Energy and Economy

 

Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Turkmenistan to Sign Agreement on Caspian-Black Sea Transport Route

On July 18, during political consultations held in Bucharest between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry of Romania, the sides confirmed their intention to prepare for signing in 2024 in Bucharest a quadripartite intergovernmental agreement among Turkmenistan, Romania Azerbaijan, and Georgia on the creation of a Caspian Sea-Black Sea international transport route. The initiative aims to enhance the movement of goods between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea, ultimately connecting these regions more closely with European markets.

Source: Golden Age State News Agency of Turkmenistan 

The United States and Kazakhstan Strengthen Critical Mineral Partnership

The 2024 U.S.-Kazakhstan Strategic Energy Dialogue was held in Astana the third week of July.  Topics of discussion included greenhouse gas emissions reduction, sustainable critical materials mining and refining, civil nuclear cooperation, renewable energy sources, energy security, and global nuclear security. The U.S. Department of State also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kazakh National Geological Survey and National Mining Company, Tau-Ken Samruk, to “expand and diversify critical minerals supply chains” by providing financing and technical assistance. The Kazakh National Geological Survey is looking particularly to explore the promising regions of Kyzylorda and east Kazakhstan, where large deposits of zinc and uranium have been found.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Times of Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan Pledge to Increase Bilateral Trade

On a state visit to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov announced a package of trade deals worth $2 billion with his counterpart, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The agreement called for the establishment of trading houses in Bishkek and Tashkent and easing regulations in trading agricultural products.  The visit also launched several jointly owned projects, such as a fabric factory, a vehicle manufacturing plant, and two solar plants.

Source: Times of Central Asia, Uzbekistan Press Office

Georgian Exports Valued at Record High for Month of June

According to Georgia’s Deputy Economy Minister, Georgian exports were valued at just over $581 million in June.  The goods exported were notably diverse, including agricultural products, textiles, clothing, and industrial goods.  He noted that state support programs were working to further diversify and boost exports.

Source: Agenda.ge

G7 Official Announces $200 billion Investment in Central Asian Infrastructure

In a meeting with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, the Acting Special Coordinator for the Partnership on Global Infrastructure Investment in the United States Department of State announced that G7 countries are prepared to make investments valued up to $200 billion in Central Asia.  The aim is to expand trade within the region and to European countries.  The investment will include infrastructure for transportation, clean energy, and critical mineral extraction. 

Source: Astana Times

Fallowing Protests, “So Called” Officials of Occupied Abkhazia Withdraw Real-Estate Reform 

In Abkhazia, separatist controlled and Russian occupied Georgian territory, a controversial real estate bill easing access to Abkhaz properties for foreign nationals has been withdrawn following street demonstrations.  Opponents feared the law, which allowed foreigners to develop and own property in Abkhazia, would lead to an influx of Russian citizens to the territory, which likely has a population of roughly 250,000.  Abkhazia has a significant Black Sea coast and prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union was a frequent tourist destination.

Source: JAM News, OC Media

Politics and Security

 

EU to Work Toward Visa Liberalization with Armenia

Ambassadors from the European Union’s 27 member states have approved a European Commission proposal to ease existing visa requirements for Armenian citizens. The proposal will now move to the European Council in what will probably be a lengthy and detailed process. The European Union will likely propose a series of internal reforms Armenia must take to ensure visa liberalization, such as anti-corruption or rule-of-law measures. The process could take several years before tangible results are achieved.

Source: RFE/RL

The United States and Armenia are Holding a Joint Military Exercise

The United States and Armenia are in the midst of a joint military exercise dubbed Eagle Partner. The exercise started on July 15 and is set to last until July 24, consisting of a small number of American and Armenian troops at a base in a suburb of Yerevan. 

Source: Eurasianet

Azerbaijan Formally Invites Armenia to COP29

On July 21, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and head of the foreign policy department of the head of state's administration Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, announced that Azerbaijan has formally sent an invitation to Armenia for COP29. “COP29 president-designate Mukhtar Babayev has sent a letter of invitation to the Armenian Foreign Minister,” Hajiyev told journalists on the sidelines of the 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum. 

Source: News.az

Kyrgyzstan Completes Repatriation of 22 Women and Children from Northeast Syria

Following Kyrgyzstan’s repatriation of 22 women and children from the al-Hol and Roj displaced persons camps in northeast Syria, the U.S. Department of State applauded the Kyrgyz government for “exemplary action on repatriations.” Since early 2023, Kyrgyzstan has repatriated 454 of its nationals from camps where 27,000 individuals from over 60 countries continue to suffer from dire humanitarian and security conditions. 

Source: U.S. Department of State