Bilateral Relations - The Times Of Central Asia

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U.S.-Kazakhstan Relations

Kazakhstan Backs Trump’s Gaza Peace Initiative

Kazakhstan has expressed support for President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. In a statement on X, Presidential Press Secretary Ruslan Zheldibay wrote that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev considers the initiative a “unique opportunity” and “an important step toward resolving the situation in the Middle East, strengthening interstate trust, and establishing lasting and just peace in this region.” By describing the initiative as an “important step” rather than a definitive solution, Kazakhstan leaves room for diplomatic flexibility and avoids alienating partners that hold divergent views on Gaza. At the same time, the public endorsement is a clear gesture of support for the Trump administration’s leadership in addressing the central conflict of the Middle East, marking a notable moment where Astana aligns itself with Washington’s effort to shape the regional peace agenda. [caption id="attachment_36799" align="aligncenter" width="581"] Ruslan Zheldibay, President Tokayev’s press secretary, announced the position in a post on X[/caption] Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan, released by the White House on September 29, 2025, ties Gaza’s governance to the broader framework of the Abraham Accords, proposing regional security guarantees, economic reconstruction measures, and expanded Arab participation as part of an effort to extend the accords’ realignment across the Middle East. Trump has repeatedly urged world leaders to expand the Abraham Accords, including appeals to Saudi Arabia, discussions with Israel’s Netanyahu, and even suggesting that Iran could join. At the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last week, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pointed to the Abraham Accords as proof that reconciliation is possible in the Middle East. This endorsement is consistent with Tokayev’s broader diplomatic messaging and positions Kazakhstan as the only Central Asian state publicly backing the accords as a pathway to normalization at the UN meeting. Separately, UNGA week also saw Wabtec announce a $4.2 billion order from Kazakhstan’s national railway, a deal in line with Trump’s ‘America First’ policy that underscored the commercial dimension of U.S. engagement. The Gaza statement follows Tokayev’s remarks last week about the United Nations after technical failures during Trump’s UNGA appearance. Tokayev described the incident as “an extremely dangerous incident” and “a most serious shortcoming — one might even say a failure — of the UN Secretariat and the relevant services and departments.” He noted that, “The decision to conduct an investigation has already been made and is correct.” He linked the investigation into the failure to broader questions about the UN’s credibility, echoing Trump’s frustrations with the institution. Alongside these public remarks, Tokayev has made changes to Kazakhstan’s diplomatic team, recalling the ambassador to Washington and appointing a new foreign minister. While the reshuffle followed Tokayev’s return from New York, it also appears to reflect a deliberate recalibration of Kazakhstan’s diplomatic apparatus, with the new team brought in to carry forward these emerging foreign policy priorities. Taken together, these moves highlight Kazakhstan’s shift toward a more visible diplomacy, with Astana’s decisions increasingly aligned with Washington. By endorsing Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan, Tokayev has signaled a convergence with the former U.S....

