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	<title>Last news - Сentralasianlight.org</title>
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	<description>Politics</description>
	<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2026 06:22:18 +0600</pubDate>
	<copyright>centralasianlight.org</copyright>
	<ttl>60</ttl>
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		<title>Central Asian States Agree New UN-Backed Projects on Dam Safety and Transport Corridors</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Central Asian countries have adopted the Bishkek Declaration and approved three new joint projects at the week of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) in Bishkek, reported Avesta.tj, citing UN News.

The new projects are financed through the SPECA Multi-Partner Trust Fund, with contributions from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. They cover:


	dam safety, carried out by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the UN Development Programme;
	more efficient multimodal transport, including routes of the Trans-Caspian corridor;
	the green economy: simpler trade procedures, resilient agriculture and support for small businesses.


The fund now supports six projects. No amounts were disclosed.

“United Nations norms and standards can help attract investment in infrastructure,” UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean said. She named multilateral development banks and the European Union among potential investors.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 20:15:05 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/central-asian-states-agree-new-un-backed-projects-on-dam-safety-and-transport-corridors/</link>

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		<title>Mirziyoyev and Finland’s Stubb Agree to Speed Up Projects in Metallurgy, Energy and Geology</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met Finnish President Alexander Stubb on the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya, reported Zamin.uz.

The two leaders discussed expanding the strategic partnership between their countries. They agreed to implement the agreements reached during the high-level visit in 2025, increase trade and accelerate investment projects in metallurgy, energy and geology. They also discussed rational use of water in a changing climate, joint environmental initiatives and regional and global issues. They agreed to support each other in international organisations.

A meeting of the intergovernmental commission at a high level and a joint business forum are planned for early 2027. No trade figures or investment amounts were announced.

Finland has become one of Uzbekistan’s more active European partners. Finnish companies are known for mining technology, clean energy, forestry and water management, all areas central to Uzbekistan’s industrial and climate plans. For Helsinki,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 20:12:04 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/mirziyoyev-and-finlands-stubb-agree-to-speed-up-projects-in-metallurgy-energy-and-geology/</link>

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		<title>Turkmenistan Proposes UN Climate Decade, Environmental Code and “Ashgabat Climate Dialogue” at COP31</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Turkmenistan has put forward a package of climate initiatives at the COP31 summit in Antalya, reported News Central Asia (nCa).

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, presented the proposals at the plenary session of the leaders’ summit:


	declaring 2028–2037 a UN Decade of Climate Resilience and Adaptation;
	launching an “Ashgabat Climate Dialogue”, with a first meeting in Ashgabat in 2027;
	a Digital Atlas of Climate Change and Its Adverse Impacts, developed with UNEP, the WMO, UNDP and the World Economic Forum;
	a Global Partnership for Climate Technology Transfer for developing countries;
	an International Environmental Code under UN auspices that would bring existing environmental, climate and biodiversity rules into a single legal instrument;
	a Regional Centre for Combating Desertification for Central Asia.


A Regional Centre for Climate Change Technologies is expected to open in Ashgabat in early 2027. On the sidelines, Turkmen ministries signed agreements with UNICEF,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 20:02:16 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/turkmenistan-proposes-un-climate-decade-environmental-code-and-ashgabat-climate-dialogue-at-cop31/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/turkmenistan-proposes-un-climate-decade-environmental-code-and-ashgabat-climate-dialogue-at-cop31/</guid>
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		<title>Rahmon and Putin Discuss Security, Economy and Migration After CSTO Summit</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Tajik President Emomali Rahmon held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on November 12, the day after the summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), reported Asiaplus.tj.

The two leaders discussed regional security, trade, energy, digitalisation and labour migration. Rahmon praised Russia’s chairmanship of the CSTO. They confirmed their interest in increasing trade and widening the range of goods exchanged. Energy, industry, agriculture, transport and logistics, and municipal infrastructure were named as promising areas. They also discussed artificial intelligence, e-government and cybersecurity, as well as education, science and culture.

At the summit on November 11, the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan adopted the Collective Security Council Declaration and a package of 18 documents. They spoke out against weapons in space and called for joint efforts against terrorism and transnational crime.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 19:59:55 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/rahmon-and-putin-discuss-security-economy-and-migration-after-csto-summit/</link>

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		<title>Uzbekistan Proposes a Central Asian “Climate Integration Model” at COP31</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed a regional model of climate integration for Central Asia, speaking at the COP31 UN climate conference in Antalya on November 11, reported the Ecology news agency (NIA Ekologiya).

