Energy and Economy

 

Ukraine Imports Gas from Azerbaijan for the First Time

With Ukraine’s gas storage levels falling to their lowest amounts in the past 11 years, Ukraine’s Naftogaz and Azerbaijan’s SOCAR have signed a natural gas import agreement. To prepare for the upcoming winter, Naftogaz plans on importing large amounts of gas quickly. The planned shipment will be delivered through the Trans-Balkan route through the Bulgaria-Romania-Ukraine corridor. Estimates state that Ukraine might import 5 billion cubic meters of gas from Europe in 2025.

Source: The Kyiv Independent 

China to Build Second and Third Nuclear Power Plant in Kazakhstan

While Russia leads the consortium for building the first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Roman Sklyar, confirmed that China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) will lead the construction of both second and third nuclear power plants. The parties, including Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency and Kazakhstan Atomic Power Plants LLP, are working on finding suitable locations for both power plants, highlighting the importance of nearby water and energy resources for the successful operation of the plants. 

Source: Kazinform, The Times of Central Asia

Türkiye to Supply Azerbaijani Gas to Syria

Natural gas from Azerbaijan started delivery to Syria on August 2 through the Turkish Kilis pipeline. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated that there will be an initial supply of 6 million cubic meters of gas that is expected to produce 1,200 megawatts of electricity. Currently, Syrians can access 3-4 hours of daily electricity a day. This shipment should increase availability to 10 hours a day. 

Source: Yahoo

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan Developer Agalarov Development Launch $5B Charvak Resort Project 

Uzbekistan’s Cabinet of Ministers has approved the $5 billion Sea Breeze Uzbekistan project—an all-season resort to be built along the Charvak Reservoir in the Tashkent region. Backed by the Agalarov Development company of Azerbaijan, the joint venture secured a 25-year lease on 577 hectares, with development planned from 2025 to 2035. The UK firm Scott Brownrigg is designing the master plan that includes hotels, beaches, cottages, and recreational areas. Originally presented to President Mirziyoyev in December 2024, the project is expected to evolve into a $7–10 billion complex. Land reclassification and phased tenant displacement are underway. 

Source: Azernews

South Korea to Bring Electric Vehicle Charging-Station Manufacture to Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s Public-Private Partnership Center, OJSC Chakan HPP, and South Korea’s BLUE NETWORKS CO., LTD., signed a memorandum of cooperation to implement a project on building electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Kyrgyzstan. As a part of the agreement, the manufacturing facility will be built along with multiple charging stations in major Kyrgyzstani cities. Previously in June 2025, a similar agreement was signed between Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce and a number of South Korean firms to develop EV charging infrastructure in Bishkek. 

Source: 24.kg, The Times of Central Asia

Politics and Security  

Kazakhstan to Host UN SDG Center for Central Asia
Amid growing global skepticism toward multilateralism, Kazakhstan has reaffirmed its commitment to the UN by establishing a new Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Almaty. Signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the initiative marks the first dedicated UN SDG coordination hub for Central Asia and Afghanistan. The Center aims to address the region’s environmental, demographic, and security challenges through tailored support, regional integration, and enhanced local engagement. It also cements Kazakhstan’s role as a convening power in international diplomacy.

Source: The Astana Times

Iranian Foreign Minister Visits Dushanbe

On August 1, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with both Tajikistani President Emomali Rahmon and Tajikistani Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin during the Iranian’s day-long diplomatic visit to Tajikistan’s capital. According to Foreign Minister Araghchi in a later statement, the discussions with his Tajikistani counterparts focused on bolstering Iranian-Tajikistani collaboration in key sectors, such as the economic, scientific, cultural, and tourism realms. While these Iranian-Tajikistani talks potentially mark the beginning of deepened relations, further monitoring will be necessary to assess if bilateral cooperation in any of these aforementioned sectors is actualized. 

Source: The Caspian Post 

Kazakhstan–Türkiye Relations Enter Strategic New Phase
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to Türkiye on July 28 marked a major milestone in Kazakhstan–Türkiye relations, with 18 agreements signed and a joint declaration issued at the 5th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. The two nations are deepening ties in the areas of energy, logistics, technology, and education, aiming to boost trade from $5B to $15B and expand cooperation on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Symbolizing the growing partnership, Tokayev received Türkiye’s highest state honor, and Erdoğan emphasized their “unbreakable friendship.” With joint projects in oil, renewables, IT, and education, and strong collaboration through the Organization of Turkic States, the relationship is evolving into a key pillar of the Eurasian order—reflecting Kazakhstan’s broader multi-vector foreign policy and strategic centrality in the region.

Source: The Times of Central Asia