The Times Of Central Asia | Eurasian Publication & News Online

The launch of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Caspian multimodal corridor has generated significant interest as another attempt to expand Eurasian transport connectivity. A pilot shipment in the fall of 2025 demonstrated the technical feasibility of the new route: cargo transported from Kashgar, China, passed through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, reached Turkmenistan, and was then...

Aviation Ban

Kyrgyzstan Signals Possible End to EU Aviation Ban

G20 Summit

After Leaders’ Calls with Trump, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan’s G20 Invitations Are a Signal to Central Asia

Reports of telephone conversations between the presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with U.S. President Donald Trump came the day before a notable event on the international agenda. Trump has publicly announced his intention to invite the leaders of the two most influential Central Asian countries to the G20 summit, which the...

Podcast

Pannier and Hillard’s Spotlight on Central Asia: New Episode Available Sunday

Industrial Cities

Kazakhstan’s Rust Belt: Why Modernized Power Plants Aren’t Stopping Urban Decline

Tokyo Declaration

Japan and Central Asia Enter a New Era of Strategic Partnership

On December 20, the first summit of Central Asian and Japanese leaders (CA+JAD) was held in Tokyo. The Tokyo Declaration, an ambitious roadmap for future cooperation, was adopted during the summit. It aims to transform relations between Japan and the five Central Asian countries into a deep and multifaceted strategic...

Gender Equality

New Report Highlights Persistent Gender Equality Gaps in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan has released its Country Gender Equality Profile (CGEP), a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment prepared by the Ministry of Labor, Social Welfare, and Migration in collaboration with UN Women and with support from the European Union. The report, presented during a National Dialogue on Promoting Gender Equality Policy, examines structural barriers...

Central Asia + Japan

Uzbekistan and Japan Announce Over $12 Billion in New Strategic Projects

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has concluded an official visit to Japan that both Uzbek and Japanese sources have described as a turning point in bilateral relations. According to Sherzod Asadov, the president’s press secretary, the visit elevated Uzbekistan-Japan ties to an expanded strategic partnership, marking a shift from primarily humanitarian...

Sunkar Podcast

Central Asia and the Troubled Southern Route

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Opinions

Opinion: Is Uzbekistan Importing a Future Crisis?

William Cui

Opinion: Kazakhstan Bets Big on AI to Power Local and Global Growth

Altair Akhmetov

Opinion: After the UN Gaza Resolution – Kazakhstan’s Potential Role

Timur Serikuly

Opinion: Abraham Accords Can Help Kazakhstan Reshape Its Energy Future

Dr. Robert M. Cutler

Opinion: Kazakhstan’s Electoral Reforms – Why Officials and Experts Are Reconsidering Local Democracy

Andrei Matveev

Opinion: Central Asia Is Consolidating Its Role as a Full-Fledged Actor in Global Processes

Mavlon Bobokhonov

Opinion: Multi-Vectorism 2.0 – Kazakhstan Seeks Balance in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape

Timur Serikuly

Opinion: The Integration of Afghanistan into Central Asia

Dr. M. Assem Mayar

Opinion: Kazakhstan Joins Abraham Accords – More Than a Symbolic Gesture

Uzma Parveen

Opinion: A Trump Visit to Central Asia Would Deliver Results and Anchor a Corridor Strategy

Dr. Robert M. Cutler

Opinion: China’s Diplomatic Power Play Unfolds in Tianjin

Andrei Matveev

Opinion: Gas, Geopolitics, and Realism: U.S.–Turkmenistan Talks Signal Shift

Javier M. Piedra

Business & Economy

Migrant Workers

More Than a Third of Migrant Workers in Kazakhstan Are Chinese Citizens

More than 35% of all foreign nationals officially working in Kazakhstan are Chinese citizens, according to data published by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan. As of December 1, 2025, a total of 14,103 foreign citizens were employed in Kazakhstan under permits issued by local executive authorities. The largest group of labor migrants comprises Chinese nationals, 5,604 individuals, representing over 35% of the total. They are followed by citizens of Uzbekistan (2,110 people, about 15%), Turkey (1,036 people, over 7%), and India (943 people, more than 6%). Migrants from other countries make up roughly...

Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor

Kazakhstan Deepens Kuryk Port on Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor

Fish Farming

Mangistau Region Aims to Replace Up to 60% of Kazakhstan’s Salmon Imports

Investments

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Emerge as Top Investment Destinations in Eurasian Region

Tokyo Declaration

Japan and Central Asia Enter a New Era of Strategic Partnership

Logistics

U.S. Logistics Companies Look to Kyrgyzstan for Talent and Digital Solutions

Kyrgyzstan recently hosted CABXPO-2025, an international business and logistics forum that highlighted the country’s growing role as a point of interaction between Central Asia and global logistics markets. Held with the participation of the High-Tech Park, the forum brought together more than 500 companies from across the region. The Park, operational for over a decade, has become a key pillar of Kyrgyzstan’s expanding digital economy. One of the most notable aspects of CABXPO-2025 was the presence of senior executives and owners from major American freight companies. Their visit to Bishkek provided a platform for exchanging industry expertise, recruiting talent, exploring...

Kazakhstan Becomes Regional Leader in AI Readiness

Kazakhstan has ranked 60th out of 195 countries in the Government AI Readiness Index 2025, published by the international analytical centre Oxford Insights, emerging as the leader in Central Asia for government preparedness to adopt and manage artificial intelligence. The ranking was highlighted by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development. The Government AI Readiness Index evaluates governments’ ability to apply AI across public administration, economic activity and social sectors, as well as to create conditions for its safe, responsible and sustainable use. The index covers 195 countries and is the only international ranking focused exclusively on the role...

Banking

ADB Provides Tajik Bank with First Direct Loan of $10 Million

Bank Eskhata OJSC (Open Joint-Stock Company) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a direct lending agreement, marking a new stage in financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tajikistan. This is the first time the ADB has issued a direct loan to a Tajik bank, bypassing intermediary financial institutions. The ADB stated that the format reflects a high level of trust in the partner bank and confidence in its stability within the national financial market. Tajikistan has been a member of the ADB since 1998. Under the terms of the agreement, the ADB is providing a loan...

Industrial Cities

Kazakhstan’s Rust Belt: Why Modernized Power Plants Aren’t Stopping Urban Decline

The onset of winter in 2025 served as a stress test for Kazakhstan’s industrial north, and by most measures, the country passed. After high-profile heating system failures in cities such as Ekibastuz and Ridder in previous years, when entire neighborhoods were left without heat in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius, the authorities were forced to move beyond piecemeal repairs toward large-scale emergency interventions. The state invested unprecedented resources into overhauling heating networks and modernizing thermal power plants in single-industry cities and smaller industrial settlements across the region. Significant budget allocations helped stabilize the most vulnerable infrastructure. Emergency repair...

Local Politics

Suicide

Kazakh Authorities Open Investigation After Temir Mayor Found Dead

The authorities in Kazakhstan’s Aktobe Region have opened a pre-trial investigation after the mayor (akim) of Temir city, Erkin Dalmagambetov, was found dead on December 20. The Aktobe regional police department confirmed the death and said the circumstances are being established. "Police have opened a pre-trial investigation into the suicide. The circumstances of the incident are being investigated," according to an official statement. Local officials also confirmed the death. Almas Zhaksylykov, the akim of Temir District, told reporters that Dalmagambetov was found at home on the evening of December 20 and that authorities were conducting checks. Several Kazakh outlets reported...

Migration Policy

Kazakhstan Drafts New Migration Policy Concept Through 2030

Energy Deficit

Alisher Sultanov Leaves Office After a Decade of Declining Gas Production in Uzbekistan

Independence Day

The Contested Legacy of Kazakhstan’s Independence Day: From Sovereignty to Unrest and Reinvention

Diplomacy

Uzbekistan, Paraguay Deepen Ties During First-Ever Presidential Visit

Car Insurance

Kazakhstan Proposes Doubling Insurance Payments for Traffic Accident Victims

Kazakhstan is considering major changes to its compulsory motor insurance legislation, with members of parliament proposing to double compensation payments for victims of traffic accidents. Presenting the bill in the Mazhilis, MP Nartay Sarsengaliyev said the initiative aims to restore social justice and strengthen financial protection for citizens. He said current compensation levels no longer reflect the country’s actual economic conditions. At present, in the event of a fatal traffic accident, the dependents of an adult victim receive approximately $13,600. Under the proposed amendments, this amount would rise to around $29,100. The bill also outlines a similar twofold increase in...

