Kazakhstan and Italy are set to take their bilateral relations to a new level by enhancing military cooperation through targeted collaborations and strategic agreements. This partnership represents a significant step in bolstering the defense capabilities of Kazakhstan while strengthening ties between the Central Asian power and a key European Union member state.

Key Areas of Collaboration

The partnership will focus on several critical areas, including joint training initiatives, personnel exchanges, and advancements in military technology. Known for its ambitious modernization efforts across various sectors, Kazakhstan sees collaboration with Italy as an opportunity to upgrade its defense infrastructure and expertise.

With its advanced military technology and extensive experience in both conventional and peacekeeping operations, Italy could provide Kazakhstan with valuable insights into modern warfare techniques and operational strategies. Potential areas of cooperation include cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and border security, reflecting mutual interests in maintaining regional and global stability.

Additionally, military equipment production and joint defense projects are on the table, positioning Italy as a potential key player in Kazakhstan’s defense procurement strategy. By sharing technology and expertise, both nations aim to enhance their military preparedness and foster mutual growth.

The news comes after a Kazakh delegation, headed by the Defense Minister of Kazakhstan, Ruslan Zhakssylykov, visited Italy’s Ministry of Defense and various military facilities, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Defense.

The Strategic Importance

Kazakhstan occupies a vital geopolitical position in Central Asia, serving as a crossroads for trade and security routes connecting Europe and Asia. A stronger defense partnership with Italy, a NATO member, underscores Kazakhstan’s intention to diversify its international relations and expand its defense partnerships beyond neighboring powers, China and Russia.

For Italy, this cooperation aligns with its broader goal of deepening ties in Central Asia, a region that is becoming increasingly significant for global peace and security, especially given its proximity to Afghanistan and the interplay of great-power politics in the area. Enhanced ties with Kazakhstan offer Italy a foothold in Central Asia and a strategic partner with shared commitments to regional security and stability.

This partnership also complements Kazakhstan’s multi-vector foreign policy approach, which seeks to balance relations with major global players while focusing on national interests. Deepening ties with Italy helps Kazakhstan diversify its defense alliances and reduce over-reliance on any single foreign power for military support.

Recent Developments

Recent discussions between Kazakh and Italian defense officials have demonstrated a commitment to cooperation. Agreements on military education programs and joint exercises are already underway.

A key highlight of this partnership is Kazakhstan’s potential involvement in Italy’s defense technology initiatives. Reports suggest that ongoing negotiations could lead to joint production deals involving advanced military equipment, including drones and surveillance systems. Such developments would allow Kazakhstan to benefit from Italy’s state-of-the-art defense capabilities while contributing to its domestic military-industrial base.

Outlook for the Future

This emerging partnership between Kazakhstan and Italy signals a new chapter in Kazakhstan’s defense strategy. The collaborative efforts will not only help Kazakhstan grow its military competency but also fortify Italy’s presence in an increasingly crucial region.

While the full scope of this partnership remains to be seen, it is evident that both nations are committed to building a robust framework for cooperation that addresses security concerns, advances military technology, and contributes to regional stability. Strengthened defense ties with Italy not only enhance Kazakhstan’s military credibility but also serve as a model for fostering important international alliances in today’s complex global landscape.

At a meeting with Italian President Mattarella, Kazakh President Tokayev stated that Italy is Kazakhstan’s third-largest global trading partner and ranks among the top five foreign investors in the Kazakh economy. Over the past year, bilateral trade has grown significantly, reaching $20 billion, while approximately 250 Italian companies are currently operating in Kazakhstan.

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 Kyrgyzstan head to Russia, with over 80% of migration from these countries directed there in 2023. Migration from Uzbekistan is more diverse, with 57% of Uzbek migrants residing in Russia, 15% in Kazakhstan, and 10% in Ukraine.

The Economic Role of Labor Migration

Labor migration plays a crucial role in the economies of Central Asian nations. In 2024, remittances accounted for:

• 45% of Tajikistan’s GDP
• 24% of Kyrgyzstan’s GDP
• 14% of Uzbekistan’s GDP

Many households rely heavily on money sent home by migrants. The report highlights that without remittances, the poverty rate among Kyrgyz households with migrant family members would rise from 10% to 50%, while in Uzbekistan, it would increase from 9.6% to 16.8%. The total volume of remittances sent to Uzbekistan in 2024 reached a record $14.8 billion.

