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Repeal of Jackson-Vanik Amendment for Kazakhstan Discussed in Washington

On November 19, the U.S. Congress hosted a discussion on repealing the Jackson-Vanik Amendment as it pertains to Kazakhstan. The event brought together members of Congress, officials from the U.S. State Department, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the United States, Yerzhan Ashikbaev, and representatives from business and expert communities. A Cold War-era provision, the Jackson-Vanik Amendment to the 1974 Trade Act denied the U.S. normal trade relations with non-market economies — primarily countries in the former Soviet bloc — that restricted emigration for Jewish and other minority populations or violated human rights. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ashikbaev underscored the importance of repealing the amendment for Kazakhstan, highlighting the country’s transformation into a regional leader in attracting foreign investment and promoting stability in Central Asia. “Over the past 30 years, Kazakhstan has emerged as the second-largest economy in the post-Soviet space, accounting for two-thirds of Central Asia’s GDP. The repeal of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment and the establishment of Permanent Normal Trade Relations with Kazakhstan is a strategic move that will strengthen ties between Kazakhstan and the U.S., providing stability and predictability for American investors,” the ambassador stated. Congressman Tom Suozzi commended Kazakhstan for its efforts to promote religious freedom and the rule of law. He also emphasized that the U.S. recognizes Kazakhstan’s geopolitical challenges and the critical role of strengthening economic security in the region for mutual prosperity. Senator Chris Murphy stressed the strategic importance of Central Asia in U.S. foreign policy. He argued that repealing the amendment would signal Washington’s serious commitment to the region. While the amendment's sanctions were effective in the past, Murphy noted they are now irrelevant to Kazakhstan, which fully complies with international norms. Senator Steve Daines, co-chair of the Senate Central Asia Caucus, reflected on his visit to Kazakhstan in March. He described the establishment of the caucus following his trip and assured participants of his ongoing efforts to achieve Permanent Normal Trade Relations between the U.S. and Kazakhstan. Eric Rudenshiold, Senior Fellow at the Caspian Political Center and former National Security Council official, also emphasized the need for repeal. He noted that this step should have been taken earlier, given Kazakhstan’s significant political and economic progress over 33 years of independence. He described the repeal as both justified and timely. Participants in the discussion concluded that, given Kazakhstan’s successful economic reforms and its adherence to market economy principles, the Jackson-Vanik Amendment is no longer relevant.

Strategic Partnership Dialogue: U.S. Allocates $500,000 for Registan Square Preservation

On November 13, the latest meeting of the U.S.-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership Dialogue took place in Washington, D.C. Key participants included U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, Uzbekistan's Deputy Foreign Minister, Muzaffar Madrahimov, and the ambassadors of both countries. The delegations discussed the expanding partnership between Uzbekistan and the United States, focusing on economic development, human rights, security, and cultural ties. The United States reaffirmed its steadfast support for Uzbekistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. At the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining close consultations and celebrated new areas of collaboration. Notable progress was highlighted in critical minerals production and efforts to modernize Uzbekistan’s natural gas infrastructure. This follows the signing of a Critical Minerals Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in September and Uzbekistan’s entry into the Minerals Security Partnership. The delegations also underscored their commitment to diversifying trade and investment, advancing agricultural reforms in Uzbekistan, empowering women economically, addressing the climate crisis, and supporting the transition to clean energy. The United States commended Uzbekistan for adopting USAID-supported English language textbooks and teachers' manuals for public schools. Efforts to expand sustainable economic opportunities for women in Uzbekistan were similarly praised. Both nations highlighted the strength of their cultural ties, with the U.S. expressing gratitude for Uzbekistan’s leadership in archaeology and cultural preservation. As part of these efforts, the U.S. State Department announced a $500,000 allocation from the U.S. Ambassador's Fund for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage. The funding will support conservation efforts at Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Samarkand.

USAID Delivers Food Aid to Vulnerable Groups in Uzbekistan

On October 9, the United States, through its Agency for International Development (USAID), announced it had sent 131 tons of food aid to Uzbekistan, worth over $435,000. The shipment includes a nutritious mix of vegetables and legumes for distribution to over 33,000 people in 145 facilities, including centers for long-term tuberculosis patients, orphanages, and psychiatric institutions. “At USAID, we collaborate with our partners to deliver life-saving food assistance to the most vulnerable communities in Uzbekistan. By addressing malnutrition and ensuring access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food, we are empowering individuals to lead healthy, productive lives and building a more stable and resilient world for everyone,” said Anjali Kaur, USAID’s Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia. Since 2010, USAID’s International Food Relief Partnership program has provided 1,560 tons of food aid to Uzbekistan, worth about $4.5 million. The donated food will be distributed by the American non-profit organization Resource and Policy Exchange in collaboration with the international charitable foundation Sog’lom Avlod Uchun. USAID’s International Food Relief Partnership is part of a more extensive U.S. government program called 'Food for Peace'. Initiated in 1954 by President Dwight Eisenhower, the program illustrates USAID’s commitment to reducing hunger and malnutrition. In addition to providing food, USAID has allocated $6.1 million to expand educational programs in Uzbekistan.