Politics

Kazakh MP Sarym Proposes Legal Measures Over Social Media Posts on Pipeline Strike

A Kazakhstani lawmaker has proposed criminal liability for social media posts that express support for attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure. During a recent session of the Mazhilis (lower house of parliament), MP Aidos Sarym called for posts endorsing Ukrainian military strikes on oil infrastructure to be examined under existing laws on terrorism and high treason. The proposal follows a November 29 incident in which Ukraine’s armed forces reportedly targeted the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal in Novorossiysk, Russia. The attack damaged the CPC’s VPU-2 offshore loading terminal and temporarily halted operations. Addressing Prosecutor General Berik Asylov and Deputy Prime...

Electricity supply

Rahmon Outlines Measures to Address Tajikistan’s Winter Power Shortages

President Emomali Rahmon has acknowledged that Tajikistan’s population continues to endure severe electricity rationing during the winter months, and has outlined steps the government is taking to alleviate the crisis. “We are fully aware of the challenges faced by the people of Tajikistan during the period of temporary restrictions on electricity supply,” Rahmon said in his annual address to parliament on December 16, adding that authorities are implementing all necessary measures to address the issue. Rahmon attributed the shortages primarily to rapid population growth and the expansion of industrial production, both of which have significantly increased domestic electricity consumption. He...

Media

Nomad TV: Russia’s Latest Media Venture in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan has a new TV station. At first glance, it’s the kind of cozy, local news channel satirized in 2004’s Anchorman. The headline item on December 10th was the fact that it had snowed in Bishkek, with the on-screen reporter treading around the city asking residents whether they felt cold. “Not really,” is the general response, given that plummeting temperatures are hardly a new phenomenon in the Kyrgyz capital. “What kind of precautions did you take against the weather?” the reporter asks one gentleman. “Put on a hat and gloves,” comes the droll reply. This piece is followed by an...

International Affairs

AZAL Plane Crash

Kazakhstan Releases Interim Findings on Azerbaijan Airlines Crash

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport has released an interim update on the investigation into the crash of an Embraer 190 aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, which went down near the city of Aktau one year ago during a passenger flight from Baku to Grozny. The incident triggered a major diplomatic rift between Russia and Azerbaijan, straining bilateral relations for months, though ties have recently begun to stabilize. The update was published in an official statement dated December 25, 2025, marking the first anniversary of the tragedy. According to the ministry, the aircraft, registered as 4K-AZ65 and operating flight J2-8243, crashed on...

Multimodal Transport Corrdior

Can the New Multimodal Route Become a Sustainable Corridor for Central Asia?

G20 Summit

After Leaders’ Calls with Trump, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan’s G20 Invitations Are a Signal to Central Asia

Diplomacy

Tokayev, Mirziyoyev Have Telephone Conversations with Trump

Central Asia + Japan

Uzbekistan and Japan Announce Over $12 Billion in New Strategic Projects

Border Security

Two Tajik Border Guards Killed in Attack Along Afghan Border

Tajikistan’s border troops have reported an armed incident along the country’s southern border with Afghanistan. While the attackers were neutralized during the confrontation, Tajikistan suffered casualties among its personnel. According to the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) of the Republic of Tajikistan, the incident occurred late on December 23, 2025. Three armed individuals described as “members of a terrorist organization” attempted to launch an attack on border post No. 5 “Bo” of the 0341 “Sarchashma” detachment in the Shamsiddin Shohin district. The intruders illegally crossed the state border at approximately 11:30 p.m. and entered Tajik territory. The following morning,...

