Bilateral Relations - The Times Of Central Asia

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Bilateral Relations

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Set to Expand Economic Cooperation

On July 12, the 21st meeting of the Kazakh-Uzbek Intergovernmental Commission on Bilateral Cooperation was held in Almaty, co-chaired by the Prime Ministers of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Olzhas Bektenov and Abdulla Aripov. As reported by the Kazakh prime minister’s press service, the parties exchanged views on their bilateral agenda ahead of the upcoming visit of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kazakhstan. The prime ministers discussed joint projects in trade, the economy, investment, water and energy sectors, transport, industry, agriculture, ecology, and digitization. It was noted at the meeting that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan account for 57% of all trade in Central Asia. Last year, the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $4.5 billion; during the first four months of 2024, the figure exceeded $1.2 billion. The industrial cooperation portfolio of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan includes 69 projects worth $3.1 billion, which have created more than 14,000 jobs. Furthermore, twelve joint projects worth $217 million have been successfully implemented, creating another 4,500 jobs. The ongoing construction of the International Center for Industrial Cooperation, "Central Asia," in a border area between the Turkestan region of Kazakhstan and the Syr Darya region of Uzbekistan will create additional opportunities for joint projects. Kazakh Prime Minister Bektenov emphasized that Uzbekistan is one of the largest trading partners of Kazakhstan, adding that the heads of the two states have set the task of increasing bilateral trade to $10 billion in the medium term. Uzbek Prime Minister Aripov, meanwhile, stated that relations between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have rapidly developed in the spirit of strategic partnership in recent years. Still, he noted, there is enormous potential for their further strengthening.

International Cooperation Bilateral Relations Foreign Investment business and economy

Kyrgyzstan and Switzerland Strengthen Cooperation

On July 3, Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov met the Federal Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis in Cholpon-Ata on Lake Issyk-Kul to discuss strengthening cooperation between the two countries. Switzerland has long conducted an expansive development program in Kyrgyzstan in sectors including economic development, governance, water, and infrastructure. The Kyrgyz president expressed satisfaction in their fruitful cooperation to date, with specific reference to the joint implementation of a dairy production enterprise in the Issyk-Kul region, as well as the reconstruction of the At-Bashi hydroelectric power plant, to which Switzerland has contributed over 20 million Swiss francs. Looking ahead, he proposed strengthening cooperation in the banking sector and tourism, and promoting the mining agenda. Japarov stated that in 2023 the volume of bilateral trade exceeded $1 billion and spoke of the need to increase that figure. On the same day, the Swiss Minister met the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Jeenbek Kulubaev. Following discussions on bilateral relations and the positive outcomes of projects supported by Switzerland and implemented in Kyrgyzstan, both parties agreed to intensify collaboration. As reported by the Embassy of Switzerland in the Kyrgyz Republic, the visit afforded Minister Cassis the opportunity to witness first hand, the progress of Swiss projects implemented in Kyrgyzstan for over $500 million since 1994. The visit concluded with an evening reception, organized by the Swiss Embassy, to celebrate the Swiss National Day.

Bilateral Relations International Cooperation Cultural Heritage International investment Export/import business and economy

