Page 209 – The Times Of Central Asia

30 Oct 2025

International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees

U.S. Envoys Hail Stronger Kazakhstan Partnership Ahead of C5+1 Summit

October 31, 2025
By Andrei Matveev

On October 29, Unites States Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau concluded their visit to Kazakhstan ahead of the upcoming C5+1 summit in Washington.

During their trip, the U.S. envoys met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and held discussions with representatives of Kazakhstan’s government and business community, which they described as highly productive.

“We are concluding a memorable trip to Kazakhstan in the beautiful capital, Astana, which did not even exist 30 years ago and now boasts a population of more than 1.5 million,” Landau posted on social media.

He also stated that bilateral relations between the U.S. and Kazakhstan “have never been so strong” and expressed gratitude for the hospitality.

Gor and Landau held talks with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and key cabinet members, including Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliev, Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov, Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, to discuss Kazakhstan’s economic priorities and areas for expanding bilateral cooperation.

According to the Kazakh government, the talks focused on expanding trade and investment cooperation between the two countries. Priority areas included transport and logistics, energy, agriculture, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence.

During their visit, the U.S. envoys also met with Deputy Prime Minister Murat Nurtleu, who reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to cooperate on sustainable development and energy security.

The meetings demonstrated Kazakhstan’s active engagement with the United States in the lead-up to the upcoming Central Asia–U.S. summit.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, who highlighted Kazakhstan’s economic strengths during talks with Gor and Landau, had recently returned from a high-level visit to the United States. His delegation, which included Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Erbolat Dossaev and Chairperson of the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market Madina Abylkasymova, held meetings in New York and Washington with American business leaders and members of Congress.

During the visit, the Kazakh delegation presented the country’s economic growth strategy, highlighted ongoing GDP expansion, and discussed the potential listing of government securities on the New York Stock Exchange. They also raised the possible repeal of the Jackson–Vanik Amendment, a long-standing priority for Kazakhstan’s diplomatic agenda.

Against this backdrop, the White House’s decision to convene a summit between President Donald Trump and the leaders of the Central Asian republics may partly reflect Kazakhstan’s sustained diplomatic outreach. In that context, Gor and Landau’s remarks of appreciation as they departed Astana underscored recognition of Kazakhstan’s role in shaping this evolving partnership.

29 Oct 2025

Central Asia, Turkmenistan Home, Home, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy

Turkmenistan Halts Gas Exports to Turkey Amid Contract Talks

October 29, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Turkmenistan has temporarily suspended natural gas exports to Turkey, according to an October 24 report by the Chronicles of Turkmenistan, which cited Maksat Babaev, chairman of the state concern Turkmengaz. Babaev made the announcement during a press conference following the Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan 2025 international conference.

Gas deliveries began in March 2025 under a short-term contract for 2 billion cubic meters per year. The project was framed as a pilot initiative to assess technical and logistical challenges.

Murad Archaev, Deputy Chairman of Turkmengaz, stated that the company is fully prepared to resume supplies. “The Turkish side was very pleased with the start of deliveries. We also support it, and once the existing issues are resolved, supplies will continue under the signed contract,” Archaev said, as quoted by MK Turkey.

Babaev added that Turkmenistan has other potential buyers if an agreement on price or volume cannot be reached. “This is the market,” he said, according to Oilcapital, citing Reuters.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Turkey began importing Turkmen gas via Iran under a swap agreement, with deliveries totaling about 1.3 billion cubic meters by year-end. In May, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced Ankara’s intention to extend the deal for another five years.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s Ministry of Energy said in October that it seeks to increase gas imports from Turkmenistan via the Caspian Sea. The ministry emphasized that the Turkish market could serve as a gateway for Turkmen gas to reach other countries, including European Union members.

Earlier this year, both sides hailed the launch of deliveries as a milestone in regional energy cooperation.

29 Oct 2025

Central Asia, Home, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Home

Kazakhstan Explores Uranium Supply Deal with Finland

October 29, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

During Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s official visit to Kazakhstan, the two countries took a step toward deepening cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. In Astana, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency and Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), laying the groundwork for potential uranium supplies to Finland.

