From new visa-free travel rules and billion-dollar energy ventures to historic victories in sport and global cultural showcases, Central Asia is stepping further onto the world stage. The region is shaping itself as a hub of connectivity, creativity, and strategic cooperation — proving once again its growing influence in international affairs.
Kazakhstan
Turkish citizens can stay in Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 90 Days
Starting from August 27, 2025, Turkish citizens can enter and stay in Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 90 days within every 180-day period. This new rule strengthens mobility and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Source: zakon.kz
Barys secures first victory at the Romazan Memorial Tournament
Kazakhstan’s Barys claimed their first win at the international Romazan Memorial tournament, defeating Salavat Yulaev 4:3 in overtime. The decisive goal came from Dinmukhamed Kaiyrzhan, while newcomer Michael Vecchione also scored in his debut match.
Source: zakon.kz
Kairat placed in fourth pot of UEFA Champions League Draw
Kazakhstan’s champion Kairat will take part in the UEFA Champions League group stage draw on August 28, entering from the fourth seeding pot. This means the Almaty club could face European giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, or PSG, with at least one top team guaranteed to play in Kazakhstan.
Source: zakon.kz
Kazakhstan youth team wins gold at Asian Shooting Championship
Kazakhstan’s youth team claimed gold at the 16th Asian Shooting Championship in Shymkent. In the mixed trap final, Eleonora Ibragimova and Nikita Moiseev defeated India 38:37, while Uzbekistan took bronze.
Source: zakon.kz
Jordan’s King Abdullah II visits Kazakhstan to deepen strategic partnership
King Abdullah II of Jordan began his official visit to Kazakhstan on August 26-27 at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The talks focus on strengthening political dialogue, expanding cooperation in energy, agriculture, education, and digitalization, and launching new business projects, with the Kazakhstan–Jordan Business Forum serving as a key platform.
Source: astanatimes.com
Kazakh President Tokayev to visit China to boost partnership
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will visit China on August 30-September 3 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. His program includes talks on strengthening the strategic partnership, participation in the SCO Summit in Tianjin, meetings with Chinese business leaders to expand trade and investment, and attending the 80th Anniversary of Victory in World War II celebrations in Beijing as an honored guest.
Source: astanatimes.com
CIS Experts begin work on “Commonwealth Fair” Initiative
CIS countries held their first expert meeting in Moscow on August 26 to coordinate the upcoming “Commonwealth Fair”, first proposed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The fair will be held annually across CIS states, with the inaugural event planned for 2026 in Taraz, Kazakhstan.
Source: eccis.org
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan starts building key highway to China’s Xinjiang
Kyrgyzstan has launched construction of the Barskoon-Bedel highway, part of a new corridor linking Issyk-Kul with China’s Aksu prefecture in Xinjiang via the Bedel Pass. The route will cut travel distance by 500 km and save around 12 hours for freight carriers. Built by China Road and Bridge Corporation, the project includes major tunnels to ensure year-round access and is set for full completion by 2030. Once operational, it will become Kyrgyzstan’s third road crossing with China, boosting regional trade and positioning the country as a key transit hub.
Source: timesca.com
Kyrgyzstan seeks German Investment in key sectors
At the Day of German Economy in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz officials urged stronger German investment in renewable energy, logistics, finance, and tourism. Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliyev emphasized green technologies and climate challenges, while a new logistics cooperation deal was signed between Kyrgyz Temir Jolu and Rhenus SE & Co. KG. Bilateral trade has nearly quadrupled since 2020, with Germany emerging as a major partner in business and tourism.
Source: gov.kg
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan discovery sheds light on early agriculture 9200 years ago
Archaeologists working in southern Uzbekistan’s Surkandarya Valley have found evidence that hunter-gatherer groups were harvesting wild barley 9200 years ago, challenging long-held views that agriculture began only in the Fertile Crescent. Excavations at Toda Cave uncovered stone tools, plant remains, and pistachio shells, suggesting early foragers were experimenting with cultivation practices that may have led to domestication. Researchers say the find highlights Central Asia’s overlooked role in the global origins of farming.
