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United Nations

Trump and Tokayev Secure a Historic $4.2 Billion Locomotive Deal

Washington, D.C. – The United States and Kazakhstan have finalized the largest locomotive agreement in history, a $4.2 billion deal that underscores American industrial strength and deepens ties between the two nations. The announcement came following a call between President Donald Trump and Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which officials say directly helped bring the deal across the finish line. The U.S. Department of Commerce confirmed that Pennsylvania-based Wabtec will supply about 300 Evolution Series locomotives, in kit form, to Kazakhstan’s state railway over the next decade. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized the scale of the export package, writing on X that the deal is “more than just a huge success story. It’s about American innovation leading the world, supporting thousands of jobs in TX & PA, and strengthening the U.S.–Kazakhstan partnership.” For Trump, the Pennsylvania tie is notable — the state is both home to Wabtec and a perennial battleground in presidential politics. What Trump and Tokayev said President Trump celebrated the breakthrough personally on Truth Social: “I just concluded a wonderful call with the Highly Respected President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev. They have signed the largest Railroad Equipment Purchase in History, $4 Billion Dollars Worth of United States Locomotives and Rail Equipment”. He continued: “Congratulations to President Tokayev on his great purchase. This Country, and the World, was built on reliable, beautiful Railroads. Now they will be coming back, FAST!” Earlier in September, Trump had told reporters he had a “great conversation” with Tokayev — a remark that signaled improving ties between Washington and Astana ahead of the deal. On Sept. 22, the Commerce Department formally confirmed the $4.2 billion agreement. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, in a separate statement on X, emphasized that the leaders’ engagement helped pave the way and argued the deal strengthens an enhanced strategic partnership while embedding American technology in Eurasian connectivity. President Tokayev, for his part, has emphasized transport and logistics as central to Kazakhstan’s role as a “link between Europe and Asia,” calling for expanded rail infrastructure and modern customs systems. In July, amid tariff tensions, he assured Trump in a letter that Kazakhstan was “ready for constructive dialogue” and was confident a compromise could be reached — a posture that laid groundwork for the closer economic cooperation reflected in this deal. Why It Matters: Unlocking Regional Corridors to the West The locomotives will reinforce capacity along the Trans-Caspian “Middle Corridor,” a trade route carrying goods from Central Asia through the South Caucasus and into Europe—an alternative to Russian and Iranian transit that governments have accelerated since 2022. A critical gap in that chain was addressed through U.S.-brokered diplomacy in August 2025, when President Trump hosted Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the White House. The two leaders signed a peace declaration after decades of conflict and committed to reopening transport links, most notably a 42-kilometer passage through Armenia’s Syunik province, commonly called the Zangezur corridor or the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). By...

UN General Assembly

Tokayev at the UN Underscores Kazakhstan’s New Diplomacy

Kazakhstan’s international visibility is reaching a peak this late summer and early autumn of 2025. In August, UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Astana, praising the country’s role as a stabilizing influence in Central Asia and a supporter of multilateral institutions. In a few days, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will address the UN General Assembly in New York, presenting Kazakhstan as a reliable partner in peacekeeping, sustainable development, and nonproliferation. This upcoming UN speech marks a departure from past appearances, signaling Astana’s intent not only to balance powers but also to set global agendas. Together, these events signify the country’s ascent as a state no longer defined solely by the art of survival between great powers, but one that now seeks to set agendas, convene adversaries, and project norms beyond its borders. This dual UN moment illustrates the broader transformation of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy over the past year: the shift from multi-vector balancing, an inheritance of the Nazarbayev era, toward a more assertive mode of multi-actor entrepreneurship. Framed through the UN stage, Kazakhstan’s diplomacy now aspires to translate regional initiatives into a global narrative. Rather than oscillating between Moscow, Beijing, Brussels, and Washington, Astana has begun to use its accumulated diplomatic capital to initiate, mediate, and institutionalize regional and global frameworks. From Balance to Initiative For three decades after independence, Kazakhstan’s “multi-vector” foreign policy served as a model of survival in a region shaped by the clash of external rivalries. The doctrine emphasized equidistance between Russia, China, and the West, with an overlay of pragmatic economic engagement. In practice, this often meant leveraging one relationship to offset pressure from another while securing steady inflows of trade and investment. Today, however, the war in Ukraine, the erosion of European security, and the sharper contest between Beijing and Washington have undermined the viability of simple balancing. In response, Tokayev’s government has shifted its approach, seeking to overlay a more agenda-setting dynamic on multi-vectorism by positioning Kazakhstan as a regional hub for diplomacy and connectivity. At the UN, this shift might be presented as Kazakhstan’s evolution from passive survival to a more proactive approach to international diplomacy. Astana’s task is to transform such declarations into a durable strategy. Central Asia and the South Caucasus The clearest evidence of Kazakhstan’s new role comes from Central Asia itself. Relations with Uzbekistan, once characterized by rivalry, have been recast as a cornerstone of functional regionalism. Over the past twelve months, Astana and Tashkent have concluded demarcation agreements, expanded electricity grid interconnections, and coordinated positions on water resource management. The consultative meetings of Central Asian leaders, which Kazakhstan has championed, now serve as regularized platforms for joint initiatives, from infrastructure to practical economic integration, with attempts to reduce Russian and Chinese influence. At the UN, this shift may be framed as Kazakhstan’s evolution from mere survival to actively pioneering new approaches in international diplomacy. For Kazakhstan, the partnership with Uzbekistan provides buffering against external pressure and multiplies regional influence. Astana has also made use of the UN Regional Centre...

