Page 375 – The Times Of Central Asia

25 Feb 2025

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Eduards Stiprais Appointed New EU Special Representative for Central Asia

February 25, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

The Council of the European Union has appointed Eduards Stiprais as the new EU Special Representative for Central Asia. Stiprais will assume his duties on March 1, 2025, with an initial two-year mandate, succeeding Terhi Hakala.

According to the European Council, Stiprais will be responsible for promoting EU-Central Asia relations based on shared values, strengthening regional stability and cooperation, and supporting democracy, the rule of law, good governance, and human rights.

A seasoned Latvian diplomat, Stiprais previously served as Latvia’s Permanent Representative to the EU and as Deputy State Secretary – Political Director at the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From 2016 to 2020, he was Head of the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan and has also served as Latvia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom and France.

The European Council recently announced that the first-ever EU-Central Asia summit will be held in Uzbekistan on April 3-4. The summit will be attended by European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

As EU-Central Asia relations gain strategic significance, the upcoming summit presents a key opportunity for the EU to deepen its engagement in the region. The European Council stated that discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation in transport and digital connectivity, critical raw materials, economic and security collaboration, and energy transition.

The EU adopted a new Strategy on Central Asia in 2019. The EU remains Central Asia’s second-largest trading partner and the leading investor, accounting for over 40% of foreign investment in the region.

25 Feb 2025

Central Asia, Tajikistan Business Economy, Tajikistan, Business & Economy

Chinese Company to Help Build Central Asia’s Longest Bridge in Tajikistan

February 25, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Tajikistan is set to begin construction on the longest highway bridge in Central Asia, a key component of the third phase of the Obigarm-Nurabad highway project.

The implementation agreement was signed between Tajikistan’s Ministry of Transport and the Tajik branch of the Chinese company Zhejiang Communications Construction Group Co. Ltd. (CCCC). The document was signed by Tajik Minister of Transport Azim Ibrohim and CCCC representative Li Mingkun.

The bridge, spanning 920 meters (1,500 meters including access roads), will cross the Surkhob River in Nurabad district, making it the largest infrastructure project of its kind in the region.

“The construction of the bridge should be completed with high quality and within the stipulated time frame, but we hope the work can be finished even earlier,” Ibrohim said.

The project, estimated at CNY 427.5 million (approximately $59.8 million), is scheduled for completion within four years, with both local and international experts involved.

Design and feasibility studies were prepared by South Korean firms Dong Maeng Engineering Company, Seng Engineering Company, and Susang Engineering Company, in collaboration with the Institute of Transport Facilities Design under Tajikistan’s Ministry of Transport.

Li Mingkun emphasized that CCCC has prior experience in Tajikistan, having participated in the construction of roads and bridges. This project aligns with the country’s strategy to overcome transport isolation and establish itself as a key regional transit hub.

25 Feb 2025

Central Asia, International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan

Kazakh and Kyrgyz Prime Ministers Discuss Trade, Transport, and Water Cooperation

February 25, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

On February 24, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held talks in Astana with Adylbek Kasymaliyev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan. The visit marked Kasymaliyev’s first official foreign trip since his appointment as Kyrgyzstan’s prime minister in December last year.

Expanding Trade and Economic Cooperation

The discussions covered trade, transit, water and energy cooperation, investment, and cultural ties, according to the Kazakh government’s press service.

Bektenov noted that bilateral trade reached $1.7 billion last year, underscoring Kazakhstan’s role as one of Kyrgyzstan’s key trading partners. Kasymaliyev reaffirmed both governments’ commitment to raising trade volume to $3 billion by 2030, a goal set by the presidents of both countries. He also revealed that Kazakhstani companies invested nearly $49 million in Kyrgyzstan’s economy in the first nine months of 2024.

New Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex

Kasymaliyev emphasized the importance of the Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex at the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border, which aims to streamline cargo transportation and enhance trade efficiency.

The complex, located near the Karasu and Ak-Tilek road checkpoints, will be one of the largest cargo hubs in Central Asia, facilitating consolidation, processing, and distribution of goods. Land plots have already been allocated, and the Alatau industrial zone has been established in Kazakhstan’s Zhambyl region to support the project.

Energy Cooperation and Food Security

Kasymaliyev highlighted the potential duty-free supply of Kazakh oil to Kyrgyzstan, which would bolster Kyrgyzstan’s energy security and lower fuel costs for consumers.

Additionally, both sides discussed building a trade and logistics warehouse in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region to store and distribute fruits and vegetables, ensuring stable fresh produce supplies and improving food security. Kasymaliyev stressed that these initiatives would create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen economic cooperation.

Improving Transport and Border Infrastructure

In the transit and transport sector, both governments focused on modernizing automobile checkpoints to boost cargo capacity at the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border.

Water Cooperation

Water resource management was another key topic, particularly irrigation water supplies from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan for the upcoming growing season. Discussions centered on the Shu (Chu) and Talas rivers, which are crucial for agriculture in both countries.

