast

Latest

Sunkar Podcast

Opinions

Opinions

Nikola Mikovic

Aidar Borangaziyev

Nikola Mikovic

Dr. Elkhan Nuriyev

Eldaniz Gusseinov

Nikola Mikovic

Nikola Mikovic

Aidar Borangaziyev

Dr. Robert M. Cutler

Nikola Mikovic

Irakli Chikhladze

Bruce Pannier

Business & Economy

Business & Economy

Uzbekistan Completes Key Step in WTO Accession with China Agreement

Kyrgyzstan to Impose Fines for Online Insult and Libel

Kyrgyzstan’s Airlines Could Be Removed from EU Blacklist in 2024

Kyrgyzstan Seeks to Boost Food Exports to EU Markets

Kazakhstan and Russia Strengthen Cooperation on North-South Transport Corridor

Local Politics

Local Politics

New Project in Tashkent Offers Free Housing to Residents of Wooden Homes

Kyrgyzstan to Impose Fines for Online Insult and Libel

Kyrgyzstan Tackles Decreasing Water Levels in Lake Issyk-Kul

Just Another Reported Assassination Attempt in Kyrgyzstan

Kazakhstan and Russia Strengthen Cooperation on North-South Transport Corridor

International Affairs

International Affairs

Uzbekistan Completes Key Step in WTO Accession with China Agreement

Putin in Kazakhstan: Language Diplomacy, Treaty Fine Print and a Hack

CSTO Leaders Tackle Regional Security, Nuclear Energy, and Afghan Border Concerns

Central Asia in the Crosshairs: Experts Warn of Intensifying Global Information Wars

Geopolitical Posturing or Genuine Partnership? Key Takeaways from Putin’s Trip to Kazakhstan

Life & Culture

Life & Culture

New Project in Tashkent Offers Free Housing to Residents of Wooden Homes

Turkmen Scientists Acquire Over 100 Rare Manuscripts from the UK

The Impact of Korean Culture on Kazakhstan: Personal Stories and Impressions

Ashgabat Hosts Vibrant Days of Korean Culture, Showcasing Music, Art, and Tradition

London Hosts Celebration for the 300th Anniversary of Turkmen Poet Makhtumkuli Fraghi

Justice

Justice

Russian Journalist Pivovarov Detained After Filming Cotton Fields in Karakalpakstan