“No country can solve climate problems alone,” Mirziyoyev said. The model has three components:


	climate data: shared information on climate risks with the World Meteorological Organization, starting with early warning systems and extending to joint monitoring of glacier melt, land degradation and changes in water regimes;
	eco-technologies: turning the ECO-EXPO exhibition into a permanent investment and technology platform for soil restoration, carbon capture in arid ecosystems and the fight against dust storms;
	finance: concessional grants and “blue” and “arid” financing instruments, developed with development banks and funds, for water and dryland projects.


Mirziyoyev reported that Uzbekistan has cut emissions per unit of GDP by 35% and aims for 50% by 2035.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 19:57:54 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/uzbekistan-proposes-a-central-asian-climate-integration-model-at-cop31/</link>

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		<title>Japarov Warns of Plot to Stir Interethnic Conflict in the South Before the Election</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has warned that “unscrupulous politicians” are discussing plans to provoke a conflict between ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbeks in the south of the country ahead of the presidential election, reported NUR.KZ.

In a Facebook post, Japarov said that “several sources” had told him about the plans. He said these politicians “keep a stone behind their backs” and want to provoke unrest and disrupt the January 27, 2027 vote. “So far they are only talking about it,” he wrote, but warned that the plans could materialise. He named no one.

According to Japarov, spreading false rumours that play on national pride would be enough to start a conflict “out of nothing”. He urged Kyrgyz and Uzbeks not to give in to provocations and asked elders in both communities to warn young people aged 20 to 25, who did not live through earlier clashes. He said the state could now stop any conflict within one or two days, though there would probably be victims.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2026 19:49:59 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/japarov-warns-of-plot-to-stir-interethnic-conflict-in-the-south-before-the-election/</link>

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		<title>Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia Sign Anti-corruption Cooperation Memorandum</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Tajikistan’s Agency for State Financial Control and Combating Corruption and Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) have signed a memorandum of understanding and cooperation, reported Avesta.tj.

The memorandum was signed in Dushanbe on November 11 by the agency’s director, Colonel General of Justice Sulaimon Said Sultonzoda, and the head of the Saudi authority, Mazin bin Ibrahim Al-Kahmous. The Saudi delegation came to Dushanbe for the Second International Anti-Corruption Forum, held to mark the 20th anniversary of the Tajik agency.

The two sides expressed confidence that expanding cooperation would strengthen friendly relations and help reduce corruption. The provisions of the memorandum were not disclosed.

The agreement reflects Dushanbe’s growing ties with the Gulf states, which are becoming important sources of investment and development finance for Tajikistan, alongside Russia and China. Saudi Arabia’s Nazaha has gained international attention for high-profile anti-]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2026 20:07:53 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistan-and-saudi-arabia-sign-anti-corruption-cooperation-memorandum/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistan-and-saudi-arabia-sign-anti-corruption-cooperation-memorandum/</guid>
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		<title>Berdimuhamedov and Erdoğan Reaffirm “One Nation – Two States” Partnership</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a working visit to Türkiye on November 10, reported the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two leaders discussed political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation. They stressed that relations between Turkmenistan and Türkiye are based on the principle of “One Nation – Two States”, which the ministry described as a solid foundation for the partnership. They also discussed international peace, security and sustainable development. Berdimuhamedov thanked Ankara for supporting Turkmenistan’s policy of neutrality and its initiatives at the United Nations. A joint dinner followed the talks. No new agreements were announced.

The visit coincides with the COP31 climate conference hosted by Türkiye in Antalya. Türkiye is one of Turkmenistan’s largest trading partners. Bilateral trade reached $2.2 billion in 2025,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2026 18:58:28 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/berdimuhamedov-and-erdo-an-reaffirm-one-nation-two-states-partnership/</link>

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		<title>Tajikistan to Take Over CSTO Chairmanship as Afghan Border Reinforcement Enters New Stage</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Tajikistan will take over the chairmanship of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) on January 1, 2027, reported Asiaplus.tj, ahead of the bloc’s summit in Moscow on November 11.

