Kazakhstan - The Times Of Central Asia

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Water resources

Kyrgyz MP Questions Why Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Don’t Pay for Irrigation Water

A long-standing debate over Kyrgyzstan’s water resources resurfaced this week after a member of parliament questioned why Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan do not compensate Kyrgyzstan for irrigation water sourced from its reservoirs, according to a report by Kaktus Media. Speaking at a February 9 meeting of the parliamentary committee on agrarian policy, water resources, ecology, and subsoil use, MP Umbetaly Kydyraliev raised concerns about growing water shortages caused by climate change and the lack of economic return from water exports to neighboring countries. “About 80% of the water in our reservoirs goes to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan,” said Kydyraliev. “How are we resolving this issue with them?” Regional Cooperation vs. Compensation In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobaev explained that while Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are not making direct payments for water, they are contributing to major regional infrastructure projects, most notably, the Kambar-Ata-1 hydropower plant. Torobaev emphasized that cooperation is based on mutual benefit rather than transactional agreements. He noted that both countries have expressed strong interest in ensuring reliable access to water and have supported the hydropower initiative accordingly. Kambar-Ata-1: Strategic Investment Kambar-Ata-1, originally launched during the Soviet era and later shelved, is poised to become one of Central Asia’s largest hydropower plants. Once completed, it is expected to surpass the output of the Toktogul hydropower station, currently Kyrgyzstan’s main source of electricity. The plant's projected cost is around $3.6 billion. Who Should Pay for Upkeep? Kydyraliev also cited other key reservoirs, including Kempir-Abad (jointly managed with Uzbekistan), Kirov, and Orto-Tokoy, which remain under Kyrgyzstan’s jurisdiction. Annual intergovernmental commissions determine how much water is released from these facilities, yet no financial compensation is received. “Does this mean Kyrgyzstan gains no economic benefit from maintaining these hydropower facilities?” he asked. “We have to repair them, stabilize water levels, and inspect dams. These are real costs. Other countries pay for water under international law.” Official Position: No Demands for Payment Deputy Energy Minister Nasipbek Kerimov noted that the issue is being jointly studied by energy and water specialists. Torobaev added that details of these discussions are confidential but confirmed that President Sadyr Japarov has instructed officials not to demand payments from neighboring states for infrastructure maintenance. Instead, Kyrgyzstan will shoulder those costs itself, with any external assistance remaining voluntary.

Board of Peace

Uzbekistan Agrees to Join U.S.-Proposed Board of Peace

Uzbekistan has received and accepted an official invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to join a new international initiative aimed at promoting peace and resolving conflicts in the Middle East, according to the press secretary of the President of Uzbekistan. The invitation, addressed to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, proposes Uzbekistan’s participation as a founding member of a newly established Peace Council. The initiative is anchored in a comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza, which was announced on September 29, 2025, supported by several global leaders, and endorsed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, adopted on November 17, 2025, the presidential press service stated. According to the letter from the White House, the initiative seeks to unite countries willing to take responsibility for fostering long-term peace, stability, and security in the Middle East. The Peace Council is envisioned as an international body that would initially focus on Gaza, with a broader mandate to address other conflicts over time. In his response, President Mirziyoyev affirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to join the Peace Council as a founding member. He called the initiative a significant step toward resolving enduring conflicts in the Middle East and promoting peace and stability across the wider region. In recent years, Tashkent has sought to expand its international role through dialogue-oriented diplomacy while avoiding formal military or bloc alignments. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan has also accepted an invitation to join the Peace Council. The offer, addressed to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was confirmed by Ruslan Zheldibay, assistant to the Kazakh president’s press secretary. Zheldibay stated that Tokayev was among the first world leaders to receive an official invitation from President Trump. “Yes, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received an official invitation to join the Peace Council, and Kazakhstan was invited to become one of its founding states,” Zheldibay said. He added that Tokayev responded with gratitude, confirmed Kazakhstan’s participation, and reaffirmed the country’s intention to contribute to a lasting peace in the Middle East and broader global stability. According to a report by Reuters, international reactions to Trump’s proposal have been cautious. The initiative, sent to approximately 60 countries, has raised concerns among some diplomats who worry it could undermine the role of the United Nations. Reuters also reported that the Peace Council would be chaired for life by President Trump and would initially focus on Gaza before expanding its scope to other global conflicts. Member states would serve three-year terms, unless they contribute $1 billion each to gain permanent membership. The White House stated that permanent membership would be reserved for countries demonstrating a sustained commitment to peace, security, and prosperity.

