More than 100,000 return to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan in two weeks
More than 100,000 people entered Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan between 19 July and 1 August, increasing pressure on communities and humanitarian ...
Trade between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan rose by 16.2% in 2025 to nearly $5 billion, underscoring deepening economic ties highlighted during a visit by Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yerlan Kosherbayev.
During the visit, Kosherbayev was received by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with discussions focusing on bilateral cooperation and the implementation of previously agreed commitments.
The increase in trade reflects a broader shift towards more structured and predictable economic engagement. Kazakhstan remains one of Uzbekistan’s top three trading partners, and both sides are aiming to double trade to $10 billion.
This trend is increasingly underpinned by industrial cooperation. The two countries are implementing 78 joint projects with a combined value of around $1.8 billion. These initiatives signal a gradual transition from trade-led interaction to deeper economic integration based on shared production and investment.
Infrastructure is becoming a central pillar of this approach. Key projects include the International Centre for Industrial Cooperation “Central Asia”, alongside reciprocal developments such as the “Tashkent” hotel in Astana, the “Astana” hotel in Tashkent, and the “Astana” district in the Yangi Tashkent area. These initiatives are intended to facilitate business activity while reinforcing long-term economic presence.
Transport connectivity remains another priority. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are working to strengthen their roles as transit hubs linking Central Asia with markets in the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe.
Alongside economic cooperation, the two sides are coordinating on regional and international issues. In talks with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, Kosherbayev discussed key agenda items and confirmed the intention to deepen cooperation within multilateral frameworks.
At the same time, humanitarian and educational ties are expanding. This includes the operation of university branches in Almaty and Chirchik, aimed at supporting workforce development for joint economic projects.
The visit concluded with the signing of a cooperation programme between the two foreign ministries for 2026–2027, formalising the next phase of bilateral engagement and reflecting a shift towards a more structured, long-term partnership.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 5th of August, covering the latest developments.
U.S. President Donald Trump said there was an "all-day negotiation" on Tuesday with Iran, characterising the talks positively while also threatening to hit Iran "really hard" if a deal was not reached.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, two key maritime chokepoints in the region, decreased significantly from the previous day, according to shipping data.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 6th of August, covering the latest developments.
Kazakhstan’s main oil export corridor was disrupted by drone strikes near Russia’s Black Sea coast in July, forcing a temporary suspension of crude loadings and raising fresh concerns over the vulnerability of regional energy infrastructure to the war in Ukraine.
More than 100,000 people entered Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan between 19 July and 1 August, increasing pressure on communities and humanitarian organisations already struggling with poverty, limited services and funding shortages.
Georgia has wrapped up one of its busiest periods of foreign policy activity in years, with almost all of it focused on Central Asia.
Kazakhstan’s main oil export corridor was disrupted by drone strikes near Russia’s Black Sea coast in July, forcing a temporary suspension of crude loadings and raising fresh concerns over the vulnerability of regional energy infrastructure to the war in Ukraine.
Iran and Italy have exchanged updates on talks over the Strait of Hormuz and negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, as Tehran says an agreement with Oman on new shipping arrangements is close.
Georgia suffered its third nationwide power outage in two weeks on Wednesday evening, disrupting transport networks, cutting water supplies in some areas and reigniting concerns about the stability of the country's electricity infrastructure.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment