Kazakhstan welcomes major U.S. universities and Starlink, while Kyrgyzstan promotes beshbarmak to UNESCO status and expands cooperation with China. Uzbekistan celebrates its first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup and prepares to launch a national satellite. Meanwhile, Tajikistan strengthens ties with the UK and UNESCO, and starts direct flights to Beijing.
Kazakhstan
Top U.S. mining university to open branch in Kazakhstan
Kazakh and international students will be able to study at a local branch of the Colorado School of Mines, a leading American institution in geology and mining, starting next year.
Source: inform.kz
Starlink to launch officially in Kazakhstan in 2025
The Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development signed an agreement with SpaceX’s Starlink to begin official sales of satellite terminals in the country in Q3 2025.
Source: gov.kz
Arizona State University to establish campus and research hub in Almaty
ASU is launching a large-scale educational complex called Science City in northeast Almaty, which will include research centers, innovation labs, and academic institutions.
Source: inform.kz
Kazakhstan ranks 16th globally in Schengen visa applications
In 2024, Kazakhstan submitted over 179,000 Schengen visa applications — a 12.8% increase from the previous year — accounting for 1.54% of all global applications.
Source: inform.kz
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan and China to expand scientific and technological ties
Officials from both countries discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation through new agreements, academic exchanges, and joint science and tech initiatives.
Source: 24.kg
Kyrgyz novel "The Flood" published in Italian
Sultan Raev’s novel was translated by Federico Pastore and published by Rome-based Sandro, marking the author’s debut in the Italian literary scene.
Source: 24.kg
Beshbarmak may join UNESCO’s intangible Heritage List
Kyrgyzstan is preparing a national application to inscribe the traditional dish beshbarmak on UNESCO’s list and plans to host an international festival in Bishkek.
Source: 24.kg
Uzbekistan
Volkswagen to launch large-scale vehicle assembly in Uzbekistan
Partnering with local firm Alyans Auto, Volkswagen will assemble vehicles using Chinese components to better serve regional markets and cut carbon emissions.
Source: spot.uz
European Investment Bank to open regional office in Tashkent
By the end of 2025, the EIB will establish a regional hub in Uzbekistan focused on sustainable infrastructure in transport and water management.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Uzbekistan qualifies for FIFA World Cup for the first time
After defeating Qatar, Uzbekistan’s national team has secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup — the country’s first appearance in the tournament since independence.
Source: gazeta.uz
Uzbekistan to launch domestic satellite by 2028
A team of Uzbek graduate students studying in Japan will design and launch the country’s first scientific-technical satellite within three years.
Source: spot.uz
Tajikistan
Direct flights between Dushanbe and Beijing begin June 16
China Southern Airlines will operate biweekly flights connecting the capitals of Tajikistan and China on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Source: khovar.tj
Tajikistan and UK to collaborate on green data centers
The two countries discussed investments in energy-efficient data centers powered by hydropower, as well as joint work on synthetic data and digital research.
Source: khovar.tj
Tajikistan and UNESCO discuss future cooperation
Talks focused on science, education, natural resources, and cultural heritage, with both sides aiming to expand their partnership across key priority areas.
Source: khovar.tj
