The Times Of Central Asia | Eurasian Publication & News Online

Uzbekistan Boosts Car Production and Expands Exports

Accelerating Growth: Uzbekistan’s Automotive Industry Continues to Expand

Features

English Common Law

English Law in Kyrgyzstan? Bold Move Faces Hurdles in Investment Disputes

Migration

Kazakhstan’s Migration Trends: Growth in Skilled Labor, No Signs of Chinese Influx

Economic Cooperation

Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Focuses on Critical Raw Materials and Regional Connectivity

Kyrgyz-Tajik Border

Kyrgyz-Tajik Border Agreement Seeks to End Years of Hostility

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed an agreement on March 13 that aims to put an end to tensions that have made their border the deadliest area in Central Asia for more than a decade. Underscoring the significance of this breakthrough was Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon making his first state visit in...

Bilateral Relations

Kazakhstan’s Geoeconomic Rise and Why the U.S. Must Act Now – Opinion

Time Zone

Time Zone Turmoil: Kazakhstan’s Shift Sparks Backlash and Political Action

Women's Rights

UN Envoy for Afghanistan Otunbayeva: Taliban Must Uphold International Obligations and Restore Women’s Rights

The Taliban must clearly demonstrate their commitment to Afghanistan’s international reintegration, Roza Otunbayeva, former President of Kyrgyzstan and now Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan, told the UN Security Council on March 10. Otunbayeva, who also heads the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), stressed the need...

Espionage

Bulgarian Spy Ring Attempted to Threaten Kazakh President’s Western Ties

A spy cell in the UK, including five Bulgarian nationals, targeted multiple individuals and locations over nearly three years, according to court documents at the Old Bailey, officially known as the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales. The Bulgarian nationals had stood accused of spying for Russia at the...

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Repatriating Islamic State Fighters and Families: Balancing Security and Humanity

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Opinions

Business & Economy

Banking

National Bank of Kazakhstan to Launch Digital Investment and Gold Coins

The National Bank of Kazakhstan has announced the launch of the Gold Coin project, a digital investment coin, starting March 17. The coin’s value is pegged to 1/20 of a troy ounce of gold, fluctuating based on global gold prices. According to the National Bank, the Gold Coin project aims to offer Kazakhstani citizens an alternative investment tool, integrating digital assets with modern financial technology. One unit of the Gold Coin corresponds to 1/20 of a troy ounce of gold (with one troy ounce equaling 31.1035 grams). The coin’s value will be determined by the price of gold, as set...

Automobile Industry

Chevrolet vs China: The Battle for the Future of Uzbekistan’s Auto Industry

Investments

Kyrgyzstan Explores English Common Law to Boost Investment Appeal

OPEC

Kazakhstan Balances OPEC+ Compliance with Bold 2025 Oil Surge

Railway Development

Modernization of Kazakh Railway Infrastructure is a Priority

Investments

EBRD and ADB Finance Upgrade of Key Road in Tajikistan

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a loan to finance the upgrade and expansion of the Dangara-Guliston road in Tajikistan. Built in the 1930s as part of a major international highway, this road serves as a crucial link between the north and south of the Khatlon region, an area that produces more than 53% of Tajikistan’s agricultural output and is home to 35% of the country’s population. Financing and Project Scope The EBRD’s sovereign loan of up to €38 million will help finance improvements to a 49-kilometer section of the road, including the construction of charging...

Economic Cooperation

Kazakhstan Looks to Reduce Dependence on Feed Imports

On March 12, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Serik Zhumangarin, met with executives from Hungary’s UBM Group, which plans to build three plants in Kazakhstan to produce 48,000 tons of premixes and 300,000 tons of compound feed annually. The project also includes the establishment of a laboratory and a training center. According to the Kazakh government’s press service, the project aims to reduce Kazakhstan’s reliance on imported compound animal feed, which currently exceeds 250,000 tons per year. Zhumangarin emphasized that ensuring local livestock farmers have access to high-quality, domestically produced feed is a strategic priority for lowering meat production costs. He...