President Emomali Rahmon is attending the summit with the foreign minister, the secretary of the Security Council, the defence minister and his foreign affairs aide. The leaders are expected to adopt a final declaration and a CSTO Anti-Terrorism Strategy until 2030, proposed by Russia.

Tajikistan’s main interest is the CSTO programme to reinforce the Tajik–Afghan border, which runs until 2029:


	in the first stage, Dushanbe selected suppliers and agreed order amounts;
	in 2026–2027, the most vulnerable sections of the border will be equipped;
	in 2027–2029, the programme will cover the entire border.


Weapons and equipment will come from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, with the first deliveries due by the end of 2026. Their list and cost have not been disclosed.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2026 18:55:12 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistan-to-take-over-csto-chairmanship-as-afghan-border-reinforcement-enters-new-stage/</link>

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		<title>Kyrgyzstan Proposes International “Organic Tterritories” Programme for Mountain Countries at COP31</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Kyrgyzstan has proposed an international programme to develop organic farming and protect soil carbon in mountain countries, presenting it at the COP31 UN climate conference in Antalya, reported Trend.

The initiative, “Organic Territories of Mountain Countries – Carbon Potential of Soils and Ecosystems, Climate and Food Security”, would run from 2027 to 2032. Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry Mirbek Duisheev introduced it at a side event on November 10. Representatives of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Kyrgyz Association of Land and Forest Users and farmers’ organisations from Asia also spoke.

The programme would bring together mountain nations, international organisations, scientists and financial institutions. It envisages pilot organic territories, a climate monitoring system to measure how much carbon soils and ecosystems store, and funding from international climate funds and investors.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2026 19:50:21 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kyrgyzstan-proposes-international-organic-tterritories-programme-for-mountain-countries-at-cop31/</link>

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		<title>EU ambassador: “Turkmenistan is an essential partner for Global Gateway, not a peripheral one”</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The EU’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Luc Devigne, has described Turkmenistan as a key partner in the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, in an exclusive interview with News Central Asia (nCa).

“Turkmenistan is an essential partner for Global Gateway, not a peripheral one,” Devigne said. Turkmenistan is part of the €12 billion Global Gateway package for Central Asia announced at the 2025 Samarkand summit. Bilateral trade is nearly €1.3 billion, making the EU Turkmenistan’s fourth-largest trading partner. Relations still rest on an interim trade agreement from 2010; unlike four other Central Asian states, Turkmenistan has no Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU.

Trade along the Trans-Caspian corridor has quadrupled since 2022. “Now we need to make it cheaper and… faster and (more) digital,” the ambassador said. On delivering Turkmen gas to Europe across the Caspian,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2026 19:12:26 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/eu-ambassador-turkmenistan-is-an-essential-partner-for-global-gateway-not-a-peripheral-one/</link>

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		<title>Tokayev: “Without independence our people have no future”</title>
		<description><![CDATA[President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called independence and the Kazakh language the foundations of the nation’s future, speaking at the 10th Kurultai of the Kazakh Tili society, reported Zakon.kz.

“Without independence our people have no future,” Tokayev said ahead of the 35th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence. He said it was time to update the orthographic dictionary of the Kazakh language. He also called for a national digital database of Kazakh-language resources, so that the language keeps pace with artificial intelligence.

Tokayev also backed the society’s “Dala Ormany” (Steppe Forest) project. In a year its members and partners planted 5 million trees on 400 hectares and set up four large nurseries in three regions. The plan is to create forest parks of 25 hectares near every village, 50 hectares around district centres and 100 hectares near big cities, raising Kazakhstan’s forest area to 14.5 million hectares.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2026 18:32:38 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tokayev-without-independence-our-people-have-no-future/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tokayev-without-independence-our-people-have-no-future/</guid>
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		<title>Japarov files to run for a second term in January presidential election</title>
		<description><![CDATA[President Sadyr Japarov has submitted an application to the Central Election Commission (CEC) to run for president as a self-nominated candidate, reported Central Election Commission of Kyrgyzstan.

The election is scheduled for January 27, 2027. Nominations close on November 13. By November 10, the CEC had received six applications. Aimen Kasenov, Azamat Esenbekov, Syymyk Zhapykeev, Akai Kydyrov and Iskak Masaliev had announced their intention to run earlier.

