Kazakhstan International Affairs - The Times Of Central Asia

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Nuclear Power

Rosatom Selected to Build Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Power Plant

Kazakhstan has announced that the Russian nuclear energy corporation Rosatom will take the lead in constructing the country’s first nuclear power plant. This landmark project, which was greenlit following a national referendum, signals Kazakhstan’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and marks a significant step in its energy strategy following years of massive energy deficits, which are projected to reach 3.3 billion kWh in 2025. The nuclear power plant will consist of two reactors and will be built near the village of Ulken, on the western shore of Lake Balkhash, approximately 400 kilometers northwest of Almaty. The plant is expected to have an electricity generation capacity of 2.4 gigawatts by 2035, meeting a significant portion of Kazakhstan's future energy needs. This project will restore Kazakhstan's nuclear power generation, which has been absent since the closure of the BN-350 reactor in 1999. Rosatom's selection follows a competitive bidding process that also included major international players, China National Nuclear Corporation (China), Électricité de France (France), and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (South Korea). The proposals were assessed based on criteria such as safety, cost, workforce training, nuclear fuel cycle cooperation, and social responsibility initiatives, with Rosatom’s proposal being deemed the most advantageous. Both President Tokayev and the Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency had previously highlighted the importance of forming an international consortium for the project given Kazakhstan’s multi-vector foreign policy. Given current geopolitical events, it remains unclear whether other parties would join a consortium headed by Russia. Efforts are currently underway to secure state export financing from the Russian Federation as part of Rosatom’s proposal. Kazakhstan is the world's largest uranium producer but has relied heavily on coal-powered plants for electricity generation, supplemented by hydropower and an increasing shift toward renewables. The coal industry currently provides fuel for approximately 70% of the nation’s electricity generation. The nuclear power pivot in the country’s energy strategy is aimed at reducing Kazakhstan’s dependency on fossil fuels, enhancing energy security, and addressing environmental concerns. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, over the past two decades, air pollution levels in Kazakhstan have remained persistently high despite numerous reform pledges and reductions in specific emissions. Economically, the plant is expected to improve Kazakhstan’s electricity supply reliability, support industrial growth, and create jobs in technology development, construction, and power plant operations. Speaking in January, former Minister of Energy Almasadam Satkaliyev stated that “By 2030, the NPP construction project will create around 5,000 jobs, peaking at approximately 10,000 jobs in 2032. Once operational, the first plant will provide at least 2,000 permanent positions.” The project also includes plans for the localization of equipment and workforce training, ensuring long-term capacity building. Kazakhstan's selection of Rosatom as the lead in its first nuclear power project reflects a strategic blend of technological ambition, international collaboration, and energy diversification. “Rosatom has been actively involved in Kazakhstan’s nuclear sector for years, including uranium mining and nuclear fuel cycle activities,” James Walker, CEO and Head of Reactor Development at NANO Nuclear Energy told The Times...

United States

Kazakhstan Reshapes Its U.S. Partnership

On June 12, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister–Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu in Washington. According to the State Department readout, the American side reiterated its commitment to Kazakhstan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity while the two diplomats discussed the expansion of “opportunities for bilateral trade and investment” and the importance of “trusted infrastructure and a favorable regulatory landscape for U.S. companies in Kazakhstan.” Other policy issue-areas targeted for cooperation included the expansion of security cooperation, promotion of regional integration (through the C5+1 diplomatic platform), and exploration of commercial opportunities “particularly in the technology and critical minerals sectors.” The bilateral meeting is an expression of deeper structural adaptation within a rapidly transforming international system. While U.S.-Kazakhstan relations were once characterized by only episodic contact and simple tactical cooperation, they have recently been reconstituted into a stable and operationally integrated bilateral relationship with system-wide relevance. Trade between the United States and Kazakhstan reached $4.1 billion in 2023, a 30 percent increase from the year prior, with projections for 2025 surpassing $4.5 billion by mid-year. Long anchored in oil exports and machinery imports, the bilateral trade structure is now undergoing strategic deepening. Kazakhstan’s 12 percent share of global uranium reserves, alongside its emerging lithium sector and other rare earth elements, makes one of the most alluring partners in U.S. efforts to restructure supply chains and reduce overdependence on China, owing to its export reliability, geographic position between major powers, and regulatory openness to Western investment. Kazakhstan, for its part, is demonstrating a granular grasp of what structural integration into global supply networks requires. Domestic reforms have included the modernization of investment regimes and coordinated institutional adjustments across ministries and frameworks such as the Astana International Financial Centre. Nonetheless, uneven rail capacity, limited downstream processing, and gaps in customs harmonization still pose material constraints to full Western alignment. The C5+1 framework, launched in 2015 and revitalized since 2021, has matured into a semi-institutionalized platform for intra-regional coordination. Thanks partly to Kazakhstan's initiatives, it now offers both practical counterweights to Russian influence and Chinese economic presence, including infrastructure collaboration and trade diversification, as well as symbolic ones like diplomatic visibility and regional leadership signaling. More than a diplomatic forum, it reflects a broader regional strategy in which Central Asian states, led by Astana, seek to institutionalize a distinct strategic space through multilateral formats. This architecture enables selective cooperation on infrastructure, trade, and regulatory standards while preserving flexibility amid the competing pressures of a multipolar order. Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu has been instrumental in this conceptual and operational shift. After serving as Chief of Staff to the President from 2022 to 2023, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister–Minister of Foreign Affairs in April 2023. His career trajectory—including postings at Kazakhstan’s UN Mission in Geneva (overlapping with Tokayev's tenure as Director General of the UN Office in Geneva) and his leadership in Asia-Africa diplomatic affairs—reflects an evolving strategic mindset. Nurtleu has emerged not merely as a representative of state policy but...