UN General Assembly

Central Asian Presidents at UNGA-80: All Five Confirmed

New York, Sept 22, 2025 – Central Asia will have a strong presence at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA-80), with four of the region’s presidents confirmed to attend in person. One leader’s participation, however, remains unannounced. From Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is scheduled to be in New York from September 21 to 23. The Kazakh presidency confirmed that he will deliver his country’s national statement and meet with other heads of state on the sidelines of the high-level week. Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov is officially confirmed to be in New York from September 22 to September 25, where he is scheduled to deliver a speech in the General Debate. Japarov will also join a UN Security Council discussion on AI and a high-level climate event, while holding bilateral meetings with Secretary-General António Guterres and leaders from multiple regions. In Tajikistan, the presidential press service announced on September 21 that President Emomali Rahmon departed Dushanbe for New York to attend UNGA-80. He is accompanied by senior officials and is expected to speak during the General Debate. From Turkmenistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov left Ashgabat on September 21 for a working trip to New York. Turkmen state media confirmed his participation in UNGA-80, marking his direct representation of the country at the session. Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in New York on September 20 for a visit lasting through September 24. His agenda includes addressing the General Debate on its opening day and holding bilateral meetings with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and other world leaders. With the General Debate opening on September 23, Central Asia is set to be represented at the highest level by all five of its nations: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Diplomacy

Tokayev’s Visit to New York: UN Speech, Investment Talks, Nuclear Power, and Digital Cooperation

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in New York on September 21 for a working visit scheduled to last until September 23. Diplomatic and Business Engagements According to the presidential press service, Tokayev is set to deliver a speech during the general debate of the 80th anniversary session of the UN General Assembly. His agenda includes bilateral meetings with foreign leaders and heads of international organizations, as well as a roundtable discussion and a series of engagements with representatives of transnational companies. These meetings aim to highlight Kazakhstan’s investment opportunities. Expanding Cooperation with Cameco Tokayev’s first official meeting was with Tim Gitzel, President and CEO of Canada’s Cameco Corporation. The discussion focused on prospects for expanding cooperation in the uranium sector, particularly through the Inkai joint venture, which has been developing the Inkai deposit in the Turkestan region for over 25 years. The president commended Cameco’s long-standing partnership with Kazatomprom, noting over $500 million in investments and the successful transfer of nuclear technologies. “Kazakhstan is entering a new stage of energy development, with plans to build three nuclear power plants. Our country is interested in the innovative methods used in the nuclear industry,” Tokayev stated. Focus on Education and Testing Reform A major component of the visit centered on human capital development. In talks with Amit Sevak, President of Educational Testing Service (ETS), Kazakhstan expressed interest in updating its national assessment systems. Sevak emphasized the importance of tailoring solutions to Kazakhstan’s specific needs and highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in this transformation. Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek confirmed the country’s intention to elevate national exams to international standards. “GRE, SAT, and TOEFL are globally recognized, and they were developed in this scientific environment. Our goal is not to replace the Unified National Testing system but to enhance its quality. A large team of ETS researchers will arrive in Kazakhstan next month,” he said. Cultural Cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution Tokayev also met with representatives of the Smithsonian Institution, the largest scientific and cultural complex in the United States. Discussions focused on academic exchanges and the international promotion of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage. Beginning next year, Kazakh researchers will be able to undertake internships and conduct studies at the institution. Helle Bjetvin, Head of Folk Art Programs, expressed personal admiration for Kazakh applied arts: “I truly admire Kazakh ornaments and design. They beautifully combine tradition and craftsmanship. For me, it’s something very special.” Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Digital development was another key topic of the visit. Joint projects involving data centers, infrastructure expansion, and the establishment of agencies for artificial intelligence implementation were explored. Minister of Digital Development Zhaslan Madiev noted that Kazakhstan is steadily transitioning to a digital state model and seeks robust technological and financial partnerships. “We are discussing major joint projects in digital infrastructure and AI development. Kazakhstan’s market is attractive to global investors, and Goldman Sachs is being considered as a potential partner,” he said.

