International Affairs - The Times Of Central Asia

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Transport and Logistics

Opinion: Bridging Histories, Building Futures – Central Asia, Pakistan, and the Dream of a Railway

On 5 September 2025, the Times of Central Asia published an article titled “Trans-Afghan Railway: Can Uzbekistan Build a Railway Through Afghanistan to Reach the Sea?” Reading it stirred something deep within me. The piece was not just about steel tracks or trade corridors - it was about dreams, history, and the future of a region I have long been passionate about: Central Asia. I am not a political analyst; I am an engineer by training and a student of history by passion. Having worked in Afghanistan and witnessed the landscape of its geography and politics up close, I feel a personal connection to the idea of connectivity between Pakistan and Central Asia by rail. This is not just a policy debate for me - it is a lifelong vision tied to my family history, my professional journey, and my fascination with the region’s rich past. When the Soviet Union withdrew its last troops from Afghanistan on 15 February 1989, ending its long and bloody war, the region entered a new and uncertain chapter. That very moment coincided with the beginning of my own career. Just two months earlier, I had started my first job as a Junior Engineer. For me, the Soviet withdrawal was not only a historical milestone; it was also a symbolic reminder of how deeply Afghanistan and its neighbors were tied to global currents of power, conflict, and change. Standing at the threshold of my professional life, I wondered how this region - so often defined by wars - might instead be remembered for bridges, trade, and railways. My fascination with Central Asia is also deeply personal. From my mother’s side, my family traces its lineage back to Bukhara. This explains why many families in Pakistan carry the name Bukhari, as their ancestors once migrated southward from that historic Central Asian city. History was not abstract for me - it lived in the stories of my elders and in the books I devoured as a student. In my school years, I read the Baburnama twice. These memoirs of Zahīr ud-Dīn Muhammad Bābur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, fascinated me. Born in Andijan in the Ferghana Valley (modern-day Uzbekistan), Babur’s life was a reminder of how Central Asia and South Asia have always been linked - through migration, culture, politics, and ambition. In 1992, I made my first trip to Tashkent. The journey was more than a visit; it was a pilgrimage to the heart of a region I had admired from afar. That first encounter left an indelible mark on me, and more than three decades later, my passion for Central Asia remains unending. Long before modern projects and international agreements, history itself carved the routes of connectivity. The Khyber Pass, lying between present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan, has for centuries served as a gateway between Central and South Asia. Caravans laden with silk, spices, and stories once passed through its rugged cliffs. Empires - from the Mughals to the British - understood its importance. And...

UN General Assembly

Tokayev at the UN Underscores Kazakhstan’s New Diplomacy

Kazakhstan’s international visibility is reaching a peak this late summer and early autumn of 2025. In August, UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Astana, praising the country’s role as a stabilizing influence in Central Asia and a supporter of multilateral institutions. In a few days, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will address the UN General Assembly in New York, presenting Kazakhstan as a reliable partner in peacekeeping, sustainable development, and nonproliferation. This upcoming UN speech marks a departure from past appearances, signaling Astana’s intent not only to balance powers but also to set global agendas. Together, these events signify the country’s ascent as a state no longer defined solely by the art of survival between great powers, but one that now seeks to set agendas, convene adversaries, and project norms beyond its borders. This dual UN moment illustrates the broader transformation of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy over the past year: the shift from multi-vector balancing, an inheritance of the Nazarbayev era, toward a more assertive mode of multi-actor entrepreneurship. Framed through the UN stage, Kazakhstan’s diplomacy now aspires to translate regional initiatives into a global narrative. Rather than oscillating between Moscow, Beijing, Brussels, and Washington, Astana has begun to use its accumulated diplomatic capital to initiate, mediate, and institutionalize regional and global frameworks. From Balance to Initiative For three decades after independence, Kazakhstan’s “multi-vector” foreign policy served as a model of survival in a region shaped by the clash of external rivalries. The doctrine emphasized equidistance between Russia, China, and the West, with an overlay of pragmatic economic engagement. In practice, this often meant leveraging one relationship to offset pressure from another while securing steady inflows of trade and investment. Today, however, the war in Ukraine, the erosion of European security, and the sharper contest between Beijing and Washington have undermined the viability of simple balancing. In response, Tokayev’s government has shifted its approach, seeking to overlay a more agenda-setting dynamic on multi-vectorism by positioning Kazakhstan as a regional hub for diplomacy and connectivity. At the UN, this shift might be presented as Kazakhstan’s evolution from passive survival to a more proactive approach to international diplomacy. Astana’s task is to transform such declarations into a durable strategy. Central Asia and the South Caucasus The clearest evidence of Kazakhstan’s new role comes from Central Asia itself. Relations with Uzbekistan, once characterized by rivalry, have been recast as a cornerstone of functional regionalism. Over the past twelve months, Astana and Tashkent have concluded demarcation agreements, expanded electricity grid interconnections, and coordinated positions on water resource management. The consultative meetings of Central Asian leaders, which Kazakhstan has championed, now serve as regularized platforms for joint initiatives, from infrastructure to practical economic integration, with attempts to reduce Russian and Chinese influence. At the UN, this shift may be framed as Kazakhstan’s evolution from mere survival to actively pioneering new approaches in international diplomacy. For Kazakhstan, the partnership with Uzbekistan provides buffering against external pressure and multiplies regional influence. Astana has also made use of the UN Regional Centre...

UN General Assembly

Central Asian Presidents at UNGA-80: All Five Confirmed

New York, Sept 22, 2025 – Central Asia will have a strong presence at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA-80), with four of the region’s presidents confirmed to attend in person. One leader’s participation, however, remains unannounced. From Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is scheduled to be in New York from September 21 to 23. The Kazakh presidency confirmed that he will deliver his country’s national statement and meet with other heads of state on the sidelines of the high-level week. Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov is officially confirmed to be in New York from September 22 to September 25, where he is scheduled to deliver a speech in the General Debate. Japarov will also join a UN Security Council discussion on AI and a high-level climate event, while holding bilateral meetings with Secretary-General António Guterres and leaders from multiple regions. In Tajikistan, the presidential press service announced on September 21 that President Emomali Rahmon departed Dushanbe for New York to attend UNGA-80. He is accompanied by senior officials and is expected to speak during the General Debate. From Turkmenistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov left Ashgabat on September 21 for a working trip to New York. Turkmen state media confirmed his participation in UNGA-80, marking his direct representation of the country at the session. Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in New York on September 20 for a visit lasting through September 24. His agenda includes addressing the General Debate on its opening day and holding bilateral meetings with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and other world leaders. With the General Debate opening on September 23, Central Asia is set to be represented at the highest level by all five of its nations: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Diplomacy

Tokayev’s Visit to New York: UN Speech, Investment Talks, Nuclear Power, and Digital Cooperation

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in New York on September 21 for a working visit scheduled to last until September 23. Diplomatic and Business Engagements According to the presidential press service, Tokayev is set to deliver a speech during the general debate of the 80th anniversary session of the UN General Assembly. His agenda includes bilateral meetings with foreign leaders and heads of international organizations, as well as a roundtable discussion and a series of engagements with representatives of transnational companies. These meetings aim to highlight Kazakhstan’s investment opportunities. Expanding Cooperation with Cameco Tokayev’s first official meeting was with Tim Gitzel, President and CEO of Canada’s Cameco Corporation. The discussion focused on prospects for expanding cooperation in the uranium sector, particularly through the Inkai joint venture, which has been developing the Inkai deposit in the Turkestan region for over 25 years. The president commended Cameco’s long-standing partnership with Kazatomprom, noting over $500 million in investments and the successful transfer of nuclear technologies. “Kazakhstan is entering a new stage of energy development, with plans to build three nuclear power plants. Our country is interested in the innovative methods used in the nuclear industry,” Tokayev stated. Focus on Education and Testing Reform A major component of the visit centered on human capital development. In talks with Amit Sevak, President of Educational Testing Service (ETS), Kazakhstan expressed interest in updating its national assessment systems. Sevak emphasized the importance of tailoring solutions to Kazakhstan’s specific needs and highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in this transformation. Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek confirmed the country’s intention to elevate national exams to international standards. “GRE, SAT, and TOEFL are globally recognized, and they were developed in this scientific environment. Our goal is not to replace the Unified National Testing system but to enhance its quality. A large team of ETS researchers will arrive in Kazakhstan next month,” he said. Cultural Cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution Tokayev also met with representatives of the Smithsonian Institution, the largest scientific and cultural complex in the United States. Discussions focused on academic exchanges and the international promotion of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage. Beginning next year, Kazakh researchers will be able to undertake internships and conduct studies at the institution. Helle Bjetvin, Head of Folk Art Programs, expressed personal admiration for Kazakh applied arts: “I truly admire Kazakh ornaments and design. They beautifully combine tradition and craftsmanship. For me, it’s something very special.” Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Digital development was another key topic of the visit. Joint projects involving data centers, infrastructure expansion, and the establishment of agencies for artificial intelligence implementation were explored. Minister of Digital Development Zhaslan Madiev noted that Kazakhstan is steadily transitioning to a digital state model and seeks robust technological and financial partnerships. “We are discussing major joint projects in digital infrastructure and AI development. Kazakhstan’s market is attractive to global investors, and Goldman Sachs is being considered as a potential partner,” he said.

