This week highlighted growing regional cooperation — from Kazakhstan’s pioneering robotic surgeries in Tashkent to Uzbekistan’s AI partnership with the UAE. Kyrgyzstan advanced preparations for EXPO 2025 and secured new Japanese medical grants, while Azerbaijan gained international recognition with a tourism award and hosted the first Green Education seminar.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani Junior Wrestlers Earn Seven Medals in Estonia
Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestlers claimed seven medals at an international tournament in Rakvere, Estonia, featuring nearly 500 athletes from 19 countries. Nihat Taghiyev won gold in the U-17 65 kg category, while Bakir Maharramli, Elmir Charkazov, and Isfahan Hasanov took silver. Huseyn Mustafazada, Abdurrahman Huseynli, and Mehdi Asgarli added bronze medals, marking a strong performance for the Azerbaijani team.
Source: report.az
First Regional Green Education Seminar Opens in Baku
Baku hosted the first regional seminar on Green Education, uniting representatives from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Organized by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Science and Education and ISESCO, the two-day event aims to promote sustainable development and integrate climate education into national curricula. The seminar also featured policy discussions on implementing “green school” models across the region.
Source: caliber.az
Azerbaijan Named “Best Culinary Destination” at Global Tourism Forum 2025
Azerbaijan received the “Best Culinary Destination” award in the Destination Excellence category at the Global Tourism Forum 2025 in Brussels. The award was accepted by Rashad Aliyev, Deputy CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, which also presented the “Experience Azerbaijan” stand. The event highlighted Azerbaijan’s growing tourism potential through meetings with international partners and a networking session supported by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Belgium.
Source: azertag.az
Kazakhstan
Air Astana plans to launch a direct flight between Tokyo and Almaty in March 2026
Representatives of Japan’s ten largest tour operators met with Kazakhstan’s tourism officials in Almaty to discuss cooperation ahead of the route’s opening. The talks centered on joint tourism initiatives and promoting Almaty as a new hub for Japanese travelers. Kazakhstan expects to welcome 5000-7000 visitors from Japan in the first year.
Source: astanatimes.com
Rybakina Wins 10th WTA Title as Kazakhstan boosts tennis influence
Elena Rybakina claimed her 10th WTA singles title in Ningbo after defeating Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova, becoming the first Kazakhstani to reach this mark. The achievement comes as Kazakhstan expands its influence in world tennis, gaining additional voting power in the International Tennis Federation.
Source: astanatimes.com
International Falconry Festival unites Guardians of Steppe Traditions
The fifth International Falconry Festival took place in East Kazakhstan, gathering over 100 falconers and cultural representatives from Kazakhstan, Spain, Hungary, Russia, Mongolia, China, and Kyrgyzstan. Held near Bozanbay village in the Ulan district, the event celebrated nomadic heritage through traditional crafts, songs, rituals, and breathtaking falconry displays.
Kazakh Surgeons Perform First MAKO Robotic Operations in Tashkent
Kazakh orthopedic surgeons introduced the MAKO robotic system in Uzbekistan, performing successful knee and hip replacement surgeries in Tashkent during the “Days of Kazakh Medicine in Uzbekistan.” The MAKO system, developed by U.S.-based Stryker, combines surgical expertise with robotic precision, allowing highly accurate 3D planning and reduced complication risks. The procedures also served as a live training session for Uzbek specialists, marking a new milestone in regional medical collaboration.
Source: timesca.com
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan Expands Mineral Reserves through New Exploration Efforts
Kyrgyzstan has identified more than 1000 mineral deposits, including gold, copper, coal, and rare earth elements, solidifying mining as a key driver of its economy. Recent exploration added new gold and silver reserves, while modernization projects and subsoil auctions are boosting production and investment in the sector.
Source: timesca.com
Kyrgyzstan EXPO 2025 to take place in Bishkek this November
Bishkek will host the Kyrgyzstan EXPO 2025 on November 13-14, bringing together 140 manufacturers, exporters, and investors from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, China, Korea, and other countries. The event will feature product showcases, B2B meetings, and discussions with government and international partners, aimed at strengthening regional trade and innovation.
Source: 24.kg
Japan to fund medical equipment for two Kyrgyz clinics
The Embassy of Japan in Kyrgyzstan will provide grants to two regional medical centers under the Japanese Government’s Grassroots Human Security Program. The Ton General Medical Practice Center will receive $44 400 worth of equipment, while the Alay district center will get $64 800 for an anesthesia machine, surgical lamp, and electrocoagulator. Since 1996, Japan has financed 196 projects in Kyrgyzstan totaling over $13 million to support healthcare, education, and local development.
Source: 24.kg
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and Bangladesh strengthen trade and economic ties
Uzbekistan and Bangladesh discussed expanding bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation during recent talks between government and business representatives. The meeting focused on boosting exports, industrial collaboration, and building new logistics and education partnerships to enhance regional connectivity.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Uzbekistan and the UAE explore cooperation in Artificial Intelligence
A delegation from Uzbekistan’s National Agency for Advanced Projects met in Dubai with UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar Sultan Al Olama to discuss joint initiatives in AI development. The talks focused on applying AI in public administration, training specialists, and sharing best practices in digital innovation. Both sides agreed to continue collaboration through expertise exchange and joint educational programs.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Uzbek athletes win four medals at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain
Uzbekistan’s team earned four medals in athletics at the III Asian Youth Games in Bahrain. Nazmina Rakhimzhonova won gold in the 1500 meters, while Muhammadaziz Nosirov and Shahzodbek Kholmurodov claimed silver in the hammer throw and triple jump. Shodiyona Rakhmonova secured bronze in the 100-meter hurdles, continuing Uzbekistan’s strong performance at the competition.
Source: uzdaily.uz