Aviation Ban

Kyrgyzstan Signals Possible End to EU Aviation Ban

Kyrgyzstan says it is close to ending a near two-decade ban that has kept its airlines off European routes, after President Sadyr Japarov said the country has reached a “critical point” in efforts to leave the European Union’s air safety blacklist. The comments come as Kyrgyz officials push for international recognition of reforms in aviation oversight and airport infrastructure. Japarov said Kyrgyzstan has been developing civil aviation “on its own initiative,” investing “billions of soms,” buying aircraft for domestic and international routes, and building new airports. He described the effort as a state priority and added: “Kyrgyzstan has reached a...

International Diplomacy

Trump Signals G20 Invitation in Outreach to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Recent telephone conversations between the presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and United States President Donald Trump have generated significant international attention. Beyond routine diplomatic communication, the exchanges carry broader geopolitical implications for Central Asia. Trump has publicly stated his intention to invite the leaders of both countries to the G20 summit, which the United States will host in Miami in 2026. The announcement drew widespread international media coverage, highlighting growing global interest in the region. Official statements from Kazakhstan’s presidential office said that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a lengthy conversation with Trump that covered a range of issues, including the...

Energy Security

Central Asia Considers Single Gas Ring to Link Regional Energy Systems

A proposal to connect the five Central Asian capitals into a unified, synchronized gas network has generated widespread debate among regional energy experts following a major industry forum in Tashkent. The idea, referred to as the “Central Asia Gas Ring,” was introduced by Kazakh oil and gas analyst Askar Ismailov during the Central Asia Oil & Gas Forum in early November. An analysis of the proposal was later published by the Uzbek outlet Upl.uz, citing assessments from regional and international experts. The concept envisions physically linking the gas transportation systems of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan into an integrated...

Life & Culture

Cultural Heritage

Kazakhstan’s Tazy: The Ancient Hunting Dog of the Steppe

For centuries, nomadic tribes across the steppe that now forms modern Kazakhstan absorbed outside influences and adapted them to local conditions, creating something uniquely Kazakh. This adaptability is evident in many aspects of steppe life, including the development of the Tazy, the Kazakh greyhound. Bred over generations to protect what nomads valued most, their livestock, the Tazy is now considered one of the seven national treasures of Kazakhstan. “If we look at history, we can say that the progenitor of the Kazakh breed, the Tazy, was the Arabian greyhound saluki,” said breeder Abzal Dosyman in an interview with The Times...

Gender Equality

New Report Highlights Persistent Gender Equality Gaps in Kyrgyzstan

Turkmen Music

From the Central Asian Steppe to Manhattan: A Turkmen Bard in New York

Society

Tajikistan Remains in 113th Place in Global Social Progress Index

Remote Working

Kyrgyzstan Launches Online Platform for Digital Nomad Applications

Podcast

Pannier and Hillard’s Spotlight on Central Asia: New Episode Available Sunday

As Managing Editor of The Times of Central Asia, I’m delighted that, in partnership with the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, from October 19, we are the home of the Spotlight on Central Asia podcast. Chaired by seasoned broadcasters Bruce Pannier of RFE/RL’s long-running Majlis podcast and Michael Hillard of The Red Line, each fortnightly instalment will take you on a deep dive into the latest news, developments, security issues, and social trends across an increasingly pivotal region. This week, we're taking a look at regional cooperation and the strengthening role of the C5 in 2025 with special guests...

Sports

Rumors Grow Over Real Madrid’s Interest in Uzbek Defender Khusanov

Speculation is mounting over a potential move by Real Madrid for Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov, with Spanish outlet Fichajes reporting that the La Liga giants are exploring the possibility of signing the 21-year-old Manchester City defender on loan. According to Fichajes, Real Madrid has initiated discussions to assess whether a mid-season loan deal is feasible as the club seeks short-term defensive cover amid a spate of injuries and a congested fixture schedule. The report suggests that Khusanov is being evaluated as a cost-effective option who could bolster the squad without committing significant transfer funds. Khusanov’s physical presence, aerial strength, and...

