Page 552 – The Times Of Central Asia

24 Sep 2024

Defense, Central Asia, Kazakhstan Local Politics, Local Politics, Kazakhstan

MP: Kazakhstan’s Army Not Ready to Switch to a Contractual Basis

October 14, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

Kazakh Mazhilis deputy Konstantin Avershin has explained why the authorities do not support the petition to abolish compulsory military service. Avershin opposed the idea, stating that compulsory service trains citizens to handle firearms and live in barracks conditions. According to him, in Soviet times, this was taught in schools through initial military training, but today, there is no such practice besides military service.

Avershin stated that Kazakhstanis must be prepared to defend the country, given its vast territory and resources. He also emphasized that the country’s population is small, about 20 million people, so it is crucial that as many citizens as possible have the skills to defend the nation. Avershin also criticized the idea of voluntary service on a contract basis, saying that Kazakhstan’s budget would not be able to support an entirely professional army. He said the country focuses on social needs, transitioning to a professional army will take time, and that modernizing the military is one of the key tasks set by President Tokayev.

“We are working closely with the Armed Forces,” Avershin stated. “Every case of a serviceman’s deaths is taken under control. I speak as a representative of the specialized committee.”

As previously reported, activists in Kazakhstan have demanded that mandatory military service be ended, publishing a petition in support of this demand. One of the the reasons behind this was recent tragic cases among servicemen, which, according to the authors of the petition, revealed severe problems in the army. The petition emphasizes that the main issues are hazing and non-statutory relations, which exert intense pressure on conscripts, causing psychological trauma and even suicide. The authors also voiced concern about inadequate training, stating that modern challenges and technologies can only be effectively tackled by professional soldiers, not conscripts.

In recent years, Kazakhstan has witnessed a disturbing trend in the army, with an increase in suicides among soldiers. In 2022, President Tokayev ordered an investigation to identify the causes of these incidents, as the problem of hazing and psychological pressure remains one of the key causes of tragic incidents in the military. Such incidents have not ceased despite the measures taken, causing increasing concern among both the public and the authorities.

24 Sep 2024

Central Asia, Turkmenistan Life & Culture, Turkmenistan International Affairs, Turkmenistan, International Affairs, Turkmenistan Business & Economy, Local Politics, Turkmenistan Features, Turkmenistan Environment

Project To Support Women and Youth Launched in Turkmenistan

September 24, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

A new project developed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in cooperation with the British Embassy has been launched in Turkmenistan to support the country’s economic diversification and empowerment of women and youth. The project aims to stimulate sustainable economic growth and increase Turkmenistan’s global competitiveness by developing a creative and innovative economy.

Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, emphasized the importance of unlocking the creative sector’s potential to achieve economic prosperity. She said stimulating entrepreneurship and innovation will open new economic diversification and growth opportunities. British Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Stephen Conlon also spoke about the importance of the creative economy, noting the UK’s experience in this area. Conlon stated that the creative sector contributes to economic growth, strengthens national identity, and supports local communities, especially in rural areas.

Within the project framework, the UNDP plans to launch recommendations for the development of the creative economy and support for entrepreneurship and innovation. One of the key events will be a forum on the creative economy, which will bring together representatives of the government, international organizations, and businesses. The forum will be a platform within which to share experiences and discuss legislative measures to support the creative sector.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is actively cooperating with Turkmenistan on various projects aimed at sustainable development. One of the key projects deals with managing the consequences of the Aral Sea crisis. Together with the Government of Turkmenistan, the UNDP is implementing a project aimed at preserving ecosystems in the Aral Sea basin, improving the use of land and water resources, and increasing the sustainability of local communities. Another important project is Digital Transformation, which aims to help Turkmenistan implement advanced inter-agency data exchange systems to improve the efficiency of public services.

24 Sep 2024

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

Crew of Record-Breaking Cosmonauts Land in Kazakh Steppe

September 24, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

The descent vehicle of the Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft has successfully landed in the steppe of Kazakhstan, near the town of Zhezkazgan. Russian cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko, Nikolai Chub, and NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson were on board.

Cosmonauts Kononenko and Chub spent 374 days in space, making their mission one of the longest in International Space Station (ISS) history. This is second only to the flights of Valery Polyakov and Sergey Avdeev, who spent 438 and 380 days in space, respectively, on the Mir station. Tracy Dyson stayed in orbit for 184 days.

During their mission, Kononenko and Chub participated in several scientific experiments, took four Progress MS cargo ships, and conducted two spacewalks. The flight was an important contribution to the development of applied and fundamental research on the ISS.

The spacecraft landed yesterday at 14:59, Moscow time. Kononenko and Chub’s flight was a significant event for the space programs of Roscosmos and NASA. Despite completing their mission, the crew of the 72nd long-duration expedition, including Russian and American cosmonauts and astronauts, continues to work on the ISS. The station crew includes Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexei Ovchinin, Ivan Wagner, and Alexander Grebenkin, and NASA astronauts Donald Pettit, Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, Barry Wilmore, and Sunita Williams.

The International Space Station (ISS) is one of mankind’s most impressive engineering projects. It was launched in 1998, and is the product of 16 countries. The station revolves around the Earth every 90 minutes, allowing the crew to observe 16 sunrises and sunsets daily. In addition, the ISS is the largest object ever built in space, measuring about 109 meters long. The ISS is also considered the most expensive object built by humans, costing an estimated $120 billion by 2014, alone. According to NASA, the ISS “costs about $3 billion a year, roughly a third of NASA’s annual human space flight budget.”

24 Sep 2024

Home, Silk Road Treasures, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan

Almaty Uncovered: Locals Reveal Must-Visit Spots and Hidden Gems

September 25, 2024
By Tamila Olzhbaekova

Almaty is a city filled with history, warmth and a variety of unique places. For each resident this city is special, and each corner of it evokes their own feelings and associations. TCA spoke to Almaty residents of different ages and professions about which places they consider their favorites.