Japarov was first elected in an early election on January 10, 2021, with 79.2% of the vote, after the political crisis of October 2020. The 2021 Constitution introduced five-year presidential terms and a limit of two terms. The Constitutional Court ruled that his current term counts as the first one, so a victory in January would give him a second five-year term.

The vote will be closely watched abroad. Kyrgyzstan is one of the few Central Asian states with a record of competitive presidential elections,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2026 18:17:08 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/japarov-files-to-run-for-a-second-term-in-january-presidential-election/</link>

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		<title>Rahmon and EU Commissioner Síkela discuss European investment in Tajikistan</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has met European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela in Dushanbe to discuss European investment in Tajikistan’s energy and industrial sectors, reported Asiapllus.tj, citing the presidential press service.

The talks covered green energy, climate adaptation, modern industries, digital technologies, and transport links to regional corridors and European markets. They also covered geological exploration and the extraction and processing of minerals. Rahmon said strengthening relations with the European Union remains “one of Tajikistan’s foreign policy priorities.” No investment amounts or agreements were announced.

During his previous visit in March 2025, Síkela signed two grants of €20 million each under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative. One supports the modernisation of electricity grids through the EBRD, and the other supports sustainable cotton production through GIZ. He also toured the Rogun hydropower plant.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2026 19:42:36 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/rahmon-and-eu-commissioner-sikela-discuss-european-investment-in-tajikistan/</link>

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		<title>Central Asia: Weekly Review of Events November 1 -8, 2026</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Central Asia This Week: Security Diplomacy, Energy Ambitions and the Search for New Partners (November 2–8, 2026)

Central Asia ended the first full week of November as a host and an organiser of international agendas. Astana staged a summit on artificial intelligence and security that drew four of the region's presidents and the King of Jordan. Ashgabat received envoys from Washington and Tehran within forty-eight hours. Tashkent offered to house a United Nations counterterrorism office. Beneath the diplomacy, the week's news returned again and again to one theme: energy, minerals and infrastructure as the currency of the region's relations with the outside world. A ruptured fuel supply chain from Russia, a European push for critical minerals and a string of investment deals from Bukhara to Issyk-Kul showed governments trying to turn geography and resources into leverage.

Astana as a convenor

The week's central political event was the Aqaba Process summit in Astana on November 6,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2026 18:05:09 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/central-asia-weekly-review-of-events-november-1-8-2026/</link>

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		<title>Uzbekistan Offers to Host a Regional UN Counterterrorism Office for Central Asia</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed opening a regional office of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in Uzbekistan, reported Trend, citing the Uzbek presidential press service.

Mirziyoyev made the offer at the Aqaba Process meeting on artificial intelligence security in Astana. The proposed office would help Central Asian states report terrorist content online, detect terrorist financing, train specialists and use AI tools in counterterrorism work.

He also put forward an initiative called “Digital Development for the Benefit of Humanity” and backed the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance. In addition, he proposed an international programme, “Enlightenment Against Ignorance in the Digital Age,” to be based at the Centre of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent. It would produce multilingual educational resources, prepare religious leaders to work in the digital information space and support young researchers.

Mirziyoyev said AI brings both opportunities and new security risks,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2026 18:54:52 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/uzbekistan-offers-to-host-a-regional-un-counterterrorism-office-for-central-asia/</link>

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		<title>OSCE/ODIHR Weighs Observer Mission for Kyrgyzstan’s January Presidential Election</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is examining whether to deploy an international observation mission for Kyrgyzstan’s presidential election, reported 24.kg, citing the Central Election Commission (CEC).

ODIHR election advisers Ranko Vukcevic and Kakha Inaishvili met CEC representatives in Bishkek. The vote is scheduled for January 27, 2027. The Kyrgyz side briefed them on organisational and technical preparations, including upcoming tests of election equipment and the biometric voter identification system. It also covered training for territorial and precinct commission members.

The talks also covered transparency, voting access for people with disabilities, including ramps at polling stations, and measures to encourage young people to vote. No decision on a full mission has been announced yet.

The election is drawing international attention because Kyrgyzstan is one of the few Central Asian states where presidential races have traditionally been competitive.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2026 18:45:33 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/osce-odihr-weighs-observer-mission-for-kyrgyzstans-january-presidential-election/</link>

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		<title>Head of French Group Bouygues Awarded Turkmenistan’s Neutrality Jubilee Medal</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Martin Bouygues, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the French group Bouygues, has been awarded a jubilee medal marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, reported Turkmenportal.com.

