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Turkmenistan and China to Expand Cooperation in Education

Nurturing Global Partnerships – Opinion by the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek

Features

Venice Biennale

Uzbekistan at the 2025 Venice Biennale: Ekaterina Golovatyuk on the Modernist Legacy of a Soviet-Era Solar Furnace

Nauryz

How Nauryz Was Celebrated in Kazakhstan: Traditions and Festivities in Astana, Almaty, and Taraz

Climate Change

Climate Change – A Catalyst for Poverty and Environmental Degradation in Central Asia

EU Relations

Opinion: In Central Asia, the EU Defies Its “Geopolitical Dwarf” Label

Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan Border

Tajik Entrepreneurs Return to Kyrgyz Markets

Military

Uzbekistan’s New Emphasis on the Military

Government

Power Shifts in Central Asia: The Unpredictable Path of Leadership

Kyrgyz-Tajik Border

A New Chapter of Peace and Cooperation in Central Asia: The Kyrgyz-Tajik Border Agreement

Sunkar Podcast

Repatriating Islamic State Fighters and Families: Balancing Security and Humanity

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Opinions

Business & Economy

Economy

Kyrgyzstan Begins Domestic Printing of National Currency Banknotes

For the first time since gaining independence, Kyrgyzstan has begun printing its national currency, the som, within the country. Previously, Kyrgyz banknotes were produced in various European countries. The new notes are produced by the Bishkek-based Open Joint Stock Company Uchkun. Starting with Small Denominations Chairman of the National Bank Melis Turgunbayev announced that production has begun with small-denomination bills. This approach will enable a quicker replacement of worn or damaged notes scheduled for withdrawal from circulation. Turgunbayev stressed that the new banknotes adhere to the highest international standards for counterfeit protection. A Modernized National Printing Facility Uchkun has recently...

Nuclear power

Uzbekistan Looks to Nuclear Power for Energy Security

Nuclear Energy

French Companies Eye Role in Uzbekistan’s Nuclear Energy Plants

Production

Kazakhstan to Build $1.35 Billion Fertilizer Plant in Mangistau

Agricultural Import

Kazakhstan to Ban Chicken Egg Imports from April

Investments

Chinese Investor to Launch $400 Million Cotton Cluster in Southern Kazakhstan

Chinese company Xinjiang Lihua (Group) Co., Ltd. plans to invest nearly $400 million to establish a cotton-textile cluster in Kazakhstan’s Turkestan region. The announcement was made by Zhang Qihai, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Xinjiang Lihua, during a meeting with Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. The large-scale investment project will be implemented within the TURAN Special Economic Zone, located in southern Kazakhstan. It envisions a vertically integrated cotton agro-industrial complex, from cultivation to the production of finished textile goods, including yarn, fabric, and clothing. More than 50,000 hectares of land have been allocated for cotton cultivation. The project...

Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan Border

Tajik Entrepreneurs Return to Kyrgyz Markets

Following the reopening of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, Tajik entrepreneurs have resumed visits to markets in Batken Oblast, Kyrgyzstan. Local media report that residents are welcoming the return of their southern neighbors. Once a week, the market in Ak-Turpak village becomes a hub of activity, drawing sellers and buyers from across the region and neighboring countries. A major draw is Batken rice, which resellers purchase in bulk for export to Uzbekistan and Russia. According to local vendors, the market can sell up to 200 tons of rice on a busy day. Rice is cultivated across 3,000 hectares in this border region...

Hydrogen Energy

China to Support Hydrogen Innovation Center in Kazakhstan

On March 20 in Beijing, Kazakhstan’s National Nuclear Center, part of the Ministry of Energy, signed a memorandum with China Energy Overseas Investment Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Jiao Tong University to establish a Scientific and Technical Innovation Center for Hydrogen Energy in Central Asia. The facility will be located in the city of Kurchatov, in Kazakhstan’s Abai Region, according to a statement from the Ministry of Energy. The future center is intended to serve as a key scientific and technological platform for research, testing, and the implementation of advanced hydrogen energy solutions. It aims to boost Kazakhstan’s competitiveness in the...

