Page 934 – The Times Of Central Asia

14 Dec 2023

Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan International Affairs, Turkmenistan Local Politics

Taliban and Turkmenistan Meet to Discuss Energy Collaboration

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The acting head of the Ministry of Water and Energy of the Taliban, Abdul-Latif Mansur, recently held a meeting with Murad Artykov, the head of the Department of International Electric Power Projects in the Turkmen Ministry of Energy. This marked the second official dialogue between the two leaders.

The TAP Project

A significant part of their discussion revolved around the TAP project, also known as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Power Interconnection Project. This proposed initiative aims to connect the power grids of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, strengthening power trade between these countries. It is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing energy security, promoting regional cooperation, and supporting economic development within the region.

The TAP project is a part of broader efforts to develop energy infrastructure and promote connectivity between Central Asia and South Asia. The Taliban representatives reportedly expressed readiness to launch the project and are now awaiting the participation of the remaining stakeholders.

The 500 kV Power Transmission Line

Another key point of discussion was the development of the 500 kV power transmission line “Turkmenistan – Shibargan – Dashti-Alvan – Argandi”. This line is intended to facilitate the import of electricity from Turkmenistan to meet the growing energy demands in Afghanistan. The Taliban urged Ashgabat to intensify efforts towards this goal.

The “Nur al-Jihad” Substation

The meeting also covered the “Nur al-Jihad” substation, a project nearing completion that will provide electricity to the Afghan provinces of Herat and Farah. This substation is a collaboration between Afghanistan’s power utility company, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), and Turkmenistan. The project will increase the capacity of the Noor Al-Jihad substation from 110 kilovolts to 220 kilovolts. The substation is located in Herat province.

Artykov outlined the goals of the visit, which included extending contracts for the supply of Turkmen energy and expanding energy cooperation.

Implications

Despite the Taliban being under UN sanctions for terrorist activities, discussions between Turkmenistan and the Taliban regarding energy and infrastructure projects have been ongoing, as reported by various sources including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Caspian News. Turkmenistan already exports electricity to areas in northern Afghanistan, some of which are under Taliban control. These talks also involved the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, which the Taliban has shown support for.

14 Dec 2023

Turkmenistan Justice, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Local Politics

Over 300 Individuals, Including Six Foreign Nationals, Pardoned in Turkmenistan on International Neutrality Day

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On the occasion of International Neutrality Day, Turkmenistan’s President, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, granted pardons to a total of 308 individuals, including six foreign nationals. This news comes after an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on December 11, 2023, involving heads of diplomatic missions, consular offices, and representative offices of Turkmenistan at international organizations.

The meeting focused on important issues concerning Turkmenistan’s foreign policy in the international arena. The pardoning of these individuals is part of the upcoming holiday celebrations in the country. The Chairman of the Commission, together with the heads of law enforcement agencies, has been tasked to ensure the swift release of these convicts and their return to their families.

Regional leaders, including Hyakims of velayats, etraps, and cities, have been instructed to take necessary measures to provide employment opportunities for the pardoned individuals. President Berdimuhamedov expressed his wishes for the pardoned citizens to contribute positively to the large-scale activities being carried out in Turkmenistan and to serve the Fatherland conscientiously.

14 Dec 2023

Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Local Politics

Major Reshuffle in Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry: New Deputy Ministers Appointed

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On December 11^th, Turkmenistan’s President, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, conducted a comprehensive meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. The meeting was attended by the heads of diplomatic missions, consular offices, and representative offices of Turkmenistan at international organizations. The focus of the meeting was on personnel changes within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

President Berdimuhamedov announced several significant changes in the diplomatic service. A. Khaljanov was relieved from his roles as the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN Office in Geneva and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Swiss Confederation due to his transfer to another position.

Khadzhiev, previously serving as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, was appointed as the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN office in Geneva and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Swiss Confederation, succeeding Khaljanov. Gurbanov, who served as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, was appointed as the new Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Myatiev was dismissed from his position as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs due to his transfer to another role.

Lastly, S. Muhammetdurdyev, the head of the Department of State Protocol and International Relations of the Office of the President of Turkmenistan, was concurrently appointed as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

14 Dec 2023

Tajikistan Local Politics, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Features, Tajikistan Home

WFP to Help Tajikistan Strengthen Food Security

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Tajikistan on December 14th signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen their cooperation on addressing food and nutrition security for 2023 to 2026, the UNDP website stated.

The MoU was signed by Adham Musallam, the WFP Representative and Country Director in Tajikistan, and Sirojiddin Muhriddin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan.

“The new CSP, valued at U$ 91 million, is designed to support the government’s priorities for achieving food security and broadening access to high-quality nutrition by 2030,” said WFP Representative Musallam. “Under the new CSP, the emphasis will be on supporting livelihoods, improving agricultural production, enhancing health, education, and nutrition, as well as strengthening national institutions and systems.”

This MoU sets the foundation for the WFP Tajikistan Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023–2026, which harmonizes with the nation’s objectives in enhancing food and nutrition security, bolstering capacities, and offering technical aid to the government’s social protection initiatives.

14 Dec 2023

Tajikistan Business Economy, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

EDB Forecasts Economic Growth for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in 2024

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has published its macroeconomic outlook for the Bank’s six member states — Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. Bank analysts anticipate that GDP across the region’s countries will be close to a balanced growth path. Projections indicate a GDP growth in 2024 of 5.7% in Armenia, 2% in Belarus, 5% in Kazakhstan, 4.5% in Kyrgyzstan, 1.5% in Russia, and 7.3% in Tajikistan.

According to EDB analysts, following Kazakhstan’s economic growth of 4.8% in 2023, an acceleration in GDP growth is anticipated for 2024, further bolstered by high investment activity. The expected decrease in interest rates is poised to provide an additional impetus. In the medium term, structural transformations are set to improve the quality of economic growth by expanding opportunities in manufacturing and service industries. Economic diversification creates prerequisites for an anticipated acceleration in 2025 and 2026, positioning Kazakhstan as a leader among Eurasian Economic Union member states in terms of growth rates.

Strong domestic demand supported high economic activity in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in 2023. EDB analysts project a slight deceleration in these countries in 2024, albeit with GDP growth rates still noticeably higher than the global average.

13 Dec 2023

Turkmenistan Justice, Turkmenistan Life & Culture, Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan Participates in 75th Anniversary of Adoption of Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Geneva

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights witnessed the active involvement of Turkmenistan’s justice representatives in significant high-level events held in Geneva, Switzerland, on December 11-12. Adalatchy Yazdursun Gurbannazarova, the designated human rights representative in Turkmenistan, participated in the “Human Rights 75” events, a series organized by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Turkmen delegation also engaged in a parallel event hosted by the non-governmental organization, BDG, and the non-commercial organization, INHR, alongside national human rights institutions of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

The momentous occasion, dedicated to honoring the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, convened eminent figures from international organizations, delegation leaders, and national human rights entities. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, extended congratulations during the conference’s inauguration, acknowledging the milestone of the declaration’s adoption.

Participating in these crucial discussions, Turkmenistan’s representatives conveyed the nation’s accomplishments and contributions to the advancement of human rights and the rule of law. Turkmenistan’s commitments within the framework of “Human Rights 75” initiatives and its support for implementing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights were highlighted. Key pledges encompassed enhancing international cooperation, fortifying youth policies, implementing environmental approaches to safeguard human rights, and addressing statelessness within Turkmenistan.