Energy and Economy 

Kazakhstan Plans to Increase Middle Corridor Freight to 10 Million Tons  

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said his country plans to increase freight transported through the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route to 10 million tons. Speaking at the Kazakhstan-Türkiye Business Forum, Tokayev said cargo transported via the route has increased more than fivefold in recent years, while container traffic grew by 36 percent in 2025. He also proposed implementing an e-permit project to digitalize logistics procedures along the route. 

Source: Qazinform 

SOCAR, Uzbekneftegaz, and BP Sign Production-Sharing Agreement for Gas Exploration Project in Ustyurt 

Representatives from BP entered a deal to explore six blocks in Uzbekistan’s Ustyurt region with SOCAR and Uzbekneftegaz, the respective national oil and gas companies of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Under this trilateral deal, BP will hold a 40% equity stake in the project, while SOCAR and Uzbekneftegaz will each respectively own 30%. SOCAR also announced the establishment of a new office in Tashkent to help oversee the project. The agreement was signed at this year’s Oil and Gas Conference in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, that was held May 12-14.  

Source: BP, Reuters 

Turkmenistan Launches First Domestic Cargo Vessel to Strengthen Caspian Connectivity 

On May 12, the Baku International Sea Trade Port hosted an official welcoming ceremony for the Gadamly, the first cargo vessel built in Turkmenistan. The 6,100-ton dry cargo ship, capable of transporting 240 twenty-foot containers, will operate regular routes between Turkmenbashi and Baku, strengthening cargo flows across the Caspian Sea and enhancing regional logistics connectivity. Officials from Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan emphasized that the vessel’s launch represents a significant step in advancing the Middle Corridor and broader East–West transport networks, while reflecting Ashgabat’s growing focus on expanding its transport and maritime capabilities. 

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan 

Türkiye Lifts Trade Restriction on Armenian Goods  

Ankara announced that it would permit shipments between Türkiye and Armenia from third-party countries to officially list the two countries as points of origin and as final destinations. The border between the two states has been closed since 1990, though gradual efforts have been made in recent years to reopen cross-border trade and establish formal diplomatic relations. Both Armenia’s and Türkiye's foreign ministries praised the decision as another step towards normalizing bilateral relations. 

Source: Associated Press 

Politics and Security 

 

Turkic Leaders Sign Turkistan Declaration at OTS Summit 

The heads of state participating in the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) signed the Turkistan Declaration on May 15.  The summit brought together leaders from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan. The declaration focuses on expanding cooperation in trade, transport connectivity, digitalization, energy and regional security among member states. During the summit, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed developing a “Digital Turkic Corridor” aimed at connecting regional data centers through high-speed communication channels and strengthening cooperation in artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and digital infrastructure. 

Source: Qazinform, Qazinform 

SCO Security Council Secretaries Meet in Bishkek 

Bishkek hosted the 21st meeting of the secretaries of the security councils of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on May 14. Kyrgyz Republic President Sadyr Japarov highlighted rising geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts in the Middle East, terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and cyberattacks among the main security challenges facing SCO member states. 

Source: Qazinform 

13th UN World Urban Forum Begins in Baku 

The United Nations World Urban Forum is taking place May 17-22 in Baku, Azerbaijan. State leaders and representatives from international organizations are in attendance, including Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. The forum serves as a platform to discuss issues related to the deepening housing crisis, climate shocks, post-conflict reconstruction, and avenues to build resilient urban infrastructure.  

Source: United Nations, APA 

Turkmenistan to Host CIS Meetings in Ashgabat 

On May 22, Turkmenistan will host bilateral and multilateral meetings for representatives from members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The representatives will discuss, and aim to deepen, existing economic and political partnerships between member-states. While Turkmenistan retains only partial membership in the CIS, it currently presides as this year’s head of the organization. 

Source: Turkmenportal.com 

President of Tajikistan Rahmon Promotes Chinese Investment in Tajikistan During Beijing Meeting 

On May 11, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon met with representatives from Chinese businesses in Beijing to discuss investment between the two countries. President Rahmon thanked China for its outreach, noting that Chinese investment to Tajikistan has already reached $6 billion, and encouraged future Chinese investment in currently developing areas, such as hydroelectric power and tourism. During the meeting, Chinese and Tajikistani companies signed more than 50 documents on planned future cooperation, which will direct more than $8 billion in investments towards Tajikistan. 

Source: President.tj