According to Almasadam Satkaliev, head of the Kazakh agency, the agreement establishes a legal framework for future deliveries of Kazakh uranium to Finnish nuclear power plants.

“The possibility of supplying Kazakh uranium to Finnish nuclear power plants is currently under discussion,” Satkaliev told reporters. “We’ve made such offers before, and the Finnish side has shown serious interest. This visit is an opportunity to move toward practical negotiations on supply volumes.”

The memorandum also includes provisions for sharing expertise and experience in the nuclear energy sector. Satkaliev praised Finland’s regulatory framework, describing it as a model recognized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

“We have agreed to exchange knowledge and jointly review legislation to align our standards with international best practices,” he said.

Kazakhstan, the world’s largest uranium producer, is also advancing its own nuclear power ambitions. The country plans to commission its first nuclear power plant by 2035. In 2024, a nationwide referendum showed over 71% support for nuclear energy development. As a result, the government selected Russia’s Rosatom to construct the first plant near the village of Ulken on the shores of Lake Balkhash.

Two additional nuclear projects are planned in cooperation with China’s state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). Satkaliev said CNNC is currently assessing potential sites in the Almaty and Zhambyl regions.

“A memorandum has been signed to study Chinese participation. Specific decisions will follow once site surveys are complete,” he explained.

Despite its plans to develop domestic nuclear capacity, Kazakhstan remains committed to expanding uranium exports. In 2024, the state-owned company Kazatomprom sold 16,600 tons of uranium, generating a record $3.3 billion in revenue and capturing 21% of global market share.

In the first half of 2025, the company sold 7,625 tons, down 2% from the same period the previous year.

Kazakhstan currently exports uranium to China, Canada, the U.S., Switzerland, France, India, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria. China remains the largest customer, accounting for approximately 60% of total shipments.

In summer 2025, Kazatomprom signed a memorandum with Slovenské elektrárne (SEAS), Slovakia’s largest energy producer, potentially expanding its export geography even further.

29 Oct 2025

Home, Kyrgyzstan, Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

Chinese Firms to Build 250 MW Solar Power Plant in Southern Kyrgyzstan

October 29, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy has signed an investment agreement with China’s State’s Technology Co., Limited and San Energy Co. for the construction of a 250-megawatt solar power plant in the country’s south.

According to the ministry, the facility will be built on 669 hectares in the village of Ak-Turpak in the Batken region. Construction is set to begin this year, with commissioning planned for 2027. Once operational, the plant will supply electricity to the National Electric Grids of Kyrgyzstan.

The Ministry of Energy also signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA). The agreement aims to attract international investors and financial institutions to support joint energy projects in Kyrgyzstan.

The memorandum outlines provisions for conducting long-term energy system development planning, providing training for Kyrgyz energy managers and engineers, and exploring the feasibility of constructing floating solar power plants on the Toktogul Reservoir, the country’s largest.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to expand Kyrgyzstan’s power generation capacity and address persistent electricity shortages nationwide.

29 Oct 2025

Central Asia, Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Home, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy

Karakalpakstan to Become Data Center Hub Under Uzbekistan’s Digital Strategy

October 29, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has launched the second phase of the IT Park Uzbekistan innovation complex in Tashkent’s Mirzo-Ulugbek district, signaling a major advance in the country’s digital transformation agenda.

Speaking to Uzbekistan 24, Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Xotamovich said the next stage of digital development will prioritize AI integration. Mirziyoyev has directed that AI technologies be embedded in the expansion of IT Park to foster a comprehensive national innovation ecosystem.

The new phase of IT Park will accommodate AI-focused startups and modern data centers equipped with high-performance graphic processors capable of handling large-scale data processing. A flagship project is a 12-megawatt data center under construction by Saudi firm DataVolt, which is set to become the largest facility of its kind in Central Asia, purpose-built for AI applications.

DataVolt intends to expand its investments in Uzbekistan, with the total capacity of future data centers expected to reach 500 megawatts. This would position Uzbekistan as a leading regional hub for data storage and processing.

Mirziyoyev also identified Karakalpakstan as a strategic location for energy-intensive digital projects. He proposed transforming the region into a large-scale data center hub, offering major incentives to investors contributing more than $100 million. These include tax breaks and infrastructure support, as well as a preferential electricity tariff of five cents per kWh, significantly lower than the current average rate of about eight cents.

