In an interview with local TV channels, published on the official presidential website, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said that an important achievement in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy in 2025 was the country’s election as a full member of the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. “From a geographical point of view,
A delegation from Iran, led by Jabbar Ali Zakeri, head of the country’s railway administration, has visited Afghanistan to explore connecting Iran’s railway network to China through Afghan territory, TOLOnews reported. The primary focus of the project is the Herat–Balkh railway corridor, considered a vital transit route that would link Central Asian countries and China
One of the highlights of the departing year for Marat Akhmedjanov, the founder of the British publishing house Hertfordshire Press, was his participation in the official launch and inaugural forum of Eurasia Policy Council in the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster in November. Hertfordshire Press is the only British publishing house dedicated
On December 20 in Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed the Presidents of the five Central Asian countries as she hosted the first Summit of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue (CA+JAD) at the leader’s level. Prime Minister Takaichi highlighted the importance and potential of the Central Asian region, including its geopolitical significance as
Hertfordshire Press, the UK’s leading publisher dedicated to translated literature from the post-Soviet space, announces the release of Imprisoned Souls: Poems of Uyghur Prisoners in China, a powerful new anthology translated and compiled by acclaimed Uyghur poet, scholar, and human rights advocate Aziz Isa Elkun. At a moment when Uyghur cultural expression faces systematic erasure,
On December 16 in London, the British publishing house Hertfordshire Press organized an international event dedicated to Kazakhstan’s Independence Day and the 180th anniversary of Abai Qunanbaiuly’s birth. More than 80 guests from around the world, from the UK to Australia, participated, expressing their support for Kazakh culture. Hertfordshire Press, which has specialized in translating
Afghanistan’s economy is expanding for the second consecutive year, supported by low inflation and stronger revenues. However, rapid population growth, a widening trade deficit, and persistent poverty continue to weigh on the country’s outlook, according to the World Bank’s latest Afghanistan Development Update. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of recent economic developments and the medium-term
Great Britain’s Kurash wrestlers produced some fine performances at the Paris International Tournament, achieving a gold and a bronze medal. This prestigious event, held in honour of the birthday of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, took place under the embracing shadow of the historic Eiffel Tower. The iconic tower was beautifully lit for the
On November 27, Tashkent hosted the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC) and Connectivity Investors Forum with the participation of the European Union, South Caucasus and Central Asian countries, Türkiye, International Development Banks, the private sector and regional partners. The Forum demonstrated how the EU’s Global Gateway strategy is moving from vision to delivery, with new investments designed
On November 13, London’s Shaw Theatre welcomed the Kazakh company The Arts Stage, presenting The Black Cloak, based on Georgy Khugaev’s play and directed by Askhat Mayemirov. The performance became one of the standout events of the autumn theatre season, reminding us that profound theatre does not need loud effects to feel contemporary. The play
On November 6, a summit of leaders of Central Asia and the United States in the “C5+1” format was held at the White House in Washington, D.C. The event, chaired by the President of the United States Donald Trump, was attended by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan and Central Asia’s largest city, has been included in the list of “The Best Places to Go in Asia in 2026” by the international travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler. According to the magazine, “Tashkent has reinvented itself time and again—shaped first by Silk Road merchants, then by Arab dynasties and later Russian
The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has announced the approval of a five-year alternative livelihood plan aimed at providing lawful and sustainable economic opportunities for the country’s farmers. This initiative follows the decree of the Islamic Emirate’s leadership banning the cultivation of poppy, TOLOnews reported. According to the
In the United Kingdom, Israeli writer Boris Guberman has released a new book titled SOCIO-ECONOMIC FORMATIONS AND ASSOCIATED MARKETS / КОНЦЕПЦИЯ: ОБЩЕСТВЕННО-ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИЕ ФОРМАЦИИ И СОПУТСТВУЮЩИЕ ИМ РЫНКИ. The book was published in a bilingual format, with both Russian and English versions under one cover. At the core of the work lies the author’s original perspective
Armenia on October 27 allowed Azerbaijani trucks traveling to Türkiye to cross its territory for the first time, marking a significant step toward easing decades of hostility between the two neighbors, Daily Sabah reported. Armenia has also invited Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to the 2026 European Political Community summit in Yerevan. According to local media
On October 24 in Brussels, the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) was signed between Uzbekistan and the European Union in the presence of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the European Council António Costa, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The document renews and significantly expands the legal framework governing
On October 24, as part of his official visit to Belgium, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a roundtable meeting with heads of leading European companies and banks. The meeting was attended by the EU Commissioner for enlargement Marta Kos, the top management from companies and corporations such as Vandewiele, Linde, Rhenus Logistics, Ahlers Logistics,
Only One Night in London: a truly special event of the theatrical season, presented in a unique cast and stage version that will not be repeated. The Arts Stage theatre presents the play “The Black Cloak”, based on the parable of the same name by renowned Ossetian playwright Georgy Khugaev. The production combines the mystical
The Arts Stage Theatre invites everyone to the unique premiere of the play “The Black Cloak”, where legendary animals come to life on the British stage, revealing the secrets of human nature. Expect incredible acting transformations, a story filled with passion and pain — about devotion and honour — and a magical journey through past
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank) have released a joint research report, entitled ‘Exploring Trade and Investment Relations between India and Central Asia: Unlocking Economic Benefits’. The report analyzes the untapped potential of cooperation between the two dynamically growing economic centers. The report lists Central Asia and