Strategic Partnership

Tokayev in New York: $100B U.S. Investment Push Boosts Kazakhstan Ties

Kazakhstan and the United States are continuing to strengthen their strategic partnership, with investment playing a central role. At a roundtable with U.S. business representatives in New York, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that American investments in Kazakhstan’s economy have surpassed $100 billion. “Today, more than 630 American companies are successfully operating in our country, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, Boeing, Visa, Mastercard, Meta, Wabtec, and Citibank. We regard the U.S. as an important strategic partner and reaffirm our commitment to further developing multifaceted cooperation,” Tokayev said. The president noted that Kazakhstan’s economy grew by 6.5% in the first eight months of 2025. He added that ongoing political and economic reforms are creating favorable conditions for long-term growth and attracting further investment. Energy and Uranium: The Cornerstone of Cooperation Energy continues to underpin U.S.-Kazakhstan relations. “We recognize and highly value the large and successful investments of Chevron and ExxonMobil over the past 30 years. Despite all the turbulence in regional geopolitics, their presence in our country has never been questioned,” Tokayev said. He pointed out that Kazakhstan supplies about 40% of the global uranium market and nearly a quarter of U.S. imports. Tokayev also highlighted Kazakhstan’s “four sources” strategy - oil, gas, coal, and uranium - and expressed support for the U.S. approach to coal as a reliable energy source in the near term. $4.2 Billion Wabtec Agreement: A Landmark Deal A key outcome of Tokayev’s U.S. visit was the signing of a $4.2 billion agreement with American locomotive manufacturer Wabtec. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the deal will see Kazakhstan’s national railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), acquire 300 ES44Aci Evolution Series freight locomotives over the next decade. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick described the contract as the "largest in history,” noting it would create approximately 11,000 jobs in Texas and Pennsylvania. “This is not just a story of massive success, it’s an example of how American innovation strengthens global leadership,” he posted on X. Wabtec President and CEO Rafael Santana added, “This project represents KTZ’s ambition to transform Kazakhstan’s railway network into a key bridge between Europe and Asia.” Tokayev has emphasized that Kazakhstan is upgrading transport hubs and rolling out a “Smart Cargo” digital customs and logistics system to streamline east–west and Trans-Caspian transit traffic. Presidential Support: Trump and Tokayev Hold Call The Wabtec agreement was preceded by a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and President Tokayev. “I just concluded a wonderful call with the Highly Respected President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He emphasized the significance of the locomotive deal and linked it to his broader support for revitalizing U.S. infrastructure. “We need to support our rail industry, which has been attacked for years by ‘fake environmentalists.’ Now railroads are coming back and fast!” he said. Observers noted that Trump’s personal involvement underscored the political importance of the agreement for bilateral relations. Green Energy Progress: SAF Plant with LanzaJet Another notable development was the agreement between Kazakhstan’s national oil...

Uzbek-U.S. Realtions

Insider’s View: Uzbekistan–U.S. – A New Era of Environmentally Friendly and Energy-Efficient Investment

Today, environmentally friendly and energy-efficient projects are no longer just a fashionable trend but a factor of global competitiveness. Uzbekistan, once regarded as a country with a resource-based energy system and limited opportunities for the adoption of modern technologies, is now becoming a hub for “green” investment and innovation. A strategic partnership with the United States plays a special role in this process, encompassing key areas ranging from energy and ecology to finance, education, and culture. Clean and innovative projects are becoming the hallmark of Uzbek-American relations, shaping a new model of cooperation in the 21st century. Green Energy and Strategic Partnership Uzbekistan is moving confidently toward a “green” future. While in 2018 renewable energy sources accounted for less than one percent of electricity generation, from January to July 2025, renewables already provided 20.3% of the country’s total electricity. More than 11 billion kWh of “green” energy were produced, including 6.4 billion kWh from solar power plants and 3.6 billion kWh from wind farms. This volume saved 3.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas and prevented over 2.2 million tons of harmful emissions. Every day, renewables now generate about 26.7 million kWh – enough to cover the needs of 7.28 million households for half a year, or 3.64 million homes for an entire year. Currently, 10 solar and 4 wind plants with a combined capacity of more than 4.5 GW operate across 10 regions of the country. A key focus of Uzbek-American cooperation has become “green” energy. In 2025, Allied Green Ammonia (AGA), together with the U.S. company Plug Power, announced a major project for the production of sustainable aviation fuel, green diesel, and urea. The plan includes the supply of electrolyzers with a capacity of up to 2 GW for the future complex. A final investment decision is expected by the end of 2025, and the project has already been recognized as one of the flagship initiatives for Central Asia. Air Products – A Flagship of American Presence Air Products, a global leader in industrial gases and hydrogen energy, occupies a special place in Uzbek-American cooperation. In the Kashkadarya region, the company participates in a large-scale gas-to-liquids (GTL) project worth around $1 billion. The complex is designed to produce about 1.5 million tons of synthetic fuels per year, including diesel, jet kerosene, and naphtha. Its structure includes air separation units, autothermal reformers, and hydrogen production facilities. This project has become a landmark example of how U.S. technologies are transforming Uzbekistan’s energy sector. In addition to GTL, Air Products is actively developing industrial gas production in Uzbekistan. The company participates in oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen production projects, introduces the latest PSA units, as well as freezing and storage technologies that reduce food losses and enhance economic resilience. Furthermore, the company has implemented a “green financing” system that links investments to sustainability principles. These projects not only strengthen the country’s industrial potential but also pave the way for positioning Uzbekistan as a regional hub for “green” energy. The company’s future plans...