UN Tourism

Uzbekistan Joins International Code for the Protection of Tourists

Uzbekistan has officially joined the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT), becoming the 26th country to do so. The announcement was made by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), the agency responsible for promoting responsible and sustainable tourism worldwide. The ICPT aims to safeguard tourists' rights and ensure their safety while traveling. UN Tourism works to position tourism as a driver of economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. The organization supports its 160 member states by providing policy guidance, educational resources, and crisis management strategies. It also helps countries enhance their tourism competitiveness through knowledge-sharing...

Economy

Kyrgyzstan’s Economic Boom or Bust? Calls for Inclusive Growth Persist

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov declared late last year that the country’s economic growth had reached historic milestones, with GDP maintaining positive momentum. However, local economists remain skeptical about the broader impact of this growth. In 2020, Kyrgyzstan’s GDP stood at 639 billion KGS ($7.3 billion), according to official data. By the end of 2025, this figure is projected to reach 1.8 trillion KGS ($22 billion). Growth Without Inclusion In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, economist Nurgul Akimova acknowledged that the reported 9% GDP growth and the so-called “leopard’s leap” frequently mentioned by the government are positive developments....

Local Politics

Children

Kazakh MP Calls for Restrictions on Children’s Access to TikTok

Kazakh MP Murat Abenov has proposed limiting children's access to TikTok, citing concerns over its negative effects on young users’ mental health. He warned that the platform could contribute to depression, reduced concentration, and memory problems, urging parents to monitor their children’s screen time. Abenov referenced a case described by journalist Gulmira Abykay on her Facebook page, where a seven-year-old girl reportedly stopped recognizing her loved ones after excessive exposure to TikTok content. He emphasized that such concerns are backed by research, as TikTok’s algorithm is designed to maximize user engagement by presenting emotionally stimulating or even distressing videos. The...

Reforms

Kyrgyzstan Launches Large-Scale Public Administration Reform

Corruption

Uzbekistan Ratchets Up Drive Against “Evil” of Corruption

Kazakhstan Introduces AI Regulation Bill to Ensure Human Oversight

National Identity

Kyrgyzstan’s Rebrand: New Country, or New Distractions?

Time Zone

Time Zone Turmoil: Kazakhstan’s Shift Sparks Backlash and Political Action

Kazakhstan is preparing to put an end to a year-long debate over its transition to a single time zone (UTC+5). However, opposition to the change has evolved beyond public discontent. Critics, including well-known public figures, are now considering the creation of a political party with the goal of overturning what they argue is one of the most unpopular government decisions in the country’s history. Even a year later, many citizens remain unconvinced of the benefits of the time zone shift, while the government continues to defend it with unwavering determination. Origins of the Controversy Discussions about adopting a single time...

Energy

Japarov Urges Kyrgyz Citizens Not to Obstruct Small Hydropower Plant Construction

Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov has urged citizens to support the construction of small hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) across the country, emphasizing their importance for energy independence. According to Japarov, 40 small HPPs are currently operational in Kyrgyzstan, generating 312.5 million kWh of electricity annually. Construction has begun on 37 additional small HPPs, with 18 set to be commissioned in 2025, adding a total capacity of 385.2 million kWh. Additionally, Kyrgyzstan has launched solar and wind power projects with a combined capacity of 5,624 MW to diversify its energy sources. Untapped Energy Potential and Local Resistance Despite having the capacity to...

USAID

USAID Pullback in Kazakhstan Creates Space for China and Raises Security Concerns – Expert

President Trump’s executive order restricting the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) globally has led to a reduction in Western-funded projects in Kazakhstan. USAID previously funded initiatives in humanitarian aid, media, blogging, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). As a result of the new U.S. administration's actions, experts suggest that China is expanding its influence. Gulmira Ileuova, head of the Strategy Foundation and a member of the advisory public organization, the National Kurultai, told TCA that the Kazakh government had already taken measures to limit foreign financial influence. "Kazakhstan was among the first post-Soviet countries to regulate foreign funding, requiring grant...

