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Kyrgyzstan Explores Hungarian Agricultural Technologies

The 3rd Kyrgyz-Hungarian Agricultural Forum was held on January 17 in Budapest, Hungary, with the goal of strengthening ties between agricultural companies from Kyrgyzstan and Hungary. According to the Kyrgyz government’s official website, the forum showcased Hungary’s innovative agricultural technologies and solutions to address challenges in the sector. Focus on Innovation and Sustainability At the forum, leading Hungarian agricultural companies presented modern technologies aimed at increasing crop yields, improving irrigation systems, processing agricultural products, and promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices. These innovations align with Kyrgyzstan’s growing need to modernize its agricultural sector and improve productivity. Kyrgyzstan Seeks Hungarian Expertise Speaking at the forum, Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, Bakyt Torobayev, emphasized Kyrgyzstan’s interest in Hungary’s expertise. "Hungary is a reliable partner with extensive experience in agricultural technologies, including processing agricultural products, improving plant varieties, and supporting the development of small and medium-sized farms," Torobayev said. He invited Hungarian entrepreneurs to expand their operations in Kyrgyzstan, noting that the country’s new economic policy focuses on three key sectors: agriculture, energy, and transport and transit. Torobayev highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s strategic location at the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, which offers unique advantages for international trade. He pointed to the ongoing construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway as a critical infrastructure project to connect Central Asia with China, South Asia, Europe, and beyond. Meeting Between Kyrgyz and Hungarian Officials On the same day, Torobayev held discussions with Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó. The meeting centered on implementing the Declaration of Enhanced Strategic Partnership, signed in November 2023 during Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s visit to Bishkek. One key topic of discussion was the preparation of a comprehensive long-term development plan for Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan’s largest lake and a vital tourist destination. The plan aims to address environmentalconcerns such as climate change, ecosystem degradation, and overuse of natural resources. Hungarian specialists, drawing on their experience with Lake Balaton, will collaborate with Kyrgyz counterparts to develop and regulate the Issyk-Kul region. Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation Another significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement to increase the authorized capital of the Kyrgyz-Hungarian Development Fund by an additional $34 million. This fund plays a crucial role in fostering economic collaboration between the two countries. The ministers also discussed: Increasing exports of Kyrgyz agricultural products to Europe, focusing on environmentally friendly produce. Establishing logistics centers that adhere to European quality and safety standards. Hungary’s Growing Interest in Central Asia Hungary has consistently sought to deepen its engagement with Turkic-speaking countries in Central Asia. As an observer state of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), which includes Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan, Hungary has prioritized economic and cultural ties with the region. Turkmenistan also holds observer status within the OTS.

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Afghanistan as Part of Central Asia: Expectations, Reality, Challenges, and Threats

Afghanistan has increasingly been regarded in expert and journalistic circles as part of Central Asia, which is justifiable from a physical-geographical perspective. However, given current regional realities, it is still premature to classify the country as part of Central Asia in terms of being internationally recognized as such. The outcome of the 19th-century rivalry between the British and Russian Empires for influence in Central Asia, known as the "Great Game," not only established the modern southern borders of the region but also set Afghanistan and its northern neighbors on entirely different social and historical paths. The countries differ in value systems, ideologies, public consciousness, and, of course, economic development. At the same time, experts from the Russian Institute for Central Asian Studies note that "In the early 21st century, approaches to analyzing regional realities shifted towards geo-economics. The spatial dimension of Central Asia began to be seen as a zone for pipeline transit." This perspective is hard to argue against — Afghanistan’s current geopolitical interests and challenges are largely tied to the economic interests of countries at the regional level. This includes India, Iran, China, the UAE, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, and the Central Asian states, for whom Afghanistan's prospects are evident. Chiefly, these prospects concern its transit potential as a territory connecting various parts of Asia. Four out of the six logistics corridors under the Asian Development Bank’s Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program (CAREC) pass through Afghanistan into Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Other relevant projects include the "China–Pakistan Economic Corridor" under the "One Belt One Road" initiative, the "Trans-Afghan Corridor," and the TAPI Gas Pipeline. However, Afghanistan's current situation, particularly given the stagnant Afghan-Pakistani conflict, casts doubt on the feasibility of these and other major projects involving Afghanistan. As previously stated by TCA, the future of these large-scale projects involving Central Asian countries, as well as regional stability, a fundamental condition for steady economic development, depends directly on whether an understanding is reached between these two nations. Thus, a geo-economic approach to redefining Central Asia’s new boundaries still requires a different reality. Meanwhile, within Central Asia itself, there is little enthusiasm for political rapprochement with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The primary focus is on trade/economic and humanitarian cooperation, with no broader agenda, particularly at a regional level. Tajikistan’s position is significant here, as its authorities continue to view the Taliban as a threat and tread cautiously in building relations with them. What Prevents Central Asian Countries from Accelerating Relations with Afghanistan? The answers lie not only in different developmental trajectories and scenarios. First and foremost, Afghanistan is still associated with "uncertainty" and numerous risks, particularly in terms of security. According to many assessments, the Afghan-Pakistani zone will, in the long term, remain a source of terrorist and religious-extremist threats to Central Asia. These conclusions are based on a retrospective analysis of escalating tensions, current processes in Afghanistan, and the geopolitical confrontation of global powers in the area. For example, the Soviet invasion in 1979 fostered the consolidation of the Afghan mujahideen,...