UN General Assembly

Opinion: Almaty as a Model for the Future: Central Asia’s Role in the Global Agenda

Almaty is gradually becoming a hub for resolving issues of not only regional but also global significance. The recent opening of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan here was an event no less significant than the 80th anniversary session of the General Assembly in New York. This is no coincidence: the global agenda at the UN today is increasingly focused on the regional level. Central Asia is not a periphery, but a kind of “model for the future,” where climate, water resources, and security challenges are intertwined. For example, the Tian Shan glaciers have shrunk by more than 25% over the past decade and continue to melt faster than predicted, directly threatening the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers. These rivers are increasingly failing to reach the Aral Sea, and its dried-up bed is turning into a giant source of dust and salt. Air pollution levels in the region's cities, as measured by PM2.5, exceed World Health Organization guidelines by an average of 4–6 times. Extreme heat and drought are leading to the loss of agricultural land and the degradation of ecosystems, which affects not only regional but also global food security. Central Asia has already become a unique “testing ground for the future.” The region is testing mechanisms for cross-border cooperation. The CASA-1000 energy project connects Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan with Afghanistan and Pakistan, creating a “green energy corridor.” Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Qosh Tepa Canal is altering the balance of water usage on the Amu Darya, forcing neighboring countries to seek new models of agreement. The question is whether these nations can develop a system of joint water and energy management. The outcome will shape not only regional but also global processes. At the same time, the United Nations itself is grappling with a deficit of trust and effectiveness. The Security Council is paralyzed, while General Assembly resolutions often carry only advisory weight. In the face of nuclear risks, environmental upheavals, and the threat of epidemics, the global community is stalling. Even large-scale initiatives such as the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) remain largely declarative rather than actually limiting “dirty” investments. Therefore, reform proposals are becoming increasingly vocal, in particular, to strengthen regional UN divisions that are capable of responding more quickly to crises and ensuring practical cooperation between countries. Another way to overcome the trust deficit could be to involve independent expert councils – scientists, NGOs, think tanks – more widely in the decision-making process, which would reduce the influence of political gridlock at the global level. Overall, Almaty can be seen as a model of a “UN in miniature” – a regional center capable of promptly addressing issues that may seem “too small” for New York, yet are critically important for the countries of the region. For instance, the SDG Center could initiate the creation of a regional water monitoring system with unified measurement standards and transparent data sharing. Such decentralization could form the basis for future UN reform....

Religion

UN Action Plan to Protect Religious Sites Presented in Astana

As part of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana, a special session convened under the auspices of the United Nations presented an updated Action Plan to Protect Religious Sites around the world. The Congress, held every three years in Kazakhstan’s capital since its inception in 2003, has become a significant platform for interfaith dialogue and global cooperation. For the first time, this year’s forum included a dedicated session on safeguarding religious heritage. The revised plan was introduced by UN Deputy Secretary-General and High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Angel Moratinos, who praised Kazakhstan's longstanding commitment to promoting global peace and interreligious dialogue. He affirmed the UN’s readiness to support collaborative initiatives arising from the Congress. Kazakhstan Senate Chairman Maulen Ashimbayev emphasized the country's backing of the 2023 UN General Assembly resolution on interfaith dialogue and combating hate speech, along with the new UN Action Plan. “Throughout our history, temples and spiritual sites of different religions have coexisted peacefully and remain an integral part of our cultural heritage. Located at the crossroads of East and West, Kazakhstan has always played the role of a bridge connecting peoples, cultures, and religions. We attach great importance to the preservation and protection of these sacred places,” Ashimbayev said. Participants voiced concern over increasing threats to religious heritage in various parts of the world. Director of the UN Alliance of Civilizations Nihal Saad reminded attendees that the original plan was adopted in 2019 in response to a series of attacks on religious institutions. “Despite global efforts, we have witnessed numerous attacks on religious sites. The Alliance is convinced that all places of worship should be sanctuaries, not targets for terror and bloodshed. People should be able to practice their faith peacefully and without fear,” she stated. The session concluded with calls to establish sustainable legal and institutional frameworks to ensure the protection of sacred sites worldwide. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, spiritual leaders from across the globe are set to gather in Astana on September 17-18.