Tourism and Education

The talks also explored expanding cross-border tourism, including:

Developing eco-routes
Improving active tourism infrastructure
Attracting investment in the hotel industry

Additionally, the two leaders discussed preparations for opening branches of Kazakh universities in Kyrgyzstan to enhance educational cooperation.

The meeting underscored Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to deepening economic, energy, and infrastructure ties, while also addressing key water and environmental concerns. The successful implementation of these initiatives will boost regional integration and economic growth for both nations.

25 Feb 2025

Central Asia, Turkmenistan Life & Culture, Turkmenistan, Life & Culture

Japanese Musician Yutaka Kikuchi Captivated by the Turkmen Dutar

February 25, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Japanese musician and shamisen performer Yutaka Kikuchi visited Ashgabat recently as part of a cultural exchange program, and shared his admiration for Turkmen musical traditions.

According to Kikuchi, the richness and diversity of Turkmenistan’s musical instruments left a strong impression on him.

“I consider it my duty to emphasize that during the master classes, I gained invaluable knowledge about Turkmenistan’s unique culture and feel deeply grateful for this experience,” he said.

Kikuchi noted striking similarities between Turkmen and Japanese musical instruments, particularly in their design and construction. He observed parallels between Turkmen instruments and the Japanese Koto and Biwa. However, what astonished him the most was the Dutar, which he compared to the shamisen, an instrument he has mastered.

With two decades of experience teaching music, Kikuchi was especially pleased to engage with students and faculty at the Turkmen National Conservatory. He praised the enthusiasm and dedication of Turkmen students.

“It is a great honor for me to hold a master class for talented Turkmen youth and introduce them to the traditions of Japanese culture,” he said.

Alongside Japanese folk dance master Ueda Chiho, Kikuchi conducted a series of master classes at specialized secondary and higher educational institutions in Ashgabat. The visit concluded with a performance at a reception celebrating the birthday of Emperor Naruhito of Japan, a vibrant display of the strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.

25 Feb 2025

Central Asia, Home, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Uzbekistan International Affairs

Washington Signals Interest in Uzbekistan’s Nuclear Energy Sector

February 25, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

The United States has expressed interest in cooperating with Uzbekistan on civil nuclear energy investments, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated following a February 21 phone call between Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“Secretary Rubio spoke with Foreign Minister Saidov to reaffirm U.S. support for Uzbekistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. They discussed ongoing cooperation through the C5+1 platform to promote stability and economic growth in Central Asia. Secretary Rubio also thanked Uzbekistan for its efforts in controlling illegal migration and counterterrorism cooperation. The U.S. looks forward to exploring investment opportunities in critical minerals and civil nuclear energy technologies,” the statement read.

U.S. Expands Nuclear Energy Engagement in Central Asia

The United States has previously shown interest in participating in nuclear energy projects in Central Asia, including the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan.

During an October 2024 visit to Almaty, Khush Choksi, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, emphasized America’s readiness to take part in Kazakhstan’s nuclear energy sector.

“The U.S. has the best technologies for nuclear power plants, and we hope there will be an open tender allowing American companies to participate,” Choksi told reporters.

Strategic Energy Cooperation

Washington’s interest in nuclear energy partnerships with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan reflects its broader strategy to expand energy cooperation in Central Asia. The region’s growing demand for energy security, technological development, and investment in clean energy solutions aligns with U.S. efforts to strengthen economic ties and counterbalance the influence of other global energy players.

25 Feb 2025

Home, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Uzbekistan International Affairs

Uzbekistan and Taliban Agree on Hairatan-Herat Railway Project

July 17, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Taliban Deputy Chief Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar announced that construction on the planned Hairatan-Herat railway would begin within 10 days of a feasibility study, which Uzbekistan will finance. He also stated that Uzbekistan had agreed to reduce the cost of a power transmission line project to Afghanistan by $30 million, lowering the total to $222 million, Amu TV reports. The announcement followed Baradar’s two-day visit to Uzbekistan.

The railway project aims to extend the existing line from Hairatan, a key trade hub on the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan border, through Mazar-e-Sharif and on to Herat. The first phase, a 75-kilometer section from Hairatan to Mazar-e-Sharif, was completed in 2010 with funding from the Asian Development Bank. The planned extension is expected to enhance trade links between Central Asia and the Middle East.

During the visit, Baradar and his delegation met with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev to discuss trade, energy, aviation, and infrastructure. Baradar stated that Uzbekistan had agreed to increase electricity exports to Afghanistan during the summer and reduce tariffs.

Taliban Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi added that discussions also covered trade and banking cooperation, as well as a potential railway extension from Hairatan to Spin Boldak. Additionally, Uzbekistan will lift restrictions on Afghan agricultural exports and establish four trade centers in major cities across both countries.

Aripov visited Kabul last August for talks focused on boosting trade, strengthening energy cooperation, and collaborating on copper, iron, oil, and gas projects. Both sides agreed that trade between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan could reach $1 billion in 2024 and expand to $3 billion in the near future.