Damir, 19, student programmer:

“I don’t have a specific favorite place in Almaty, but there is one associated with my childhood memories – the Green Bazaar. As a child, I often went there with my mother to buy fresh produce, and every trip to the market was a real adventure for me. I used to look with interest at the showcases with fruits and spices, enjoying the unique atmosphere of the place. The Green Bazaar is not just a market, but a living museum filled with aromas and sounds that I associate with my childhood.”

Shymbulak; image: Kalabaha1969

Serikzhan, 22, English teacher

“My favorite place in Almaty is Shymbulak. In both winter and summer, there’s a lot to do here: skiing, hiking in the mountains, parties and events. If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can just walk along the trails and enjoy the views. Shymbulak isn’t just a ski resort, but a source of many warm memories, as my family and I used to come here often, even on weekdays after school.”

Amir, 27, designer and SMM specialist:

“My favorite place in Almaty is a small burger shop called Kuropatka. There are always a few people there. It’s not a place of high cuisine, but the prices are very affordable and the burgers are incredibly tasty. However, it’s not even about the food, it’s about the memories. It was the starting point of my adventures with friends who have now left Kazakhstan. Years later, our favorite meeting place remains unchanged, preserving a piece of the past.”

Botanical Gardens, Almaty; image: Dianakz

Raihan, 41, interior designer:

“Almaty is my favorite city. I adore it for its green parks, quiet squares and for its unique seasons – be it crisp snow in the winter or rustling leaves in the fall. Every morning I savor the mountain views and watch sunsets drenched in a multitude of hues. This city is also known for its old Soviet modernist architecture, and the fountains in the summer lend a welcome coolness. For me, Almaty is a city of endless festivals, performances and creative meetings.”

Tamgaly-Tas; image: Mheidegger

Myktybek, 19, targetologist

“Tamgaly-Tas is one of the most interesting places in the vicinity of Almaty. It’s a place with unusual rocks on which you can see ancient inscriptions, petroglyphs, and images of Buddha. The historical and cultural value of this place is huge. It connects us with ancient times and gives us a feeling of something eternal. Walking among these rocks is like traveling back in time, where every stone has its own story to tell.”

Image: Ramen 77

Kamila, 21, KBTU student

“My favorite place is Ramen 77. As soon as it opened, I started visiting it every weekend with my older brother. For me, it’s not just a restaurant, but a place that’s associated with family and coziness. Every time I go in there, I’m transported back to good memories, and that’s something I recommend everyone experience.”

Almaty is a city that lives in the hearts of its inhabitants. For some it is noisy markets and cozy cafes, for others it is majestic mountains and historical sites. But what unites them is the feeling of home and the memories that each of them keeps while walking along the streets of this remarkable city.

24 Sep 2024

Central Asia, International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan, Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

Kyrgyzstan Expands Banking Cooperation with China

September 24, 2024
By Anton Chipegin

The Chairman of the People’s Bank of China, Zhang Qingsong, has met with the heads of key ministries in Kyrgyzstan. The parties discussed connecting the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Chinese cross-border interbank payment system.

Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Finance Almaz Baketaev emphasized the country’s interest in using the Chinese payment system and in cooperating with the Bank of China. Currently, only two Kyrgyz commercial banks have correspondent relations with the organization.

In addition, the Kyrgyz authorities offered Chinese colleagues the opportunity to invest in securities in Kyrgyzstan, which are placed on the local stock exchange. For this purpose, the country is ready to realize the issue of securities in yuan, but only with guarantees from China.

“The Kyrgyz side raised questions about providing guarantees from Chinese financial institutions for the successful placement of securities, as well as the conclusion of an agreement on mutual settlements between the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic and the People’s Bank of China,” the Ministry of Finance said.

According to the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, trade turnover between the two countries amounted to about $11 billion for the first six months of 2024, increasing by 40% over last year. At the end of 2023, the figure reached $20 billion.

24 Sep 2024

Central Asia, Uzbekistan Environment, Environment, Kazakhstan Environment, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Uzbekistan International Affairs

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Agree To Establish Stations for Syr Darya Water Measurement

September 24, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

The press service of the Ministry of Water Management and Irrigation of Kazakhstan reports that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have agreed to install ten automated measuring stations in Syr Darya to accurately measure water resources. Shavkat Hamroyev, the Minister of Water Management of Uzbekistan, met with Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, his counterpart in Kazakhstan, with the two reportedly discussed automating measuring stations and digitizing water accounting in Syr Darya. Nurzhigitov emphasized that negotiations with international financial organizations and companies are in progress for the joint implementation of the project.

The ministers also discussed the modes of operation of the Norin-Syr Darya cascade reservoirs for next year’s pre-irrigation season.

“Many thanks to our colleagues from Uzbekistan for their active participation in the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFSA) meeting and the proposals voiced,” Nurzhigitov stated. “Over the year, we have become convinced that our joint work produces positive results, so we intend to continue close bilateral cooperation. We have common views on many issues. This allows us to resolve most of the existing issues on a mutually beneficial basis.”

In return, Hamroyev expressed Uzbekistan’s desire to strengthen cooperation within the IFSA. “Uzbekistan fully supports Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the International Fund… We want to strengthen cooperation in this direction and work on joint projects. For example, preserving the ecosystems of the Syr Darya and Amu Darya basins, providing residents with quality drinking water, restoring small and local water bodies.”

In addition, the parties discussed developing a regional strategy for the use of water resources.

In May of this year, Hamroyev told a parliamentary hearing that watersheds from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers are forecasted as being favorable this year.