Source: mpg.de
Uzbekistan and China agree to establish industrial parks
Uzbekistan’s Uzcharmsanoat Association and China’s Guojian Zhanmao company reached an agreement to develop modern industrial parks in Bukhara, Navoi, Fergana, and Samarkand regions. The $150 million project will focus on leather and textile production, powered by solar energy to meet sustainability standards.
Uzbekistan and Jordan agree on Joint Fertilizer Production
Uzbekistan and Jordan have reached agreements to launch joint projects for producing potash and phosphate fertilizers, according to UzKimyoSanoat Chairman Odil Temirov. The partnership will combine Uzbekistan’s resource base with Jordan’s processing capacity, while also exploring broader cooperation in chemical exports.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Andrea Bocelli to perform at Registan Square in Samarkand
World-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will give an open-air concert on September 1, 2025, at the historic Registan Square in Samarkand, supported by Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Foundation. The event will feature the National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan, leading choirs, and guest soprano Aida Garifullina.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Uzbekistan and UNESCO present initial results of AI Readiness Project
Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies and UNESCO reviewed preliminary findings of the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology RAM project in Tashkent. The results cover legal, socio-cultural, scientific, economic, and technological aspects, with next steps including broader participation and preparation for the UNESCO General Conference.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan and Pakistan hold political consultations
Turkmenistan and Pakistan held political consultations led by Deputy FM Ahmet Gurbanov and Additional Secretary Syed Ali Asad Gillani. Discussions covered political, economic, and cultural cooperation, energy and transport projects including TAPI, and plans to strengthen interparliamentary ties and private sector engagement.
Tajikistan
Tajikistan signs Central Asia Friendship and Cooperation Treaty
On August 28 in Dushanbe, President Emomali Rahmon signed the Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighborliness and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia after talks with Kazakh FM Murat Nurtleu. The agreement commits member states to strengthening peace, stability, and regional cooperation, while pledging non-aggression and mutual support.
Source: asiaplustj.info
Tajikistan’s judo team to compete at Qingdao Grand Prix 2025
The Tajik national judo team will take part in the Qingdao Grand Prix from September 26-28, joining athletes from over 20 countries. The squad includes top judoka Somon Makhmadbekov, along with Abubakr Sherov and Obid Dzhebov, as they aim for medals and Olympic qualification points.
Source: asiaplustj.info
Tajikistan and Iran sign MoU to boost Youth and Sports Cooperation
Tajikistan and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Tehran to strengthen ties in sports and youth development. The agreement includes exchange programs, joint projects, and cultural cooperation, reflecting the countries’ shared cultural and linguistic ties.
Source: asiaplustj.info
Tajik singer to represent Country at Silk Way Star Contest
Fakhriddin Khakimov, known for his appearances on The Voice and X-Factor, will represent Tajikistan at the first Asian vocal competition Silk Way Star in Astana. The show brings together performers from 12 countries, with a global audience expected to exceed 1 billion.
Source: asiaplustj.info
Qatar provides $50 million loan for Rogun Hydropower Project in Tajikistan
Qatar has allocated $50 million in a soft loan to support the construction of the Rogun HPP, a key project for Tajikistan’s energy security. The agreement was signed in Dushanbe between the Tajik Finance Minister Fayziddin Kahhorzoda and the Qatar Development Fund’s Director General Fahd Hamad Al-Suleiti.
Source: asiaplustj.info
Tajikistan and South Korea strengthen ties under “Central Asia — Korea” Dialogue
Presidents Emomali Rahmon and Yoon Suk-yeol discussed cooperation in digitalization, industrialization, investment, education, and labor migration during a phone call. They highlighted KOICA’s role in supporting socio-economic programs in Tajikistan.
Source: report.az
Azerbaijan
Qarabag returns to UEFA Champions League Group Stage after eight years
Azerbaijan’s Qarabag defeated Hungary’s Ferencváros on aggregate 3:1 away, 2:3 at home to secure a place in the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time since the 2017/18 season. The team, led by Gurban Gurbanov, achieves this milestone for only the second time in its history.
Source: report.az
Azerbaijan and Syria agree to establish direct cultural contacts
Azerbaijan’s chargé d’affaires in Damascus, Elnur Shahguseynov, met with Syrian Minister of Culture Mohammed Yassin Saleh, reaching an agreement to revive cultural ties after a 12-year pause and launch joint projects to bring the nations closer.
Source: 1news.az