Investment

EBRD Finances Coffee-Processing Plant at Kazakh-Chinese Border

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a loan of up to $10 million to Empire Manufacturing Kazakhstan (EMK) to support the construction of a coffee-processing facility in the Khorgos Free Economic Zone, located on Kazakhstan’s border with China. EMK is a subsidiary of Food Empire Holdings, a global food and beverage group listed on the Singapore Exchange. The new plant will enhance the company’s regional production capacity and is expected to set a new standard for food-processing technology and hygiene in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Once operational, the facility will export up to 50 percent of...

Local Politics

Road Safety

Kyrgyz Drivers to Face On-the-Spot Traffic Rule Tests During Stops

Beginning September 1, drivers in Kyrgyzstan may be required to demonstrate their knowledge of traffic regulations during routine stops by traffic police. The directive aims to reduce road accidents by ensuring that motorists are familiar with basic driving rules. The new policy was announced by government spokesperson Askat Alagozov on his Facebook page. Oral Exams During Traffic Stops Under the initiative, drivers found violating traffic rules may be asked to take an oral exam on the spot. Those who fail will have their driver’s license temporarily suspended until they pass the test. According to Alagozov, the fee for the first...

Transport

Bishkek Considers Monorail System to Ease Transport Woes

China

Uzbekistan Denies Claims of Land Sales to China

Nuclear Energy

Kazakhstan to Establish Nuclear Energy Agency

Time Zone

Time Zone Turmoil: Kazakhstan’s Shift Sparks Backlash and Political Action

Government

Power Shifts in Central Asia: The Unpredictable Path of Leadership

European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships Josef Sikela has concluded his tour of Central Asia, a visit conducted against the backdrop of global geopolitical turbulence. Unlike previous engagements, where European officials often criticized the region’s leadership for a lack of democratic progress, Sikela refrained from making demands on local governments. Historically, Europe has accused Central Asian states of authoritarianism and the entrenchment of long-serving leaders. However, the idea that power is uniquely permanent in the region is increasingly questioned. Critics point to Western examples, such as Angela Merkel’s 16-year tenure as Germany’s chancellor, and alleged electoral manipulation within the EU,...

Nuclear Energy

Former Energy Minister to Lead Kazakhstan’s New Nuclear Energy Agency

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree establishing the Atomic Energy Agency, a new government body that will report directly to the head of state. The decision, announced on March 18, is part of broader efforts to improve the country’s public administration system. The new agency will oversee uranium mining, the use of atomic energy, radiation safety, and the management of the Semipalatinsk nuclear safety zone. Previously, these responsibilities fell under the Ministry of Energy. Along with its functions, the agency will also inherit its first leader from the ministry: Almasadam Satkaliyev, who has been appointed as its head...

Sovereignty

Opinion: Are Kazakhstan and the U.S. Reaching Common Ground on Sovereignty and Mutual Engagement?

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has made his position clear: his country must remain sovereign, and activities to exert foreign influence should be closely monitored. The message from Astana is that cultural impositions from abroad are not welcome. Tokayev’s longstanding view that Kazakhstan’s democracy should evolve on its own terms has gained new traction with the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House. Washington's avoidance of values-based diplomacy in favor of a hard-nosed, transactional model reinforces Astana’s instincts and creates an opening for a new kind of engagement between the two. "The so-called democratic moral values," Tokayev said,...

Children

Kazakh MP Calls for Restrictions on Children’s Access to TikTok

Kazakh MP Murat Abenov has proposed limiting children's access to TikTok, citing concerns over its negative effects on young users’ mental health. He warned that the platform could contribute to depression, reduced concentration, and memory problems, urging parents to monitor their children’s screen time. Abenov referenced a case described by journalist Gulmira Abykay on her Facebook page, where a seven-year-old girl reportedly stopped recognizing her loved ones after excessive exposure to TikTok content. He emphasized that such concerns are backed by research, as TikTok’s algorithm is designed to maximize user engagement by presenting emotionally stimulating or even distressing videos. The...