Authorities are targeting global tech firms such as Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon to establish data operations in Uzbekistan. The initiative is designed to strengthen the country’s position as a regional digital hub and accelerate the integration of AI across key sectors of the economy.

29 Oct 2025

Home, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees

U.S. Envoys Experience Kazakhstan’s Living Nomadic Traditions

October 29, 2025
By Aliya Haidar

U.S. Special Representative for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau recently visited Kazakhstan as part of preparations for the upcoming C5+1 summit. While official releases highlighted meetings on regional cooperation and stability, local media also noted cultural engagements showcasing Kazakhstan’s living nomadic traditions.

While in Almaty, the U.S. delegation also toured the Shymbulak ski resort and the Medeu high-altitude skating rink. Amidst the picturesque alpine scenery, they participated in traditional archery, an enduring symbol of the nomadic peoples’ skill and heritage.

Archery: A Living Legacy

Traditional archery, known as sadak atu, is experiencing a revival in Kazakhstan. As in the past, both boys and girls train in the discipline, a tradition rooted in the realities of steppe life, where women were equally taught to hunt and defend their communities.

Far more than a sport, archery reflects a nomadic philosophy. In ancient times, the bow served both as a hunting tool and a weapon of war, requiring intricate craftsmanship using wood, bone, and animal tendons. Archers learned to shoot from horseback, relying on instinct and experience rather than sights.

Today, this heritage is inspiring a resurgence of interest among young Kazakhs. Archery clubs are opening across the country, competitions are being held, and the traditional art is gaining popularity.

The 5th World Nomad Games, held in Astana in 2024, prominently featured sadak atu among other ethnic sports. Petropavl also hosted the Kazakhstan Youth Traditional Archery Championship, drawing 400 participants aged 10 to 17, many in national attire. Meanwhile, Uralsk hosted the 4th Republican Traditional Archery Championship, with 270 athletes from 18 regions competing. Coaches expect the popularity of sadak atu and zhamba atu, mounted archery, to grow, offering Kazakhs a tangible link to their ancestral culture and a spectacle that continues to impress international visitors.

Horseback archery at the World Nomad Games 2024; image: TCA, Ilyas Otan

The Tazy: A National Symbol

The Tazy dog, sometimes referred to as the Kazakh or Central Asian greyhound, holds a special place in Turkic heritage. Once indispensable to nomadic hunters, the breed’s cultural and historical value is now protected by state policy.

In 2023, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was gifted a Tazy puppy called Nauryz, which is named after the spring festival celebrating renewal. The president emphasized the importance of promoting the Tazy and Tobet breeds internationally and called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to participate in preservation efforts. A special law was adopted to support this cause.

By 2024, President Tokayev had three Tazy dogs under his care. He is known to walk them personally in his free time. That same year, he gifted two Tazy puppies to French President Emmanuel Macron. Delivered to Paris, the puppies were named Jules and Jeanne.

The Tazy; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland

Hunting with Birds of Prey: The Wings of Victory

The tradition of hunting with birds of prey, kusbegilik, has deep roots in Turkic culture, dating back millennia. Archaeological evidence from burial mounds confirms its ancient origins. Today, national competitions in kusbegilik are regularly held in Kazakhstan, with top berkutchi (also known as kusbegi) vying for national titles.

Often passed down through generations, kusbegilik is a family tradition. Young hunters typically start with hawks and falcons before progressing to golden eagles, renowned for their power and difficulty to train. According to legend, during times of hardship, skilled eagle hunters helped entire villages survive by providing food.

Participants prepare to compete at the World Nomad Games 2024; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland

Golden eagles, alongside the Tazy and the swift horse, are considered treasured symbols of Kazakh identity. At the 5th World Nomad Games, Kazakhstan took first place in the “Hunting with a Golden Eagle” and “Hunting with a Hawk” categories, while Kyrgyzstan won gold in “Hunting with a Falcon.”

Experts say the revival of these ancient hunting practices does more than preserve cultural heritage; it also supports sports development and boosts tourism.