Author: Iliyas Daniarev

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev last week called for increased defense cooperation among the Central Asian countries known collectively as the C5 — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — potentially leading to a regional security architecture. This is a part of new efforts to reverse the old trend of the region having stronger relationships with external countries, such as Russia, than those within the region. The new vision also reflects an anxiety Tokayev and other Central Asian leaders have expressed over polarization in international relations and a desire to remain neutral and positive while working with all sides, especially similarly…

The Tajikistani authorities are perpetuating systemic discrimination and severe human rights violations against the Pamiri minority, according to new research by Amnesty International. The Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) in East Tajikistan is home to several ethnic groups forming the Pamiri minority, mostly practicing the Shia Ismaili branch of Islam. Denied official recognition as a minority and regarded as ethnic Tajiks by the central authorities, Pamiris face systemic discrimination, suppression of cultural and religious institutions, political oppression, and brutal reprisals for defending their rights. “The ongoing persecution and human rights violations against the Pamiri minority in Tajikistan reached an alarming scale…

At a minimum Australians expect ministers in the Defence portfolio to display a basic knowledge of defence matters. The Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy’s address to the National Press Club is particularly worrying as justification for “the greatest industrial undertaking Australia has ever attempted”. Conroy’s comments on the AUKUS submarines (SSN-AUKUSs) are simplistic to the point of being misleading. He explained that acquiring “the most capable nuclear-powered, conventionally-armed submarines in the world” will deliver “a mix of intelligence collection, defensive and strike assets that generate deterrence”. Because nuclear-powered submarines can stay submerged, transit more rapidly than conventional diesel-electric submarines, and spend more time…

KYIV, Nov 25 (Reuters) – Ukraine needs more air defences to protect its grain export routes as well as regions bordering Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday, as he addressed an international summit on food security in Kyiv. “There is a deficit of air defence – that is no secret,” Zelenskiy told the Grain from Ukraine summit, which was attended by senior officials from European countries, including Swiss President Alain Berset and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte. Zelenskiy was speaking after Russia attacked Ukraine with 75 drones overnight, the biggest drone assault of the war. The joint press conference of…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan provides attractive investment opportunities with a rapidly expanding business and industrial sector, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Altyn Sapa (Golden Quality) and Paryz (Duty) award ceremony on Dec. 12 in Astana, as reported by the Akorda press service. Altyn Sapa and Paryz are annual awards recognizing entrepreneurs who have significantly contributed to the country. According to the President, the business sphere is developing dynamically. “The share of small and medium-sized businesses has exceeded 36% of the gross domestic product (GDP). This is indeed a high indicator. The number of people working in this sector has reached…

Kazakh Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with CEO of Svevind Energy Group Wolfgang Kropp, Kazinform News Agency cites the Akorda press service.  During the meeting with the management of Svevind Energy Group, the issues of preparation for the implementation of the project for the production of “green” hydrogen in the Mangistau region were discussed. The Head of State was informed about the beginning of preliminary design and survey works (Pre-FEED) under the Investment Agreement signed during the visit of President of the European Council Charles Michel to Kazakhstan last year. The project involves the construction and operation of a…

ASTANA – German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck conveyed Germany’s increasing interest in Kazakhstan’s green transformation during negotiations with a Kazakh delegation led by First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar on Nov. 20 in Berlin, reported the Prime Minister’s press service. The interest is driven by Kazakhstan’s cheap energy sources and its appeal for large-scale green projects, particularly in the production of energy-intensive products. Svevind Energy Group initiates the construction of a green hydrogen production complex in western Kazakhstan, attracting an investment of approximately $50 billion. A German hydrogen diplomacy office was opened in…

French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to a joint declaration with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan to promote trade and cooperation in nuclear energy and strategic minerals during Macron’s visit to the Central Asian nation last Wednesday. Kazatomprom, the largest uranium producer in the world, based in Kazakhstan, and Framatome, a French nuclear reactor constructor, also signed an agreement on cooperation in the nuclear fuel cycle. Tokayev said: “Kazakhstan is the world’s top uranium producer, contributing over a quarter of nuclear fuel consumed in Europe. With nuclear power comprising 63% of France’s energy sector, there is vast potential for further cooperation.” France is one…

In a notable shift driven by geopolitical tensions and trade disputes, Australian businesses are redirecting their trade focus from China to the United States, according to a report in the Herald Sun, citing a survey conducted by The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). For the first time in the history of the survey, the US has emerged as the leading market for Australian traders. This shift away from China follows a prolonged period of strained relations between the two nations, marked by heavy tariffs and restrictions imposed by China on various Australian imports, including barley, wine, coal, lobster and beef.…

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of China Xi Jinping commended the development of bilateral partnership during an Oct. 17 meeting in Beijing, reported the Akorda press service. Tokayev, who arrived on an official visit to China on Oct. 16, said it was a great pleasure to visit Beijing to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation at the invitation of Xi Jinping. He expressed Kazakhstan’s support for China’s global initiative, announced a decade ago in Astana. Tokayev congratulated Xi on the results of implementing this megaproject, the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and the…