TURKPA

Opinion: The Engine of Turkic Integration – Why TURKPA Is No Longer “Just Talk”

On June 12, in Astana, the 14th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA) was held under the theme: TURKTIME: The Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy. TURKPA has existed since 2008, but it is only now that the multifaceted activities of Turkic states are drawing close attention from external observers, first and foremost, from Russia. This is unsurprising since the driving forces behind Turkic initiatives are often Ankara and Astana. While Turkey promotes its national interests, Kazakhstan appears to play both of its powerful neighbors, Russia and China, against each other. Moscow, at times, does not hide its ire, hinting that its influence over Astana is diminishing in favor of Beijing. Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev skillfully engages with China, securing benefits such as investments and a visa-free regime, which gives Kazakhstani carriers an advantage over their Russian and regional competitors. TURKPA was officially founded a year before its 'sister' organization, the Organization of Turkic States, was established. The first proposal to create TURKPA was made by Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev at the 8th Summit of Turkic Heads of States in November 2006. Interestingly, TURKPA is also listed on the website of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), although it includes Turkey, a country outside the CIS and a geopolitical rival to Russia, which dominates the organization. Equally interesting is the composition of TURKPA and its governance structure. Its full members comprise Turkey, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan, whilst Hungary and Turkmenistan are observers. The day-to-day operations of the organization are managed by a Secretariat headquartered in Baku, and the Secretary General of TURKPA is always an Azerbaijani citizen. Strategic direction is provided through annual plenary sessions, which are presided over by the Speaker of Parliament of the country currently holding the Chair. “The chairmanship rotates annually in alphabetical order according to the Latin alphabet,” explained Kazakh MP Aigul Kuspan. This brings us to a curious contradiction that nobody focuses much upon. It is believed that Azerbaijan is Turkey’s proxy state in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. At the same time, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, to a lesser or greater degree, pursue a Russian policy in the region. As explained, in recent years Kazakhstan has also gravitated toward promoting Chinese interests. Thus, in practice, Turkey leads TURKPA through its own presidency and via Azerbaijan for two out of every four years, while Russia/China exert influence through Kazakh and Kyrgyz speakers in the other two. In theory, this tug-of-war could have rendered both TURKPA and the OTS, where geopolitical tensions are similar, meaningless forums for routine summits. That was true until recently; however, now we observe a growing geopolitical subjectivity in Central Asia and a reorientation toward its own interests. Therefore, OTS summits and TURKPA plenaries have become more purposeful. This is demonstrated by the words of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who met with delegates of the 14th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States. “Last year, Kazakhstan chaired the Organization of Turkic States. Under the motto 'TURKTIME', we implemented...

International Campus

Colorado School of Mines to Open First International Campus in Kazakhstan

In 2026, the Colorado School of Mines will open its first international campus in Kazakhstan, marking a significant milestone in U.S.-Kazakhstan academic cooperation. An agreement to establish the branch was signed between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the Colorado School of Mines, which currently ranks No. 1 globally in Mineral & Mining Engineering according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. The new campus will be located in Zhezkazgan, the center of Kazakhstan’s geological industry, on the grounds of the newly established Ulytau Technical University. Instruction will be in English and will focus on four core bachelor's degree programs: Mining, Geology and Geological Exploration; Geophysical Engineering; and Petroleum Engineering. According to the Ministry, the project underscores Kazakhstan’s growing status as a destination for educational investment and knowledge transfer in technical fields. “We have identified Kazakhstan as a priority country for partnership and development,” said John Bradford, Vice President of Global Initiatives at the Colorado School of Mines. “This agreement will allow us to elevate our collaboration and academic exchange.” Earlier, the Colorado School of Mines signed a dual degree agreement with Kazakhstan’s Satbayev University in the fields of geology, petroleum engineering, and mining, which also includes joint research initiatives. Once operational, the Zhezkazgan campus is expected to attract young professionals to the region, create new job opportunities, and train highly qualified specialists for both Kazakhstan’s domestic needs and the global labor market.

