International Affairs - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 307 - 312 of 2590

Afghanistan

Afghanistan Seeks Alternatives to Pakistan Trade; Fallout Likely for Central Asia

Afghanistan must look for “alternative trade routes” that bypass neighboring Pakistan, a senior Afghan official said Wednesday. The remarks reflect deepening tension after border clashes between the two countries and are a blow to some ambitious trade projects that would link South Asia and Central Asia. At the same time, the development could mean that Afghanistan will increasingly look to Central Asia for trade links as it cuts off business with Pakistan. “All Afghan traders and industrialists should turn to alternative trade routes instead of Pakistan,” said Abdul Ghani Baradar, Afghanistan’s deputy prime minister for economic affairs. “These routes have not only harmed our traders but have also caused difficulties for markets and the general public. I strongly urge all traders to implement alternative options for imports and exports as soon as possible.” Baradar also criticized what he called the poor quality of medicine being imported from Pakistan and said medicine importers have three months to close accounts there. He said that if Pakistan wants to reopen trade routes with Afghanistan, it must provide solid guarantees that they won’t be closed again. Pakistan has said it needs security guarantees to normalize trade. The minister’s comments were reported by TOLOnews, a Kabul-based outlet, as well as other regional media organizations. Afghanistan and Pakistan share a 2,600-kilometer border and trade was severely disrupted after clashes between the two sides last month. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of providing sanctuary to militants who carry out attacks against Pakistani security forces, an allegation that the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan denies. Several big Central Asia-South Asia projects would require close collaboration between Afghanistan and Pakistan. They are the Trans-Afghan Railway, the TAPI natural gas pipeline and the CASA-1000 electricity project. Three Central Asian countries – Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan – have borders with Afghanistan and share ethnic ties with minority populations there. In late October, the city of Shymkent in southern Kazakhstan, near the border with Uzbekistan, hosted a forum during which Afghan and Kazakh officials and business leaders discussed expanding trade. Deals worth several hundred million dollars were announced.

TCA Interviews

Universities Join Kazakhstan’s Global Education Vision: An Interview with Minister of Education Sayasat Nurbek

At the invitation of President Trump, on November 5-6, the Presidents of the five Central Asia Republics arrived in Washington, D.C. to celebrate and sign deals on the 10th anniversary of C5+1. They were accompanied by cabinet ministers and business leaders. The Times of Central Asia presents a wide-ranging interview with Kazakhstan's Minister of Education, Sayasat Nurbek. Minister Nurbek sat down with our Washington Correspondent, Javier M. Piedra, to discuss Kazakhstan’s education strategy. The interview offers U.S. academic and technical institutions a glimpse into Minister Nurbek’s educational philosophy and his plans to advance Kazakhstan’s higher education through new partnerships with U.S. universities, AI platforms, and private sector innovators—positioning Kazakhstan as a regional educational hub. Nurbek shared his insights on his understanding of traditional values, the human person, AI’s potential and risks, critical thinking, and building mutually beneficial partnerships in the context of education. (His responses have been edited for length and flow.) TCA: The tenth anniversary of C5+1 was a landmark event, bringing together the Presidents of all five Central Asian nations at the White House. Kazakhstan President Tokayev has tasked you with transforming Kazakhstan into a fully digital nation within three years. In the last two days, you secured six key partnerships with U.S. universities and tech firms across education, testing, mining, and engineering. Minister, with that in mind, how is Central Asia important to the United States? Nurbek: My message to American academic institutions is straightforward. Kazakhstan has a lot to offer, and we are keen on deeper engagement with the outside world. Also, the timing to deepen U.S.-Kazakhstan relations is perfect given that the world is changing. Avenues are open for new relationships and business opportunities. America and Kazakhstan can have a great future as long as we work together to achieve that future. America should not miss this moment in history; the importance of Eurasia and of Central Asia in particular. Besides the education aspects – most important to me – academic and technical partnerships can serve as platforms to maintain U.S. influence, share values, and promote ideas, benefiting both the United States and Kazakhstan as friends in a non-geopolitical sense. TCA: In our earlier conversation, you referenced Sir Halford Mackinder, the early 20th-century British academic who emphasized geography’s role in geopolitics. Can you comment on the sensitivity of mixing education and geopolitics? Nurbek: In The Geographical Pivot of History in 1904, Halford Mackinder argued that control of Eurasia’s central “Heartland,” particularly Eastern Europe and Central Asia, could secure global influence. Mackinder’s theory stressed land power’s dominance over naval power in an increasingly rail-connected world in the early 20th century. Central Asia mattered then and still does today—but why do I mention Mackinder in the context of education? President Tokayev has been clear, especially in the sphere of education, that Kazakhstan seeks great gain, not a “Great Game” – the rivalry between Great Powers for influence and control in Central Asia. In other words, the main way to produce great gains in Kazakhstan and across the...