Tajikistan Announces Preliminary Parliamentary Election Results; OSCE Absent

Bakhtiyor Khudoyorzoda, the chairman of Tajikistan's Central Commission for Elections and Referenda (CCER), has announced the preliminary results of the March 2 parliamentary elections to the Assembly of Representatives. According to Khudoyorzoda, 4.71 million of the 5.52 million registered voters participated in the election, representing an 85.3% turnout. The election results for party-list voting were as follows: The People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan secured the most support, receiving 2,435,541 votes (51.9%). The Agrarian Party of Tajikistan garnered 986,887 votes (21%). The Economic Reform Party of Tajikistan received 595,281 votes (12.7%). The Socialist Party of Tajikistan obtained 248,064 votes (5.3%). The...

International Affairs

Migration

Kazakhstan’s Migration Trends: Growth in Skilled Labor, No Signs of Chinese Influx

A positive migration trend is emerging in Kazakhstan, with new data indicating a significant increase in net migration. In 2024, the country recorded a migration balance of 17,200 people, an 85% increase from the previous year. The gap between arrivals and departures expanded 2.3 times, with 30,000 people moving to Kazakhstan compared to 12,800 leaving the country. Experts from the Institute of Public Policy highlighted that Kazakhstan’s emigration rate has reached a historic low in contrast to outflows observed in other countries. In 2024, net migration losses were significantly higher in Georgia (-39,200), Israel (-18,200), Uzbekistan (-14,300), and Bulgaria (-9,200)....

Kyrgyz-Tajik Border

Kyrgyz-Tajik Border Agreement Seeks to End Years of Hostility

Foreign Affairs

Uzbekistan and France Sign €6.5 Billion Partnership Agreements

Women's Rights

UN Envoy for Afghanistan Otunbayeva: Taliban Must Uphold International Obligations and Restore Women’s Rights

Politics

Opinion: How Central Asia Has Strengthened Ties with the West Since 2022

Economic Cooperation

Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Focuses on Critical Raw Materials and Regional Connectivity

On March 13, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela visited Kazakhstan and held negotiations with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu. As a result of the visit, the European Union and Kazakhstan have taken steps to strengthen their partnership, signing key agreements to support sustainable economic growth and foster regional connectivity, according to the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan. Investments in Transport and Renewable Energy During the visit, Commissioner Síkela and Kazakh officials oversaw the signing of a €200 million framework loan agreement between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK)....

European Union

Visit by EU’s Sikela Strengthens Global Gateway Partnership with Turkmenistan

On March 12, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela visited Turkmenistan, as part of the European Union’s work to expand cooperation under the Global Gateway strategy. The visit focused on transport connectivity, renewable energy, and trade facilitation, aiming to integrate Turkmenistan into regional and global economic networks, according to the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan. Global Gateway and the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor The Global Gateway strategy is the EU’s initiative to bridge global investment gaps by promoting sustainable connectivity in digital, energy, and transport sectors, while strengthening education and research systems. The initiative seeks to mobilize €300 billion in public...

Bilateral Relations

Kazakhstan’s Geoeconomic Rise and Why the U.S. Must Act Now – Opinion

The recent call between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu highlights an evolving but structurally inevitable dynamic: the growing convergence of interests between Washington and Astana. Kazakhstan has been explicit about its priorities — independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and balanced external relations. The U.S. has strategic imperatives that align directly with what Kazakhstan can offer, particularly in the domains of supply chain diversification, energy security, and critical minerals. The two countries now have the opportunity, reinforced by shifts in global economic and security networks, to establish a substantive and resilient...

