Page 83 – The Times Of Central Asia

13 Oct 2025

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Opinion: The Twelfth Summit of the Organization of Turkic States – A Turning Point for Regional Peace and Integration

October 13, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

The Twelfth Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held on October 6–7, 2025, in Gabala, Azerbaijan, under the theme “Regional Peace and Security,” and was hosted by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. Attending the summit were Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Sadyr Japarov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic; Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Turkey; Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; and Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary, participating as an observer. Turkmenistan, represented by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, represented by Ersin Tatar, also attended the summit as observer members.

Among the central topics discussed was support for the Joint Declaration signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia on August 8, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The OTS member states regard this declaration as an important step toward lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus. The summit also emphasized the need for a collective Turkic effort to sustain peace in the region.

In his address, President Aliyev noted that one of the outcomes of the Washington Summit was progress on the Zangezur Corridor, describing it as a new transportation route of great importance within both the Middle Corridor and the North–South Corridor. Speaking before the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had countered the use of the term “Zangezur Corridor,” which does not appear in the signed documents and was never used in negotiations. Despite these objections, however, Aliyev again used the term at the OTS Summit, reaffirming his intention to move forward under that framework. The New York meeting on September 22, 2025, between the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia, where both sides agreed to continue dialogue based on the outcomes of the Washington Declaration, has been widely considered a constructive step toward normalization of relations between the two parties.

Another highlight of the summit was President Erdoğan’s call to develop the ‘Turkish Large Language Model.’

“To catch up with global developments in artificial intelligence and to preserve our cultural richness, we need to accelerate the development of the Turkish Large Language Model,” Erdoğan said. “[In] Türkiye, we are taking the first step on the common alphabet issue by printing a work about Chingiz Aitmatov and the Oghuznames in the common alphabet. Today, we are also presenting a copy of this to the leaders.”

The initiative reflects the vision for greater cultural, scientific, and digital integration among Turkic states, and it was included as part of the broader digital transformation and innovation agenda outlined in the Gabala Declaration, which followed the summit.

Kazakh President Tokayev described the Organization of Turkic States as an “authoritative structure uniting friendly Turkic peoples,” capable of addressing shared challenges, and expressed support for establishing an “OTS+” format to expand cooperation and global visibility. President Aliyev, meanwhile, highlighted growing military collaboration between Azerbaijan and Turkey, referencing more than 25 joint exercises held within one year – although this figure has not been independently verified. He invited member states to hold a joint military exercise in Azerbaijan in 2026 as a step toward deeper defense integration.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed regular joint meetings of OTS foreign ministers and heads of intelligence to strengthen institutional coordination, suggesting that the first such meeting take place in Samarkand. He also called for a development strategy extending to 2030 focused on industrial cooperation, transportation, and innovation, emphasizing artificial intelligence and the digital economy as key engines of growth.

The Gabala Declaration underlined cooperation in artificial intelligence, green energy, digital transformation, financial integration, and logistics infrastructure. Economic initiatives such as the Turkic Investment Fund and the OTS Investment Portal were emphasized for market integration, while transport projects such as the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, the Trans-Caspian International East–West Middle Corridor, and the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway were reaffirmed as vital for strengthening inter-regional connectivity.

The Gabala Summit thus marked a significant turning point for the OTS, producing concrete proposals on peace, economic integration, transportation, digital transformation, and defense cooperation. The organization continues to address structural issues inherited from the Soviet era – such as borders, water management, and transit – through dialogue and partnership rather than confrontation. This collaborative approach has strengthened mutual trust and contributed to regional stability.

Economically, OTS initiatives have expanded intra-Turkic trade and investment cooperation, reducing dependence on external markets and fostering greater self-reliance. The organization’s growing engagement with regional and international partners has accelerated Central Asia’s integration with global markets, transforming the OTS from a regional entity into a constructive actor in Eurasian cooperation.

Finally, Tokayev’s support for the proposed development of the “OTS+” format and the participation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as an observer both reflect the organization’s expanding strategic reach. The inclusion of Northern Cyprus also carries symbolic importance for the Turkic world’s cohesion and the pursuit of stability across the Mediterranean.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the publication, its affiliates, or any other organizations mentioned.