Israel-Iran Escalation

The Ripple Effects of the Israel-Iran Conflict on Central Asia

The Israel-Iran conflict has escalated dramatically, with Israel launching large-scale strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military targets, including the killing of top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. Characterizing these attacks as a “declaration of war,” Iran has retaliated by deploying approximately 100 drones toward Israeli territory, which have been intercepted. The strikes, part of Israel's "Operation Rising Lion," aim to neutralize what it perceives as an existential threat from Iran's nuclear ambitions. The situation has triggered reactions globally, with heightened tensions and calls for de-escalation. Meanwhile, in an interview with ABC News, U.S. President Trump called the strikes "excellent" and vowed there was "more to come. A lot more." The rapidly escalating conflict between Israel and Iran will undoubtedly exert a tangible influence on Central Asia, a region that shares both historical and geographic proximity to Iran. Turkmenistan, which directly borders Iran, is at the forefront, demonstrating how Central Asia sits strategically within a broader landscape of global power struggles. Geopolitical Tensions Within Reach Central Asia’s geographic and political ties to Iran make the region a key area of influence for Tehran. Iran’s relationship with Turkmenistan, grounded in a shared border and energy cooperation, highlights its immediate relevance. Turkmenistan and Iran collaborate on trade and natural gas exports, ensuring intertwined economies. However, these connections make Central Asia exposed to the consequences of Tehran’s ambitions, particularly as tensions with Israel spill over. Israel, meanwhile, has been steadily cultivating its influence in the region through strategic partnerships. Its strong alliance with Azerbaijan, Iran’s neighboring competitor to the north, has allowed Israel to counter Tehran’s reach. Additionally, Israel has deepened ties with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, offering expertise in cutting-edge technologies in agriculture, water-saving technologies, defense, and cybersecurity. This influence balances Iran’s predominance but risks elevating the regional stakes should the conflict further intensify. The nations of Central Asia are navigating a multitude of competing external pressures close to home, relying on multi-vector diplomacy to manage relationships with Iran, Israel, Russia, China, and the West. Economic Interdependence and Vulnerabilities Central Asia’s landlocked geography makes trade routes essential, with Iran serving as a critical gateway to global markets. The Bandar Abbas port facilitates the export of Central Asian goods, particularly for Turkmenistan. In January, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Russia, and Iran reaffirmed their commitment to increasing cargo transportation along the North-South transport corridor. However, sanctions on Tehran and the conflict's unpredictability cast uncertainty over these vital corridors. The Chabahar port, developed in partnership with India, is another crucial lifeline for trade. Unlike Pakistan's China-aligned Gwadar port, Chabahar links Central Asia to the Indian Ocean, offering a more stable and independent trade route. For nations like Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, the port diversifies transit options and reduces reliance on routes controlled by Russia or China. Social Dynamics and Security Challenges Culturally and religiously, Sunni-majority countries like Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan remain alert to both Iranian propaganda and organizations like Hamas, which are considered destabilizing actors. Governments actively look to suppress rhetoric or movements that could spark unrest, prioritizing...

Israel-Iran Escalation

Central Asia Responds to Escalation Between Israel and Iran

Following extensive Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory, defined by the Israeli military as a “preventive action” targeting Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure, Central Asian governments have begun responding to the escalating conflict by reinforcing security protocols for their citizens in the region. Kazakhstan: Embassy Issues Guidelines for Citizens in Israel The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Tel Aviv has issued an official advisory to Kazakh citizens residing in or visiting Israel. The statement recommends: Adhering strictly to instructions from the Israeli Home Front Command; Maintaining heightened vigilance; Monitoring verified news and official announcements; Staying in regular contact with the Kazakh diplomatic mission. Emergency hotlines have also been activated to provide immediate assistance to nationals. Uzbekistan: Warning to Citizens in Iran and Israel Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a public advisory urging citizens in both Iran and Israel to exercise maximum caution. Recommendations include: In Iran, being prepared to take shelter in designated bomb shelters; In Israel, strictly following the directives of local authorities and the military; Keeping identification documents and embassy contact information readily accessible; Following updates through official and verified information channels. The Foreign Ministry emphasized that the security situation remains volatile and requires prompt attention from Uzbek citizens in the affected areas. Airlines Reroute to Avoid Conflict Zone Kazakh carriers Air Astana and FlyArystan have altered several flight routes to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace, which has been closed amid rising tensions. Destinations affected include Dubai, Doha, Sharm El-Sheikh, Manama, and Medina. Passengers are advised to check their flight status in advance, as changes to departure and arrival times are expected. Regional Watch: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan As of June 13, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan have not issued formal statements regarding the conflict. However, diplomatic sources report that embassies and consulates across the region have been placed on high alert and are closely monitoring developments. Earlier today, the Israeli military confirmed the launch of a military operation targeting what it described as “dozens of strategic sites” in Iran, including suspected nuclear facilities. Tehran has condemned the strikes and pledged a “harsh and symmetrical response.” The international community has expressed growing concern that the conflict could broaden, destabilizing the wider region.