Yerzhan Kazykhanov: We Revived Lost Cultural and Political Contacts with Islamic World Thanks to OIC Chairmanship
Interview of the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan. READ MORE
Baltic and German foreign ministers warn about threat of north-south division in Europe
Foreign ministers of the Baltic states and Germany warned on Thursday about a growing threat of Europe being divided into the north and the south and called for further integration, including closer cooperation on economic and fiscal policy. READ MORE
New Foreign Policy Strategy Paper Codifies Uzbekistan’s Reluctance Toward Restrictive Alliances
The Lower Chamber of Uzbekistan’s Parliament – the Oliy Majlis – approved the country’s own national security strategy, “The Concept Paper on the Foreign Policy Activity of Uzbekistan.” One of the essential elements in this articulated strategy is the position not to take part in any politico-military blocs (News.olam.uz, Mir24.tv, August 1). In light of Tashkent’s earlier decision to suspend its membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) (see EDM, July 11, 18), Uzbekistan is sending a clear signal to the parties concerned that it is not going to restrict itself to an alignment with any single great power. It may also underline Tashkent’s long-term desire to eventually assume a regional leadership role in Central Asia. READ MORE
Partners or rivals? Chinese investments in Central and Eastern Europe
Today China holds 1/3rd of the world’s currency reserves. By 2030, the Chinese economy will surpass the United States, becoming the world’s largest market. Between 2007 and 2012, the Chinese economy grew by close to 60 percent; emerging Asia as a whole by almost 50%. Over the same period, economies of high income countries have grown by a mere 3%. Clearly the world is undergoing profound changes. READ MORE
U.S. Official Visits Uzbekistan Amid Military Base Speculation
The U.S.'s top diplomat responsible for Central Asia just finished a trip to Uzbekistan, amid increasing speculation that the two countries are seeking to upgrade their relationship, in particular their military cooperation. READ MORE
Major initiator of a nuclear-free world
On August 29 the world celebrates the International Day against nuclear testing. Exactly 20 years ago there was an event, which overturned the course of modern history - the largest nuclear test site – Semipalatinsk test site was closed. For the first time Kazakhstan, a nation possessing the world’s fourth largest nuclear capacity - abandoned it. August 29 should remind the world about the threat to the existence of mankind. READ MORE