Human Trafficking

Ukrainian Fugitive Arrested in Poland for Organ Trafficking in Central Asia

A 35-year-old Ukrainian woman has been arrested in Przemyśl, Poland, based on an Interpol Red Notice, according to the country’s prosecutor’s office. She has been on the run since November 9, 2020, after being sentenced to 12 years in prison by a court in Kazakhstan for her role in an organized crime group involved in human organ trafficking. On March 6, 2025, border guards at the railway crossing in Przemyśl detained Ksenia P. (whose name is protected under Polish privacy laws) during a routine inspection. Authorities confirmed that she had been convicted in Kazakhstan for her involvement in an international...

Life & Culture

Art and Culture

Kazakh Theatrical Performance Breaks Annual Record

The play Gauhartas, directed by Kazakhstani theater artist Askhat Maemirov, has been staged over 250 times within a year, marking a record achievement in Kazakhstan’s theater industry. This widely acclaimed production is an adaptation of a work by esteemed Kazakh writer, Dulat Isabekov. His story depicts the life of a Kazakh family during the Soviet period, shedding light on the struggles of ethnic minorities under an authoritarian regime. In 1975, the Kazakhfilm studio produced a movie based on this work. With every show selling out, the play has already drawn nearly 75,000 spectators. It has been performed in several major...

Agriculture

Kyrgyzstan Prepares for Spring Field Work

TCA Interviews

Kazakh Researchers Uncover Important Step Towards Treating Parkinson’s Disease

Music

Kazakhstan’s Dimash Kudaibergen Lights Up Times Square

Cultural Heritage

Kyrgyz Orthodox Bishop Urges Osh Authorities to Preserve Historic Cemetery

Health

Uzbekistan and Hungary Use Nobel-Winning Discovery to Develop Health Supplements

Scientists from Uzbekistan and Hungary are collaborating to develop new health supplements derived from sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), a plant known for its medicinal properties. The research is being conducted by the Pharmaceutical Institute of Tashkent and Hungary’s Meditop Pharmaceutical Ltd. The project is based on the groundbreaking work of Chinese scientist Tu Youyou, who won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering artemisinin, a compound extracted from sweet wormwood that effectively treats malaria. The joint initiative aims to produce antiseptic and anti-inflammatory supplements in various forms, including capsules, ointments, hydrogels, mouthwashes, and ear drops. These products...

Digitalization

Kazakhstan to Require Parents to Purchase Special SIM Cards for Children

Kazakhstan plans to introduce special SIM cards for children, limiting their access to the internet. Deputy Minister of Education Yedil Ospan announced the initiative on March 12, stating that discussions are ongoing with authorized government agencies as part of a comprehensive plan. “We assume that operators should issue special SIM cards intended for use by children. That is, a parent will be obliged to buy these very SIM cards for their children,” Ospan said. According to him, these SIM cards will include built-in security filters restricting access to inappropriate content, including certain websites and social networks. Parents will also be...

Women's Rights

March for Women’s Rights in Bishkek: Kyrgyz Voices Demand Change

The annual March for Women's Rights in Bishkek on March 8 drew around 500 participants, reaffirming Kyrgyzstan’s status as the only country in Central Asia where such demonstrations take place every year, despite persistent pressure and resistance. The march began at noon in front of the former Ministry of Foreign Affairs building near Staraya Square. Participants, chanting slogans, walked to Gorky Park, holding placards demanding equality and greater protection of women's rights. "We Need Security, Not Flowers" Many posters reflected the urgent issues faced by Kyrgyz women: "Don't be silent." "Abortion is a personal decision, not a legal debate." "We...

Migration

World Bank Report Examines Migration Trends in Central Asia

The World Bank has released a report titled The Way Forward: Supporting Successful Migration in the Europe and Central Asia Region, which analyzes migration trends and their impact on countries in the region, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Migration remains a significant issue in Europe and Central Asia, a region home to 100 million migrants, one-third of the world’s total migrant population. People move across borders in search of better job opportunities, as well as in response to changing demographics, climate change, and conflicts. This trend is expected to continue. According to the report, most migrants from Tajikistan and...

