International Relations - The Times Of Central Asia

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International Relations

Kyrgyzstan Encourages German Investment in Raw Materials Extraction and Logistics

During a Kyrgyz-German Business Forum in Munich on October 10, Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Akylbek Japarov, stated that following the first Kyrgyz-German Business Forum in Hamburg over a year ago, bilateral relations between the two countries had strengthened alongside a mutual interest in deepening cooperation. Japarov cited the fact that 180 joint Kyrgyz-German enterprises are currently engaged in Kyrgyzstan’s trade, industry, agriculture, tourism, energy, education, and services sectors, and to encourage further German investment and participation in implementing the government’s ambitious economic development plans, invited businesses to attend the ‘Day of German Economy in Kyrgyzstan.’ Scheduled for summer 2025, the event follows three 'Days of Kyrgyz Economy' in Hamburg, Frankfurt am Main, and Munich. Addressing the forum, Kyrgyz Minister of Economy and Commerce Daniyar Amangeldiev spoke of Kyrgyzstan's interest in developing cooperation with Germany on raw materials, with reference to the presence of 100 raw material deposits in Kyrgyzstan. In addition, he proposed that German investors participate in auctions to gain the right to use the subsoil in Kyrgyzstan and develop deposits using modern technologies that comply with environmental standards. The minister also touched upon the development of transport and logistics infrastructure and invited German companies to collaborate in the development of Kyrgyzstan's logistics system, stating: "Kyrgyzstan, located in the heart of Central Asia, is ‘landlocked’. At the same time, the Great Silk Road — a trade route between West and East, North and South — has been passing through our country since ancient times. Therefore, our country should rightfully be called ‘land connecting,’”

Diplomacy

Pope Francis Receives Kyrgyzstan President Japarov

On October 4, during his official visit to Italy, Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov was received by Pope Francis at the Vatican. As reported by the president's press office, Japarov emphasized Kyrgyzstan's status as a secular, multi-ethnic country which guarantees freedom of religion to the numerous communities which integral to Kyrgyz society, play an essential role in its development. The Kyrgyz leader also noted that one of the country's key traditional values has always been tolerance and respect for cultural diversity, and extended an open invitation to the Pope to visit. According to the Holy See’s press office, the discussions focused on the cordial relations between the Holy See and Kyrgyzstan and the two states’ "mutual collaboration in the fields of healthcare, education, and culture, and aspects of the life of the local Church." The two leaders also exchanged opinions on current international affairs “with special attention to the ongoing conflicts and humanitarian issues, revealing the importance of urgent commitment to promoting peace." During the audience, Pope Francis presented President Japarov with a terracotta sculpture entitled "Love and Tenderness," a photo book on the Apostolic Palace, and a copy of this year's Message for Peace. In return, President Japarov gifted Pope Francis decorated jars filled with honey ecologically produced in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, an image of St Peter's Basilica made from colorful wool, and a handcrafted Kyrgyz silver tea set. Japarov is the third leader of a Central Asian country to meet Pope Francis. In January 2024, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made his first official visit to the Holy See at Pope Francis's invitation, at which appreciation was expressed for the good relations between the Holy See and Kazakhstan, particularly regarding mutual collaboration in interreligious dialogue. The meeting followed in the wake of Pope Francis' visit to Kazakhstan in September 2022, to attend the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana. Held in the Kazakh capital every three years, the Congress functions as a permanent international interfaith platform for dialogue between religions. In April 2024, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon visited the Vatican and during his meeting with Pope Francis, stressed his country's tolerance and coexistence of representatives of all religions.

Fergana Valley

The Ferghana Valley: Navigating Complex Challenges in Central Asia’s Most Volatile Region

The Ferghana Valley is one of Central Asia’s most fertile and densely populated areas, but it is also among the most volatile. Spanning Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, this landlocked region has long been a hotbed of ethnic tension, water disputes, and political instability. These challenges are deeply rooted in the geography, history, and sociopolitical landscape, making the valley a key focal point for understanding broader regional dynamics in Central Asia. Geographical Importance and Ethnic Diversity Nestled between the towering Tien Shan and Pamir Mountain ranges, the Ferghana Valley covers over 22,000 square kilometers. It is fertile land nourished by the Syr Darya River, making it a critical area for cultivating cotton, fruits, and vegetables. These natural resources have historically drawn diverse populations, creating a vibrant ethnic mosaic. The valley is home to Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, and Tajiks, as well as smaller ethnic groups. While ethnic Uzbeks form the majority, significant Kyrgyz and Tajik minorities inhabit border regions. The ethnic diversity of the Ferghana Valley is both a strength and a source of tension. Soviet-era border policies exacerbated these divisions by creating artificial boundaries that crisscrossed the valley, leaving behind ethnic enclaves — pockets of one nationality surrounded by the territory of another. These enclaves have complicated governance and territorial integrity, making border management a persistent challenge. The Soviet Legacy and Border Disputes During Soviet rule, the Central Asian republics were organized under Stalin’s divide-and-rule strategy, which deliberately created complex borders to weaken local identities and prevent regional unity. The Ferghana Valley, divided among three Soviet republics, is a prime example of this approach. After the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991, the administrative boundaries became international borders overnight between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The lack of clearly defined borders has sparked numerous conflicts over territory, water, and land. A notable clash between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in 2021 resulted in over 40 deaths and the destruction of homes and infrastructure. Many disputes revolve around access to scarce resources like water and arable land. These issues have escalated into violent confrontations, leading to casualties and the displacement of local populations. Water: A Scarce and Contested Resource Water is the lifeblood of the Ferghana Valley, but disputes over its allocation are a major source of tension. The valley depends heavily on irrigation for its agricultural productivity, and the Syr Darya River, along with its tributaries, plays a crucial role in supplying water to the region. However, the division of the valley among the three countries complicates water management. Uzbekistan, the most populous of the three, relies on the valley’s water resources for its cotton industry, a cornerstone of its economy. Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which control the headwaters of the Syr Darya, often use their upstream position to leverage water access. This dynamic has led to frequent disagreements over water usage. For instance, Kyrgyzstan has at times threatened to withhold water unless it receives compensation, either through payments or electricity. Ethnic Tensions and Political Instability Ethnic tensions further complicate the Ferghana Valley’s already volatile...