Bilateral Relations

Uzbekistan and United States Leaders Discuss Expanding Strategic Partnership

According to the office of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Uzbek and U.S. presidents held a telephone conversation on Friday, focusing on ways to deepen their countries’ strategic partnership across economic, security, and cultural fields. The details of the call were provided by the Uzbek president’s office. Strengthening Economic Ties The presidential office reported that both leaders emphasized opportunities to expand trade and investment. Bilateral trade grew by 15% in 2024, and the two sides signaled interest in building on that momentum. Prospective projects span civil aviation, mineral resources, energy, agriculture, digital technologies, finance, and education. Later this month, meetings are expected between Uzbek representatives and leading U.S. companies to explore long-term cooperation. Security and Regional Cooperation According to the statement, security issues also featured prominently in the conversation. The two presidents noted ongoing joint work against terrorism, extremism, and illegal migration. They also exchanged views on regional cooperation in Central Asia, highlighting the role of the “C5+1” dialogue format that brings together the United States and five Central Asian countries. Cultural and Humanitarian Exchanges The Uzbek president’s office noted that the discussion touched on expanding cultural and educational links. Branches of U.S. universities are operating in Tashkent, providing new opportunities for academic exchange. Looking ahead, the leaders noted with satisfaction that Uzbekistan’s national football team will participate for the first time in the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will be the main host of. A Growing Partnership Since Mirziyoyev assumed the presidency in 2016, Uzbekistan has pursued a more open foreign policy and a program of internal reforms aimed at modernizing the economy and improving governance. These changes have created new opportunities for cooperation with Washington. The United States, for its part, has supported regional initiatives through the C5+1 framework, while also seeking closer ties with Tashkent in areas such as counterterrorism, economic development, and education. American universities and companies have increased their presence in Uzbekistan, and cultural exchanges have expanded steadily in recent years. Next Steps The president’s office stated that President Mirziyoyev invited President Trump to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan. Both leaders agreed to maintain high-level contacts and continue advancing joint projects and programs. According to the Uzbek president’s office, the conversation was held in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, underscoring a shared interest in further strengthening Uzbek-American relations.

Japan

Tokyo Steps Up: Iwaya’s Central Asia Tour Signals Japan’s Long-Term Commitment

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya made a landmark trip to Central Asia from August 24–28, 2025, holding talks in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Tokyo framed the visit as a bid to deepen bilateral ties and revive the Central Asia plus Japan leaders’ summits. The visit fulfilled commitments made by then-Prime Minister Kishida, who had planned a similar tour in 2024 before cancelling at the last minute due to a domestic earthquake alert. Strategic Engagement Iwaya’s visit reflects Tokyo’s long-standing, multifaceted approach to Central Asia. Analysts emphasized to The Times of Central Asia that Japan is pursuing “trust-building diplomacy” in the region, focusing on human capital, infrastructure, and governance rather than quick geopolitical wins. Tokyo inaugurated the Central Asia plus Japan Dialogue format in 2004, making it the first outside power to group all five Central Asian republics within a single framework. As Professor Timur Dadabaev of Tsukuba University told The Times of Central Asia, Tokyo is seen “not as a competing hegemon, but as a partner that invests in the region’s human capital, infrastructure, and governance in ways that reinforce independence.” This approach contrasts with what has been characterized as the transactional models of other powers. On August 25, Iwaya met with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu in Astana, marking his first official visit to the country. The talks underscored both sides’ commitment to strengthening ties as strategic partners and in upholding a “free and open international order based on the rule of law.” The ministers welcomed active exchanges and pledged to expand cooperation in trade, investment, mineral resources, disaster prevention, and nuclear non-proliferation. They also announced plans to accelerate preparations for the long-delayed Central Asia plus Japan summit. [caption id="attachment_35524" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya with Kazakh Foreign Minister Nurtleu in Astana after their meeting on August 25, 2025; image Japan MOFA[/caption] In Tashkent, Iwaya echoed this message, calling Uzbekistan “an important strategic partner,” and highlighting the first-ever foreign ministers’ strategic dialogue held there. Japanese officials also stressed their policy does not aim to pressure Central Asian partners on sensitive issues. Characterizing Japan as a “catalyst to promote interconnectivity and inter-regional cooperation,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Toshihiro Kitamura stated that Tokyo does not see a zero-sum “competition between Japan and other countries. We would like to see Central Asian countries work together with other parts of the world.” In Tashkent, Kitamura explicitly noted that while Japan condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it will not pressure Uzbekistan or others to take the same stance. “The relationship between Russia and the Central Asian countries is a very delicate issue. Each country should take into account the relations it establishes with other countries. Even if it is with Russia, such relations do not affect the relations of other countries with Japan,” Kitamura stated. Bilateral Agreements In Kazakhstan, Iwaya held high-level talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Foreign Minister Nurtleu. Tokayev welcomed Japan as a “reliable and close partner in Asia” and said ties are “developing dynamically.” The sides agreed to...