International Affairs

Oil

Britain’s Victoria Oil & Gas Files Multimillion-Dollar Lawsuit Against Kazakhstan

British company Victoria Oil & Gas has filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against the government of Kazakhstan under the Energy Charter Treaty. The development was reported by Energy Monitor, a Telegram channel focused on Kazakhstan’s energy sector. Dispute Centers on Kemerkol Oil Field The legal proceedings are registered with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), a World Bank-affiliated body. The case stems from a longstanding dispute over the Kemerkol oil field in Kazakhstan's Atyrau region. In 2005, Victoria Oil & Gas acquired a 100% stake in the field from Saga Creek Gold Ltd for $8.5 million. After drilling...

Afghanistan

Uzbekistan Delivers Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan for Navruz and Eid

Border

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan Reach Border Agreement After Years of Negotiations

Infrastructure Development

EU and EBRD to Fund Irrigation Improvements in Kyrgyzstan

RFE/RL

Opinion: What the Loss of RFE/RL Would Mean for Central Asia

EU Relations

Opinion: In Central Asia, the EU Defies Its “Geopolitical Dwarf” Label

As the United States and Russia reportedly aim to create a new global security architecture, other major actors in the international arena are working to improve their positions in the redefined world order. Often underestimated in terms of its geopolitical influence, the European Union has actively focused its attention on the post-Soviet space, particularly the strategically important Central Asian region. The EU, despite Russia’s and the United States' attempts to undermine its role in the settlement of the Ukraine War and to portray it as a “geopolitical dwarf”, is seeking to increase its presence in global affairs. In Central Asia,...

Kyrgyz-Tajik Border

A New Chapter of Peace and Cooperation in Central Asia: The Kyrgyz-Tajik Border Agreement

On March 13, 2025, a historic milestone was achieved with the signing of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border agreement. This long-anticipated treaty, signed by Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov and Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, resolved a long-running dispute over the 984-kilometer boundary between the two nations. Clashes in 2021 and 2022 left scores dead, hundreds wounded, and thousands displaced. The resolution marked not only the end of an enduring source of regional tension but also the beginning of a prospective era of peace and collaboration. The significance of this agreement is substantial and far-reaching. For decades, the unresolved Kyrgyz-Tajik border remained a flashpoint...

Economic Cooperation

EU-Uzbekistan Cooperation Focuses on Digital Connectivity and Critical Raw Materials

On March 18, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela visited Uzbekistan on the final leg of his Central Asia tour. In Tashkent, he met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to strengthen the growing partnership between Uzbekistan and the European Union. According to the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, discussions centered on expanding digital connectivity, promoting sustainability, and fostering job creation through critical raw materials. Another key focus was the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor to enhance trade. The visit also highlighted how the EU’s Global Gateway strategy supports infrastructure and clean energy initiatives. Both sides acknowledged the increasing momentum in...

Investigation

Kazakhstan Investigates Recipients of USAID Funding

Following the cancellation of USAID funding, the Kazakhstani government and parliament are scrutinizing the recipients of U.S. financial assistance. The issue has sparked significant public debate and online discussions. Deputies Demand Explanations On March 10, the U.S. administration announced the cancellation of 83% of USAID programs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated: “After a six-week review, we are officially canceling 83% of USAID programs. The 5,200 contracts now canceled spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve (and in some cases even harmed) the core national interests of the United States.” Earlier, on March 5, deputies...

Life & Culture

Venice Biennale

Uzbekistan at the 2025 Venice Biennale: Ekaterina Golovatyuk on the Modernist Legacy of a Soviet-Era Solar Furnace

Is it possible to preserve architectural heritage while working towards sustainability? And what to make of the architectural relics of the past century? Can they somehow take on new meaning rather than remaining a representation of dystopias and utopias of the past? All these questions and more are addressed by the Uzbekistan Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. Running alternate years with the Art Biennale, this is undoubtedly one of the most important architectural events in the international arena. Promising to be a thought-provoking exploration of Soviet-era scientific ambition, modernist architectural heritage, and the challenges of sustainability in a...