13 Oct 2025

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Kyrgyzstan Begins Construction of Plant to Produce Innovative Canal-Lining Material

October 13, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kyrgyzstan has launched construction of a facility to manufacture concrete canvas, a flexible, cement-based material designed to line irrigation canals, reduce water loss, and prevent erosion. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 10.

According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, the €20 million project is a joint initiative between the Kyrgyz government and UK-based Concrete Canvas Ltd.

The plant’s first production line, scheduled for commissioning in 2027, will have an annual capacity of 7 million square meters of concrete canvas. A second line with the same capacity is planned to come online five years later. Sixty percent of the output will be allocated for domestic use, with the remaining 40% destined for export.

The project is part of a broader national strategy to modernize Kyrgyzstan’s aging irrigation infrastructure amid increasing water shortages.

At the launch event, Minister Bakyt Torobayev emphasized the project’s strategic importance. “Thanks to this plant, Kyrgyzstan will reduce its reliance on imports, create jobs, and open new export channels,” he said. “The country has over 30,000 kilometers of irrigation canals, 19,000 km of which are unsurfaced and 11,000 km in need of major repairs. Our goal is to upgrade the irrigation system, reduce water losses, and bring nearly 37,000 hectares of new irrigated land into cultivation.”

Torobayev added that the use of concrete canvas could extend the service life of canals to between 50 and 100 years, speed up the construction of new systems, and contribute to greater food security by ensuring stable water access for farmers.

By 2030, Kyrgyzstan aims to expand its irrigated farmland by 36,900 hectares. The country currently has approximately 1.023 million hectares of irrigated agricultural land.

13 Oct 2025

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Russian Gas Exports to Central Asia Rise 15% Amid Growing Regional Demand

October 13, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Russian natural gas exports to Central Asia increased by 15% in the first eight months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller announced at the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum (PMG Forum 2025), according to TASS.

Miller cited rapid economic growth across the region as the key driver of rising energy demand. He projected that Central Asia’s economy could expand by as much as 60% over the next five to six years, with natural gas playing a central role in meeting growing energy needs.

“When we compare the first eight months of 2025 with the same period in 2024, the volume of Russian gas supplied to Central Asia, namely Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, rose by 15%. These are substantial volumes,” Miller said.

Miller also pointed to the importance of major infrastructure initiatives, including projects under the Power of Siberia-2 megaproject, in expanding gas supply routes to the region.

In 2024, Gazprom reported a doubling of gas exports to Central Asia between January and August. At that time, deliveries to Uzbekistan had reached maximum technical capacity through the Central Asia-Center pipeline, meeting peak demand typically seen during the coldest months of winter.

The latest increase in exports highlights Central Asia’s growing strategic value to Russia as an energy market, as well as deepening energy cooperation between Moscow and the region.

13 Oct 2025

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Tajikistan’s Ombudsman Criticizes Violations of Refugee Rights

October 16, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Tajikistan’s Human Rights Commissioner has released a 2024 report highlighting ongoing violations of the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, including challenges in securing legal status and accessing essential services.

According to the report, refugees and migrants face systemic barriers to obtaining official status and temporary registration, as well as difficulties integrating into society, finding employment, and accessing education.

As of the end of 2024, 10,753 refugees and asylum seekers were registered in Tajikistan, comprising 2,670 families. Among them, 9,424 individuals (2,140 families) held refugee status, while 1,329 (530 families) were awaiting decisions on their asylum applications. The majority, 6,774 people, or 63%, were Afghan nationals.

In 2024, 2,280 individuals were issued refugee certificates, and another 2,591 received temporary registration. Four applicants were denied refugee status on grounds of submitting “unfounded or false information.” The report did not disclose the nationalities of those denied.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported similar figures for 2024, citing 10,381 registered refugees and asylum seekers in Tajikistan. This marks a decline from 2022, when the UN estimated the number of Afghan asylum seekers in the country at around 14,000.

The Ombudsman’s report also noted that several Afghan asylum seekers were expelled from Tajikistan in 2024 for violating residency rules. Cited reasons included wearing a beard “against the rules,” inappropriate clothing, alcohol consumption, and political discussions on social media.

Interior Minister Ramazon Rakhimzoda defended the deportations, stating in the summer of 2024 that all actions were taken in accordance with national law.

“Although they had legal residence, if they violate the law, they are expelled,” he said, adding that all decisions were made within the existing legal framework.