Science

Astana Student’s Horse Milk Video Makes Finals of “Breakthrough” Science Contest

Another Kazakh scientist received an accolade this month, after 17-year-old Tomiris Abylkairova from Astana was voted into the final 16 of the prestigious international Breakthrough Junior Challenge. The Breakthrough contest, an initiative of the Breakthrough Challenge Foundation in the United States, is a global science competition for young people aged 13-18. Held for the last 11 years, students are invited to create videos of up to two minutes in length that explain a particular concept or theory in the area of life sciences, physics or mathematics. Abylkairova’s video has a Kazakh flavor, quite literally, as she uses her two minutes...

Urban development

Kazakhstan Launches Smart City Project in Taldykorgan

The Taldykorgan City Administration (akimat), Kazakh telecommunications company ASTEL, and French Internet of Things (IoT) solutions developer Actility have signed a memorandum of cooperation to implement a Smart City project in the town of Taldykorgan. The initiative, based on LoRaWAN technology, will establish a comprehensive urban monitoring system aimed at improving city management and residents’ quality of life. The agreement was signed in Paris during the 16th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Kazakhstan and France. The project involves deploying a LoRaWAN-based IoT network that will collect real-time data from environmental sensors across the city. This data...

Justice

Legal Technology

Dushanbe Teen Develops Tajikistan’s First AI Legal Assistant

Tajikistan has launched its first AI-powered legal assistant, designed to simplify access to legal information by explaining laws in plain language. The project, called Moni, was developed by 15-year-old Foteh Azizov, a tenth-grade student at School No. 6 in Dushanbe. Already, the platform is being used not only by the general public but also by practicing lawyers. Azizov said the idea for Moni came from his own experience. While helping with content and promotion at his uncle’s law firm, he noticed how difficult it was for ordinary people and even himself, to understand the complex language used in legal documents....

Shooting

Thousands Donate in Name of Uzbek-American Student Killed at Brown University

Ethnic Violence

Tajikistan Condemns Fatal Stabbing of Boy in Russia Citing Ethnic Hatred

Shooting

“I Miss Everything:” Friends, Officials Mourn Uzbek Student Slain in the U.S.

Human rights

Turkmenistan Denies Early Release to Activist Mansur Mingelov Despite Serious Illness

Asset Recovery

Kazakhstan Claims Success in Asset Recovery, But Transparency Questions Linger

Kazakhstan’s authorities have presented the results of the campaign to recover illegally acquired or transferred assets as a major success. In September 2025, during his address to the nation, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signaled a transition from asset recovery to broader investor-protection priorities. According to Prosecutor General Berik Asylov, recoveries totaling hundreds of billions of tenge have been returned to the state since the launch of the asset-recovery campaign. This includes not only cash and securities, but also land plots, business assets, and luxury property. Overall, official estimates put the total value of assets clawed back under the campaign at around...

Medical Workers

Kazakhstan Increases Criminal Penalties for Attacks on Medical Workers

Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis (lower house of parliament) has approved amendments to the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes aimed at strengthening penalties for violence and threats against medical personnel, including doctors, paramedics, and ambulance drivers, while on duty. The legislation introduces a new article establishing specific criminal liability for actions that endanger the life, health, and safety of medical workers. The law also defines penalties based on the severity of the offense. For threats of violence, penalties include: A fine of 200 to 500 monthly calculation indices (MCI), with 1 MCI currently equivalent to $7.66; Or corrective labor in the same amount;...

Corruption

In Turkmenistan, Government Offices Charge Citizens for Blank Sheets of Paper

In government offices across Turkmenistan, the provision of routine documents is increasingly accompanied not only by official service fees but also by unofficial, unrecorded charges. While these corrupt schemes are nominally presented as “paper fees,” in practice they have become an expected and often unavoidable part of the process. The practice of bribery is not new to Turkmenistan’s public sector. Citizens seeking almost any type of certificate typically pay not only the state-mandated fee but also an unofficial surcharge, money that is not documented on receipts or in public accounts. A particularly telling example is the issuance of marital status...