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Kazakhstan-China Railway Cargo Transportation Reaches Record High in 2024

In 2024, railway cargo transportation between Kazakhstan and China exceeded 32 million tons, achieving an all-time high, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Transport. Kazakhstan’s rail exports to China grew by 1 million tons, totaling 13.7 million tons. Key export commodities included iron and non-ferrous ore, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and grain. Meanwhile, Chinese transit cargo passing through Kazakhstan increased by 19%, reaching 15.3 million tons. Additionally, containerized Chinese cargo transiting to Europe via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) recorded significant growth, rising by 43% compared to 2023. One of the main drivers of this record-breaking performance was the opening of a Kazakh terminal at the dry port in Xi’an, China. In 2024, more than 300 container trains passed through this terminal and the Kazakh Caspian port of Aktau, an astonishing thirtyfold increase from 2023. Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the country’s national railway company, has expanded its terminal network. Currently, Kazakhstan operates five major terminals: The port of Lianyungang (China), The dry port in Xi’an (China), Dostyk railway station (Kazakhstan), The Khorgos Gateway dry port (Kazakhstan), and The ferry complex at the Caspian port of Kuryk (Kazakhstan). Kazakhstan has announced plans to add nine additional terminals over the next two years, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s position as a vital hub for transcontinental trade. Several terminal construction projects began in 2024, including: Almaty, Kazakhstan: A logistics hub aimed at strengthening domestic cargo-handling capacity. Azerbaijani port of Alat: A joint project involving Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and China to establish a cargo terminal in Baku. Budapest, Hungary: A terminal in Hungary’s capital designed to expand Kazakhstan’s trade network in Europe. Selyatino, Russia: A facility near Moscow to support rail cargo transportation between Kazakhstan, Russia, and China. Additionally, and in collaboration with China’s port of Lianyungang, Kazakhstan has begun constructing a container hub at the Caspian port of Aktau. Kazakhstan’s expanding railway infrastructure will solidify its role as a key logistics hub connecting China, Central Asia, and Europe. With continued investment in terminal networks and partnerships with regional and global stakeholders, Kazakhstan is well-positioned to further enhance its trade capacity and meet the growing demand for transcontinental cargo transportation.

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Iranian President Honored as Professor at Tajik Medical University

The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, has been awarded the title of honorary professor by Avicenna Tajik State Medical University, according to the Khovar news agency. On January 16, during his first state visit to Tajikistan, Pezeshkian, accompanied by Tajik Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda, toured the university. He met with faculty members and learned about the institution’s achievements, including advancements made at its Simulation Center. In a special ceremony, Pezeshkian received the title of honorary professor in recognition of his significant contributions to medical science and his efforts to foster cooperation in training skilled medical specialists. Expressing his gratitude, Pezeshkian thanked the people of Tajikistan for their warm hospitality and highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships in healthcare, stating, “We are ready to enhance cooperation in healthcare, including sharing expertise in pharmaceuticals, surgery, and medicine.” Pezeshkian concluded his visit to the university by signing the guest book. This is Pezeshkian's first state visit to Tajikistan. Upon his arrival on January 15, he was welcomed personally by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon at Dushanbe International Airport.

