Page 934 – The Times Of Central Asia

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, Kazakhstan, Business & Economy, 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.

13 Dec 2023

Environment, Kazakhstan Environment, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Home

Kazakhstan Launches Modernized Water Pipeline in Atyrau and Mangystau Regions

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On December 13th, Kazakhstan unveiled the modernized main water pipeline, Astrakhan-Mangyshlak, in its western Atyrau Region. The significant expansion of this facility was a result of comprehensive reconstruction, directed by President Tokayev’s under the supervision of Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister, Alikhan Smailov.

The upgraded Astrakhan-Mangyshlak pipeline will provide an additional 60,000 cubic meters of water to the population, enterprises, and agriculture of Atyrau and Mangystau regions. The project includes the renewal of worn-out equipment and the replacement of two sections of the main pipeline, totaling about 177 km in length. As a result, the throughput capacity of the Astrakhan-Mangyshlak water pipeline increased from 110,000 to 170,000 cubic meters per day.

“The reconstruction of the water pipeline was completed a year ahead of schedule due to accurate design solutions and rapid construction rates. This marks just one of many large-scale projects planned for the region,” Smailov said.

Additionally, a desalination plant capable of producing 50,000 cubic meters of water per day is currently under construction in the village of Kenderli. From this plant, a 105 km long main water pipeline will be built to Zhanaozen.

Smailov further stated, “Our goal is not only to provide 100% of settlements with clean drinking water by 2026, but also to create a reliable framework for further sustainable water supply to the population and industries10. For this purpose, projects are being implemented to build new and modernize existing hydraulic structures and water conduits. Branching networks are being brought to settlements, and pumping modules from underground sources are being installed in remote villages. We have a lot of work ahead of us.”