The medal and a commemorative badge were presented in Paris on November 2 by Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to France, Maksat Charyyev, under a decree of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The award recognises the company’s long-standing contribution to Turkmen–French cooperation. The ambassador also credited Bouygues with helping to shape the modern appearance of Ashgabat.

Bouygues has worked in Turkmenistan since 1994 and has completed about 70 projects with a total area of 1.3 million square metres. They include the Presidential Palace, the mosque in Kipchak and the Oguzkent, Yildyz and Arkadag hotels, landmarks of the Turkmen capital’s white-marble architecture.

Accepting the award, Martin Bouygues called it a great honour,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 21:55:20 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/head-of-french-group-bouygues-awarded-turkmenistans-neutrality-jubilee-medal/</link>

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		<title>Tokayev Ratifies Customs Agreements with Uzbekistan and Pakistan</title>
		<description><![CDATA[President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed two laws ratifying international customs agreements with Uzbekistan and Pakistan, reported Tengrinews, citing the Akorda press service.

The first agreement allows the customs services of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to open representative offices in each other’s countries. Permanent customs representatives are expected to speed up communication between the two services, resolve problems at the border more quickly and support the growing flow of goods between Central Asia’s two largest economies.

The second agreement, with Pakistan, covers cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in customs matters. Such agreements usually provide for information exchange, joint efforts against customs fraud and smuggling, and coordination of procedures.

The Pakistan agreement fits Kazakhstan’s effort to develop southern trade routes.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 21:46:53 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tokayev-ratifies-customs-agreements-with-uzbekistan-and-pakistan/</link>

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		<title>Rustam Emomali and Mirziyoyev Discuss Tajik–Uzbek Partnership in Tashkent</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received Rustam Emomali, Chairman of Tajikistan’s upper house of parliament (Majlisi Milli) and Mayor of Dushanbe, in Tashkent on November 4, reported Asiaplus.tj. 

Emomali conveyed greetings from Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. The two sides discussed friendship and strategic partnership, inter-parliamentary cooperation and the legal framework of bilateral relations. They reviewed growth in trade and freight traffic and joint projects in industry, construction, energy, agriculture and electrical engineering, as well as the work of the two countries’ joint investment company.

Particular attention was paid to expanding direct contacts between the capitals and regions of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, tourism exchanges, culture, education and coordination in regional and international organisations. A related Asia-Plus report mentions a road map for parliamentary cooperation for 2027-]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 21:37:24 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/rustam-emomali-and-mirziyoyev-discuss-tajik-uzbek-partnership-in-tashkent/</link>

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		<title>Uzbekistan Tightens Penalties for Extremism-Related Offences</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Uzbekistan has adopted a law toughening penalties for extremism-related offences and creating a public register of extremist organisations and materials, reported UzDaily, citing the national legislation database Lex.uz.

Law No. ZRU-1185 of November 2, 2026, entered into force on November 3. Under the amended Criminal Code, participation in extremist, separatist, fundamentalist and other banned organisations carries five to ten years in prison. The term “religious extremism” is replaced with the broader “extremism”.

New administrative penalties apply to producing or possessing extremist materials for distribution and to displaying extremist or terrorist symbols. Individuals face fines of 50 to 100 basic calculation units, officials 100 to 150 units and up to 15 days of administrative detention, with confiscation of the items involved.

The Ministry of Justice will publish an open register of extremist organisations, materials and internet resources.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 21:33:52 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/uzbekistan-tightens-penalties-for-extremism-related-offences/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/uzbekistan-tightens-penalties-for-extremism-related-offences/</guid>
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		<title>Astana Hosts King of Jordan, Tajik President and Aqaba Process Summit</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Kazakhstan has begun a week of high-level diplomacy, with King Abdullah II of Jordan and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon both arriving on official visits, reported The Astana Times.

King Abdullah II is visiting Kazakhstan on November 5–6 at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, presidential press secretary Aibek Smadiyarov announced. The leaders are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in trade, investment, the economy, culture and humanitarian affairs. The King last visited Kazakhstan in August 2025.

