A detailed interview with Nargiza Umarova has been published on the website of the Azerbaijan State News Agency AZERTAC, which provides a detailed coverage of current trends in the development of transport and logistics links between Central Asia and the South Caucasus, including the role of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and other regional players in the emerging Middle Corridor.   The interview pays special attention to the importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), as well as the prospects of the Zangezur Corridor, an initiative that Umarova emphasises is supported by all Central Asian countries. With limited access to the sea for states like Uzbekistan, these routes become not just infrastructure projects, but tools for strategic autonomy, increasing export competitiveness and access to global markets.   The interview also reveals Uzbekistan's role in diversifying transport flows, including the development of the Trans-Afghan corridor to Pakistani Indian Ocean ports. Umarova emphasises that these routes not only strengthen regional connectivity, but also create preconditions for a new model of Eurasian integration encompassing Central and South Asia, the South Caucasus and Europe.   In conclusion, Nargiza Umarova emphasises the importance of energy and logistics initiatives such as the CASCA+ multimodal corridor and the development of port infrastructure in the Caspian Sea. In her opinion, these projects form the foundation for sustainable economic interaction and a new level of partnership between the regions.   Read the interview on AZERTAC   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

Nargiza Umarova, Senior Research Fellow at IAIS, took part in the edition of the programme Central Asian Dream on the YouTube platform Questioning Regional Affairs of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. A distinctive feature of the programme was that the discussion was held in the native languages of the participants – Kazakh and Uzbek. This gesture emphasises the common cultural and linguistic foundation of the peoples of Central Asia and symbolises the growth of mutual understanding and solidarity in the region.   During the conversation, the experts discussed in depth the development of regional co-operation in Central Asia. One of the central themes was the understanding and strengthening of the concept of “Central Asian spirit” – an idea that unites the countries of the region on the basis of common historical, cultural and civilisational roots. It was emphasised that the formation of a unified regional identity is an important condition for the successful promotion of Central Asian interests on the world stage.   In addition, the programme participants drew attention to the strategic goals of the countries of the region aimed at strengthening the position of Central Asia in global politics and economy. A special place in the discussion was given to the issues of improving the well-being of the local population, ensuring sustainable development, and creating new opportunities for young people. In this context, the experts emphasised the importance of coordinating efforts in trade, transport, energy, ecology, and cultural and humanitarian exchange.   Nargiza Umarova made a significant contribution to the discussion: she emphasised that only through deepening mutual understanding, expanding ties between societies and implementing joint initiatives will Central Asian countries be able to turn the region into a space of stability, prosperity, and innovation.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

Dr. Islomkhon Gafarov, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies, gave an interview to Afghanistan International TV (AITV), an independent news outlet based in London and Washington. In his remarks, Dr. Gafarov analysed the evolving nature of Afghanistan’s relations with Central Asia under the Taliban’s rule.   Dr. Gafarov noted that the Taliban have significantly shifted their approach towards Central Asia, adopting a more pragmatic stance and emphasising anti-corruption measures. This, he argued, has opened space for deeper regional engagement.   He highlighted Uzbekistan’s proactive Afghanistan policy, which seeks to keep the Afghan issue on the international agenda. Afghanistan remains a key transit country for Uzbekistan’s access to South Asian ports such as Gwadar and Karachi. Since 2010, Tashkent has been a key proponent of the Trans-Afghan railway (Termez–Mazar-i-Sharif–Kabul–Peshawar), which is expected to link Central and South Asia and contribute to Afghanistan’s economic recovery.   The expert also pointed to Kazakhstan’s recent decision to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations — a move that has enabled closer cooperation. Vice Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin now leads Kazakhstan’s Afghan policy. Two key drivers shape Astana’s approach: its growing role as a food supplier — having exported around 0.5 million tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan in 2023 — and its interest in using Afghanistan as a transit corridor to South Asian ports. Bilateral trade reached $1 billion last year, with targets to triple that figure.   Dr. Gafarov’s insights shed light on how regional actors are recalibrating their policies in response to Afghanistan’s changing internal and external landscape.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

The author of the article — Professor Ibragim Mavlanov, Head of the Centre for Economic Diplomacy of IAIS — in the 73rd issue of Pravda Vostoka newspaper discusses the significance of the experience of economic diplomacy of the European Union countries for Uzbekistan. He emphasises that European states, especially France, Italy and Spain, have managed to achieve systemic transformations aimed at strengthening international economic positions and protecting national interests. These approaches, in the author's opinion, are of particular value for Uzbekistan, which is now actively building its own model of economic diplomacy.   The article focuses on the transformation of Uzbekistan's foreign economic policy since 2017 under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, when economic diplomacy was put forward as a state policy priority. Professor Mavlanov concludes that the study and adaptation of successful European experience contributes to strengthening export potential, attracting foreign investment and developing tourism. In the long term, the author emphasises, economic diplomacy should become a systemic tool for sustainable development of New Uzbekistan.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

In Kun.uz’s Geopolitics, Head of the Centre for Afghanistan and South Asia Studies Hamza Boltaev and Senior Research Fellow Dr. Islomkhon Gafarov discussed relations between the US and the Taliban, the West’s approach to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan’s role in this complex geopolitical issue.   Hamza Boltaev noted that while the strategic direction of US foreign policy towards Afghanistan has not changed during the Trump administration, there have been significant tactical changes in practice. “Under previous presidents, negotiations between the US and the Taliban were conducted through Doha or other cities. In those negotiations, inclusive government, human rights, women’s and children’s rights were mostly the main conditions. Trump, on the other hand, has embarked on a more pragmatic foreign policy, prioritising US interests ... The West’s democratic values have taken a back seat and now America is trying to take a strategic stance against Beijing in Afghanistan”, he said.   The Taliban have recently been trying to get closer to Germany, Islomkhon Ghafarov said. The European Union also needs direct dialogue with the Taliban, but finds it expedient to do so through Uzbekistan ... President Mirziyoyev proposed to involve Afghanistan in regional economic projects. This proposal was favourably evaluated in Europe. Because they are looking for solutions to security problems not only by military, but also by social and economic methods. “Soft power has become a priority strategy for Europe today”, he emphasised. Uzbekistan’s open and active position on the Afghan issue makes the country an important mediator in the region.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

In a recent interview, Professor Azamat Seitov emphasised the significance of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov’s speech at the Central Asia-European Union Summit in Samarkand, describing it as reflecting a new stage of constructive engagement in the region. In his opinion, Zhaparov’s statements on the priority of cooperation with the nearest neighbours testify to Bishkek's pragmatic course towards strengthening stability and political coordination in Central Asia, especially in the context of common challenges – climate change, water resources and migration.   Professor also noted that strengthening regional ties paves the way for deeper economic integration and increased investment attractiveness. He emphasised the importance of interaction with external partners, in particular the EU, through the prism of the interests of the whole region. According to him, strengthening ties with the European Union can serve as a catalyst for the development of new economic and political orientations in Central Asia.   Read the interview on KABAR.kg   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.