Being close neighbors with centuries-long ties and common roots, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan continue to deepen their relationship, setting a good example for regional cooperation. Both countries are close trade and economic partners as part of the Eurasian Economic Union, which also includes Armenia, Belarus, and Russia. From January-November 2023, bilateral trade grew by 12% and reached
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has announced a subscription of up to $10 million in a landmark local currency green bond issued by Tajikistan’s Eskhata Bank. The first in the country, the bond aims to boost access to climate finance for smaller businesses amid a challenging macro-economic environment.
The recent summoning of the Uzbek ambassador to Russia over remarks made by the rector of the University of Journalism in Tashkent highlights the escalating tensions surrounding language politics in the region. Sherzod Qudratxoja’s statement labeling Uzbek citizens who speak Russian but not Uzbek as “occupiers or idiots” has sparked a diplomatic outcry from Russia,
U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan Manuel Micaller and the Aga Khan Development Network Resident Representative Qozidavlat Qoimdodov on February 15 joined Tajik Minister of Science and Education Saidzoda Rahim Hamro in an official handover ceremony of 242,000 English language textbooks for secondary schools in Tajikistan, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe reported. The U.S. Embassy, in cooperation
The World Bank Board of Executive Directors on February 15 endorsed an adjusted approach to support the people of Afghanistan. “Approach 3.0” will deploy funds from the International Development Association (IDA) through grants to United Nations agencies and other public international organizations. These funds will continue supporting basic services nationwide, particularly those benefiting women, and
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on February 14 said it has invested $41.99 million into shares of Kazakhstan’s flagship carrier, Air Astana, supporting the country’s first partial privatisation through an initial public offering (IPO). The EBRD’s investment represents a 5 per cent shareholding in Air Astana. The shares will be listed on both the London
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on February 14 that it summoned the Uzbek ambassador to Russia, Botirjon Asadov, over a recent statement by Sherzod Qudratxoja, the rector of the University of Journalism in Tashkent, who called Uzbek citizens who speak Russian but do not know Uzbek “either occupiers or idiots,” RFE/RL’s Uzbek Service reported. The Russian
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent economic sanctions imposed by the west have underlined the urgency of finding alternative trade routes between Europe and Asia that do not pass through Russia. In the new geopolitical realities, Kazakhstan has a good chance to become the main and most sustainable transit route between Europe and Asia. In
During his official visit to Qatar on February 14, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and participated in the Kazakhstan–Qatar Investment Roundtable in Doha. During his talks with the Amir of Qatar, Tokayev expressed his firm belief that in the near future Qatar will become one
The UN secretary-general’s envoy for Afghanistan met on February 14 in Bishkek with EU and Central Asian officials to discuss joint efforts to assist people in Taliban-led Afghanistan ahead of a more formal international meeting scheduled to take place on February 18-19 in Doha, Qatar, RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service reported. UN Special Representative for Afghanistan Roza
