Central Asia saw a dynamic week marked by major achievements in sports and new steps in global partnerships. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan celebrated high-profile wins in hockey, karate, and motorsport, while Baku was named World Sports Capital for 2026. At the same time, the region strengthened international ties through new commercial, diplomatic, energy, media, and technology agreements involving Japan, Egypt, Oman, the UAE, and leading global brands.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan and Oman discuss energy cooperation
A meeting was held between Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov and Oman’s Minister of Economy Said bin Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Saqri. The sides agreed to identify key areas of cooperation under existing bilateral agreements in the oil and gas sector, as well as to assess opportunities related to the production of solar panels and wind turbines. Broader prospects for energy cooperation between the two countries were also discussed.
Source: 1news.az
Baku named World Sports Capital for 2026
Baku has officially been declared the World Sports Capital for 2026. To mark the occasion, an official signing ceremony of the commemorative plaque “World Sports Capitals” was held in the Azerbaijani capital on December 16, with the participation of government officials and representatives of the Association of European Capitals and Cities of Sport ACES. The title was formally passed from Monaco to Baku, highlighting the city’s growing role on the global sports stage.
Source: 1news.az
Kazakhstan
“Barys” pulls off KHL upset against “Dynamo”
Astana-based Barys claimed a surprise away victory over Moscow’s Dynamo on December 18 in a regular-season Kontinental Hockey League match. The game ended 4-2 in favor of the Kazakhstani team, ending Dynamo’s seven-game winning streak in the KHL. In their next match, Barys will host Sochi on December 21.
Source: zakon.kz
Kazakhstan and Japan to sign major commercial agreements
Kazakhstan and Japan are set to sign major commercial agreements worth more than $3.7 billion in total. The deals are expected to be concluded during the official visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Japan, marking an important step in strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
Source: zakon.kz
Kazakh martial artists shine at the world karate championship
The Kyokushinkai Karate World Championship was held in Saudi Arabia, where athletes from Kazakhstan achieved outstanding results. Milana Shchetinina from Ust-Kamenogorsk won the world champion title, while national team member Ilya Yakovlev became a four-time world champion. Their victories highlighted Kazakhstan’s strong presence on the global martial arts stage.
Source: zakon.kz
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan national team wins Asia Gymkhana Championship
The Kyrgyzstan national team has been crowned Asian champions in gymkhana following the 2025 season. The team secured first place in the overall standings of the Asia Auto Gymkhana Championship, marking a major achievement for Kyrgyz motorsport on the continental stage.
Source: 24.kg
Kyrgyzstan to open embassy in Egypt
President Sadyr Japarov has signed a decree establishing the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Arab Republic of Egypt. The diplomatic mission will be located in Cairo and aims to strengthen political, trade, economic, investment, scientific, educational, and cultural cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Egypt.
Source: 24.kg
Uzbekistan
Egypt and IT Park Uzbekistan discuss cooperation in tech startups
Egypt’s General Authority for Investment and Free Zones GAFI held talks with a delegation from IT Park Uzbekistan to explore opportunities for cooperation in supporting technology startups. The discussions focused on encouraging mutual investment, opening new markets for Egyptian companies in Central Asia, and strengthening partnerships between the Egyptian and Uzbek tech ecosystems.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Manchester City signs long-term partnership with Uzbekistan’s Artel
English football club Manchester City has signed a long-term cooperation agreement with Uzbek company Artel. As part of the partnership, the Artel brand will appear on the team’s training kits, according to sources close to Abdukodir Khusanov. The collaboration also includes the launch of a Manchester City football academy in Uzbekistan, the first in the country to be established with the involvement of a club of this level.
Source: uzdaily.uz