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Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Power Move and Implications for the West

Kazakhstan’s recent referendum approving the construction of its first nuclear power plant (NPP) is a watershed moment. More than a domestic policy decision, this move puts into relief Kazakhstan's strategy for positioning itself as a linchpin in the diversification of global energy supply chains, with the world's largest uranium reserves accounting for nearly 40% of the global supply and a key geographic location. The country's ambitions align with the broader resurgence of nuclear power as an indispensable component of a sustainable energy future, countering decades of stagnation in the West and challenging the dominance of Russia and China. The renewed attention on nuclear energy arises from a convergence of systemic and technological factors. Environmental pressures to reduce reliance on fossil fuels such as gas and coal have left energy producers searching for scalable, reliable alternatives. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar, while important, remain limited by intermittency and storage challenges. At the same time, safety concerns rooted in historical disasters — Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Fukushima — have been mitigated by advances in reactor technology. A growing public recognition of nuclear power's viability has resulted. In this context, Kazakhstan's entry into the nuclear power arena is logical. Enhancing its ability to integrate uranium extraction with downstream nuclear fuel production would underscore its potential to play a central role in addressing global energy needs. By fostering international partnerships, Kazakhstan can leverage its resource wealth to become a critical supplier for advanced economies looking to diversify their energy mix. Kazakhstan's move comes at a time of shifting geoeconomic dynamics in the nuclear energy sector. Over the past three decades, Russia and China have consolidated their dominance, exploiting the West’s inertia. Russia has used NPP construction as a geoeconomic tool, creating dependence in such countries as Turkey and Uzbekistan. China, meanwhile, has aggressively developed its domestic nuclear infrastructure while securing global uranium supplies, particularly through investments in Africa and Central Asia. By contrast, Western nations have lagged behind, plagued by fragmented project management, skilled labor shortages, and political resistance. Anti-nuclear movements, many of which gained momentum during the Cold War with Soviet backing, have continued to stymie development in Europe and North America. The resulting industrial inertia has left Western economies vulnerable, with insufficient capacity to meet rising energy demands or counterbalance Russian and Chinese influence. Kazakhstan's emergence offers the West a rare opportunity to reverse this trend. The country’s multi-vector diplomatic strategy, emphasizing balanced relations with global powers, makes it an ideal partner for rebalancing energy supply chains. Kazakhstan’s role in global energy extends beyond uranium. The country’s geological resources overlap with deposits of rare-earth elements (REEs), which are vital for advanced defense technologies, renewable energy systems, and high-tech manufacturing. The shared extraction technologies and logistical infrastructure for uranium and REEs present opportunities for integrated resource development. NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) program could play a pivotal role in this regard. By incorporating rare-earth mining and supply chain security into NATO’s Critical Energy Infrastructure Protection (CEIP) framework, member states could...

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Kazakh President Proposes Solutions to Climate Threats at Abu Dhabi Summit

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week summit, where global leaders and experts convened to address pressing challenges in sustainable development. In his address, Tokayev highlighted the urgent threats posed by climate change, desertification, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity - issues exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global supply chains. Kazakhstan’s Strategy for Sustainability Tokayev presented Kazakhstan’s roadmap for tackling these challenges, focusing on digitalization, major infrastructure projects, and nuclear energy. Noting that global energy systems account for 75% of greenhouse gas emissions, he underscored Kazakhstan’s commitment to green energy development. The country is collaborating with international partners, including Masdar, Total, and Eni, to implement projects to generate 43 GW of renewable energy. Additionally, Tokayev highlighted the strategic importance of constructing Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant, an initiative supported through a national referendum. Regional Connectivity and Transport Infrastructure Addressing the role of transportation in sustainable development, Tokayev emphasized Kazakhstan’s position as a key transit hub in Eurasia. He called for further development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor to enhance regional connectivity and strengthen global supply chains. Sustainable transport infrastructure, he argued, is essential for driving economic growth across the region. Climate and Food Security in Central Asia Tokayev devoted significant attention to the challenges facing Central Asia, particularly the impact of global warming on ecosystems and agriculture. He proposed the introduction of water-saving technologies, the modernization of irrigation systems, and the application of artificial intelligence to better manage water resources. On food security, Tokayev outlined Kazakhstan’s plan to advance sustainable agricultural practices and technologies, aiming to mitigate climate risks while ensuring reliable food supplies. A Global Paradigm Shift Tokayev called on the international community to adopt a new development paradigm based on green finance, the transfer of climate-friendly technologies, and the integration of artificial intelligence with environmental priorities. He emphasized that aligning these strategies could significantly boost global GDP by 2030 while addressing environmental challenges. Summit Collaboration and Hope for the Future The Kazakh President concluded his speech by expressing optimism that the summit could serve as a turning point in harmonizing global priorities for sustainable development. The event featured participation from other prominent leaders, including Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Razan Al Mubarak. Together, the dignitaries reinforced the need for global cooperation in confronting environmental and economic challenges.