Kazakhstan and China Cement Strategic Partnership

On July 3 , Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting in Astana with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during the latter's state visit to Kazakhstan. Tokayev opened the talks by hailing China a strategic partner and one of Kazakhstan’s main allies. In response, Xi Jinping announced that China considers Kazakhstan a priority in its foreign policy relations with neighbouring countries and an important partner in Central Asia, whilst confirming, “I assure you that China will always be a reliable support for Kazakhstan.” Negotiations revolved around the development of cooperation in investment in various sectors, including e-commerce, the manufacture of automobiles and auto parts, transit and transport, logistics, energy, agriculture, finance, and tourism. Following the meeting, Tokayev told journalists that the development of strong political relations between Kazakhstan and China is based on mutual trust and support and emphasized, “There are no unresolved issues between us. We intend to unite our forces for intensifying trade, economic, scientific, technical, cultural and humanitarian ties. President Xi Jinping and I have just signed a Joint Statement -outlining- important achievements and long-term tasks for our countries. China is Kazakhstan's leading trading partner. Last year, bilateral trade turnover amounted to $41 billion. In the near future we intend to double this figure. Beijing is one of our main foreign investors. Over the past 15 years, about $25 billion has been invested in Kazakhstan [by China].” According to Tokayev, in 2023, Chinese investment in Kazakhstan’s economy increased by 16% and reached $1.8 billion. “Today, 45 projects are being implemented in Kazakhstan at a total cost of $14.5 billion -and we now have over 4,700 enterprises funded with Chinese capital. During negotiations, the importance of further implementation of mutually beneficial investment projects in the fields of energy, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, finance, transport, aerospace, and IT was emphasized. We are ready to create favourable conditions for Chinese companies wishing to develop the Kazakh market.” Referencing the fact that in 2023, exports of agricultural products from Kazakhstan to China doubled to reach $1 billion, the president continued, “We look forward to increasing supplies of high-quality natural meat products, oilseeds and grain crops to the Chinese market- and exploring - opportunities to increase the volume of grain exports to 2 million tons.” Via teleconference, the two leaders participated in the ceremonial launch of ferries transporting trucks and railway containers along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Tokayev and Xi also opened a Kazakh cultural centre in Beijing and a Chinese cultural centre in Astana, both of which will host various cultural events, exhibitions, lectures, and masterclasses aimed at strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of the two allied countries. In addition to the above, the two leaders opened a branch of the Beijing Language and Culture University at Astana International University.

Ethnicity Bilateral Cooperation Bilateral Relations

Focus on Ethnic Germans in Kazakhstan

On 21 May, Astana hosted the 20th meeting of the Kazakh-German Intergovernmental Commission for the Affairs of Ethnic Germans in Kazakhstan, co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko and Germany’s Federal Government Commissioner for Matters Related to Ethnic German Resettlers and National Minorities, Member of the Bundestag, Natalie Pawlik. Representatives of the two countries’ ministries and organizations, including the Wiedergeburt (Rebirth) foundation also participated. The agenda focused on cooperation between Kazakhstan and Germany to support the cultural, linguistic, and national identity of Kazakh Germans, as well as the implementation of joint projects in science, education, and culture. The parties reiterated their mutual interest in expanding partnerships within the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission and strengthening the “living bridge” connecting Kazakhstan and Germany. During World War II, Stalin's henchman, Lavrentiy Beria supervized the mass deportation of the Volga Germans, Chechens, Ingush, Pontic Greeks, Crimean Tatars, Balkars and the Karachays, largely to Central Asia. With the crowded wagons stopping only to bury the dead in the snow, approximately 30% perished. According to statistics, 226,000 ethnic Germans reside in Kazakhstan, today, whilst some one million Germans have moved from Kazakhstan to their ancestral homeland. Emphasizing the importance of Kazakhstan’s multi-ethnic population in the successful development of the country, Vassilenko stated that: “Thousands of kilometers separating our countries do not hinder the development and deepening of Kazakh-German relations, as well as the promotion of rapprochement of our peoples. By virtue of history, Kazakhstan has a large German diaspora, while many former citizens of Kazakhstan have resettled in Germany.” Ethnic Germans are represented in all spheres of life in Kazakhstan. The Kazakh-German Center in Astana, the Kazakh-German University in Almaty, the Kazakh-German Institute of Sustainable Engineering in Aktau, the German Drama Theatre, as well as the Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper play significant roles in strengthening cultural and humanitarian interaction between Kazakhstan and Germany. Natalie Pawlik welcomed the dynamically developing bilateral cooperation and emphasized that Germany regards Kazakhstan as a key partner in its relations with Central Asia. In her commendation of assistance provided by the German Federal Government to the Germans of Kazakhstan, she mentioned that the study of the German language in Kazakhstan can not only contribute to the preservation of the ethnic Germans’ national identity but prove beneficial to professionals engaging in joint investment projects.