Rahmon’s visit runs from November 5 to 7. He and Tokayev are expected to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership and allied relations between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

On November 6, Astana will also host a summit of the Aqaba Process, with several heads of state attending.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 21:31:49 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/astana-hosts-king-of-jordan-tajik-president-and-aqaba-process-summit/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/astana-hosts-king-of-jordan-tajik-president-and-aqaba-process-summit/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>US Assistant Secretary of State Kapur Holds Talks in Ashgabat on Energy, TAPI and Trans-Caspian Links</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur in Ashgabat on November 3, reported Turkmenistan’s State News Agency TDH.

Kapur conveyed greetings from US President Donald Trump and said Washington “attaches great importance to the consistent development of cooperation with Turkmenistan”. The sides discussed political dialogue, trade, energy, transport and logistics, as well as cultural and humanitarian ties.

Energy was a key topic. Ashgabat said it “highly values the attention and support provided by the United States” for the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline. It reaffirmed its policy of diversifying gas export routes on terms that balance the interests of producers, consumers and transit countries. Turkmenistan also pointed to its experience with US companies including John Deere, Case New Holland, Boeing and Nicklaus Design,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2026 20:21:02 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/us-assistant-secretary-of-state-kapur-holds-talks-in-ashgabat-on-energy-tapi-and-trans-caspian-links/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/us-assistant-secretary-of-state-kapur-holds-talks-in-ashgabat-on-energy-tapi-and-trans-caspian-links/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>Kazakhstan Launches Free Online Certificate of Border Crossings</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee (NSC) has launched a public service that lets citizens obtain an official certificate of their border crossings online in seconds, reported Tengrinews.

The certificate is available free of charge in the eGov Mobile app and on eGov.kz and covers crossings since January 1, 2017. A single request can cover up to three months. A Tengrinews correspondent tested the service: after choosing the period and signing with an electronic digital signature, the certificate was generated almost instantly.

Demand is high. The Border Service received more than 20,000 requests in 2025 and over 15,000 so far in 2026. Citizens need the certificate to transport personal property such as cars, phones and specialised equipment, to apply for visas, or to confirm business trips abroad. Until now, they had to apply through the e-Otinish platform and wait for a reply within the legal deadline.

The NSC said the service responds to “strong public demand”.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2026 19:50:06 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kazakhstan-launches-free-online-certificate-of-border-crossings/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kazakhstan-launches-free-online-certificate-of-border-crossings/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>Fourth Hopeful Files to Run in Kyrgyzstan’s January 2027 Presidential Election</title>
		<description><![CDATA[A fourth citizen has notified Kyrgyzstan’s Central Election Commission of the intention to run in the presidential election scheduled for January 27, 2027, reported AKIpress.

The nomination period is still open and closes on November 13, 2026. Signature sheets are due by December 8, and registration documents by December 13. Candidate registration ends on December 23, when the official campaign begins.

The requirements for candidates are strict. A candidate must be a citizen of Kyrgyzstan with no foreign citizenship, at least 35 years old on election day, fluent in the state language and resident in the country for at least 15 years in total. No university degree is required. Candidates may be nominated by a political party or nominate themselves, and there is no limit on the number of candidates.

Each candidate must collect at least 30,000 voter signatures (no more than 60,000 may be submitted), pay an election deposit of 1 million soms and present a national development programme.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2026 19:47:27 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/fourth-hopeful-files-to-run-in-kyrgyzstans-january-2027-presidential-election/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/fourth-hopeful-files-to-run-in-kyrgyzstans-january-2027-presidential-election/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>Turkmenistan and Austria Pledge Closer Cooperation as New Ambassador Is Accredited</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Turkmen Speaker of the Mejlis Dunyagozel Gulmanova met Austria’s newly accredited Ambassador Etienne Berchtold in Ashgabat, reported Trend, citing Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Both sides pledged to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperate at the United Nations. Turkmenistan and Austria both follow policies of neutrality, regularly put forward UN initiatives on global issues and support each other’s proposals.

The meeting recalled the visit to Austria in April 2026 by Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who took part in the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum. Berchtold said he was ready to help develop relations in areas of mutual interest.

The economic track is already active. The Joint Turkmen-Austrian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation held its 13th meeting in Ashgabat on June 12, 2026. It identified prospects in industrial technology, energy, environmental protection, waste management, construction, transport, healthcare,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2026 20:11:33 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/turkmenistan-and-austria-pledge-closer-cooperation-as-new-ambassador-is-accredited/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/turkmenistan-and-austria-pledge-closer-cooperation-as-new-ambassador-is-accredited/</guid>
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		<title>Georgian Parliament Speaker Makes First-Ever Official Visit to Kyrgyzstan</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili arrived in Bishkek on an official visit and held talks with Kyrgyz Parliament Speaker Marlen Mamataliev, reported 24.kg, citing the press service of the Zhogorku Kenesh.