Official Visit

Tokayev in Bishkek: Deals, Diplomacy, and a Golden Bridge

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Kyrgyzstan on 21 August for an official visit that rolls into a full day of talks in Bishkek on 22 August, including a session of the Supreme Interstate Council. The Kyrgyz capital implemented rolling traffic restrictions around motorcade routes, a sign of how tightly choreographed the program is. The visit’s centerpiece is a Tokayev–Japarov meeting in both narrow and expanded formats, alongside a packed slate of bilateral events that underscore deepening political, economic, and cultural ties between the neighbors. Tokayev’s schedule blends state protocol with public-facing diplomacy. Alongside presiding over the seventh meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council, the two leaders are set to unveil the “Golden Bridge of Friendship” monument in Bishkek’s Yntymak Park - an attempt to give symbolic form to a relationship both sides have labored to institutionalize over the past two years. The program is also set to include the inauguration of the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in Osh, the launch of a branch of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Kyrgyzstan’s south, the third Kyrgyz-Kazakh Youth Forum, and Days of Kazakhstan Cinema - events designed to anchor cooperation beyond chancelleries and boardrooms. This public show of diplomacy is being matched by concrete steps. The new Consulate General in Osh is intended to smooth consular services, support cross-border business, and expand cultural ties in a region where Kazakh–Kyrgyz trade and travel flows are accelerating. Central government, city, and regional officials joined Kazakh diplomats at the ribbon-cutting, underscoring the practical, day-to-day value for citizens who live and work across the southern corridor. Optics aside, the substance is in the talks. Astana and Bishkek have spent the last 18 months upgrading their legal architecture. In April 2024, the presidents signed a Treaty on Deepening and Expanding Allied Relations, moving the relationship beyond the basic language of partnership and into a framework that touches upon security, transport, energy, agriculture, and cultural cooperation. Kazakhstan’s Parliament later approved, and the president signed implementing legislation, putting the allied-relations commitments on a firmer legal footing domestically. This trip is widely viewed in both capitals as a chance to translate that framework into specific projects - some of which are already in motion. Trade and connectivity top the economic agenda. Bilateral trade hit roughly $1.7 billion in 2024, and both governments have repeatedly floated a target of $3 billion within the decade. The composition of flows is familiar: Kazakhstan ships metals, grain, fuels, and construction materials, while Kyrgyzstan supplies gold, coal, light-industry goods, and services. Reaching the next rung, however, will require more predictable border procedures, harmonized standards, and dedicated logistics capacity - areas where ministerial roadmaps are already in circulation. Energy and water cooperation is the other pillar. Kyrgyzstan’s Kambarata-1 hydropower project - envisioned as a 1,860 MW plant on the Naryn River - has become a regional test case for practical integration. Since mid-2024, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have built a joint track with the World Bank and other partners to complete feasibility work, structure financing,...