Bilateral Relations - The Times Of Central Asia

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Bilateral Relations

Taraz and Ancient Olympia: A Union of Cultural Exchange and Growth

On November 4th, a historically significant twinning ceremony was held between the city of Taraz in Kazakhstan and Ancient Olympia in Greece. The agreement was signed at the Temple of Hera, an ancient site revered by the Greeks. It's here that the rules of the original Olympic Games were kept, and where the Olympic Flame is ceremonially lit every two years, symbolizing the continuation of an ancient sporting tradition. Bakhytzhan Orynbekov, the Akim (Mayor) of Taraz, views this partnership as an opportunity to foster mutual growth. He believes that it will enhance exchanges in various sectors, including culture, sports, tourism, science, and education. These fields are seen as key areas of development that can benefit from international cooperation. Georgios Georgiopoulos, the Mayor of Ancient Olympia, echoed these sentiments. He expressed enthusiasm about forming bonds of friendship and brotherhood with Taraz. With a rich history stretching back 2000 years, Taraz has been a significant cultural crossroads between the East and West. This makes it an ideal partner for Ancient Olympia, which itself has a storied history dating back to antiquity. In a meeting with representatives from Ilia's business community, both parties agreed to strengthen economic ties and cultivate relations between their respective regions and business circles. This agreement underscores the importance of international collaboration in fostering economic growth and development. Ancient Olympia is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and also for hosting the International Olympic Academy. This institution is the primary educational and cultural arm of the International Olympic Committee and plays a vital role in promoting the values and ideals of the Olympic movement. The initiative to twin Taraz and Ancient Olympia was spearheaded by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Greece and the Kazakh-Hellenic Business Council, demonstrating the importance of diplomatic and business relations in fostering cultural ties.

Telecommunication Bilateral Relations

Tajikistan to Connect with China’s Telecommunications Network

According to RFE/RL's report on November 17th, Tajikistan unveiled intentions to integrate with China's telecommunications network as part of efforts to enhance internet accessibility in the country, which is ensconced in mountainous terrain and lacks direct access to the sea. This move aligns with the expanding influence of Beijing in Central Asia. Despite recent progress, Tajikistan still grapples with one of the world's slowest internet services, routing all traffic through a government-controlled center. As disclosed by the state news agency Khovar, the initiative coincides with the construction of a highway linking Dushanbe, the nation's capital situated in the western region, to a town bordering China.

Free Economic Zones Bilateral Relations Transport

Leaders of Tajikistan and Iran Deliberate on Bilateral Relations in Dushanbe

The November 8th meeting between the presidents of Tajikistan and Iran marks a significant stride toward repairing the previously strained relationship between the two nations. Held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan's capital, the talks between President Emomali Rahmon and President Ebrahim Raisi covered crucial areas of mutual interest and cooperation. Among the agreements reached during this encounter, a standout is the agreement on visa-free travel for citizens of both countries, underscoring the deep linguistic and cultural bonds that unite them. Moreover, both leaders signed memorandums of understanding focusing on transportation, the establishment of free economic zones, and collaborative efforts to combat drug trafficking. This joint approach in tackling shared challenges underscores a shared dedication to bolstering the security and prosperity of both nations. President Raisi's visit is widely seen as an effort to thaw the previously frosty relations between Tajikistan and Iran. Strains emerged after Tajikistan's 2015 decision to outlaw the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan, an action that Iran did not endorse. Nonetheless, the recent discussions and agreements suggest a potential pivot in diplomatic ties between the two nations. As highlighted by by RFE/RL's Tajik Service, this development could herald the beginning of a new phase in Tajik-Iranian relations.

Bilateral Relations

Turkmenistan and China Reaffirm Strategic Partnership

Turkmenistan and China Reaffirm Strategic Partnership China firmly supports Turkmenistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said on November 29th in Ashgabat, Xinhua reported. Ding’s remarks were made following a meeting with Turkmen President, Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Ding, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that cooperation between China and Turkmenistan has huge potential and future prospects. China is ready to work with Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries to steadily advance the building of the China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism, he added. Berdimuhamedov asked Ding to convey his cordial greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping, and said that cooperation between the two countries is strategic, long-term and special. Turkmenistan stands ready to work with China to enhance strategic communication, deepen cooperation in all fields and promote its comprehensive strategic partnership with China to a new height, he stated. During his visit, Ding also held talks with Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Rashid Meredov, and co-chaired with Meredov the sixth Meeting of the China-Turkmenistan Cooperation Committee. The two sides held an in-depth exchange of views during the meeting, and mapped out priorities for cooperation between the two countries in the next phase. The two sides agreed to further synergize their development strategies, increase the scale of economic, trade and investment cooperation, continue to deepen ties over natural gas, accelerate consultations on the alignment of priority economic projects, and to collaborate further on non-resource projects. The two sides also agreed to ensure the success of activities related to the Year of Culture, and promote the early implementation of projects such as the establishment of cultural centers, the establishment of Luban Workshops and Chinese traditional medicine centers in Turkmenistan.