Energy and Economy 

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Establish Working Group on Critical Minerals 

During a meeting led by Kazakhstan’s and Uzbekistan’s Ministries of Industry, delegates from both countries discussed how they could enhance cooperation in the minerals sector. To promote future regular cooperation, the parties agreed to create a permanent working group, which will consist of members from the private sector and from educational institutions. Much of the dialogue, which took place in Astana on April 7, was also dedicated to expanding efforts in geological exploration, attracting international investment, and building processing capabilities in the region.  

Source: Kun, gov.kz 

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Amendments to the Renewable Energy Law 

Kyrgyzstan introduced new requirements for renewable energy projects when President Sadyr Japarov signed amendments to his nation’s Renewable Eenergy Law on April 3, mandating that all new solar and wind power plants include energy storage systems equal to at least 30% of their installed capacity. The measure aims to address the intermittent nature of renewables by enabling more stable electricity supply, though key details—such as implementation timelines and technology specifications—have not yet been clarified. 

Sources: Akchabar 

World Bank to Finance Caspian Sea Biodiversity Initiative 

The World Bank has approved a major regional environmental project on Building Capacities for Pollution Management and Biodiversity Conservation over the Caspian Sea. The initiative brings together Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan to enforce regional cooperation in addressing issues concerning Caspian Sea biodiversity. The World Bank and the United Nations Environment Program will act as the implementing agencies, while the Global Environment Facility will allocate $11.74 million in grant funding. Additionally, a Project Preparation Grant (PPG) of $183,489 will be provided to UN Office for Project Service (UNOPS) to support preparatory work.  

Source: Trend, QazInform 

Azerbaijan Sends Diesel Fuel to Armenia 

On April 11, Azerbaijan delivered 887 tons of diesel fuel to Armenia, marking a continuation of ongoing peacebuilding efforts through energy cooperation. Since October 2025, Azerbaijan has exported over 6,312 tons of diesel, 979 tons of RON-92 gasoline and 2,955 tons of RON-95 gasoline to Armenia. In January 2026, Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that domestic gasoline prices had fallen by about 20% since the shipments began, underscoring the practical impact of regional cooperation. 

Sources: Vestnik Kavkaza, Asbarez 

Armenia Signals Interest in Outside Investment for TRIPP 

Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed interest in involving Kazakhstan in the development and utilization of trade corridors through its territory. Pashinyan made the statement during a visit to Yerevan by Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev on April 9, where both parties discussed cooperation in connectivity, development, tourism, and intelligence. During a press conference, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also stated that Armenia might seek to garner capital from investors beyond the United States, namely countries in the Middle East.  

Sources: Eurasianet, Horizon 

South Korea Seeking Crude Oil from Kazakhstan Amid Iran Crisis 

South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan announced progress on a prospective crude oil agreement between Kazakhstan and South Korea, noting that further details are expected in the coming week. The development follows a recent visit by South Korean officials to Kazakhstan, as Seoul seeks to diversify its energy suppliers amid disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea is traditionally energy-dependent, relying on imports from the Middle East. 

Source: Reuters 

Politics and Security 

Saida Mirziyoyeva Visits U.S. to Meet with Rubio and Gor 

Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President and the eldest daughter of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, met with U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor in Washington to announce the official launch of the U.S.-Uzbekistan Business Investment Council (BIC). The BIC will serve as a platform that aims to build a strong economic portfolio between the two countries. Mirziyoyeva also met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on April 7, and the two officials discussed progress made on joint economic projects and on strengthening bilateral cooperation. 

Source: U.S. Department of State, Kun 

Fiber-Optic Cables at Forefront of Growing Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan Cooperation  

Kazakhstan plans to complete the construction of a fiber-optic communications cable to Azerbaijan by the end of 2026. With capacity of 400 Tbit/s and a total length of 380 km spanning the Caspian Sea, the ongoing project aims to increase digital connectivity and internet traffic from China to Europe. During a visit by Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev to Baku on April 8, both parties stressed the importance of increasing cargo throughput across the Caspian Sea, fulfilling joint ventures, and expanding trade turnover to $1 billion. The next day, the Kazakhstan government approved plans to lay other undersea fiber-optic cables for the Trans-Caspian Green Energy Corridor, through which wind and solar energy exports from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan will reach Europe.  

Sources: Interfax, Astana Times, Ulysmedia 

Armenia and Azerbaijan Civil Societies Hold Fourth Round of Talks to Advance Peace Process 

Civil society representatives from Azerbaijan and Armenia met for the fourth time under the Peace Initiative Bridge format. The initiative provides a platform for dialogue on sensitive issues in an environment of mutual trust. Participants emphasized the importance of such engagement in advancing peace between the two countries amid ongoing regional tensions. 

Source: Euronews