Recommendations for Better Migration Management

The report underscores the need for improved migration policies, as its full potential remains underutilized. If managed effectively, migration can help address economic and demographic challenges.

The World Bank recommends several measures to enhance migration management:

• Developing tailored strategies for skilled and unskilled workers.
• Integrating labor migration into national economic planning to support growth.
• Implementing policies to mitigate “brain drain” and encourage skilled workers to return home.
• Improving migrant registration and formalizing agreements with destination countries.
• Providing migrants with accurate job information to ensure safer and more organized migration processes.

The report concludes that with the right policies in place, migration has the potential to serve as a powerful tool for economic development in Central Asia.

The head of the Orthodox Church in Kyrgyzstan has appealed to the mayor of Osh, the country’s second city, to halt the planned demolition of an old cemetery as part of a large-scale urban reconstruction project. According to the bishop, the site is not only a burial ground but also an important historical monument tied to the lives of many generations of citizens.

The Osh City Hall is currently undertaking an extensive redevelopment of roads, squares, and public spaces, as outlined in a municipal report. However, among the affected areas is an ancient cemetery dating back to 1870, which local clergy and historians consider an architectural and spiritual heritage site.

For years, residents have voiced concerns to local media about the deteriorating condition of the cemetery. They claim that the site, located in the city center, has been neglected, misused for cattle grazing, and subjected to unauthorized construction.

“Many graves here are not only examples of architectural art but also serve as a historical record of the diverse peoples of Kyrgyzstan,” local residents stated.

The cemetery has been closed to new burials since the 1980s, but it contains mass graves of World War II veterans and other individuals who played a significant role in the development of Kyrgyzstan and Osh.

Orthodox Bishop Savvatiy of Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan formally requested that the Osh City Hall preserve the cemetery, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance. He stressed that economic considerations should not take precedence over heritage preservation.

“In many countries, old cemeteries are transformed into memorial complexes and historical landmarks,” Savvatiy noted. “For example, Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, Highgate in London, and Recoleta in Buenos Aires attract visitors from around the world and serve as places of remembrance and respect. The Russian cemetery in Osh is also part of the city’s cultural heritage and should not be lost.”

As of now, city officials have not issued an official response to the bishop’s appeal.

On February 25, 2025, the free trade agreement between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan officially came into effect, eliminating customs duties on most goods produced in both countries, with certain exceptions. This landmark move aims to strengthen trade and economic ties between the two neighbors.

The announcement was made by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade on March 7, following the completion of all legal procedures for the Protocol on Exceptions to the Free Trade Regime, signed on July 16, 2024. The protocol had been approved earlier by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev through Resolution No. 29 on January 27, 2025.

Key Provisions and Economic Sectors

Under the new trade rules, Turkmenistan has removed customs duties on a range of key Uzbek exports, including the following items with their previous tariffs or taxes noted:

• Cement (100%)
• Textiles (50%)
• Furniture (50%)
• Glass containers (50%)
• Water heating boilers (15%)
• Plastic and polypropylene products (10%)
• Sausages and meat products ($2 per kg)
• Cottonseed oil ($1 per kg)

Officials anticipate that the free trade system will boost economic activity between the two countries by facilitating business operations and encouraging investment. The Uzbek Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade, along with other government bodies, is working to help Uzbek businesses maximize the benefits of the new trade framework, whilst both governments expect the deal to accelerate industrial cooperation across sectors such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Growing Trade Volume or a One-Way Street?

The agreement reflects already expanding trade dynamics. According to TurkmenPortal, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan increased by 23% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching $455 million. Turkmen exports to Uzbekistan surged by 36%, totaling $407 million.

Turkmenistan’s imports from Uzbekistan experienced a 30% decline, however, dropping from $69.2 million to $48 million during the January- May period compared to the same timeframe in 2023.

Strengthened Bilateral Relations and Regional Impact

Nevertheless, the agreement represents more than economic policy and could underscore a new era of trust and cooperation. Both countries have worked to improve their relationship through proactive diplomacy, with recent high-level meetings – including those between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov – emphasizing the shared goal of collaborating across trade, cultural, and political spheres.

The free trade regime sets a benchmark for greater economic collaboration within Central Asia, whilst the elimination of tariffs and smoother trade between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan could inspire similar agreements among neighboring countries. While challenges such as infrastructure harmonization and policy alignment remain, the benefits of this agreement showcase the potential for regional integration.