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Some Central Asian countries are urging their nationals to consider leaving Ukraine as the war with Russian forces escalates there. “Due to the increased frequency of artillery shelling and airstrikes in Ukraine, the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Ukraine strongly advises its citizens to consider leaving areas close to active combat zones or leaving Ukraine altogether for safety purposes,” the embassy said on Telegram on Wednesday. It urged citizens “to take air raid warnings seriously, immediately seek shelter, adhere to personal safety measures, and follow the recommendations of official authorities.” Kazakh citizens can travel home from Ukraine by using land routes through Poland or Moldova, and then boarding a commercial flight, according to the embassy. It said a Schengen visa is required for entry into Poland and no visa is needed for Moldova. Citing its embassy in Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said “a massive attack was carried out on the territory of the Kyiv region using attack unmanned aerial vehicles” on Wednesday. The ministry recommended that Kyrgyz citizens currently in Ukraine “strengthen their personal security measures and, if necessary, leave the territory of Ukraine until the situation has fully stabilized.” The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv said it was closing on Wednesday as a precaution after receiving “specific information of a potential significant air attack” and that embassy employees were instructed to shelter in place. Some other Western embassies also closed temporarily. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the war has recently escalated. North Korean troops have deployed into ally Russia’s territory near the border, including in the Kursk region of Russia where Ukrainian troops have seized territory; the United States has allowed Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied, longer-range missiles to attack targets in Russia; and Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued another round of warnings about the possible use of Russia’s nuclear arsenal, in an apparent effort to deter more Western support for Ukraine.
A new English language textbook for 11th-grade students has been introduced in Turkmenistan’s general education schools. According to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the textbook incorporates modern didactic principles and advanced teaching methods to enhance students' reading, writing, and speaking skills. It aligns with the national curriculum, providing students with improved opportunities to communicate effectively in English. The release of this textbook is part of Turkmenistan’s broader effort to modernize its education system. A key component of this effort is the Concept for Improving Foreign Language Education in Turkmenistan, a policy focused on integrating language learning at all educational stages. Drawing on both domestic and international best practices, the policy aims to elevate language instruction across the country. English language teaching in Turkmenistan has seen significant progress: • In January 2024, the first TESOL conference brought together 250 educators to exchange experiences and explore innovative teaching techniques. • In August 2024, the U.S. Embassy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, conducted workshops to enhance the professional skills of English teachers. • In November 2024, Turkmenistan and the UK held discussions on strengthening educational cooperation and improved educational services. Turkmenistan’s focus on advancing English language education reflects its commitment to integrating into the global educational framework and fostering international collaboration. These initiatives aim to equip students and educators with the tools needed to engage in a globalized world.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a financial package of up to €17 million to upgrade water infrastructure in three cities in northern Kyrgyzstan. The funding includes a loan of up to €7.6 million and a matching grant. The funds will be used to modernize water supply networks, upgrade pumping stations, install water meters in Kemin and Shopokov, and restore wastewater treatment and sewerage systems in Talas. In addition to the financial package, the projects will receive a technical cooperation grant of up to €1.8 million. This grant will support the implementation process and the corporate development of municipal utilities in the three cities. Hüseyin Özhan, EBRD Managing Director for Central Asia, highlighted the Bank's role as a key lender to Kyrgyzstan’s water sector. “We have supported 31 water projects for the amount of more than €190 million in 26 cities across the Kyrgyz Republic to date. They are helping households and businesses to have regular access to high-quality water and wastewater services,” Özhan stated. Since beginning its operations in Kyrgyzstan in 1992, the EBRD has invested approximately €998 million across 250 projects. These initiatives primarily focus on sustainable infrastructure and private sector development, significantly improving living conditions and economic opportunities in the region.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has confirmed the death of one Chinese citizen and the injury of four others following an attack near the Tajik-Afghan border. The incident, which occurred on November 18, targeted a camp operated by a private Chinese company on the Tajik side of the border. “China strongly condemns this brutal attack, expresses deep sorrow for the victims, and extends sincere condolences to the families of the victims,” stated the ministry. A working group from the Chinese Embassy in Dushanbe has arrived at the site to provide assistance and coordinate further actions. Rising Security Concerns Chinese companies, particularly those involved in mining activities such as gold extraction, are active in the region. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has urged the Tajik authorities to expedite investigations to determine the circumstances of the attack. “Given the security situation in the Tajik-Afghan border area, we remind Chinese citizens and enterprises in the region to pay special attention to security,” the ministry warned. The incident took place in the Shamsiddin Shokhin area along the 1,350-kilometer Tajik-Afghan border. Initial reports suggest the attack was carried out by armed individuals crossing from the Afghan side during the night of November 17–18. Motives Remain Unclear As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, the incident occurred in the Shamsiddin Shokhin area on the 1,350-kilometer-long Tajik-Afghan border. The attackers' motives and identities remain unknown. Local sources indicate that the incident may be linked to either militant activity or drug smuggling, but no official confirmation has been provided. In addition to the Chinese casualties, a local resident was also wounded. All injured individuals have been taken to the Shamsiddin Shokhin District Hospital for treatment. The Tajik authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack.