Mamataliev called it the first meeting between the speakers of the two countries’ parliaments and said Kyrgyzstan wants a partnership with Georgia built on “friendship and mutual trust”. The sides discussed political, economic, cultural and inter-parliamentary ties. Mamataliev proposed closer cooperation between parliamentary committees and friendship groups and coordination on international platforms.

On the economy, Mamataliev noted that current trade does not reflect the two countries’ potential. He suggested developing cooperation in energy, agriculture, processing industries and pharmaceuticals, as well as joint investment projects.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2026 20:00:33 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/georgian-parliament-speaker-makes-first-ever-official-visit-to-kyrgyzstan/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/georgian-parliament-speaker-makes-first-ever-official-visit-to-kyrgyzstan/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>Japarov Opens Talas Arena and Announces 350-Bed Regional Hospital</title>
		<description><![CDATA[President Sadyr Japarov made a working visit to Talas region today and attended the official opening of Talas Arena, the city’s new central stadium, reported 24.kg, citing the presidential press service.

At a meeting with residents of Talas city and the Talas and Bakai-Ata districts, Japarov announced plans for a 350-bed regional hospital and three 100-bed general practice centres in the Talas, Manas and Aitmatov districts. Construction is due to begin in 2027. A perinatal centre is already being built in Talas.

Officials told the president that the city’s budget has more than quadrupled in five years, from 224 million soms in 2021 to a projected 947.6 million soms in 2026. Investment is expected to rise almost 16-fold, to 8.2 billion soms. Projects completed since 2021 are worth 11.8 billion soms in total. They include a central park, a presidential lyceum, a university branch, the new stadium and six mini-football pitches.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 21:20:50 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/japarov-opens-talas-arena-and-announces-350-bed-regional-hospital/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/japarov-opens-talas-arena-and-announces-350-bed-regional-hospital/</guid>
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	<item>
		<title>Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi Holds Talks in Ashgabat</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov held talks in Ashgabat today with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who arrived at the head of a diplomatic and economic delegation, reported Trend, citing Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry.

The ministers discussed bilateral cooperation, regional and international issues, and cooperation within international organizations. They emphasized active dialogue between their ministries, called for stronger cultural and humanitarian ties, and reaffirmed their commitment to good-neighbourly relations. The two had last spoken by phone on October 26, about de-escalation and regional stability.

The Times of Central Asia notes that the visit comes as Tehran faces Western sanctions and disruption to its trade routes, including attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Turkmenistan matters to Iran for several reasons:


	the two countries share a 1,100-]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 21:18:46 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/iranian-foreign-minister-araghchi-holds-talks-in-ashgabat/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/iranian-foreign-minister-araghchi-holds-talks-in-ashgabat/</guid>
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		<title>Rahmon Opens 18 Facilities in Sughd, Creating 850 Jobs</title>
		<description><![CDATA[President Emomali Rahmon inaugurated 18 industrial, educational and social facilities during a working visit to Sughd province on November 1, creating 850 jobs, reported Asia-Plus, citing the president’s official website.

In total, 84 facilities are due to open during the visit, creating about 2,400 jobs. The new facilities include seven industrial enterprises, two schools for 1,540 pupils, four kindergartens for 760 children and a medical college for 750 students, in Khujand, Buston, Konibodom and Bobojon-Ghafurov district.

Among the new plants:


	Buston: a compound feed plant with capacity of 37,440 tonnes a year. Tajikistan imported $100 million worth of compound feed in 2025, and Rahmon instructed officials to expand domestic production.
	Bobojon-Ghafurov district: a juice and soft drinks factory and the Sughd Mall shopping centre, expected to employ 350 people.
	Konibodom: a poultry farm, a metal casting plant, a dried fruit plant and an asphalt concrete plant.


In Khujand,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 21:16:11 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/rahmon-opens-18-facilities-in-sughd-creating-850-jobs/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/rahmon-opens-18-facilities-in-sughd-creating-850-jobs/</guid>
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