Energy and Economy

 

EU Launches Two New Programs in Central Asia

During a Central trip Asia by European Union (EU) Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, the EU and Uzbekistan unveiled two new joint projects on March 18. This includes the "Connectivity for Central Asia (C4CA) Project,” which aims to increase regional connectivity by building digital infrastructure and integration in Central Asia, as well as the "Satellite Connectivity for Underserved Populations of Central Asia," which aims to provide internet access to rural communities across Central Asia. Both initiatives are part of the broader EU Global Gateway program, which aims to mobilize $300 billion in global investments by 2027.

Source: Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan Maintains Uninterrupted Oil Exports via CPC Despite Security Concerns

Kazakhstan continues exporting oil through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) without restrictions, the Energy Ministry stated. This follows reports that Ukrainian forces attempted to attack CPC’s Kropotkinskaya station in Russia’s Krasnodar Territory, though the assault was intercepted; a previous attack on February 17 caused damage and a temporary suspension. On March 19, drones also targeted an energy facility in Kavkazskaya village, which transfers oil to the CPC pipeline. The CPC system, Kazakhstan’s primary export route, transports over 80% of its crude oil, handling 72.5 million tonnes annually from Kazakhstan and up to 83 million tonnes from Russia. In 2024, CPC exported 63.01 million tonnes, including 55 million from Kazakhstan. CPC shareholders include Russia (31%), KazMunayGas (19%), Chevron (15%), Lukoil (12.5%), and other international firms.

Source: Interfax

Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Agree on Amu Darya Water Management

Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to enhance cooperation on the efficient use of Amu Darya water resources, following discussions held on March 13-14 in Turkmenabat. Officials from both countries focused on modernizing water infrastructure, flood prevention, and optimizing resource use, reaffirming commitments made during the fourth Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan intergovernmental meeting on water management. They also plan to collaborate on hydrotechnical projects, joint research, and training initiatives. The talks came amid growing concerns over Afghanistan’s Qosh-Tepa Canal project, which could divert an estimated 15% of Amu Darya’s water and worsen regional water scarcity.

Source: Caspian News

Tokayev Hosts Talks with Head of Chinese Nuclear Energy Firm

On March 17, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomar Tokayev hosted Shen Yanfeng, General Director of the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) in Astana, Kazakhstan. Reportedly, the meeting focused on Kazakhstan’s expanding nuclear sector and its establishment of a nuclear energy agency, as well as potential nuclear energy cooperation with CNNC. The Chinese firm is among four contenders vying to construct Kazakhstan’s first even nuclear power plant, slated for construction along the banks of Kazakhstan’s Lake Balkhash.

Source: Akorda

Politics and Security

 

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan Finalize Border Junction After Nearly 20 Years of Talks

On March 19, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan reached a final agreement on the junction point of their shared borders, after nearly two decades of negotiations. Kamchibek Tashiyev, head of Kyrgyzstan’s National Security Committee, presented the finalized demarcation to Kyrgyz lawmakers, confirming that six trilateral meetings since 2007 led to the breakthrough. The agreement, finalized during a March 2025 meeting in Dushanbe, ensures Kyrgyzstan retains around 100 hectares of land, including a key road. This follows a March 13 border agreement between Dushanbe and Bishkek, which marked a significant step toward easing long-standing tensions, reinforced by Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon’s first visit to Bishkek in nearly 12 years. As part of the deal, the two countries reopened the Kairagach and Kyzyl-Bel border checkpoints on March 13 after nearly 4 years of closure.

Source: The Times of Central Asia, AKIpress

President Trump Congratulates Central Asian Leaders on Nowruz

U.S. President Donald Turmp congratulated leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan on the occasion of Persian New Year holiday Nowruz. On the letters sent to Central Asian leaders, Trump stated that the United States remains a “remains a steadfast supporter of the countries’ sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.” Trump commended President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyz Republic and President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan on the successful demarcation of the border between the two countries. “This is a major achievement that will bring great economic benefits and security to both countries,” he said. In the letter addressed to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Trump highlighted that he is looking forward to “sending a delegation to the great, beautiful, white city of Ashgabat to represent the United States at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.”

Sources: Trend News Agency ,  President of the Republic of Uzbekistan , Trend News Agency , The Gulf Observer , Akipress 

After Seeming Breakthrough, Tensions Rise Between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Following the March 13 announcement that Baku and Yerevan had agreed upon the text of a final peace agreement, tensions appear to be increasing on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. Azerbaijani officials have accused Armenian forces of instigating firefights at several locations along the border zone, which Armenian officials have denied, accusing Baku of false accusations. Diplomatically, Armenia’s Foreign Minister stated on March 14 that it was unwilling to change its constitution as a pre-condition for signing a peace agreement, which is Baku’s position. However, in an interview with an Armenian TV channel, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the vote on adopting the country's new constitution could take place in 2026. "The government is also considering the idea of holding this process in parallel with the 2026 parliamentary elections," Nikol Pashinyan added. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister also re-stated his claim that Armenia is escalating regional tensions by increasing military expenditures.

Source: EurasiaNet, OC Media, Trend, Vestnik Kavkaza

Kazakhstan Ranks Among Top 40 Arms Importers in the World

Kazakhstan has been ranked among the world’s top 40 arms importers over the past five years, making it the only country in Central Asia and the Caucasus on the list, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Between 2020-2024, Kazakhstan accounted for about under one percent of total global arms imports, placing 26^th, with Russia supplying 88% of its weaponry. Despite their conflict, Armenia and Azerbaijan did not make it to the list, though both plan to increase defense spending in 2025, with Armenia’s rising to $1.7 billion. The report also highlights a steep decline in Russia’s global arms exports, which fell by 64% in 2020-2024 compared to the previous five-year period, reducing its share in global market by from 21% to 7.8%.

Source: EurasiaNet

Pashinyan Meets with Kobakhidze 

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hosted Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in Yerevan for discussions. The two leaders discussed Armenia and Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to establish a final peace agreement, other regional and global issues, as well as the upcoming Georgia-Armenia football match that coming weekend. 

Source: Armenpress