Kazakhstan has announced plans to purchase electricity from Tajikistan’s Rogun hydropower plant (HPP), a major facility currently under construction. According to a draft agreement published on Tajikistan's official legal information portal, the cooperation between the two countries is set to last for 20 years, with an option to extend for an additional 10 years. The price for the electricity is set at $0.034 per kilowatt-hour (excluding VAT), plus a transit surcharge determined by the seller’s costs. Payments are to be made within 35 days for each supply period. The supply will only occur during scheduled shortages and will be integrated into KEGOC’s national grid. Rogun HPP will handle transportation to the border, while the Settlement and Financial Center for Renewable Energy Support LLP will oversee control on the Kazakh side. Any disputes arising from the agreement will be resolved through the Singapore International Arbitration Center. Electricity agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are a critical component for securing international financing for the Rogun HPP’s construction. Project costs have risen to $6.4 billion, according to recent estimates. To cover these costs, the Tajik government is negotiating semi-concessional loans worth $1.73 billion, $850 million in grants, and $390 million in concessional loans. The remainder will come from the government budget and revenues generated by the plant. This year, the Tajik government allocated 5 billion somoni (approximately $460 million) for the Rogun project, with 2.8 billion somoni coming from the state budget and 2.2 billion somoni from investment projects. By the end of September 2024, 4.3 billion somoni (about $395 million) had already been spent on construction. Once completed, Rogun HPP will become the largest hydropower facility in Central Asia, boasting a capacity of 3,600 MW and capable of producing up to 17 billion kWh of electricity annually. This output represents 65–85% of Tajikistan’s total electricity production. The plant will house six units of 600 MW each, with full commissioning expected by 2029. Currently, two units are operating at low capacity, having been commissioned in 2018 and 2019. The project serves as a landmark achievement for Tajikistan’s energy sector and a key driver of regional energy cooperation, promoting economic stability and resource-sharing throughout Central Asia.
On November 19, Kyrgyzstan launched the modernized hydroelectric generating unit No. 1 at the Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP), the country’s largest power facility. Located on the Naryn River, the Toktogul HPP generates approximately 40% of Kyrgyzstan’s electricity. The modernization of hydroelectric unit No. 1 began in March 2024 and has increased its generating capacity by 60 MW. Prior to this upgrade, the Toktogul HPP had a total capacity of 1,200 MW, with each of its four units producing 300 MW. Two units had already been upgraded in previous phases, collectively adding 120 MW to the plant's total capacity. The reconstruction of the fourth and final hydroelectric unit is scheduled for 2025. Once the modernization project is complete, Toktogul HPP will gain an additional 240 MW of generating capacity, extending its service life by 25–30 years. The $210 million rehabilitation project is funded by a $110 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and $100 million from the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD). With a total volume of 19.5 billion cubic meters, the Toktogul HPP reservoir plays a dual role in meeting Kyrgyzstan's energy demands and providing essential irrigation water to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. During the winter, increased water releases are used to generate electricity for Kyrgyzstan, while summer releases support irrigation for southern Kazakhstan’s dry regions. As of November 19, 2024, the Toktogul reservoir contained 12.991 billion cubic meters of water, compared to 11.694 billion cubic meters on the same date in 2023. The reservoir currently receives 246 cubic meters of water per second and releases 488 cubic meters per second. Despite this year’s higher water levels, Kyrgyzstan continues to face electricity shortages, according to Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibrayev. Toktogul HPP's modernization and efficient management of water resources remain critical to addressing these challenges and ensuring regional energy and water security.