Japan

From Hydropower to Human Capital: Japarov Plans Strategic Visit to Japan

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov is preparing for a visit to Japan that underscores growing strategic ties between the two countries. Kyrgyz officials say they plan to sign energy and infrastructure agreements in Tokyo, including support for a training center for the national electric grid and upgrades at the Kurpsai hydropower plant, according to Trend, citing the Kyrgyz Energy Ministry. The same report notes that grant funding from Japan’s international cooperation programs will back grid training and modernization efforts. The timing reflects Tokyo’s recent step-up in activity vis-à-vis Central Asia. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, in late August 2025, Japan’s foreign minister undertook a multi-country tour that emphasized long-term engagement and connectivity across the region. Japanese officials framed their approach as trust-building, focused on people-to-people links, infrastructure, and practical cooperation. Energy cooperation is expected to feature prominently during the visit. Kyrgyz officials say the Japan-backed training center is moving through final approval, and modernization of the Kurpsai facility is planned with Japanese grant support. Bishkek has also invited Japanese participation in additional hydropower projects, positioning Japan as a technology and financing partner in Kyrgyzstan’s power sector. Labor mobility and skills are another focus. The authorities in Kyrgyzstan have been working with Japanese counterparts to create safe, legal pathways for Kyrgyz workers. In July, Kyrgyz officials met with Japan’s construction human-resources association to align training standards and prepare workers for job opportunities in Japan, and free Japanese-language courses were launched in Bishkek to improve employability for prospective migrants. Education and cultural exchange underpin the relationship. Over three decades, Japan has funded scholarships, exchanges, and language programs that connect Central Asian students to Japanese universities. An overview of these initiatives highlights how education has become a durable pillar of Japan’s regional engagement, building familiarity with Japanese business practices and technology among Kyrgyz graduates. For Bishkek, the visit is about turning ongoing cooperation into signed projects and new resources. Officials point to the grid training center and Kurpsai upgrades as near-term deliverables, while the broader agenda includes workforce programs and academic ties. The message from both sides is continuity: steady, practical steps rather than headline-grabbing announcements. Regionally, Japan’s approach offers Central Asian countries additional partners for finance, training, and technology. For Kyrgyzstan, deeper ties with Tokyo complement existing relationships while helping diversify investment sources and markets. The outcome to watch is whether the visit locks in concrete funding and timelines for priority energy and skills initiatives outlined by the Kyrgyz side.

Aviation

Kyrgyzstan Says It’s Close to Being Removed from EU Flight Ban

A delegation from Kyrgyzstan’s Civil Aviation Agency will meet European officials in Brussels next month, marking another step in the campaign to end a two-decade ban on Kyrgyz airlines operating in the European Union because of safety concerns. The October 7 meeting will be followed by a final European audit in December as Kyrgyzstan moves into the last stage of being removed from the EU’s so-called “blacklist” of air carriers, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov said last week during the re-opening of two of the country’s airports, Naryn and Kazarman. "Thus, we firmly believe that the European skies, which have been closed since 2006, will reopen for Kyrgyzstan,” said Japarov, who predicted that the possible removal of the ban would boost international tourism in the Central Asian country. Kanat Tologonov, deputy director of Kyrgyzstan’s Civil Aviation Agency, said this week that European officials will decide on whether to lift the air ban on Kyrgyzstan in May 2026, according to the 24.kg news agency. Speaking to a parliamentary committee on budget and fiscal policy, Tologonov said Kyrgyzstan successfully passed 2023-2024 audits of the International Civil Aviation Organization, a U.N. agency that oversees safety and other aspects of air travel. As Kyrgyzstan’s bid to regain access to EU skies gains momentum, civil aviation chief Daniyar Bostonov met representatives of the International Air Transport Association this week to discuss upgrading air navigation and the digitization of passenger and air cargo transportation. The EU Air Safety List is a list of air carriers that it says do not fulfil international safety standards and it bars those airlines “from operating to, in and from the EU, including the overflight.” Sixteen carriers from Kyrgyzstan are on the list, out of a total of 169 banned airlines, according to a June update. The EU barred Kyrgyzstan because of inadequate regulation in the aviation sector and failure to comply with international safety standards. Civil aviation has been developing in some other parts of Central Asia, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.