Electricity

Uzbekistan to Supply Electricity to Kazakhstan and Afghanistan in 2026

Uzbekistan will supply 900 million kilowatt-hours of electricity to Kazakhstan between March and December 2026, according to a statement by the Kazakh Ministry of Energy. The agreement was formalized on September 7 in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, during a trilateral meeting of energy and water authorities from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. The meeting produced several protocols aimed at stabilizing the region’s water and energy balance. A key component includes coordinated water releases from Kyrgyzstan’s Toktogul Reservoir in exchange for electricity supplied by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan. The parties also finalized transit arrangements for Russian electricity flowing to Kyrgyzstan via Kazakhstan’s grid. These measures are designed to ensure adequate irrigation for southern Kazakhstan during the next growing season and to maintain critical water levels in the reservoir. Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov emphasized that the protocols include “specific figures, timelines, and prices,” underscoring that strict compliance with the agreed schedule is essential to maintaining stability in both electricity supply and water resource management. The electricity deal with Uzbekistan is expected to help offset power shortages in Kazakhstan’s southern grid during planned maintenance work at domestic power stations. Uzbekistan Supports Afghanistan’s Energy Sector In parallel, Uzbekistan has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s efforts to modernize its electricity infrastructure. The Uzbek Ministry of Energy reported that a high-level investment conference was recently held in Kabul, drawing officials from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, along with representatives from international organizations and diplomatic missions. As part of the conference, a financial agreement was signed for the construction of new power transmission lines and substations with capacities ranging from 220 to 500 kilovolts. The project is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2027. Uzbekistan also pledged to assist Afghanistan in modernizing its power distribution networks, implementing smart metering technologies, and providing technical expertise to improve energy delivery and reliability.

Corruption

Tackling Corruption in Kazakhstan: The Latest Trends

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, anti-corruption efforts are a cornerstone of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s agenda. Court-ordered funds confiscated from corrupt officials have been used to finance public infrastructure: over the past three years, 150 billion tenge have been allocated to build 89 schools. On June 30, Tokayev signed a decree dissolving the country’s standalone Anti-Corruption Agency and transferring its functions to the National Security Committee (NSC), in what officials described as a move to modernize and streamline public administration. A recent analysis by Ranking.kz sheds light on the latest trends, identifying the institutions most often entangled in scandals and criminal investigations. Corruption Reaches Across All Levels Between January and May 2025, the Kazakh authorities charged 640 individuals with corruption-related offenses, representing a 3% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. However, the number of identified offenders rose to 464, up 4.3% from 445 last year. During the same period, 405 individuals were referred to the courts, an increase of 9.2% year-on-year. The largest number of defendants were employees of Akimats and their subordinate departments, totaling 66 individuals, though this figure is one-third lower than in 2024. In addition, 49 police officers, 16 employees from the Ministry of Finance, 11 from the Ministry of Agriculture, and 7 from the Criminal Executive Committee under the Ministry of Internal Affairs were brought to court. Notably, three regional akims were among those referred to court this year, compared to just one in the same period last year. One judge was also prosecuted. In total, 57 individuals from 12 different ministries faced judicial proceedings, up slightly from 54 last year. However, the data does not encompass all divisions; for instance, the figures for the Ministry of Internal Affairs include only selected departments. Bribery Remains the Most Common Offense Bribery continues to be the most prevalent form of corruption, with 167 recorded cases in the first five months of 2025, a 27.5% increase from the previous year. Internal affairs personnel were the most frequently detained for bribery (22 cases), followed by local government officials (13 cases) and employees of the Ministry of Finance (9 cases). In terms of the number of individuals involved, bribery accounted for 99 people. Corruption-related fraud followed, with 71 cases documented, rounding out the top three categories of offenses. Kazakhstan in Global Perspective Kazakhstan ranked 88th out of 180 countries in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International, scoring 40 out of 100. This position is shared with North Macedonia, Suriname, and Vietnam. The index, based on assessments from organizations such as the World Bank and the World Economic Forum, ranks countries from 0 (most corrupt) to 100 (least corrupt). According to the same report, 17% of Kazakhstani citizens who accessed public services in the previous year admitted to paying bribes. By way of comparison, in Denmark and Finland, the top-ranked countries, only 1% of citizens reported such experiences. Within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Kazakhstan ranks third, behind Armenia (63rd) and Moldova (77th)....