Turkmenistan and American Language Schools Agree on Programs

Turkmenistan is taking active steps to establish international cooperation as part of its strategy to modernize its education system. Representatives of the Turkmen Education Ministry met with the leadership of the AC Language School from the United States. The American side took the initiative to develop unique educational programs specially adapted to the needs of the Turkmen labor market. The proposal's idiosyncrasy is the combination of international quality standards with the specifics of Turkmenistan's economic development. The proposed educational package includes programs in five strategic areas. International service standards and intercultural communication skills will be trained in the tourism sector. Courses in information technology, including advanced programming, 3D printing, and bioinformatics, will strengthen the technology sector. Special attention will be given to management training through MBA-level programs and training in renewable energy and clean technologies. The agro-industrial complex has also been addressed: courses on modern agribusiness and innovative agricultural product processing methods are envisaged. An important aspect of cooperation will be the introduction of an international certification system. This will allow program graduates to receive globally recognized documents, significantly increasing their competitiveness in the global labor market. Representatives of the AC Language School noted the great potential of the educational market of Turkmenistan and readiness for long-term cooperation.

Uzbekistan Implicated in U.S. Investigation of NYC Mayor Eric Adams

Uzbekistan has been implicated in a serious investigation into the sources of donations to New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 campaign. The investigation appears to be intensifying, a source said, after federal prosecutors issued subpoenas to his team members, including the mayor himself, in July. The US investigation into the mayor of New York spans six countries. It includes Adams’ ties to Turkey, Israel, Qatar, China, South Korea, and Uzbekistan. The big question investigators are trying to answer is whether his 2021 mayoral campaign conspired with Turkey’s government to receive illegal foreign donations, and whether the fire department was pressured to approve a new high-rise Turkish consulate despite safety concerns. Prosecutors seek additional information on Adams' relations with the other countries, including Uzbekistan – the only one of the six that Adams has not visited.

Politicians Discuss the Impact of Afghan Military Aircraft Remaining in Uzbekistan

The Times of Central Asia previously reported that when the Taliban seized power in August 2021, 22 military aircraft and 24 helicopters of the Afghan military crossed into Uzbekistan’s airspace. US Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick reported that the US and Uzbekistan had officially agreed that fighter jets and military helicopters will remain in Uzbekistan, whilst The Ministry of National Defense of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in turn, stated that “Any deal regarding the fate of Afghanistan’s helicopters and planes in Uzbekistan is unacceptable.” Dr. Davud Azami, an expert on international politics and security issues, commented: “Until the normalization of bilateral relations, the US will not hand over this aviation equipment to the Taliban, but this is unlikely to happen soon. This makes the matter more complicated.” Regarding the Taliban government’s demand for the return of the equipment to Afghanistan, he explained:  “The Taliban wants to strengthen its Air Force with these planes, especially helicopters. They also want to use the aircraft for humanitarian and rescue operations, especially during natural disasters like floods and earthquakes. Because buying such planes and helicopters requires money and a partner to sell them, the Taliban is at a huge disadvantage.” Azami stated that the Taliban is waiting for a “favorable opportunity” to exert more pressure on Uzbekistan, and added that the two sides will continue improving their relations despite disagreements over aircraft and helicopters. According to another BBC Uzbekistan interviewee, Uzbek political analyst Farhod Tolipov, this recent Taliban statement is flexible, and referenced the warning of the Taliban's interim Defense Minister that the countries who provided the military aircraft will suffer harmful consequences if the units are not returned. “The Taliban responded by using the phrase ‘good neighborliness’ in the sense that they should not break cooperation. That's why I think that based on what they said, the issue should not take a sharp turn. Because now, neither Afghanistan itself nor its government has become a superpower, and its economy, which is in crisis, needs to be developed. No country in the world has yet recognized them; many problems are ahead. That's why, in my opinion, the probability that they will be obsessed with this one problem is not very high,” said Tolipov. The analyst also expressed his opinion on the construction of the Qoshtepa Canal: “If this project is left unchecked and implemented unilaterally, the environmental consequences will harm Afghanistan itself. Environmental consequences and tragedies know no bounds. It will not be a tragedy for Uzbekistan alone, but also, potentially, for Afghanistan. Therefore, -given an understanding of the risks involved- they should continue work on the project,  in coordination, of course, with Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan.” Recommendations from Daniel Runde, a Senior Vice President at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), on strengthening the USA's relations with Uzbekistan, appeared in previous report by The Times of Central Asia.