Page 41 – The Times Of Central Asia

18 Nov 2025

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NYC Mayor Adams Heads to Uzbekistan in Final Weeks in Office

November 18, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who suspended his re-election campaign this year and leaves office on January 1, is traveling to Uzbekistan and will return to New York on Sunday.

The New York Post and other media outlets said Adams, who met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel on Monday, will visit Tashkent and Samarkand during the taxpayer-funded trip. The mayor’s office said late Monday that Adams will meet “government, business, tech, sports, and religious leaders to discuss how New York City can partner with Uzbekistan” to generate jobs and innovation in the city and will also visit “religious sites of importance to the Muslim community,” according to media reports.

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will succeed Adams, a former New York City police officer and Brooklyn borough president. As mayor, Adams has been credited with some accomplishments on housing, steering New York out of the pandemic and other issues, but his tenure was tarnished by ethics concerns and investigations.

Last year, federal prosecutors charged Adams with conspiracy, fraud and other crimes for an alleged scheme involving Turkish officials. Adams pleaded not guilty. This year, the U.S. Department of Justice ordered that the case be dropped.

The federal investigation of Adams included an angle involving Uzbekistan. In a 2024 affidavit, investigators alleged that Adams solicited illegal foreign donations, via a so-called “straw” donor scheme designed to conceal the identity of the real contributor of the funds. It said that one such donor “is connected to the Government of Uzbekistan and works to influence Adams on behalf of Uzbek and Central Asian causes.”

Uzbekistan’s government has not commented publicly on the case.

Hosting an Uzbekistan heritage reception last month, Adams said “New York is the Tashkent of America,” a reference to the large Uzbek community in the city.

“I love all of my stans, Kazakhstan and the others, but Uzbekistan is growing, your country is becoming stronger and stronger every day,” Adams said.

18 Nov 2025

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Kazakhstan vs. Eni: Who Is the Key Figure in the Swiss Lawsuit?

November 19, 2025
By Andrei Matveev

Kazakhstan’s $166 billion legal campaign against the oil majors, Shell, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, and Eni has expanded to Switzerland. According to Bloomberg, PSA LLP, representing Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy, has launched proceedings aimed at strengthening the country’s position in ongoing international arbitration.

Astana is seeking roughly $15 million plus interest from several companies and individuals accused of corruption in projects managed by subsidiaries of Italy’s Eni. The Swiss case centers on evidence already presented in courts in the U.S. and Italy, which Kazakhstan aims to use to prove allegations of bribery in arbitration hearings.

Documents submitted by Kazakhstan to a U.S. court claim that contractors providing services to Eni implemented an “illegal scheme” to secure inflated contracts. One such contract was allegedly amended eleven times, with its value rising from $88 million to more than $490 million. While several contractors were convicted by an Italian court in 2017, no Eni employees were found guilty.

Kazakh journalist Oleg Chervinsky, known for his coverage of the oil and gas sector, has highlighted that Kazakhstan is requesting the Swiss court to look into Maksat Idenov, a former first vice president of KazMunayGas, who led negotiations with Kashagan project partners between 2007 and 2008.

Chervinsky recalls a dramatic episode in 2010, when Idenov resigned from KazMunayGas via a letter sent from abroad using DHL. He subsequently took a senior role at Eni. A U.S. court has approved his questioning for use in the Swiss proceedings, and his representative says he has already testified.

“New revelations await us!” Chervinsky asserted.

That confidence may be justified. A glance at Idenov’s career reveals his central role in Kazakhstan’s energy sector since 1992, when he began as chief legal counsel at the state holding MunaiGas. In 1993, he became assistant to the Minister of Oil and Gas Industry, and by 1995, he was serving as deputy head of the Energy Department for Europe and Central Asia at the International Bank for Reconstruction in Washington, D.C.

He returned to Kazakhstan in 1999 as an advisor to then-President Nursultan Nazarbayev on Caspian energy and oil and gas export pipelines. In that role, he worked on the legal status of the Caspian Sea and other strategic projects.

Idenov joined Shell in 2004 as regional vice president for strategic and commercial development in the Middle East, South Asia, and the Caspian region. In 2007, he became the first vice president of KazMunayGas. Three years later, in July 2010, he was appointed senior vice president for strategic planning at Eni.

During his time at KazMunayGas, Idenov appeared in U.S. embassy cables later released by WikiLeaks. In one, he reportedly told the U.S. ambassador during a private dinner that the four most influential figures around President Nazarbayev were the Presidential Chief of Staff, Sarybay Kalmurzaev, Head of the Presidential Administration, Aslan Musin, State Secretary and Foreign Minister, Kanat Saudabayev, and the tandem of Prime Minister Karim Massimov and Nazarbayev’s son-in-law, billionaire Timur Kulibayev.