Justice

English Common Law

English Law in Kyrgyzstan? Bold Move Faces Hurdles in Investment Disputes

Kyrgyzstan’s government is considering adopting elements of English common law to handle investment disputes, but legal experts remain skeptical about its feasibility. On March 13, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev met with the British Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan and a group of international consultants to discuss the potential integration of English legal principles into Kyrgyzstan’s legal framework. The initiative has also received support from President Sadyr Japarov, who, in late 2024, stated at the People’s Kurultai in Bishkek that the adoption of English law principles is essential for attracting foreign investment. “Citizens and external investors have the opportunity...

Espionage

Bulgarian Spy Ring Attempted to Threaten Kazakh President’s Western Ties

Women's Rights

Opinion: Balancing Rights and Realities – Engaging Afghanistan for Change

Rukhshona Khakimova

Tajik Women Unite to Urge Rahmon to Grant Leniency for Journalist Rukhshona Khakimova

Women's Rights

Feminists in Kazakhstan Under Pressure Ahead of International Women’s Day

Human Trafficking

Ukrainian Fugitive Arrested in Poland for Organ Trafficking in Central Asia

Real estate

Uzbek Citizen Purchases Luxury Apartment in Seoul for Over $5 Million in Cash

An Uzbek citizen has purchased a high-end apartment in Seoul, South Korea, for 7.4 billion won (approximately $5.09 million), according to a report by the Korean publication Choson Biz. The property is located in Banpo Xi, a prestigious residential complex in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul. With a dedicated area of 244 square meters, the apartment was sold at the highest recorded price for the complex, surpassing the previous record by 300 million won. The transaction took place in November last year. The buyer, a 41-year-old Uzbek national whose given address is in Tashkent and is identified only as "A", is registered...

Criminal Responsibility

Mercenary Spies Unmasked: Guilty Verdict Exposes Global Disinformation and Sabotage Network

A spy cell in the UK, including five Bulgarian nationals, targeted multiple individuals and locations over nearly three years, according to court documents at The Old Bailey, officially known as the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales. The court case, which has played out over fourteen weeks, tells the story of a rogue group of six individuals aiming to leverage statecraft, intelligence, and a willingness to be ruthless for monetary gain. The trial has revealed that the defendants worked under the direction of Jan Marsalek, an Austrian national described by prosecutors as a Russian agent involved in espionage activities....

Human Rights

International Human Rights Activists Demand Release of Tajik Journalist Rukhshona Khakimova

The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders has strongly condemned the sentencing of Tajik journalist Rukhshona Khakimova, calling on Tajik authorities to release her immediately and unconditionally. In a statement issued on March 3, the Observatory asserted that Khakimova’s prosecution is linked to her participation in a politically sensitive poll on China’s influence in Tajikistan. The survey, commissioned by the Kyrgyz NGO Barometer, included interviews with political figures, some of whom belong to the opposition and face pressure from authorities. “Ms. Khakimova is officially charged with ‘high treason’ under Article 305 of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code. This charge is...

Environment

Kazakh Floods

Eight Regions in Kazakhstan Face High Flood Risk

Kazakhstan's National Headquarters for Coordination of Flood Control Measures has identified the most flood-prone regions of Kazakhstan. As of March 13, 67% of the country remains covered in snow. Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nyssanbayev noted that snowmelt has already begun in the Kyzylorda, Turkestan, Zhambyl, West Kazakhstan, Atyrau, and Mangystau regions. Meanwhile, maximum soil freezing has been recorded in the northwest, northeast, and central parts of the country. In the Kostanay region, frost penetration exceeds 150cm, while in the Akmola region, it reaches 139cm. The Pavlodar and Karaganda regions have experienced frost depths of up to 159cm...

