Energy and Economy

 

Kazakhstan Oil Output Rises 2% in August

In August, Kazakhstan’s crude oil output increased from 1.84 million barrels per day (bpd) the previous month to 1.88 million bpd. This 2% increase in output was once again above the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) set quota for Kazakhstan of 1.53 million bpd. Although Kazakhstan’s production is over the quota, it continues to follow an OPEC+ trend of increasing overall output by 411,000 bpd. 

Source: Reuters, AInvest

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and U.S. President Donald Trump Hold Telephone Call

On September 5, the two state leaders discussed potential pathways towards enhanced cooperation, with particular focus on increasing bilateral trade that grew by 15% in 2024. In addition to economic partnership, the two parties highlighted cultural exchanges and mulled over efforts to strengthen joint security efforts against extremism and illegal migration. Along with agreement in furthering regional cooperation under the C5+1 framework, Mirziyoyev extended an invitation to Trump to visit Uzbekistan in the near future. 

Source: Daryo, Anewz

U.S. Special Envoy Zampolli Extends Stay in Uzbekistan

U.S. Special Envoy for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli is said to be extending his visit to Uzbekistan, which some news outlets have described as being aimed at advancing the U.S. critical mineral agenda. Zampolli arrived in Tashkent on August 28 with a stated goal of building “enduring ties that sustain the strength and vitality of US diplomacy.” Since then, the Special Envoy has met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and participated in several public events, including the Independence Day of Uzbekistan celebrations. 

Source: bne Intellinews , U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan Sign Water-Energy Protocols Effective Until 2026

On September 7, representatives from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan held a trilateral meeting in Cholpon-Ata to discuss the exchange of water releases and electricity supply. To reduce risk in the next growing season, the officials reached an agreement on water releases from Kyrgyzstan’s Toktogul reservoir in exchange for energy supplies from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The parties also agreed on conditions for the transit of electricity from Russia to Kyrgyzstan via Kazakhstan’s power grid. Bilateral talks between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan closed a deal to assist with Kazakhstan’s energy shortages from March to December 2026. 

Source: Astana Times

Uzbekistan and China Discuss Nuclear Energy

On September 3, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with China’s National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) Chair, Shen Yanfeng, in what appears to be Uzbekistan hedging its nuclear future. Although Uzbekistan and Russia signed a deal in June for Rosatom to complete a feasibility study to construct four VVER-1000 reactors in the country, there are concerns about Rosatom’s finances for other projects, like that in Kazakhstan. Mirziyoyev’s office stated that the conversation with Shen covered geological surveying assistance and technology transfers for uranium mining and refining. The topic of CNNC taking over nuclear reactor construction was not officially mentioned, but it is believed that Uzbekistan is preparing a backup plan, should Rosatom fail to deliver on its current agreement.

Source: Eurasianet

India Starts Gold Mining in Kyrgyzstan

Indian mining firm Deccan Gold Mines has launched operations at the Altyn Tor gold deposit in Kyrgyzstan’s Naryn region, the first overseas venture by the Indian gold mining company. Production of dore bar, a semi-pure alloy of gold and silver, is scheduled to begin in October 2023.  Geological assessment estimates that the Altyn Tor deposit contains about 4.6 million tons of gold-bearing ore with an average grade of 1.2 grams per ton, translating to roughly 60 tons of total gold reserves.

Source: The Times of Central Asia

Russia, Kazakhstan, and OPEC+ States Boost Oil Outputs 

Russia, Saudi Arabia, and six OPEC+ member states will raise oil output by 137,000 barrels per day, citing strong market fundamentals and low global inventories. The adjustment comes from earlier voluntary cuts made in 2023. Updated quotas set Saudi Arabia’s output at 10.02 million barrels per day and Russia’s at 9.49 million. Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Oman, and Algeria also see increases. The group will meet again on October 5. 

Source: Vestnik Kavkaza

Azerbaijan-Georgia Trade Grows by 28%

According to Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee, since the beginning of 2025 trade volume between Azerbaijan and Giorgia amounted to $465 million, a28.4% increase compared to last year. Exports from Azerbaijan totaled $382 million, while imports from Georgia reached $82.6 million. Georgia now accounts for 1.61% of Azerbaijan's total trade turnover, ranking as its 10th-largest trade partner. 

Sources: Vestnik Kavkaza

President Tokayev Looks to Expand Kazakhstan's Nuclear Power Program

During President Tokayev’s annual state-of-the-nation address, he announced that Kazakhstan plans to expand its nuclear program as a part of the country’s long-term investment in sustainable energy. Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan's success starting construction of its first nuclear power plant in cooperation with Rosatom but stressed the need to build a second or even third plant. In his address, Tokayev also highlighted the significance of the recent meeting that cemented Kazakhstan’s strategic partnership with China in the nuclear sector.

Source: Astana Times

Politics and Security

 

Armenia and Türkiye Discuss Opening Borders

Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan announced upcoming talks between special representatives, Ruben Rubinyan of Armenia and Serdar Kılıç of Türkiye, to discuss normalizing bilateral relations. In particular, next week's meeting in Armenia will focus on opening borders for travel and trade. The Turkish delegation will travel to Armenia via the Alijan border crossing. 

Source: Vestnik Kavkaza

U.S. Delegation Reportedly Plans to Visit Armenia this Week

On September 4, Armenian news sources began circulating reports that a United States delegation will visit Yerevan during the week of September 8. Citing “well-informed government sources,” the U.S. delegation aims to lay out further details of operations and trade volume across an envisioned corridor between Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan exclave. Though no government sources have confirmed the reports, the development comes a month after Yerevan and Baku signed the outlines of a peace deal that Washington had brokered.

Source: Eurasianet

Further U.S. Sanctions Against Georgia Face Blockage in the Senate

On September 5, it was reported that U.S. GOP Senator Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma has on multiple occasions blocked the passage of the MEGOBARI Act, a bill that was introduced by the U.S. Helsinki Commission with largely bipartisan support. The proposed law would levy targeted sanctions against officials of the Georgian Dream Party, which faces multiple accusations of human rights violations, corruption, and pro-Russia ties. 

Source: The Hill

Delegations from Armenia and Azerbaijan Hold Mutual Visits 

On September 5, Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan and Azerbaijan’s Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev led delegations to their respective counterpart’s territories. The two parties discussed steps towards border delimitation, demining efforts, and plans to restore infrastructure along the countries’ shared border. This is the first confirmed such meeting since the two countries signed the outlines of a peace agreement that was brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. 

Source: OC Media

U.S. Ambassador to NATO Meets with the Head of Azerbaijan’s Mission

On September 8, U.S. Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Matthew Whitaker held a meeting with the Head of Azerbaijan’s Mission to NATO Jafar Huseynzada. The sides discussed the historic peace deal between Armenia and brokered by President Donald Trump. “Peace saves lives and unlocks prosperity at home and abroad,” said Whitaker.

Source: X