Middle East

Kazakhstan Acts Swiftly on Middle East Crisis: Citizens Evacuated, Flights Suspended

In the wake of escalating hostilities in the Middle East, Kazakhstan has undertaken swift measures to safeguard its citizens and adapt its aviation policies. On the night of June 13, Israel launched “Operation Lion’s Roar,” targeting military and strategic sites in Iran, citing concerns over Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. The offensive triggered international concern and widespread flight restrictions, which affected Kazakhstani citizens in the UAE, Iran, and Israel. Stranded Tourists and Initial Evacuations In its immediate response, Kazakhstan’s Aviation Administration imposed a full ban on flights through the airspace of Iran, Israel, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon. The directive applied to all Kazakh carriers, both commercial and charter, requiring them to halt operations across the affected regions. As a result, around 300 Kazakh nationals, primarily tourists, were unable to return home. Despite prior warnings, flights to the UAE continued to depart with full passenger loads, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Aibek Smadiyarov. Evacuations began the following day. On June 14, six Kazakh citizens were evacuated from Iran via Azerbaijan. By June 15, another 68 individuals, including diplomats and their families, crossed into Turkmenistan. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its gratitude to Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and other partner countries for facilitating the evacuations. Further operations saw 332 Kazakh tourists repatriated from the UAE to Almaty on two FlyDubai flights on June 15, with support from the Turistik Kamkor Foundation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As of June 20, an additional 66 citizens had been evacuated from Israel via Egypt, while 78 others left Iran through Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan. “Thanks to joint efforts, more and more citizens are able to return home safely,” the Foreign Ministry noted. Ministry Advisories and Air Travel Disruptions On June 23, the Foreign Ministry issued an official advisory urging Kazakh citizens to refrain from traveling to the Middle East. Those already in the region were instructed to stay alert, avoid large gatherings, monitor official updates, and maintain contact with Kazakh embassies. Airlines also took precautionary measures. Air Astana extended its suspension of flights to Dubai and Doha through June 24, offering passengers the option of free rebooking or a full refund. SCAT Airlines announced delays to flights bound for Sharm el-Sheikh and Antalya, citing bird strikes and the volatile security environment. The airline also cancelled a flight from Astana to Doha. By June 24, Dubai’s Al Maktoum and Dubai International airports had resumed full operations. The airspace over Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait also reopened. UAE authorities have urged travelers to confirm flight details with their airlines and arrive early at airports.

internet access

Starlink Set to Launch Internet Services Nationwide in Kazakhstan

Starlink, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, will officially begin offering satellite internet services in Kazakhstan in the third quarter of 2025. The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan announced that an agreement has been signed with Starlink, ensuring compliance with national laws on information security and telecommunications. Expanding Internet Access to Remote Areas With this agreement, Kazakhstani users can now legally purchase and connect Starlink satellite terminals. Until now, the service had operated only in pilot mode, providing internet access exclusively to schools. “Starlink was not previously available to the public. Now, after reaching this agreement, the company has committed to fully comply with our legislation on information security and communications,” said Digital Development Minister Jaslan Madiev. The initiative is part of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s directive under the national project Accessible Internet, which aims to close the digital divide. The project focuses on underserved areas, such as mountain villages, remote pastures, schools, and healthcare facilities, where laying fiber-optic infrastructure is logistically or economically impractical. Starlink’s technology uses a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites, positioned approximately 550 kilometers above the Earth, to deliver high-speed broadband with low latency, even in rural and hard-to-reach locations. Background: A Long Road to Starlink Kazakhstan’s engagement with Starlink began in 2023 when the government, frustrated by the lack of progress from domestic telecom operators, initiated direct negotiations with SpaceX. Then-Minister Bagdat Musin announced a partnership to provide internet connectivity to 2,000 rural schools.. “Lauren Dreyer and I informed the President that in schools where students only receive 4 megabits per second through outdated satellite dishes, we would bridge the gap within six months. Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of SpaceX and Elon Musk’s deputy, confirmed Starlink’s commitment,” Musin said at the Digital Bridge forum. By April 2024, 447 rural schools were connected via Starlink. By July, that number had risen to 1,729. Attempted Ban and Backlash Despite the rollout’s success, in December 2024, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry (MDDIAI) proposed banning Starlink and similar services. Citing Article 23 of the National Security Law, the ministry argued that Kazakhstan should prohibit telecommunications networks operated from outside the country. The draft regulation targeted four companies, Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya, and Starlink, and was published for public comment on the Open Regulations website. It immediately drew widespread criticism. In response to the backlash, the proposal was withdrawn for revision.