Renewed U.S. engagement puts South Caucasus higher on Washington’s agenda
A renewed wave of U.S. diplomatic activity in the South Caucasus highlights Washington’s growing focus on regional connectivity, trade and security,...
Uzbekistan has signed a major financing agreement with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), securing $500 million to support the country’s shift toward a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.
The programme, approved in late November, is designed to strengthen environmental governance and accelerate national reforms in energy, industry and public administration.
According to AIIB, the funding will help Uzbekistan make its energy sector more transparent, introduce climate-oriented procurement standards and create clear rules for the generation and trading of carbon units.
The programme also envisages a modern reporting and verification system to ensure reliable carbon-emissions monitoring.
A key focus is the expansion of green energy and resource-efficient technologies. Broader access to such technologies could reduce energy costs for households, particularly vulnerable communities, while improving overall air quality according to the Bank.
The reform package is also expected to attract additional climate financing and encourage greater private-sector involvement in sustainability projects.
AIIB regional director Konstantin Limitovsky said the agreement marks an important step for Uzbekistan’s environmental policy.
“By advancing critical climate reforms, this programme lays the foundation for sustainable growth and broader participation in Uzbekistan’s green transition,” he said.
Implementation of the programme will begin in 2026. Officials say the reforms will support Uzbekistan’s long-term goals to reduce emissions, modernise public infrastructure and strengthen resilience to climate change.
The U.S. and Iran have reportedly reached a preliminary 60-day ceasefire and nuclear talks deal, pending Donald Trump’s approval, Axios reports. Meanwhile, the GCC condemned Iran’s missile strike on a U.S. airbase in Kuwait, which Tehran said was retaliation for a U.S. strike near Bandar Abbas.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz has taken steps towards potentially declaring a state of emergency as anti-government protests intensify in the early months of his administration.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
A renewed wave of U.S. diplomatic activity in the South Caucasus highlights Washington’s growing focus on regional connectivity, trade and security, according to Associate Professor George Mchedlishvili of European University in Tbilisi.
Kyrgyzstan has signed a series of cooperation agreements with China and Belarus at the Fifth Forum of Regional Leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, underlining the country's growing economic engagement within the regional bloc.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
Kazakhstan has reiterated that no existing route can replace the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which carries more than 80% of the country's crude oil exports through Russia to the Black Sea.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment