This week, Central Asia advanced in tourism, education, and global partnerships — Kazakhstan expanded visa-free travel and led SDG efforts, while regional students gained international recognition in tech, art, and medicine. Here’s a recap of the week’s key events.
Kazakhstan
Visa-Free entry to Kazakhstan: new rules for 66 countries, including the USA, EU, and UAE
Kazakhstan plans to update visa-free entry rules for 66 countries, including the U.S., EU members, UAE, Japan, and South Korea. Citizens of these countries may stay up to 30 days per visit, with a total of 90 days allowed in any 180-day period. Turkish nationals may be permitted to stay for up to 180 days annually under a separate provision aimed at boosting tourism and economic ties.
Source: egov.kz
Kazakhstan highlights SDG progress at UN forum
Kazakhstan presented its third Voluntary National Review at the UN Sustainable Development Forum in New York, showcasing progress on all 17 UN goals, with a focus on eight key areas like poverty, health, and climate. The review emphasized youth involvement and was praised for its transparency and inclusivity. Recent steps include adopting the National Development Plan 2029, a Carbon Neutrality Strategy, and new social and water legislation.
Source: astanatimes.com
Q University signs MoU with Sungshin Women’s University
Kazakhstan’s Q University and Korea’s Sungshin Women’s University signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen academic cooperation. The agreement covers student exchange, joint research, cultural exchange, and international collaboration. The initiative marks a key step in expanding Kazakhstan-Korea educational ties, with joint projects set to launch in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Source: gov.kz
Kazakhstan wins two bronze medals at Girls' International Programming Olympiad
Kazakhstan’s national team, supported by Kaspi.kz, won two bronze medals at the European Girls Olympiad in Informatics, held in Bonn, Germany, in July 2025. Competing remotely from Astana, students Tamila Turganbayeva and Aruzhan Baimukhambetova earned medals among 226 participants from 60 countries. This marks a milestone for Kazakhstan, which will become an official EGOI participant country starting in 2026.
Source: zakon.kz
Kazakhstan and Hungary expand cooperation in space technology
Kazakhstan held a meeting with Hungary’s 4iG Group to discuss collaboration in satellite development, Earth observation data sharing, infrastructure, and training. A memorandum was signed between Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary and 4iG Space and Defence Technologies to establish a joint working group. The Hungarian delegation also visited Kazakhstan’s National Space Center and was invited to the SPACE DAYS KAZAKHSTAN 2025 forum in Almaty this September.
Source: gov.kz
Kyrgyzstan
Netflix’s Off Road puts Kyrgyzstan on the global map
The new Netflix series Off Road, filmed across Kyrgyzstan, showcases the country’s dramatic landscapes and culture through a six-episode automotive adventure. Produced with support from Kyrgyz tourism authorities, the show highlights destinations like Bishkek, Issyk-Kul, and Karakol. Officials hope the series will boost international interest in Kyrgyzstan as a travel destination.
Source: timesca.com
Kyrgyz student wins bronze at European Girls' Informatics Olympiad
At the 2025 European Girls Olympiad in Informatics held in Bonn, Germany, Kyrgyz student Ayperi Akzholtoeva earned a bronze medal, competing among participants from over 60 countries. The Kyrgyz team was led by coach Artyom Belyaev and included four talented young programmers. This achievement highlights the growth of IT education and female participation in STEM in Kyrgyzstan.
Source: limon.kg
Bishkek hosts presentation of 2026 World Nomad Games
Kyrgyzstan has officially begun preparations for the sixth World Nomad Games, scheduled for 2026. Next year will also mark the country’s 35th independence anniversary, chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the revival of the Issyk-Kul Forum. The Games aim to become a major international event celebrating ethnosports, nomadic culture, and cultural dialogue. Over 100 countries have been invited, with large-scale scientific, cultural, and sporting events planned.
Source: gov.kg
Kyrgyzstan nears completion of Toktogul Hydropower Modernization
Kyrgyzstan is finalizing the modernization of its largest power facility, the Toktogul Hydropower Plant, which generates 40% of the country's electricity. With three turbines already upgraded, work on the final unit is set to finish by November 2025, boosting capacity by 240 MW and adding over 500 million kWh annually. This is part of a broader strategy to reduce energy imports and expand renewables, including small hydro plants and new 300 MW solar and 100 MW wind projects underway.