Nauryz

Nauryz in the 21st Century: From Tradition to Modernity

History

How Nauryz Became a National Celebration in Kazakhstan: A History in Archival Photographs

Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan Border

Tajik Entrepreneurs Return to Kyrgyz Markets

Nauryz

Celebrating Nauryz: A Timeless Tradition of Unity, Renewal, and Heritage in Central Asia

Nauryz

How Nauryz Was Celebrated in Kazakhstan: Traditions and Festivities in Astana, Almaty, and Taraz

Nauryz, one of Kazakhstan’s most cherished holidays, marks the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature. This year, cities across the country held vibrant celebrations, blending national traditions with festive performances and heartfelt hospitality. Astana: Festivities at the EXPO Site In Kazakhstan’s capital, the main Nauryz celebrations took place at the EXPO site, where a grand stage hosted performances by folk artists. Attendees enjoyed traditional dances, songs, and theatrical productions that showcased the cultural legacy of the Kazakh people. The city was adorned with national ornaments and bright spring-themed decorations, creating an atmosphere of renewal and joy. In addition...

Education

Is Beijing’s Educational Diplomacy Turning the Dial on Central Asian Public Opinion?

OSH, KYRGYZSTAN – On the eastern bank of the Ak-Buura River, a mini-Chinatown is developing. At Osh’s old bus station, buses and taxis hawk their services to Kashgar, 300 kilometers away over the Pamir Mountains in China’s Xinjiang Province. Blue-plated SUVs stand by the roadside, sporting the 新 character that also symbolizes their origin in Xinjiang. At the Kelechek Bazaar, hordes of money changers shout the best rates for Dollars, Uzbek Som, and Chinese Yuan. Tucked away from the mêlée behind the Peking Hotel is the five-story Confucius Institute. “The Chinese language is in huge demand right now,” said Ali,...

Higher Education

Cardiff University to Open New Campus in Kazakhstan

Cardiff University in Wales has announced plans to open a new campus in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, later this year. The move represents a major step in the university’s global expansion and underscores its commitment to providing world-class education in Central Asia. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Cardiff University Kazakhstan will begin offering programs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Business in 2025, with undergraduate programs to follow in 2026. The Astana campus is being developed in partnership with the not-for-profit Public Foundation “Qualified Centre of Education” (QCEF). To ensure broad access, the Kazakh government...

Urban Legends

Urban Legends of Central Asia: The Global Allure of Supernatural Tales

Supernatural TV series coming out of the U.S. have captivated audiences with their blend of mystery, horror, and fantasy. Shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Stranger Things explore themes of good versus evil, the unknown, and human resilience in the face of extraordinary threats. Their storytelling and relatable characters have created devoted fan bases and influenced pop culture. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Supernatural, the television series that evolved into a global cult phenomenon over its 15-season run and was a hit in Kazakhstan. The show followed the Winchester brothers as they hunted ghosts, demons, and other preternatural beings,...

Justice

Military

Uzbekistan’s New Emphasis on the Military

Uzbekistan has become Central Asia’s leader in terms of military spending. This raises some questions about why Uzbekistan has boosted its military spending, but it should also get the attention of Uzbekistan’s Central Asian neighbors. According to Global Firepower’s 2025 Military Strength ranking, Uzbekistan’s defense budget was a little more than $2.8 billion, ahead of Kazakhstan which spent just over $2 billion. Kazakhstan still ranked ahead of Uzbekistan in overall military strength, 57th and 58th, respectively, but in 2024, Global Firepower ranked Kazakhstan 58th and Uzbekistan 65th. Voice of America noted in a July 2024 report that military spending was...