State Visit

Tokayev in Moscow: Balancing Friendship and Strategy

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev begins a state visit to Russia in Moscow today, accompanied by a carefully calibrated message of diplomatic continuity. Ahead of his arrival, Tokayev published an article in Rossiyskaya Gazeta affirming Kazakhstan’s “eternal friendship” with Russia, a phrase that has become standard in bilateral rhetoric. While much of the piece reiterates familiar themes of cooperation in energy, trade, and culture, a few notable elements suggest deeper strategic positioning. From the outset, Tokayev appeared intent on striking a personal chord with Vladimir Putin. Mirroring the Russian president’s preference for historical framing, he wrote: “Our peoples have lived side by side for centuries, sharing joys and trials, and together creating a single cultural space in Eurasia. We are united by a common perception of traditional values, similar views on current issues of modern life, and joint work to ensure the well-being of our brotherly peoples.” The Kazakh leader also offered high praise for Putin’s leadership, describing bilateral ties as “mature and stable” and built on “deep trust, respect, and equality.” “All achievements in bilateral cooperation are inextricably linked to the energetic and productive efforts of President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin,” Tokayev wrote. “In Kazakhstan, he enjoys unwavering respect as a statesman of global stature, and his name is on the lips of politicians and ordinary people in virtually every country in the world.” The visit’s key moment will be the signing of a Declaration elevating Kazakhstan-Russia ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance”, a step Tokayev described as ushering in “a new era in bilateral relations.” More intriguing, however, was Tokayev’s commentary on Russia’s global standing, wherein Tokayev referenced recent high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, U.S. President Donald Trump, and leaders across Europe, Asia, and Africa. “Although many of them are at opposite ends of the geopolitical spectrum, they all recognize the exceptional role of Russia and its leader in resolving key issues in international relations. In other words, it is impossible to overcome the contradictions of the modern world without Moscow's participation,” he stated. While Tokayev has previously dismissed the idea of Kazakhstan acting as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, his recent statements suggest Astana may be prepared to play a supporting role in future dialogue. “Kazakhstan is not a mediator in the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and does not see itself as such,” he said last month. “In my opinion, both sides are capable of conducting dialogue on all contentious issues on a bilateral basis and at different levels. I have always believed and publicly stated that the ‘Ukrainian crisis’ is extremely complex and cannot be simplified.” Nonetheless, Tokayev offered practical insights into what a negotiation process would require, stressing the importance of expert-level preparation and dismissing the idea of hastily organized summits without a ceasefire or clear agenda as “unrealistic.” “If the leaders of Russia and Ukraine are willing to come to Kazakhstan, we will provide all the necessary services to ensure the success of the negotiations,” Tokayev added. He reaffirmed...

Russia

After U.S. Trip, Tokayev Heads to Moscow This Week at Putin’s Invitation

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will travel to Russia for a state visit on Tuesday, a few days after joining other Central Asian leaders for a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Tokayev for the November 11-12 visit and the two leaders will discuss “the strategic partnership and allied relationship” between their two countries, the Kremlin said. "Kazakhstan is a special, privileged partner of Russia, a very important country and state for us,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday, in remarks that were reported by Russia’s state-run TASS news agency. Separately, Kazakhstan’s presidency quoted Tokayev as saying Russia is a leader in terms of the pace and volume of investment in the Central Asian country’s economy. While Russia and Kazakhstan share a long land border and have a close trade relationship, deals worth billions of dollars and involving American companies were announced at the U.S.-Central Asia summit in Washington, D.C. on November 6. The meeting reflected the efforts of Central Asian countries to balance their international relationships, particularly with Russia and China on the one hand, and rival Western countries on the other. At the White House meeting, Tokayev said Trump´s “wise and bold policy” should be supported worldwide and that the American president had boosted the role of the United States “as a pillar of international stability.” The early months of Trump’s second term in office were marked by conciliatory gestures by the United States toward Russia, alarming supporters of Ukraine, which is now in its fourth year of war with invading Russian forces. But the outreach faltered and U.S.-Russian tensions remain over Ukraine, nuclear arms and Western sanctions on Moscow.

