Energy and Economy

Ashgabat Consensus for Action Adopted as a Result of the Economic Cooperation Organization Summit

Turkmenistan hosted a summit for the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) resulting in the adoption of the Ashgabat Consensus for Action. This agreement focuses on creating a free trade zone encompassing all ECO countries (Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). There was also discussion on the need to create a Regional Electricity Market to boost economic and environmental cooperation.

Source: Fergana

Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Iran Agree on a Natural Gas Deal

Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkmenistan solidified an agreement to trade natural gas between the three states. A previous agreement had been signed, but this agreement specified the process of trade, with Turkmenistan to supply gas to Iran, and Iran then to deliver gas to Azerbaijan.

Source: Eurasianet

Energy Shortages Cause Problems for Crypto Mining in Kazakhstan

After a successful boom in cryptomining over the summer, Kazakhstan now faces energy shortages that might cause cryptominers to take their activities elsewhere. Kazakhstan has become the second-largest crypto mining country in the world, and this has caused a huge strain on the country's power and electricity grids. Energy shortages have forced Kazakhstan to look to Russia to meet its energy demands.

Source: Eurasianet

Turkmenistan and Turkey Sign Agreement to Boost Trade

President Berdymukhammedov of Turkmenistan and President Erdogan of Turkey met on November 27 and signed an agreement focused on increasing bilateral trade between the two states. This meeting was held prior to the Economic Cooperation Organization summit.

Source: RFE/RL

Security and Politics

Kyrgyz Parliamentary Election Occur with Mixed Results

On November 28, Kyrgyzstan held its parliamentary elections, the country’s first since the tumultuous events of October 2020. International observers noted that the elections were competitive and largely successful, however there were still issues with voter turnout and problems with tabulation. Opposition parties were widely critical of the election results.

Source: RFE/RL

Former President Saakashvili Present at Trial in Tbilisi

The trial of Mikheil Saakashvili resumed at the Tbilisi City Court, while his supporters clashed with police outside. Saakashvili said before the hearing his trial on charges of abuse of power is part of a "pre-written comedy."

Source: RFE/RL

Standoff in Eastern Tajikistan Ends Peacefully

 

After four days of protesting in Khorog, the standoff between the local community in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) and the central government ended peacefully on November 28. The government has committed to an independent investigation into the death of a local man at the hands of law enforcement officers.

Source: Eurasianet

Armenian and Azerbaijani Leaders Meet and Agree to Work Bilaterally

Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Aliyev, along with Russian President Putin, met in Sochi on November 26 - the first time in nearly a year and the second time since last year’s war. The leaders did formally promise to form a bilateral commission to delimit and demarcate their border and signaled that an agreement on a transport corridor was coming very soon. During the meeting, the three also discussed ongoing tensions, military detainees, plans to open borders and transportation links.

Source: Eurasianet

Tajikistan Provides Ground and Air Corridors to Deliver Aid to Afghanistan

The UN World Food Program (WFP) has begun delivering humanitarian aid to Afghanistan through Tajikistan. The first convoy of seven trucks left Dushanbe for the Afghan province of Badakhshan. Over the coming days, around 2,500 tons of wheat flour will be delivered to northeastern Afghanistan in several shipments, which WFP will distribute.

Source: Fergana News

Nazarbayev Steps Down as Head of Ruling Party

The former president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, gave up the leadership of the ruling Nur-Otan party. This strengthens the position of current president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Nazarbayev remains chairman of the Security Council.

Source: RFE/RLSources: ( Eurasianet, Fergana News Agency, RFE/RL)