English Common Law

English Law in Kyrgyzstan? Bold Move Faces Hurdles in Investment Disputes

Espionage

Bulgarian Spy Ring Attempted to Threaten Kazakh President’s Western Ties

Women's Rights

Opinion: Balancing Rights and Realities – Engaging Afghanistan for Change

Rukhshona Khakimova

Tajik Women Unite to Urge Rahmon to Grant Leniency for Journalist Rukhshona Khakimova

Travel Restrictions

Turkmenistan Government Monitoring Former Law Enforcers and Imposing Travel Restrictions

Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Justice has launched an initiative to collect data on former Interior Ministry officials to track those who have left the country. This move is the latest in a series of efforts by the government to monitor and restrict its citizens’ ability to travel abroad. Tracking Former Law Enforcement Officers Since February 2025, the Ministry of Justice has been compiling information on former law enforcement officers who held ranks of major or higher and served between 1991 and 2024. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of National Security (MNS), the Migration Service, and the Prosecutor’s Office have...

Human Trafficking

Ukrainian Fugitive Arrested in Poland for Organ Trafficking in Central Asia

A 35-year-old Ukrainian woman has been arrested in Przemyśl, Poland, based on an Interpol Red Notice, according to the country’s prosecutor’s office. She has been on the run since November 9, 2020, after being sentenced to 12 years in prison by a court in Kazakhstan for her role in an organized crime group involved in human organ trafficking. On March 6, 2025, border guards at the railway crossing in Przemyśl detained Ksenia P. (whose name is protected under Polish privacy laws) during a routine inspection. Authorities confirmed that she had been convicted in Kazakhstan for her involvement in an international...

Real estate

Uzbek Citizen Purchases Luxury Apartment in Seoul for Over $5 Million in Cash

An Uzbek citizen has purchased a high-end apartment in Seoul, South Korea, for 7.4 billion won (approximately $5.09 million), according to a report by the Korean publication Choson Biz. The property is located in Banpo Xi, a prestigious residential complex in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul. With a dedicated area of 244 square meters, the apartment was sold at the highest recorded price for the complex, surpassing the previous record by 300 million won. The transaction took place in November last year. The buyer, a 41-year-old Uzbek national whose given address is in Tashkent and is identified only as "A", is registered...

Criminal Responsibility

Mercenary Spies Unmasked: Guilty Verdict Exposes Global Disinformation and Sabotage Network

A spy cell in the UK, including five Bulgarian nationals, targeted multiple individuals and locations over nearly three years, according to court documents at The Old Bailey, officially known as the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales. The court case, which has played out over fourteen weeks, tells the story of a rogue group of six individuals aiming to leverage statecraft, intelligence, and a willingness to be ruthless for monetary gain. The trial has revealed that the defendants worked under the direction of Jan Marsalek, an Austrian national described by prosecutors as a Russian agent involved in espionage activities....

Environment

Water Access

Uzbek Minister: Afghans Have the Right to Amu Darya Water Too

The construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal in northern Afghanistan has attracted growing attention from neighboring countries, particularly Uzbekistan. The ambitious project, initiated by the Taliban to divert water from the Amu Darya River, is expected to be completed by 2028. Uzbekistan’s Minister of Water Resources, Shavkat Khamraev, addressed the issue during a public meeting on March 18, according to Gazeta.uz. When asked about the canal’s potential impact on Uzbekistan, Khamraev emphasized that Afghanistan has a legitimate right to access the Amu Darya’s waters. He dismissed speculation that the project represents a hostile act, urging a focus on diplomacy and...

