Greece’s prime minister visits Türkiye: What’s at stake
Kyriakos Mitsotakis is due in Türkiye on Wednesday for talks with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as the two NATO allies seek to sustain a fragile thaw after ...
Kazakhstan and China have agreed to significantly enhance operations at their shared border, aiming to boost transit capacity, improve customs efficiency, and support growing trade volumes.
Delegations from both nations conducted a joint inspection of key border checkpoints as part of an initiative to simplify procedures and accelerate logistics across the region.
A Surge in Cross-Border Traffic
In the first four months of 2025, over 238,000 vehicles crossed the Kazakhstan-China border — marking a 41% increase compared to the same period last year. Delegations visited the Nur Zholy and Khorgos checkpoints, where they evaluated infrastructure and discussed strategic upgrades.
One of the major outcomes of the visit was the decision to extend round-the-clock operations at both crossings until June 2026. Currently, up to 650 vehicles pass through Nur Zholy daily, with expectations to double this figure by September.
Technological Integration and Infrastructure Upgrades
To streamline border procedures, both countries have agreed to mutually recognize X-ray images from inspection complexes. This step will reduce duplication in cargo screening, cutting down on waiting times and expediting customs clearance.
A key infrastructure project under discussion is the reconstruction of the border bridge connecting Nur Zholy and Khorgos — a move that is expected to significantly improve heavy vehicle flow and structural safety.
Intensified Customs Collaboration
Kazakhstan and China also plan to strengthen customs cooperation through regular working meetings, shared data protocols, and coordinated planning for high-traffic periods. These measures are intended to maximize the efficiency of international transport corridors that pass through the region.
Strategic Importance in Regional Trade
The enhanced cooperation aligns with broader economic trends. Central Asia is emerging as a crucial market for Chinese automobiles and a regional assembly hub. With demand rising for affordable vehicles, Chinese automakers are increasingly investing in Kazakhstan. As of 2025, Chinese car brands account for 39% of the Kazakh market.
Officials from both countries emphasize that the latest agreements will not only facilitate smoother border crossings but also bolster Kazakhstan’s position as a key transit country in Eurasian trade routes.
As border infrastructure and logistics systems expand, Kazakhstan and China appear poised to deepen their economic integration and capitalize on growing East-West trade opportunities.
U.S. President Donald Trump has criticised American freestyle skier Hunter Hess after the athlete said he felt conflicted about representing the United States at the Winter Olympics in Italy, sparking a public clash that highlights growing political tensions surrounding the Games.
U.S. skiing great Lindsey Vonn underwent surgery in an Italian hospital on Sunday after her attempt to win Olympic downhill gold ended in a violent crash just seconds into the race at the Milano Cortina Winter Games.
JD Vance arrived in Armenia on Monday (9 February), becoming the first sitting U.S. Vice President to visit the country, as Yerevan and Washington agreed to cooperate in the civil nuclear sector in a bid to deepen engagement in the South Caucasus.
António José Seguro’s decisive victory over far-right challenger André Ventura marks an historic moment in Portuguese politics, but analysts caution that the result does not amount to a rejection of populism.
J.D. Vance met Azerbaijan's president Ilham Aliyev in Baku on a rare visit by a sitting U.S. vice president, signalling a renewed push to deepen cooperation with Azerbaijan on energy, security and regional stability.
J.D. Vance met Azerbaijan's president Ilham Aliyev in Baku on a rare visit by a sitting U.S. vice president, signalling a renewed push to deepen cooperation with Azerbaijan on energy, security and regional stability.
A scheduled visit to Ankara this week by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will seek to “resolve all our problems at the table,” Ömer Çelik, a spokesman for Türkiye’s ruling AK Party, has said.
The European Union is preparing a further expansion of its sanctions against Russia, with Central Asia emerging for the first time as a distinct point of focus.
Azerbaijan and the United States signalled closer economic ties on Monday (9 February) as President Ilham Aliyev hosted a delegation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the country’s investment appeal and growing interest from American companies.
“Peace is not just about signing treaties - it’s about communication, interaction and integration,” Sultan Zahidov, leading adviser at the AIR Center, told AnewZ, suggesting U.S. Vice President JD Vance's visit to the South Caucasus could advance the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment