● 4 November
A glimpse into the past: unique photos were presented at an exhibition in Tashkent
The exhibition "Uzbekistan in the 19th Century" was held at the Tashkent House of Photography from November 4 to 11, showcasing 130-140-year-old photographs taken by a mysterious 19th-century photographer, now preserved in Russia's Kunstkamera Museum. Organized by Turkish researchers in collaboration with the Turkish Embassy and the Sultan Abdulhamid II Applied Research Center of Yildiz Technical University (YUTU), the exhibition featured an album based on "Photographs by V. Orden". This collection includes 114 carefully selected images from hundreds taken in the late 19th century in modern-day Uzbekistan. Many of these photographs had never been publicly displayed before. The album was compiled by Professor Ayşe Melek Özyetgin, director of the Sultan Abdulhamid II Center, along with Yefim Rezvan, former head of the Kunstkamera Museum, and researchers Alexander Kolesnikov, Ilyas Kemaloğlu, and Ayşe Ersay Yüksel. Professor Özyetgin expressed hope that these photographs would serve as valuable resources for cultural and historical research on Uzbekistan. Digital copies of the originals were obtained from the Kunstkamera Museum, and damaged and faded photographs were meticulously restored. The mysterious photographer, referred to as either "V. Orden" or "F. Orde," captured over 4,000 images between 1885 and 1892 across regions like the Caucasus, Afghanistan, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, and Turkestan. His work, known for its documentary precision and naturalness, differed from the orientalist style prevalent in 19th-century photography. These qualities, as noted by Professor Özyetgin, make his collection a significant historical record. (Internet media outlet Gazeta.uz (4 November 2024))
● 5 November
Kazakhstan and France signed 36 agreements for $2.2 bln
On November 5, 2024, a joint briefing of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and the President of France Emmanuel Macron took place in Paris, summarizing the results of their bilateral talks. During the meeting, the strategic importance of Kazakh-French relations, which have been strengthened over 34 years of cooperation, including political dialogue, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties, was emphasized. The parties discussed the expansion of investments, which reached $19.5 billion, and trade turnover, which exceeded $4.2 billion in 9 months of 2024, with a focus on green energy, innovation, and international transportation corridors. Key documents were signed, including agreements on readmission, strategic partnerships in critical resources and materials, and cooperation in archaeology and electric locomotive manufacturing. Special attention was paid to cultural interaction, including the opening of the exhibition “Kazakhstan: Treasures of the Great Steppe” at the Guimet Museum and the establishment of Kazakh-French educational institutions. Global challenges such as climate change and the fight against terrorism were discussed, as well as preparations for the joint forum One Water Summit. Following the visit, 36 documents totaling $2.2 billion were signed, confirming the strategic nature of relations and readiness to further strengthen the partnership.
(Official website of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (5 November 2024))
● 6 November
Bishkek Hosts Eleventh Summit of the Organization of Turkic States
● 12 November
President of Uzbekistan points out the significance of expanding full-scale cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank
During his working visit to Baku, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Muhammad bin Sulaiman al-Jasser, to discuss enhancing cooperation with this leading international financial institution. President Mirziyoyev praised the growing partnership, highlighting the successful meeting of the Arab Coordination Group in Tashkent earlier this year. The IDB’s project portfolio in Uzbekistan now exceeds $4 billion, with 40% directed to the private sector, and the capital for the joint Economic Empowerment Fund is steadily being formed. The discussions emphasized expanding collaboration on projects in education, healthcare, infrastructure, ecology, and entrepreneurship, alongside mobilizing private investments and involving IDB structures in project activities. The sides also explored IDB’s potential participation in financing large investment projects in Uzbekistan’s industrial and extractive sectors.
● 13 November
The Presidents of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan signed a strategic agreement on inter-system integration of the energy systems of the three countries
On the sidelines of the COP 29 World Climate Summit, Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan signed a landmark Agreement on Strategic Partnership in Green Energy Production and Transmission. This agreement, aimed at integrating energy systems and creating sustainable energy corridors to European and other markets, underscores Kazakhstan's pivotal role as a transit hub. President Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan's commitment to carbon neutrality and its collaboration with international partners on green projects totaling 43 GW. President Aliyev emphasized the synchronization of efforts between Central Asia and the Caucasus in advancing renewable energy, while President Mirziyoyev stressed the environmental significance of the project, which aligns with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, energy ministers from the three countries, alongside Saudi Arabia, signed an Executive Program to further cooperation in green energy development, marking a significant step toward regional and global energy security.
● 20 November
Türkiye’s strategic role in facilitating Turkmen gas exports to Europe
As Türkiye seeks to establish itself as a key hub in the international natural gas trade, its energy diplomacy with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan is advancing, particularly in response to Europe's quest for alternative gas sources following the Russia-Ukraine war. Turkmenistan, possessing the world's fourth-largest natural gas reserves, is central to this effort. Agreements signed in 2023 aim to transport Turkmen gas to Türkiye via Azerbaijan and Georgia, with initial deliveries of 2 billion cubic meters (bcm) expected by 2025, scaling up to 15 bcm annually over 20 years. Despite challenges such as the need for reliable transport routes, including a potential trans-Caspian pipeline, experts view even modest initial volumes as a strategic win, reducing dependence on Russian and Iranian gas while enhancing Türkiye’s role as a regional energy hub. For Turkmenistan, this collaboration offers a vital opportunity to diversify its exports, creating a partnership that could reshape energy dynamics across the Caspian Sea and Southern Europe. (Daily Sabah (20 November 2024))
● 22 November
Ratification of the Loan and Grant Agreement between Kyrgyzstan and the Asian Development Bank under the Program for Improving Sustainable Financial and Public Management
President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov signed into law the ratification of agreements with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to improve sustainable financial management and public administration under Subprogram 1. The agreements, signed on July 4, 2024, and adopted by the Jogorku Kenesh on November 13, 2024, enable the implementation of domestic procedures for their entry into force. The ADB will provide $50 million in budget support, including a $43 million concessional loan and a $7 million grant. This financial support, regulated by the Cabinet of Ministers in coordination with the Jogorku Kenesh, aims to enhance public financial management and governance systems in Kyrgyzstan.
● 27 November
Joint Statement of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the President of the Russian Federation on Deepening Strategic Partnership in the New Global Order
On November 27, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a state visit to Kazakhstan at the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The leaders discussed the enhancement of bilateral cooperation, reaffirming their commitment to the principles outlined in foundational treaties of friendship and alliance. Key topics included political dialogue, economic integration, and collaboration in regional security frameworks like the CSTO and SCO. Both nations emphasized strengthening economic ties, including trade in national currencies, energy projects, and transport corridors, alongside mutual efforts in cultural and historical initiatives. They also agreed on coordinated responses to contemporary challenges such as terrorism, ensuring regional stability and shared prosperity. The visit marked a reaffirmation of the enduring partnership between Kazakhstan and Russia, aimed at fostering long-term regional stability and development.
● 28 November
The CSTO CSC session was held in Astana
On November 28, 2024, Astana hosted a session of the CSTO Collective Security Council chaired by Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, attended by member state leaders, Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov, and Chief of the Joint Staff Colonel General Andrei Serdyukov. Participants reviewed the politico-military situation in the CSTO's area of responsibility, adopted a Declaration reflecting their discussions, and approved measures to strengthen allied ties, enhance policy coordination, and equip the Collective Forces. A Special Interstate Policy for fortifying the Tajik-Afghan border was approved for 2025-2030, and preparations for celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War were highlighted. Kazakhstan's CSTO chairmanship was praised, and the chairmanship was transferred to Kyrgyzstan, with President Sadyr Japarov outlining priorities for 2025. The next session is scheduled for late 2025 in Bishkek.
● 29 November
Uzbekistan finalized negotiations on WTO accession with China
Uzbekistan has successfully completed bilateral negotiations with China regarding its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), according to Azizbek Urunov, the President’s WTO Envoy, who shared the update on his LinkedIn account. China became the 22nd country with which Uzbekistan has finalized talks on WTO membership. Urunov described his recent visit to Beijing as "brief but productive," stating that discussions with the People's Republic of China were successfully concluded. He expressed gratitude to China’s Ministry of Commerce, Deputy Minister Li Fei, and the entire team for their "constructive dialogue." Urunov emphasized that the end of the year has been highly productive for Uzbekistan in its WTO accession process, with negotiations completed with both the U.S. and China. He noted that only a few remaining countries, including Russia, the European Union, the UK, and Switzerland, are left to finalize talks. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has previously highlighted Uzbekistan’s WTO membership as a key component of the country’s reforms, calling it a "thoughtful and far-sighted choice." Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev announced in May that Uzbekistan aims to join the WTO before the 14th Ministerial Conference in Cameroon in 2026.
● 29 November
President Sadyr Zhaparov met with the Head of Yakutia Aisen Nikolaev
On November 29, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov met with the Head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Aysen Nikolaev, in Yntymak Ordo to discuss strengthening ties between Kyrgyzstan and Yakutia. President Zhaparov highlighted the shared cultural and historical bonds, the strategic partnership with Russia, and the success of cultural and sporting events like the Opera and Ballet Theater tour and the World Khapsagai Championship, expressing optimism about the upcoming Mas Wrestling Championship. He underscored opportunities for enhancing trade, attracting investments, and establishing joint ventures, proposing business mission exchanges and promoting tourism. Acknowledging Yakutia's tribute to Kyrgyz figures like Chyngyz Aitmatov, Zhaparov noted plans for the Days of Yakutia's Culture in Kyrgyzstan in 2025. Aysen Nikolaev expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized Yakutia's commitment to strengthening economic ties, citing increased trade turnover and support for collaborative business efforts. He proposed hosting the Children of Asia street games in Kyrgyzstan in 2026 as a symbol of friendship and a boost to sports cooperation. Both leaders reaffirmed their readiness to support initiatives for deeper collaboration.
● 29 November
The meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired an online Cabinet of Ministers meeting to address key state matters, emphasizing legislative improvements, financial audits, economic modernization, and agricultural development. Chairwoman of the Mejlis, D.Gulmanova, outlined progress in aligning Turkmenistan's legislation with international standards and preparing for a parliamentary session to discuss critical bills, including the 2025 state budget. Deputy Chairmen reported on banking reforms, modernizing the Seydi oil refinery's water supply, advancing agricultural campaigns, and organizing celebrations for the International Day of Neutrality. Additionally, plans were discussed to enhance trade, establish an electronic medical journal, and prepare for the inclusion of the Caspian branch of the Great Silk Road in the UNESCO World Heritage List. President Berdimuhamedov underlined the importance of strengthening institutional capacities, expanding international cooperation, and maintaining ecological well-being. The meeting concluded with the President congratulating the publication of the book Hakyda Göwheri and extending best wishes to participants.
● 29 November
16th Meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States Convened in Budapest
The 16th Meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held on November 29, 2024, in Budapest, Hungary, marking a significant step in fostering cooperation and unity among Turkic nations. Participants reviewed the progress of initiatives from previous summits, including those from the Bishkek Summit on November 6, 2024, which focused on economic integration, sustainable development, a digital future, and security. The Council also assessed the outcomes of the 15th CoE meeting in Ashgabat earlier this year. Expressing gratitude to Hungary for hosting, the Council highlighted the active contributions of Observer States in advancing the organization’s goals. (Organization of Turkic States (29 November 2024))
● 29 November
Turkmenistan is committed to cooperation with the UN Environment Program
On November 29, 2024, Turkmenistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, met with Arnold Kreilhuber, Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Regional Office for Europe, who visited Ashgabat for a conference on food security amid climate change. The meeting focused on Turkmenistan’s ongoing cooperation with UNEP and the implementation of previously agreed initiatives. Notable discussions included Turkmenistan’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, the establishment of a Regional Center for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia, and efforts related to the Global Methane Commitment, including a project with the International Methane Emission Observatory. The parties also addressed the Aral Sea crisis, emphasizing Turkmenistan's UN initiatives and an upcoming regional meeting on the Aral Sea basin. Additionally, the development of the Caspian Environmental Initiative, proposed by Turkmenistan's President at the 78th UN General Assembly, was discussed, along with ways to enhance cooperation on climate change adaptation in the Caspian region. Both sides emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and practical collaboration on environmental protection.
● 30 November
Priority directions of Turkmen-Chinese cooperation discussed
On November 30, 2024, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Chengdu during the fifth Central Asia-China foreign ministers’ meeting. They highlighted the strong bilateral relationship founded on mutually beneficial partnership and reviewed the progress of previous agreements. Both sides praised the Turkmen-Chinese Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee as a key mechanism for collaboration and underscored the importance of multilateral dialogue within international and regional structures, particularly the Central Asia-China format. Preparations for the 2025 Central Asia-China Summit in Astana were discussed, along with advancements in energy, trade, transport, and cultural cooperation. The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation for 2025-2026.
● 30 November
OTS Deputy Secratary General participated at the TRT World Forum
Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, Merey Mukazhan, participated in the 8th TRT World Forum held in Istanbul on November 29-30, 2024, which was inaugurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The forum, themed "A World at Breaking Point: Managing Crises and Transformations" brought together global leaders to discuss key challenges. On November 30, Mukazhan spoke at a session titled "Central Asia Crossroads: Enhancing Partnerships Amidst Global Currents" alongside notable figures such as Akhror Burkhanov, Press Secretary of Uzbekistan's Foreign Ministry, Prof. Selver B. Şahin from Boğaziçi University, and Dr. Aijan Sharshenova, Executive Director of Crossroads Central Asia. Organized by Türkiye’s national broadcaster TRT, the forum provided a platform for policymakers, academics, and civil society members to address critical global issues. (Organization of Turkic States (30 November 2024))