Climate Change

Artificial Glaciers Created in Kyrgyzstan for Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change Adaptation

Wildlife Conservation

Kazakhstan Restores Populations of Przewalski’s Horse, Turanian Tiger, and Snow Leopard

Water

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Reach Agreement on Amu Darya Water Usage

Kazakh Floods

Eight Regions in Kazakhstan Face High Flood Risk

Climate Change

Climate Change – A Catalyst for Poverty and Environmental Degradation in Central Asia

Climate change encapsulates the gradual yet profound shifts in temperature and weather patterns over extended periods. While these changes can arise naturally from various phenomena — such as fluctuations in solar energy or significant volcanic eruptions — the advent of the industrial age in the 1800s marked a pivotal point where human influence became the predominant force driving climate change. This influence stems chiefly from burning fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas. The combustion of these fuels releases vast quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, creating a thick layer that envelops the Earth and traps heat from...

Air Pollution

UN Human Rights Commissioner Raises Alarm Over Air Quality in Bishkek

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has expressed concern over deteriorating air quality in Bishkek during his official visit to Kyrgyzstan. The visit, focused on civil rights, freedom of speech, and economic development, also addressed pressing environmental issues affecting the Kyrgyz capital. Speaking at a press conference, Türk emphasized that Kyrgyzstan ranks among the most polluted countries in the region, and that air quality in Bishkek poses a serious threat to public health and the environment. “Despite some progress and financial support from international organizations, much more needs to be done to protect the environment,” he said. Türk...

Ecology

Kyrgyzstan’s Largest Gold Deposit: Environmental Disaster on the Horizon?

Concerns over a potential environmental catastrophe at the Kumtor mine, Kyrgyzstan’s largest gold deposit, have gained traction following a recent statement by Adilet Usupbaev, an ecologist from the National Academy of Sciences. According to Usupbaev, a waste dump at the high-altitude mine is shifting toward the Kumtor River, which feeds into the Naryn River and, eventually, the Syr Darya River, raising fears of severe contamination if waste reaches the waterway. Ecologist Raises Alarm in Parliament Speaking in Parliament, Usupbaev explained that waste rock dumps, formed as a byproduct of mining operations, are gradually shifting. While several such dumps exist at...

Climate Change

Biodiversity Experts Tell Banks to Halt Projects That Endanger Central Asia’s Rivers

On March 14, World Rivers Day of Action, international environmental organizations issued a stark warning about the future of Central Asia’s key rivers and lakes. A coalition, including Rivers without Boundaries, International Rivers, Friends of the Earth US, Urgewald, and CEE Bankwatch Network, called on major international development banks to reconsider their funding policies for hydropower projects. According to environmentalists, Central Asia already has more than 300 large dams, with over 200 additional projects either planned or under construction, many with financial backing from international banks. In a joint statement addressed to the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction...

Is Beijing’s Educational Diplomacy Turning the Dial on Central Asian Public Opinion?

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Opinions

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Dr. Robert M. Cutler

Nikola Mikovic

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Business & Economy

Business & Economy

Kyrgyzstan Begins Domestic Printing of National Currency Banknotes

Chinese Investor to Launch $400 Million Cotton Cluster in Southern Kazakhstan

Tajik Entrepreneurs Return to Kyrgyz Markets

China to Support Hydrogen Innovation Center in Kazakhstan

EBRD Finances Coffee-Processing Plant at Kazakh-Chinese Border

Local Politics

Local Politics

Kyrgyz Drivers to Face On-the-Spot Traffic Rule Tests During Stops

Power Shifts in Central Asia: The Unpredictable Path of Leadership

Former Energy Minister to Lead Kazakhstan’s New Nuclear Energy Agency

Opinion: Are Kazakhstan and the U.S. Reaching Common Ground on Sovereignty and Mutual Engagement?

Kazakh MP Calls for Restrictions on Children’s Access to TikTok

International Affairs

International Affairs

Britain’s Victoria Oil & Gas Files Multimillion-Dollar Lawsuit Against Kazakhstan

Opinion: In Central Asia, the EU Defies Its “Geopolitical Dwarf” Label

A New Chapter of Peace and Cooperation in Central Asia: The Kyrgyz-Tajik Border Agreement

EU-Uzbekistan Cooperation Focuses on Digital Connectivity and Critical Raw Materials

Kazakhstan Investigates Recipients of USAID Funding