Washington Shifts C5+1 From Diplomacy to Deals

By Dr. Robert M. Cutler On November 6, 2025, Washington hosted the C5+1 summit, bringing U.S. President Donald Trump together with the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The tone shifted from broad diplomacy to deliverable transactions, with officials emphasizing cooperation on critical raw materials. The timing signified a broader shift in supply […]

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Washington Steps Up Focus on Central Asia Amid Strategic Competition with China

The United States has intensified its interest in Central Asia following China’s decision to restrict exports of rare earth elements. Amid the broader U.S.–China trade rivalry, Washington is seeking to diversify its sources of strategic raw materials and strengthen economic ties with countries in the region. Analysts note that Central Asia is increasingly viewed as […]

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Tokayev Secures $17B in U.S. Deals, Trump Hints at Kazakhstan Visit

By Andrei Matveev The summit between the leaders of the United States and the five countries of Central Asia was the primary focus of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to Washington. But even before the summit began, the Kazakh delegation secured a series of high-level meetings with U.S. political leaders and business executives, culminating in […]

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What’s Holding Back Kazakhstan’s Air Transport Market?

By Dauren Moldakhmetov Kazakhstan’s aviation industry has posted steady growth in recent years. Over the past four years, passenger and cargo traffic have risen by more than 36% and 23% respectively, with an actively expanding route network. The state’s aviation development strategy prioritizes infrastructure upgrades, improved safety standards, and expanded international cooperation. Yet, despite these […]

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UNESCO Conference in Samarkand Highlights Uzbekistan’s Heritage

By Sadokat Jalolova At the opening ceremony of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted Uzbekistan’s growing role in global cultural dialogue and its expanding cooperation with UNESCO. Held on October 30, the event marked the first time in four decades that the conference had convened outside […]

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Tajikistan says it is ‘deeply concerned’ by latest EU sanctions targeting its banks

ALMATY: Tajikistan’s foreign ministry said on Saturday it was “deeply concerned” by the inclusion of Tajik banks in the latest round of EU sanctions against Russia, and said it would take measures to minimize the consequences on Dushanbe. Three Tajik banks — Spitamen, Dushanbe City Bank and the Commercial Bank of Tajikistan — were included […]

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How US and EU Sanctions Are Rippling Through Central Asia

By Andrei Matveev Russia’s economy has faced renewed pressure following a fresh round of sanctions imposed this past week by both the European Union and the United States. After abruptly canceling a planned meeting with Vladimir Putin in Budapest, President Donald Trump shifted to a more hardline stance, announcing new sanctions. While these sanctions may […]

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Turkmenistan renews call for gas pipeline to Europe

ASHGABAT: Turkmenistan renewed its call Friday for the creation of a pipeline linking its vast gas fields to Europe, a long-mooted project that would require significant foreign investment. The idea of a Trans-Caspian gas pipeline to Europe has been discussed since the 1990s but has been hindered by financial and logistical hurdles. “We’re always interested […]

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Beyond Infrastructure: China’s New Environmental Footprint in Central Asia

By Yunis Sharifli Uzbekistan’s economy is expanding at one of the fastest rates in Central Asia, creating new opportunities for businesses and citizens alike. Yet this rapid growth also brings challenges that the country must learn to manage. Among them, one of the most pressing issues is the growing problem of waste management, which has […]

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