Strengthening Friendship and Expanding Cooperation in Central Asia
In 2025, there is active development of interaction between Central Asia and China in all aspects. Joint work on the "Belt and Road" project is deepening, the structure of the "Central Asia - China" cooperation mechanism is being formed, and the horizons of partnership are widening, strengthening friendly ties.
By the end of 2025, a number of organizations, including the Center for Broadcasting to Europe and Asia (the "Renmin Huabao" publishing house) and the Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, published a list of ten key events reflecting the development of relations between Central Asia and China.
1. The second "Central Asia - China" Summit signed the Treaty on Eternal Good Neighborliness and Cooperation.
On June 17, the second "Central Asia - China" Summit took place in Astana. In his speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping touched upon the themes of the "China - Central Asia spirit" and the importance of quality development of regional cooperation.
Xi Jinping noted that cooperation between China and Central Asia has a history of more than two thousand years, based on 30 years of trust and solidarity, which promotes mutually beneficial cooperation. The "China - Central Asia spirit" includes mutual respect, trust, and joint development, which becomes the foundation for further strengthening of relations.
At the summit, leaders signed the Astana Declaration and the Treaty on Eternal Good Neighborliness between China and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It was also announced that 2025 and 2026 would be declared the Years of High-Quality Development of Cooperation.
2. Central Asian leaders supported the Global Governance Initiative during their visit to China.
From August 31 to September 3, the heads of five Central Asian countries attended the SCO summit and the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
On September 1, a "SCO Plus" meeting was held in Tianjin, where President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative, emphasizing the need for a joint response to the challenges of the modern world.
All countries highly appreciated the initiative, noting its relevance in the context of global problems and management deficits. The initiative rejects the concept of power dominance and advocates for joint development and management.
3. Xi Jinping's works in the languages of Central Asia open new horizons for idea exchange.
On May 29, a presentation of the Kazakh edition of the four-volume collection "Xi Jinping on Governance" took place in Astana. On August 19, a presentation and seminar dedicated to the book "Xi Jinping on Respecting and Ensuring Human Rights" in Uzbek was held in Tashkent.
Participants noted that Xi Jinping's works represent his reflections on state and global governance, opening a window for understanding China. The publication in Kazakh and Uzbek has become an important step in the exchange of experiences between China and Central Asia, contributing to the strengthening of friendly ties.
4. Construction of key railway projects China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan will begin.
On April 29, the construction of the Fergana, Naryn No. 1, and Kosh-Tobe tunnels began, marking the transition to the active phase of the international railway project China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan.
This project is an important part of the "Belt and Road" initiative. The railway will start in Kashgar, pass through Kyrgyzstan to Jalal-Abad, and end in Uzbekistan. China will undertake the construction of the section on its territory, while Uzbekistan will be responsible for modernization on its side, with a joint company handling financing and operation of the Kyrgyz section.
5. Thematic forums between China and Central Asia facilitate joint planning.
This year, successful events such as the Media Forum "China and Central Asia" and the XII Cooperation Forum took place. These events became key platforms for jointly developing cooperation plans and deepening mutual understanding.
Participants noted that such forums contribute to deepening practical cooperation and modernization, forming a more cohesive community of shared destiny.
6. Passenger traffic increases due to visa-free regime.
At the second "Central Asia - China" Summit, a decision was made to create favorable conditions for mutual travel of citizens. The initiative includes cooperation in several areas, including consular activities and cultural exchanges.
As of June 1, the Agreement on Visa Waiver between China and Uzbekistan came into force, and two years have passed since a similar agreement with Kazakhstan. In the first three quarters of 2025, the number of travelers from Central Asia to China increased by 37.7%, while the number of Chinese tourists in the region rose by 50%. Direct flights between the countries have also significantly increased.
7. New cooperation platforms create innovative forms of interaction.
In July, several cooperation centers were opened, including the Poverty Alleviation Center and the Educational Exchange Center. These initiatives mark a new era of interaction between China and Central Asia in various fields.
The Poverty Alleviation Center will share experiences and support project implementation, while the Educational Exchange Center will deepen cooperation in science and technology, creating new systems for training specialists.
8. More than a hundred sister cities strengthen friendly ties.
At the summit in Shanghai, Shanghai and Almaty signed a sister city agreement, increasing the number of sister cities between China and Central Asia to over 100.
The geographical and economic advantages of the two cities open a wide range of opportunities for cooperation, including trade and culture. This year, a direct flight was opened, facilitating the movement of citizens.
9. Cross-Year of Culture and Tourism opens a new stage of interaction.
On June 6, a gala concert was held at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in China to mark the end of the Year of Culture of Turkmenistan in China. This year, the Year of Tourism of China in Kazakhstan started with an exhibition and cultural events.
Events under the Cross-Year of Culture attracted public attention and love, promoting cultural exchange between the two countries.
10. The opening of new "Lu Ban Workshops" promotes vocational education development.
In September, the second "Lu Ban Workshop" opened in Kazakhstan, created jointly by Tianjin and Eurasian universities. In this workshop, students will be trained in artificial intelligence technologies.
The first workshop opened in early November, focusing on industrial robotics. These workshops facilitate technology transfer and training of highly qualified personnel for smart manufacturing.
Six such workshops are already operating in Central Asia, actively contributing to the development of the local economy and the application of Chinese standards in education.
At the First Central Asia – Japan Dialogue Summit taking place in Tokyo, the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, delivered a speech. As reported by the press secretary of the President of the...
Sanctions and changes in global politics prompt Moscow to deepen cooperation with the region The expert believes that Russia's interest in Central Asia will not only persist in 2026 but will...