Another cable described the rationale for Idenov’s appointment as lead negotiator on the Kashagan project. Following Kulibayev’s dismissal from the Samruk holding in 2007, Chevron Eurasia President Guy Hollingsworth relayed to the U.S. embassy that Kulibayev, during a golf outing, said the move was intended to “protect him from liability if the Kashagan negotiations were not successful.”

Idenov’s testimony may prove even more consequential than the infamous “Kazakhgate” case involving banker James Giffen. It could influence not only the current corruption claims linked to Eni – allegations of a $20 million Kazakhstan-related bribe were previously examined by Milan prosecutors – but also Kazakhstan’s broader push to renegotiate production sharing agreements. Revisions to the contracts for Kashagan, Tengiz, and Karachaganak are central to Astana’s legal efforts.

“Idenov is effusive, even theatrical… When he trusts, he spills his heart,” one U.S. diplomatic cable noted.

Was the Swiss lawsuit a calculated move to bring Idenov into play?

18 Nov 2025

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Mirziyoyev and Berdymuhamedov Agree on New Projects as Trade Tops $1 Billion

November 18, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have agreed to deepen political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation following President Serdar Berdymuhamedov’s state visit to Tashkent, where he held talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on November 17.

The summit began in a narrow format at the Kuksaroy Residence, where both leaders emphasized the significance of the visit in strengthening the growing strategic partnership. They noted the increasing dialogue across various sectors and highlighted recent cultural initiatives, including the Days of Turkmen Culture and Cinema held in Urgench and Tashkent.

Bilateral trade continues to grow, having surpassed $1 billion last year, supported by rising freight flows through the Turkmenbashi port. The presidents explored new opportunities to boost mutual trade and deepen cooperation in industry, energy, transport, mechanical engineering, agriculture, and water management. They also agreed to expand interregional collaboration and to convene the next Forum of Regions in Khiva.

Talks then continued in an expanded format with the participation of both delegations. Mirziyoyev stated that the visit reflects the “centuries-old ties of friendship and good neighborliness,” and he praised Turkmenistan’s progress under the leadership of Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty.

The two sides agreed to work toward increasing trade to $2 billion by expanding the range of goods and more effectively utilizing the free trade regime. They noted that the newly launched Shavat-Dashoguz cross-border trade zone would play a key role in achieving this target and agreed to replicate the model in other regions, starting with the Alat-Farab corridor.

Industrial cooperation is set to expand, with both sides encouraging businesses to launch joint projects in sectors such as building materials, pharmaceuticals, and food production. In the energy sector, the two countries plan to embark on larger-scale cooperative projects, including the development of promising natural resource deposits. Transport cooperation will also deepen through joint development of the Turkmenbashi port and the resumption of direct flights between Tashkent and Ashgabat.

The presidents instructed their governments to ensure timely implementation of all agreements by holding regular meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council. They also committed to intensifying collaboration in culture, education, youth exchanges, filmmaking, healthcare, and medical science.

Following the talks, the leaders jointly inaugurated the Shavat-Dashoguz trade zone, which includes customs, quarantine, and veterinary services, as well as warehouse facilities, a trade pavilion, and public services operating under a single-window system. The zone is expected to significantly boost economic ties between Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region and Turkmenistan’s Dashoguz region, which together are home to more than 3.5 million people.

At a ceremony held at Kuksaroy, Berdymuhamedov was awarded the “Oliy Darajali Dustlik” Order, Uzbekistan’s highest state honor. Mirziyoyev said the award reflects Turkmenistan’s contributions to strengthening friendship, trust, and strategic partnership. Berdymuhamedov expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing bilateral relations.

The two sides signed a Joint Statement and oversaw the exchange of intergovernmental and interagency agreements covering trade, healthcare, agriculture, transport, biological safety, justice, forestry, and regional cooperation.

The Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan summit concluded the same day. As part of his visit, Berdymuhamedov also participated in the Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.

18 Nov 2025

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Uzbekistan Revises 2024 GDP to $121.4 Billion

November 18, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan’s gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024 has been revised upward to $121.4 billion, according to Behzod Hamroyev, Chair of the National Statistics Committee. The new figure was announced on November 17 during an international conference in Tashkent, as reported by the Statistika channel.