Tajikistan accepted its first wave of Afghan refugees in 2021, following the Taliban’s return to power. At the time, authorities acknowledged that the lack of dedicated shelters posed a major challenge.

In August 2025, the head of the Emergency Situations Committee said there was no significant threat of a new mass influx of refugees and that previously accommodated families had been resettled across the country. Most Afghan refugees are currently living in the city of Vahdat and the Jabbor Rasulov district.

13 Oct 2025

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U.S. Senate Confirms Julie Stufft as Ambassador to Kazakhstan

October 13, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

On October 7, the United States Senate confirmed Julie Stufft as the new U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan, approving her nomination by a vote of 51 to 47, and marking the first new U.S. envoy to Astana under President Donald Trump. A career diplomat and Senior Foreign Service Minister-Counselor, Stufft previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services. During her July 2025 confirmation hearing, Stufft outlined her priorities, citing the security of U.S. citizens, energy cooperation, and critical minerals partnerships as top priorities. “If confirmed, my primary task will be to ensure the safety of all Americans in Kazakhstan, including my embassy and consulate staff,” she said.

Stufft emphasized Kazakhstan’s strategic importance as a key U.S. partner in Central Asia, highlighting opportunities for expanded economic cooperation, particularly in energy and critical minerals. “Today, we stand on the threshold of a new era of trade and energy cooperation with Kazakhstan, a world leader in uranium production, a major oil exporter, and a holder of vast reserves of critical minerals,” she said.

Stufft added that she intends to collaborate with the Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, the Export-Import Bank, and the private sector to deepen bilateral economic ties and promote U.S. prosperity.

Stufft’s confirmation received some bipartisan support, with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Steve Daines (R-MT) praising her professional experience and diplomatic capabilities.

She succeeds Daniel Rosenblum, who retired in December 2024 after 28 years of service in the State Department. Her nomination was formally submitted by the White House and approved by President Donald Trump in the summer of 2025.

Stufft is a career diplomat and a member of the Senior Foreign Service. Before her appointment, she served at the Bureau of Consular Affairs. Her previous overseas postings include assignments in Russia, Poland, Ethiopia, Moldova, and Djibouti. She also served on the National Security Council, coordinating efforts to protect Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stufft holds degrees from Case Western Reserve University and Duke University. She speaks Russian, Romanian, French, and Polish. In 2023, she received the Presidential Award for Distinguished Service and has earned seven State Department awards over her career.

“We must actively oppose violence against women and girls,” she said, underscoring her commitment to gender equality as part of U.S. foreign policy. Stufft is a fellow of the International Women’s Forum (2021-2022) and participated in the MIT Center for International Studies’ Seminar XXI program (2014-2015).

13 Oct 2025

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RC Cola Launches Production Facility in Southern Kazakhstan

October 13, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

A beverage production plant under the global RC Cola brand has officially opened in the Turkestan region of Kazakhstan. Operated by Beibars Bottlers, the facility is located in the village of Kumisbastau in the Tulkubas district and is designed to produce up to 120,000 tons of beverages annually, according to the regional administration.

The product line includes RC Cola carbonated drinks, bottled water, and other non-alcoholic beverages. The project attracted $16.7 million in investment, with plans to supply both the domestic market and neighboring Central Asian countries.

“The new plant features production lines based on advanced German and Italian technologies, along with an environmentally friendly, multi-stage water purification system,” the local mayor’s office said. “Water is drawn from wells 170 meters deep and tested in leading laboratories in the US and Italy.”

The facility has created 100 new jobs and contributed to local infrastructure development. As part of the project, more than 6 kilometers of 35 kV power lines, a new $1.3 million substation, a gas pipeline, and treatment facilities have been constructed.

The opening ceremony was attended by RC Cola International General Manager Francis Lampera and project investor Amangeldy Nurov, founder of Beibars Bottlers LLP. They stated that the launch will boost RC Cola’s presence in Central Asia and solidify its footprint in the Kazakh market.

RC Cola (Royal Crown Cola) was founded in 1905 by American pharmacist Claude A. Hatcher. It was the first brand to introduce canned soda and a caffeine-free diet cola. The brand is now owned by Keurig Dr Pepper and distributed internationally through RC Cola International.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, RC Cola competitor The Coca-Cola Company recently inaugurated a new production plant in Uzbekistan, which is also part of the company’s expansion strategy in the Turkestan region.