Human Trafficking

Dozens of Human Trafficking Attempts Prevented in Kazakhstan

Kazakh law enforcement agencies have disrupted dozens of serious human trafficking attempts during the nationwide STOP-Traffic operational and preventive campaign, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The ministry reported 39 recorded cases of attempted human trafficking, including six involving minors. In Almaty, authorities dismantled a criminal group engaged in the illegal sale of newborns. According to investigators, the suspects exploited vulnerable young women by persuading them to give up their babies in exchange for money. More than 20 criminal cases have been opened, and all suspects have been detained. If convicted, they face up to 18 years in prison...

Environment

Solar Energy

Kyrgyzstan Launches Its First Solar Power Plant

On December 24, Kyrgyzstan inaugurated its first solar power plant in the Kemin district of the Chui region, approximately 100 kilometers east of the capital, Bishkek. The 100-megawatt facility was constructed with $56 million in Chinese investment and is expected to generate approximately 210 million kWh of clean electricity annually. According to government estimates, this output will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 120,000 tons per year. Speaking at the launch ceremony, President Sadyr Japarov described the project as one of the largest foreign investments in Kyrgyzstan’s renewable energy sector to date. He said the plant signals a new phase in...

Wildlife

Kazakhstan to Permit Limited Saiga Horn Exports Under Strict Controls

Waste Recycling

Kazakhstan Boosts Solid Waste Recycling and Environmental Oversight

Water-Saving Technologies

Kyrgyz Farmers Encouraged to Adopt Water-Saving Irrigation Methods

Water Security

Glacier Melt Threatens Central Asia’s Water Security, Experts Warn at Regional Forum

Water Crisis

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Launch Study to Revise Irrigation Regimes in Syr Darya River Basin

With grant funding from the French Development Agency (AFD), Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have launched a joint initiative to revise irrigation regimes in the Syr Darya River basin. The project, coordinated by the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, aims to optimize agricultural water use and improve environmental outcomes, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. In Kazakhstan, the study covers 550,000 hectares of irrigated farmland in the Turkestan Region and 254,000 hectares in the Kyzylorda Region. Ground-level measurements are underway alongside satellite-based remote sensing to collect precise and comprehensive data. The findings will...

Forests

Kyrgyzstan to Launch State Nurseries as Part of National Afforestation Campaign

Four institutions in Kyrgyzstan have been awarded a total of $534,000 in grant funding to establish and develop state-owned nurseries for growing tree saplings, as part of a nationwide effort to restore forests, improve sapling quality, and support environmental sustainability. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision, the funding was allocated through a competitive selection process to Osh Forestry, Chon-Kemin State Nature Park, Kara-Kulja Forestry, and the Kyrgyz National Agrarian University. Applicants were required to submit a business plan and have access to at least five hectares of land to qualify. The grants were approved by...

Glacier Monitoring

ADB Approves $3M for Glacier Monitoring in Tajikistan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $3 million grant to enhance Tajikistan’s glacier monitoring and natural disaster warning capabilities. The initiative aims to reduce risks linked to accelerated snow and ice melt, particularly in the country’s mountainous regions, and improve public safety. The grant is financed by the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Sustainable Asia and the Pacific (JFSB), which is supported by the Government of Japan through the ADB. Ko Sakamoto, ADB’s Permanent Representative in Tajikistan, emphasized the project's importance for the country. “Glaciers and snow are important for water supply, agriculture, and hydropower, but their rapid...

Desertification

Turkmenistan and Spain Eye Regional Center to Combat Desertification in Central Asia

Turkmenistan and Spain have discussed closer cooperation to address desertification in Central Asia, including the possible creation of a regional center focused on land degradation. The talks took place in Ashgabat during a meeting between Turkmenistan’s Minister of Environmental Protection and Spain’s ambassador to Russia, Ricardo Martínez Vázquez, who is also accredited in Turkmenistan. The discussions followed Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s proposal at the United Nations General Assembly to establish a specialized regional center to combat desertification in Central Asia. The initiative is intended to strengthen cooperation among regional states and attract international expertise and funding. [caption id="attachment_41076" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]...