Hamroyev explained that the revision reflects newly identified value added across key sectors of the economy. According to the final calculations, Uzbekistan’s nominal GDP for 2024 rose from 1,454.6 trillion soums to 1,535.4 trillion soums, an increase of 80.9 trillion soums, or 5.6%. In dollar terms, this marks an upward revision from the previously reported $115.0 billion to $121.4 billion.

Following the recalculation, GDP per capita in 2024 reached 41.3 million soums.

Hamroyev highlighted that full coverage of state budget execution led to the identification of 36.4 trillion soums in additional newly created value. Sector-specific revisions also contributed significantly: added value in industry rose by 12.7 trillion soums, agriculture by 5.6 trillion soums, construction by 10.3 trillion soums, and services by 16.3 trillion soums.

Earlier this year, presidential spokesperson Sherzod Asadov reported that Uzbekistan’s GDP grew by 6.5% in 2024, reaching $115 billion before the revision. He also noted that foreign investment increased by 1.6 times to $34.9 billion, with 242 large and medium-sized projects worth $10 billion launched. National exports reached a record $27 billion.

18 Nov 2025

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Central Asia Confirms Joint Water Plan for Shardara Reservoir Ahead of 2025-2026 Season

November 18, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Central Asian nations have reached a consensus on projected water inflow volumes to the Shardara Reservoir for the upcoming non-vegetation period, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.

The agreement was finalized during a regional meeting attended by senior officials: Durdy Gendjiev, Chair of Turkmenistan’s State Committee for Water Management; Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation; Shavkat Hamraev, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Water Management; and Jamshed Shodi Shoimzoda, First Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan. Emil Shodikhanov, an adviser at the Kyrgyz Embassy in Turkmenistan, participated as an observer.

Participants reviewed outcomes from the 2025 irrigation season and approved the operational forecast for the Naryn-Syr Darya reservoir cascade for the 2025-2026 non-vegetation period. A consensus was reached on expected inflow volumes to Shardara Reservoir, which is a critical node in the region’s transboundary water system.

The meeting also included discussions on progress in implementing the commitments made during recent summits of the founding states of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. The 92nd session of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) is scheduled to take place next year in Tajikistan.

“Last irrigation season took place under difficult climate conditions. However, coordinated cooperation among the ICWC member states made it possible to ensure stability throughout the vegetation period,” said Nurzhigitov. “Through such meetings, we reach common agreements and lay the foundation for future cooperation. Together with our colleagues in Central Asia, we aim for a fair distribution of transboundary water resources that considers the interests of all parties.”

This agreement follows the 16 November regional summit chaired by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during which Central Asian leaders discussed enhancing regional cooperation and accelerating joint infrastructure projects. The summit focused on escalating ecological and water challenges, and leaders stressed the need to adopt a “green development” framework for the region. They also proposed declaring 2026-2036 as the “Decade of Practical Action for the Rational Use of Water in Central Asia.”

18 Nov 2025

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Kyrgyzstan Moves Toward Fully Digital Justice System

November 18, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

On November 17, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov signed new legislation aimed at modernizing the country’s judicial system and expanding citizens’ access to justice through advanced digital technologies.

The new law introduces a fully digital framework for legal proceedings, intended to accelerate litigation and increase transparency. Beginning January 1, 2026, administrative, civil, and economic cases will be processed entirely within a digital environment.

Under this system, court rulings, protocols, and other legal documents will be deemed legally valid if signed with a digital signature. All filings, including lawsuits, appeals, cassation complaints, and petitions for case review, must be submitted electronically through a unified digital platform, with each document requiring a digital signature and completion of an electronic form.

Participants in legal proceedings will be able to access and download court decisions online. The legislation significantly reduces and eventually aims to eliminate the need for individuals to appear in court in person as plaintiffs, defendants, witnesses, or experts. Remote participation and the mandatory audio and video recording of all court sessions will be central features of the new system.

According to government officials, the reform marks a systemic shift from paper-based litigation toward a digital, streamlined model designed to improve judicial efficiency and accountability.

In parallel, President Japarov also signed the Law “On Mediation,” which introduces mandatory pre-trial and extra-judicial mediation for certain categories of civil and criminal disputes. The goal is to ease the burden on courts and promote a culture of peaceful conflict resolution.

While these reforms represent a step toward modernization, Kyrgyzstan’s judiciary continues to face significant structural challenges. The Global Organized Crime Index identifies the judicial system as among the most corrupt institutions in the country, citing persistent issues of bribery, political pressure, and influence from organized crime networks.

The presumption of innocence is frequently disregarded, and courts are often criticized for operating under a de facto presumption of guilt. A 2023 nationwide survey by the International Republican Institute found that 49% of respondents identified the courts as the most corrupt institution in Kyrgyzstan.