Source: timesca.com
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and UAE discuss strengthening strategic partnership
Uzbekistan and the UAE held a phone call to discuss deepening bilateral ties. The sides noted progress in trade, investment, innovation, and transport cooperation, following the Uzbek leader’s January visit to the UAE. They emphasized the need for continued high-level dialogue and preparation for future strategic initiatives. Birthday greetings from the UAE leadership were also conveyed during the conversation.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Halyk Bank acquires 49% of Uzbekistan's click in $176M deal
Kazakhstan’s Halyk Bank will acquire a 49% stake in Uzbek fintech company Click for $176.4 million, marking a major move in Central Asia’s digital finance sector. Click, serving over 20 million users, will also buy a 49% share in Halyk’s Uzbek subsidiary Tenge Bank, aiming to deepen financial integration between the two markets. The deal reflects rising regional cooperation and positions both firms to lead in cross-border digital payments.
Source: timesca.com
Uzbekistan and China energy sign green energy agreements
Uzbekistan and China Energy International Group signed three new agreements to advance renewable energy projects and upgrade energy infrastructure. Plans include a 500 MW wind power plant in Bukhara region and a 100 MW energy storage system in Tashkent to boost sustainability and energy efficiency. These initiatives align with Uzbekistan’s low-carbon development strategy.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Tajikistan
High-Level talks between Tajikistan and Mongolia held in Dushanbe
High-level meetings between Tajikistan and Mongolia took place at the Palace of the Nation in Dushanbe. President Emomali Rahmon welcomed the Mongolian delegation, emphasizing Tajikistan’s interest in deepening bilateral relations. The two sides discussed trade, agriculture, tourism, green development, and cultural cooperation, agreeing to strengthen ties through forums, roadmaps, and joint commissions. They also pledged to continue collaboration on global issues within the UN framework.
Source: president.tj
Elon Musk’s Starlink explores digital partnership in Tajikistan
Representatives from Starlink, part of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, met with Tajikistan’s Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies to discuss expanding high-speed internet across the country, including remote regions. The agency presented national digital transformation projects, platforms, and cybersecurity initiatives. Both sides expressed readiness to deepen cooperation and accelerate digital connectivity through satellite technology.
Source: asiaplustj.info
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan reaches final of European University Futsal Championship
Azerbaijan’s student futsal team has advanced to the final stage of the European University Futsal Championship, held in Zagreb, Croatia from July 17 to 25. Representing the Azerbaijan Sports Academy, the team defeated Spain with an impressive five to one score in the semifinals. Their participation was organized by the Azerbaijan Student Football Federation with support from the national football association and other sports organizations.
Source: 1news.az
Azerbaijan and Somalia expand cooperation in education and development
At a joint press conference in Baku, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov announced that 20 scholarships have been allocated this year for Somali students to study in Azerbaijan, with hopes to increase this number. He also noted active discussions on joint projects, including investment in various sectors and the introduction of Azerbaijan’s ASAN service system in Somalia. These steps mark a deepening partnership in education and development.
Source: ru.trend.az
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan invited to participate in Baketu Forum in China
Turkmenistan has been invited to the fifth Baketu Forum, which will be held on September 25 at the Central Asia Cultural Exchange Center in Tacheng, Xinjiang, China. The invitation was extended by the Vice Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade during a meeting with the Turkmen ambassador. During the meeting, the ambassador also presented a book by Turkmenistan’s President and works of the poet Magtymguly Fragi translated into Chinese.
Source: mfa.gov.tm
Turkmen student named among top 50 in International Art Contest
Mahym Atakova, a student at the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan, became a finalist in the international “World Picture” competition held by the Tretyakov Gallery branch in Kaliningrad. The contest featured over 1447 artworks from young artists representing 65 countries. Atakova presented three graphic art pieces, two of which — Sweet Dream and Living History — are now part of a private U.S. collection. Her work was selected among the top 50 entries, earning her an official certificate from the 2025 competition.
Source: turkmenportal.com
Turkmen medical students undergo internship in China
From July 14 to 28, 2025, students from the Turkmen State Medical University are participating in a clinical internship at Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine under the SCO Medical Alliance. The program is part of a cooperation agreement between the two universities aimed at enhancing academic and research collaboration. Students attend lectures, hands-on sessions in acupuncture and herbal medicine, and participate in cultural activities focused on Chinese medical traditions.
Source:
turkmenportal.com