U.S.-Uzbekistan Relations

U.S. and Uzbekistan Sign Landmark Economic and Strategic Agreements

The United States and Uzbekistan are deepening their economic and technological partnership. Following President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, the U.S. State Department announced a sweeping package of agreements, described as among the most significant in the history of bilateral relations in both investment and strategic scope. High-Level Business Engagements During his Washington visit, President Mirziyoyev held talks with representatives from major American corporations, investment funds, and financial institutions. The meeting was attended by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Special Assistant to the President Ricky Gill, Special Assistant to the President Ricky Gill, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden, and executives from companies such as Traxys, FLSmidth, McKinsey, Meta, Google, Amazon, Boeing, Air Products, Axiom Space, Cove Capital, Freeport-McMoRan, Orion CMC, Cargill Cotton, John Deere, Honeywell, Valmont Industries, and Flowserve Corporation. Opening the event, Mirziyoyev highlighted that trade between Uzbekistan and the U.S. has quadrupled over the past eight years, and more than 300 American companies are now operating in the country. He added that this is just the beginning of a new era in economic cooperation. Key strategic goals were outlined: by 2030, Uzbekistan aims to develop a new-generation energy system with 18-20 GW of renewable capacity, more than half of it sourced from solar and wind. In this context, the two countries plan to jointly develop and process critical minerals such as uranium, copper, tungsten, molybdenum, and graphite, establishing resilient supply chains and leveraging U.S. processing technologies. Infrastructure is another major focus. Uzbekistan intends to invest over $12 billion by 2030 to modernize roads, railways, terminals, and airports. Digital cooperation is also expanding. Projects with Google, Meta, and NVIDIA include the launch of Apple Pay and Google Pay, the creation of a Digital Academy, and the development of startup hubs. These initiatives are expected to be supported by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the U.S. Exim Bank. Mirziyoyev reaffirmed his personal commitment to supporting American investment, stressing that Uzbekistan remains a stable and favorable destination for foreign businesses. Securing Access to Strategic Raw Materials Washington’s primary interest lies in critical minerals. The U.S. will gain priority access to joint mining projects and exclusive access to geological data on rare earth and other strategically significant elements. This move is part of a broader U.S. effort to diversify global sources of inputs vital to defense, green energy, and other high-tech sectors. The two countries are also preparing a $400 million investment package to develop sustainable supply chains for critical and rare earth minerals. For Uzbekistan, this represents a key step toward integration into global value chains and reduced reliance on limited partners. Energy Cooperation: A Role for Small Modular Reactors Uzbekistan plans to acquire American small modular reactors (SMRs), a technology increasingly favored by emerging economies for its scalability and relatively low upfront costs. Interest in SMRs has grown following the 2025 approval of the upgraded NuScale Power Module (77 MW), and Uzbekistan may become one of the first countries in...

Foreign Affairs

“President of Peace” or “President of the World”? Mirziyoyev’s Interpreter Draws Attention During Comments on Trump

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s remarks at the recent C5+1 summit in Washington drew international attention following a translation error reported in several foreign media outlets. According to his press service, Mirziyoyev told U.S. President Donald Trump that people in Uzbekistan refer to him as a “president of peace,” citing what he described as Trump’s role in helping resolve multiple armed conflicts. However, the simultaneous interpreter rendered the phrase as “president of the world,” leading international media, including Reuters, to report that Mirziyoyev had used that expression. The two leaders had previously met on 23 September at the United Nations headquarters. During that meeting, Mirziyoyev congratulated Trump for contributing to the resolution of “seven conflicts,” specifically mentioning the settlement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Uzbek news outlet Kun.uz later published a full translation of the conversation in Uzbek. According to that report, Mirziyoyev also stated that Trump was deserving of a Nobel Prize, although this remark was not translated during the meeting. The renewed attention came as Trump announced what he described on Truth Social as an “incredible Trade and Economic Deal” between the United States and Uzbekistan. According to the U.S. president, Uzbekistan has committed to investing and purchasing nearly $35 billion in key American sectors over the next three years, with expected commitments exceeding $100 billion over the next decade. Trump specified that the sectors include critical minerals, aviation, automotive parts, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, chemicals, and information technology. He thanked Mirziyoyev and said Washington looks forward to a “long and productive partnership.” On the same day, Mirziyoyev joined the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan at the C5+1 summit held at the White House and chaired by Trump. During the session, the Uzbek president proposed the creation of a permanent C5+1 Secretariat that would rotate among member states, as well as the establishment of a ministerial coordinating council on investment and trade. He also suggested forming a Central Asian Investment Partnership Fund and a special committee on critical minerals. Additional proposals included collaboration on agricultural technologies, coordination on transport corridors linking Central Asia with the South Caucasus and Europe, and the organization of a cultural heritage exhibition in the United States. Uzbekistan also offered to host the next C5+1 summit in Samarkand.