This week in Central Asia: regional growth, global links, and cultural highlights

From expanding flight routes and educational ties to cultural achievements and diplomatic progress, Central Asia is actively strengthening its global presence. Here's a look at this week's top developments from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.

Kazakhstan

Direct flights between Kazakhstan and Jordan to launch in 2026

Kazakhstanis will be able to fly directly to Jordan starting mid-2026. Royal Jordanian Airlines plans to operate two weekly flights on this route.

Source: kz.kursiv.media

UNESCO certificate for Kazakh wedding tradition handed over

Kazakhstan has officially received the original certificate from UNESCO recognizing the traditional "betashar" wedding ceremony as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Source: inform.kz

Kazakhstan and China open joint science and technology school

A new joint institute — Eurasian School of Science and Technology — has opened in China through a partnership between L. N. Gumilyov ENU and Nanning Normal University. It is officially accredited by China's Ministry of Education and will offer bachelor’s programs for up to 300 students.

Source: inform.kz

Kazakh student receives offers from 86 universities worldwide

Aisultan Altynbek, a high school student from Arys, received acceptance letters from 86 universities across countries including the USA, Germany, the UK, Malaysia, and Spain. He plans to study IT and develop video games in the future.

Source: zakon.kz

Kazakhstan to launch new flights to 10 countries starting May 2025

Kazakhstan will open new international air routes to 10 countries: Hungary, Germany, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, China, South Korea, and Vietnam.

Source: zakon.kz

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Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan to participate in EXPO-2025 in Japan

Kyrgyzstan will join EXPO-2025 in Osaka from June 4-8. A special celebration of the Kyrgyz Republic’s National Day will take place on June 6-7, featuring cultural performances for local audiences and the diaspora.

Source: 24.kg

Timothée Chalamet wears Kyrgyz designer’s suit on red carpet

Hollywood actor Timothée Chalamet appeared at the David di Donatello Awards in Rome wearing a custom suit designed by Kyrgyz designer Denis Li.

Source: inform.kz

Direct flights from Almaty to Issyk-Kul airport to start in July

Starting July 3, 2025, FlyArystan will operate direct flights twice a week between Almaty and the international airport at Issyk-Kul. The service will run until August 31.

Source: kaktus.media

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Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan and China to implement mutual visa-free travel from June 1

From June 1, 2025, citizens of Uzbekistan and China can travel visa-free between the two countries for up to 30 days per visit, with a total stay not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period.

Source: inform.kz

Etisalat may invest in Uzbekistan’s digital infrastructure

The UAE-based company Etisalat is exploring investments in Uzbekistan’s telecom sector, including the development of data centers and digital infrastructure projects.

Source: spot.uz

IT Park Uzbekistan opens Tokyo office

A new representative office of IT Park Uzbekistan has opened in Tokyo’s Akihabara district. It aims to foster cooperation with Japanese tech and creative firms, focusing on IT education and outsourcing.

Source: spot.uz

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Tajikistan

Tajikistan joins WHO’s Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health

Tajikistan has become a member of the WHO Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health, which includes 11 experts from 9 countries. The commission advises on policies linking environmental and public health issues.

Source: khovar.tj

Tajikistan and Germany discuss creation of joint ventures

Tajikistan and Germany are considering joint projects in industry, modern technology, and enterprise development. Germany expressed strong interest in enhancing economic cooperation and knowledge exchange.

Source: khovar.tj