Transport

Bishkek Collaborates with KOICA and Seoul Institute on Sustainable Urban Transport Project

Dams Threaten Central Asia’s Rare Fish and River Ecosystems

Water

Four New Reservoirs to Be Built in Kazakhstan

Environment

Caspian Sea Shrinking Faster Than Expected, Risking Aral Sea-Like Disaster

Air Pollution

Kazakhstan’s Karaganda Among World’s Most Polluted Cities as Central Asia Struggles with Air Quality

Kazakhstan’s Karaganda - the heartland of the nation's coal and metallurgical industries - was ranked as the world’s third most polluted city in 2024, according to the 2024 World Air Quality Report released by IQAir. The report evaluates global air quality for 2024, presenting PM2.5 air pollution data collected from 8,954 cities across 138 countries, regions, and territories. PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, is measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) and is a key indicator of air pollution. Karaganda recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 104.8 µg/m³ in 2024. In comparison, Byrnihat, India, the world's most polluted city,...

Environment

Kyrgyzstan Bans Plastic Bags at Lake Issyk-Kul

As of March 1, Kyrgyzstan has banned the use and sale of plastic bags and other plastic products in the resort and recreational areas of the Issyk-Kul region, including the beaches of Lake Issyk-Kul, the country’s main tourist destination. The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision announced that fines will be imposed for violations, as part of efforts to protect the lake’s unique ecosystem and maintain cleanliness in the region. Penalties for Violations First offense: Warning Repeated violation within one year: Individuals - 3,000 KGS ($34) Legal entities - 10,000 KGS ($114) The ban and fines apply to...

Air Pollution

U.S. Ends Air Quality Data Sharing from Embassies

The United States has announced it will no longer share air quality data gathered from its diplomatic missions worldwide. This decision has sparked concerns among environmental groups, public health advocates, and nations that rely on this data to track pollution and safeguard public health. For over a decade, U.S. embassies and consulates have provided invaluable air quality data using state-of-the-art equipment to monitor pollutants such as PM2.5, a fine particulate matter with serious health implications at high levels. Updated hourly, this information was readily accessible online, empowering individuals and governments to make informed decisions on managing air pollution risks. The...

Environment

Chinese Company to Build Waste Recycling Plant in Osh

China’s Hunan Junxin Huanbao KG Invest will build a solid waste incineration plant in Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second-largest city, as part of a project to generate electricity from municipal waste. According to the Osh municipality, Mayor Jenyshbek Toktorbayev signed an agreement with the Chinese company during his visit to Changsha, the capital of China’s Hunan Province, in early March. The agreement includes the preparation of a feasibility study, with construction set to begin in the coming months. The project is expected to cost $90 million. Similar Project Underway in Bishkek The Times of Central Asia reported that Hunan Junxin Huanbao KG...

Chevrolet vs China: The Battle for the Future of Uzbekistan’s Auto Industry

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Opinions

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Business & Economy

Business & Economy

National Bank of Kazakhstan to Launch Digital Investment and Gold Coins

EBRD and ADB Finance Upgrade of Key Road in Tajikistan

Kazakhstan Looks to Reduce Dependence on Feed Imports

Uzbekistan Joins International Code for the Protection of Tourists

Kyrgyzstan’s Economic Boom or Bust? Calls for Inclusive Growth Persist

Local Politics

Local Politics

Kazakh MP Calls for Restrictions on Children’s Access to TikTok

Time Zone Turmoil: Kazakhstan’s Shift Sparks Backlash and Political Action

Japarov Urges Kyrgyz Citizens Not to Obstruct Small Hydropower Plant Construction

USAID Pullback in Kazakhstan Creates Space for China and Raises Security Concerns – Expert

Tajikistan Announces Preliminary Parliamentary Election Results; OSCE Absent

International Affairs

International Affairs

Kazakhstan’s Migration Trends: Growth in Skilled Labor, No Signs of Chinese Influx

Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Focuses on Critical Raw Materials and Regional Connectivity

Visit by EU’s Sikela Strengthens Global Gateway Partnership with Turkmenistan

Kazakhstan’s Geoeconomic Rise and Why the U.S. Must Act Now – Opinion

Ukrainian Fugitive Arrested in Poland for Organ Trafficking in Central Asia