Diplomacy

Kyrgyzstan Presents its Candidacy for UN Security Council

Speaking at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov called on the global community to reduce arms spending and international tensions. During the general debate, Japarov nominated Kyrgyzstan's candidacy for the Security Council, saying the time has come to address historical injustices. “If elected, Kyrgyzstan will work to improve the efficiency and transparency of the Security Council and to expand it with balanced regional representation. It is time to eliminate the historical injustice of 60 member states, including Kyrgyzstan, who have never been elected to the Security Council, and to correct the under-representation of African countries on the Council,” Japarov said. The Kyrgyz leader said the world is becoming increasingly unpredictable and complex. He urged all states to continue to support the UN in its core mission of ensuring peace and preventing modern risks and threats in this “turbulent period.” “Unfortunately, this is happening in a world where many nations and peoples still lack access to basic clean water, healthcare, and education. We need to ensure that the money that goes to wars, destruction, and death goes to creating or solving global challenges for all,” Japarov said. The council has 15 members, including five permanent members. The next elections to the Council will be held in June 2026.

UNDP

Project To Support Women and Youth Launched in Turkmenistan

A new project developed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in cooperation with the British Embassy has been launched in Turkmenistan to support the country's economic diversification and empowerment of women and youth. The project aims to stimulate sustainable economic growth and increase Turkmenistan's global competitiveness by developing a creative and innovative economy. Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, emphasized the importance of unlocking the creative sector's potential to achieve economic prosperity. She said stimulating entrepreneurship and innovation will open new economic diversification and growth opportunities. British Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Stephen Conlon also spoke about the importance of the creative economy, noting the UK's experience in this area. Conlon stated that the creative sector contributes to economic growth, strengthens national identity, and supports local communities, especially in rural areas. Within the project framework, the UNDP plans to launch recommendations for the development of the creative economy and support for entrepreneurship and innovation. One of the key events will be a forum on the creative economy, which will bring together representatives of the government, international organizations, and businesses. The forum will be a platform within which to share experiences and discuss legislative measures to support the creative sector. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is actively cooperating with Turkmenistan on various projects aimed at sustainable development. One of the key projects deals with managing the consequences of the Aral Sea crisis. Together with the Government of Turkmenistan, the UNDP is implementing a project aimed at preserving ecosystems in the Aral Sea basin, improving the use of land and water resources, and increasing the sustainability of local communities. Another important project is Digital Transformation, which aims to help Turkmenistan implement advanced inter-agency data exchange systems to improve the efficiency of public services.

Legislation

Uzbek Parliament Adopts Law on “Undesirable” Foreigners

On September 20, the Senate of Uzbekistan's Oliy Majlis approved amendments to the law regulating the legal status of foreign citizens and stateless persons. The main changes concern those who, through their public statements and actions, threaten Uzbekistan's state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security. According to Senator Anvar Tuichiev, such persons often provoke interstate, social, and religious discord and discredit the honor and dignity of the people of Uzbekistan. The existing legislation lacks the legal mechanisms to tackle such actions. The amendments adopted establish that foreign citizens and stateless persons who commit such acts will be considered "undesirable," and will be included in the registry of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan. Those on the registry will be subject to a five-year ban on entering the country, opening bank accounts, buying real estate, and participating in the privatization of state property. If such a person temporarily or permanently resides in Uzbekistan, they will be given ten days to leave voluntarily. Otherwise, a procedure for their deportation will be initiated. A person can be removed from the register if the reasons for their inclusion are eliminated. The senator also stated that the experience of countries such as Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, and China was considered when drafting the law. The amendments will come into force after being signed by President Mirziyoyev. The decision came to make changes to the legislation came amid statements such as that made by Russian politician Zakhar Prilepin in 2023, who proposed that Russia annex Uzbekistan and other former Soviet republics. This provoked a sharp reaction among Uzbek politicians, including deputies Rasul Kusherbayev and Bobur Bekmurodov. The Norwegian Helsinki Committee has said that it fears the new amendments could contradict international standards of freedom of expression, leading to Uzbekistan's isolation.