UK Bilateral Relations Kazakhstan

Visit by UK’s Cameron Doesn’t Oblige Central Asian Countries to Do Anything, Expert Says

British Foreign Minister David Cameron's grand tour of Central Asia last month was an attempt to remind those of us in Central Asia about investment and sanctions, Kazakhstani economist Aidarkhan Kusainov has told The Times of Central Asia. Over several days in late April, Cameron visited the five countries of Central Asia, demonstrating the UK's intentions to participate in developing economic ties with the region. The visit was closely monitored by the international media, which said Britain's main motive was to reiterate its interests. In the countries chosen by the head of the UK Foreign Office for the tour, the interest in his visit was not so acute. Cameron himself assured them that he was not going to force the leaders to choose between Russia and China on the one hand and the West on the other. However, experts believe that the geopolitical component was still present, as the war in Ukraine has sharply increased attention to the region -- and not only on the part of British leadership. "We are not saying to Kazakhstan or any other country that you have to make a choice, or that we are asking you not to choose to partner and trade with Russia or with China or with anyone else. We are here because we believe that you should be able to choose to partner with us in a way that reflects positively on both our common security and our common prosperity," Cameron said before meeting with Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu. The British Foreign Secretary made a similar statement during his visit to Kyrgyzstan. Following a trip to Kazakhstan, where Cameron also met with President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev, it was stated that economic cooperation between the two countries has great prospects. In addition, it's worth noting that bilateral trade turnover between Britain and Kazakhstan exceeds the total bilateral turnover of all other countries in the region. Furthermore, Cameron commented on British mining companies' interest in Kazakhstan. "I think we can still do a lot more in the sphere of small business. We talked about how to remove bureaucracy and barriers for small- and medium-sized businesses to settle and work here. And I think in all areas, whether it's education, whether it's the economy, whether it's energy, whether it's climate change, there's a whole range of things that we can do in partnership. And I want that to happen next year, in the coming years," he said. For his part, Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu noted the special role of the UK in Air Astana's recent IPO and the creation of the Astana International Financial Center. "Given the recently adopted in London roadmap on fossil minerals, we considered the possibility of implementing advanced projects in the field of important raw materials, development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor and green energy. We agreed to work together to overcome global challenges, including the fight against climate change, environmental protection and effective management of water resources. We reaffirmed our interest in expanding trade and investment...

Bilateral Relations Migrants Moscow Attack

Lavrov Calls Tajik Counterpart to Smooth Over Cracks

Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov has called his Tajik counterpart to explain Russia´s anti-terrorism measures at border points, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, following Tajikistan’s complaints that its citizens are being singled out for tough treatment on arrival at Moscow airports. Lavrov’s telephone call to Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin of Tajikistan was initiated by the Russian side, indicating that Moscow is seeking to ease tension between the two countries in the aftermath of the killing of more than 140 people by gunmen who stormed the Crocus City Hall on the outskirts of Moscow on March 22. Several Tajik suspects were arrested, leading to increased scrutiny and harassment of the large population of Tajik migrants in Russia. This past weekend, Tajikistan urged its citizens to temporarily refrain from traveling to Russia “unless absolutely necessary,” and said more than 1,000 Tajik nationals were being held in detention facilities at Moscow airports in unsanitary conditions and without access to hot meals. In the phone call, Lavrov and Muhriddin agreed on the need to preserve the “time-tested” alliance between their two countries, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. Muhriddin has previously complained about an “information campaign” of racism and xenophobia against Tajik migrants since the terrorist attack. “The Tajik side was given additional detailed explanations about the measures taken by Russian services to prevent terrorism in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation,” the ministry said. “The tragic events at Crocus City Hall became the main reason for more thorough checks of foreign citizens arriving to us. The temporary nature of the measures taken, their non-direction against a specific nation or religion, and the gradual normalization of the situation at checkpoints are especially emphasized.” The Islamic State group, which has recruited some people from Central Asia, claimed responsibility for the Crocus City Hall attack.