- According to the information presented in the EDB report for 2025, the majority of new Chinese investments in the Eurasian region are directed towards Central Asian countries. In the first half of...
From February 4 to 5, 2026, the B5+1 Forum (Business Central Asia – USA) will take place in Bishkek, organized by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic in collaboration with...
In the outgoing year of 2025, the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, made 23 trips abroad, covering more than 10 countries. His total distance traveled exceeded 150,000 kilometers. The head of...
Today, December 20, during his official visit to Japan, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, participated in a ceremony where bilateral agreements reached as a result of the business...
On December 18, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, began his working visit to Japan at the invitation of Prime Minister Sanae Takichi. The main purpose of the trip is to...
On December 25, President Sadyr Japarov shared information about the large-scale construction of a railway connecting China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan during the IV People's Kurultai. He...
The outgoing year 2025 was marked by significant global turbulence and a new perspective on international relations. Geopolitical competition, conflicts, technological challenges, and climate risks...
The company "Gazprom" plans to increase gas supplies to Kyrgyzstan by 20% by 2025. This was announced by Alexey Miller, the head of the Russian company, during a meeting dedicated to the...
Recently, a meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation with the participation of Deputy Minister Mikhail Yuryevich Galuzin and the ambassadors of Central Asian...
The four-year-old twin pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, are expected to leave Tokyo and head to China at the end of January, a month earlier than the planned date of February 20. This move has become...
Participant registration ends on December 26 The Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, in partnership with the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), has announced...
During his speech on December 25, he emphasized the relevance of this proposal. Kanybekov noted that the initiative to open an embassy is already under consideration and may be implemented in the...
Latif Gandiyev, the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Azerbaijan to Kyrgyzstan, shared his thoughts with vb.kg about the year that is coming to an end. He noted that 2025 has been a...
The initiative proposed by the state leaders of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and China to create a railway corridor China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan is generating significant interest and support from various...
Joint Project of JICA and State Enterprise "Kyrgyz Air Navigation" The joint project aimed at training instructor air traffic controllers is launching thanks to the cooperation between the...
According to reports, on December 15, the Taliban removed Consul Naqibullah Dehkonzoda from his position, coinciding with the closure of the consulate. As stated by "Asia-Plus," this...
Recently, an event called Lighting Up Rox Center took place at Rox Center, organized by RCA Living. More than 300 people participated, including management and representatives of key strategic...
The initiative is aimed at the citizens of the country In 2026, new tariffs for domestic air transportation will be established in Kyrgyzstan, which will be lower than market prices. This was...
- The Asian-Arab Trade Conference took place in Ahmedabad, India. The event was attended by about a hundred entrepreneurs from the state of Gujarat, as well as representatives from Kyrgyzstan,...
At the celebration held in the renovated building, the students received gifts and a sum of one million soms. Kamchybek Tashiev, who is the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet and the head of the State...
President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, arrived on December 19 at the state guesthouse "Akasaka" in Tokyo as part of his official visit to Japan. Sanae Takaichi, the Prime Minister of...
According to data presented in the report by the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) for 2025, foreign direct investment from China to Central Asia reached $35.9 billion. From 2016 to the first half of...
Access to AKIpress archives (news on politics, culture, incidents, and sports, as well as information on Central Asian countries)1 news article 950 soms Annual access 15000 soms Subscribe? The...
According to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol is responsible for one in three deaths from injuries and violence in countries across Europe and Central Asia. Experts...
- The Secretary General of the CIS, Sergey Lebedev, reported a significant increase in mutual trade among the Commonwealth countries. “Over the past four years, the volume of mutual trade has...
During the meeting held in December 2025, an Action Plan (roadmap) was signed for the implementation of the Declaration concerning the further development of economic processes within the framework...
- During the IV People's Kurultai meeting in Bishkek, held on December 26, Anaraly Charginov proposed the creation of a railway branch from Manas to Shamaldy-Say. He noted that the residents of...
On December 25, 2025, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Mongolia to Kuwait, Sergelen Purev, held a meeting with the Minister of Defense of Kuwait, Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al...
Uzbekistan is expected to see the largest growth in gas consumption, with a projected increase from 3 billion cubic meters to 12 billion cubic meters per year. The main factors driving this growth...
From December 12 to 16, 2025, the XIX International Documentary Film Festival on Human Rights "Bir Duyno Kyrgyzstan" took place in the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The event was co-organized by...
Starting from January 1, 2026, law enforcement agencies in Kyrgyzstan will cease conducting unreasonable inspections, aimed at creating a reliable legal environment for investors and entrepreneurs....
Snow has fallen in the country's mountain passes According to the press service of the Ministry of Transport, snowfalls have begun in the Toо-Ashuu and Otmok passes. Road services are actively...
The football match between the youth teams of Kyrgyzstan and China will not take place, reports the Kyrgyz Football Union. This decision was made by mutual agreement of both parties....
As part of the signed agreement, $2.3 billion has been allocated for the creation of the railway line 'China - Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan', in accordance with the established project...
In an interview with Aynur Samanov, the trade representative of Russia in Kyrgyzstan, key achievements of 2025 were highlighted and plans for 2026 were outlined....
Among the companies on the sanctions list are Northrop Grumman and Boeing's St. Louis division. China has taken measures by freezing their assets within the country and prohibiting local...
On Friday, China successfully launched a group of low-orbit internet satellites, as reported by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The launch of the "Chang...
The lighting renovation work in the central square of Talas has been completed, significantly enhancing its appearance. This project is an important step towards improving urban infrastructure....
According to the press service of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, the new concept aims to define strategic directions for the tourism industry, as well as to implement...
The press secretary of Tokayev shared information about the president's activities Ruslan Zheldibay, assistant and press secretary of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev,...
