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On December 15, the Caspian Policy Center (CPC) hosted Dr. Taleh Ziyadov, the Director-General of the Baku International Sea Trade Port, to discuss the development of the Middle Corridor and the role the Port of Baku can play in this expanding transit route. Dr. Ziyadov offered his insight on the challenges impeding the current regional trade environment. The Middle Corridor has great potential to become one of Europe&rsquo;s primary trade routes and sources of energy. Recently, with the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Middle Corridor has received international attention, and it has become paramount to expand the capacity of these routes to lead the way in European energy diversification efforts. However, its potential is still unmet as cargo capacity must first expand before trade volumes can increase through infrastructural development and synchronization of policies of all involved parties. The event was attended by the Washington policy community, including think tanks, international organizations, and government representatives.

Assessing Important Developments on the Middle Corridor with Changing World Dynamics

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Washington, DC- Thursday, November 8, the Caspian Policy Center (CPC) hosted a panel of experts to discuss upcoming economic opportunities and challenges in the Caspian region. Renewable energy, transit routes, regional connectivity, investment potential, Russian migrants, the digital economy, and privatization were amongst the many topics covered at this event.

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Admiral (ret.) Ron Maclaren opened the event with welcome remarks, highlighting the potential economic opportunities that have emerged since Russia invaded Ukraine earlier this year, shifting the global paradigm. He posed the question on how the Caspian region can forward its economic prospects.

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Madina Zhunusbekova, the IMF&rsquo;s senior advisor for Europe and Eurasia, commented that &ldquo;Kazakhstan is implementing structural reforms and monetary policy tightening.&rdquo;

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And, &ldquo;in terms of economic growth outlook for 2023, the growth expectations are still high, despite uncertainties,&rdquo; she added.

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Aziza Umarova, a visiting fellow at Harvard University&rsquo;s Davis Center, responded to Admiral Maclaren&rsquo;s question by adding that there is great untapped potential in several Central Asian markets. To see drastic economic improvement, the United States only needs to shift 3% of its textile imports &ldquo;from the Chinese textile industry to Central Asia.&rdquo; Although a small percent, this shift &ldquo;would be enough to make substantial change in the region.&rdquo;

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The discussion also covered Central Asian energy security, which has been a major point of interest from Western companies since the war in Ukraine began earlier this year.

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Umarova stated that, &ldquo;prior to the Ukraine War, it was nearly impossible to get to the gas market in Uzbekistan, due to large presence of Russian gas servicing companies. After the war, there are more opportunities for foreign companies in Uzbekistan&rsquo;s gas sector.&rdquo;

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Richard Spooner, manager of government relations of Valmont Industries, added that to provide a quick surge in economic growth in the region &ldquo;oil and gas infrastructure can be re-tooled to transfer green hydrogen.&rdquo; As solar, wind, and nuclear energy have increasingly become more attractive in the energy field, there is great potential for the countries of the Caspian region to gain a foothold in this growing industry.

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However, he added that there are some challenges which need to be addressed: &ldquo;Only if the big global energy companies get involved, the Trans-Caspian pipeline would get built.&rdquo; The potential of the Middle Corridor transit route can only be reached if proper investment is first allocated.

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Overall, the speakers agreed that changing global dynamics have added to the region&#39;s investment attractiveness. However, regional connectivity needs to continue developing for investment projects to become more practical.

Economic Forecast for the Caspian Region

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<h2>1015 15th St NW, 11th floor conference room&nbsp;</h2>

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When the period for nomination of candidates closed in October, Kazakhstan entered the presidential election campaign period from October 21 to November 18, 2022. The January events at the beginning of this year, or &lsquo;Tragic January,&rsquo; in multiple regions of Kazakhstan have shaken and tested the system of law and order with its organized violence and destruction. Earlier in September, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, announced new constitutional amendments and snap presidential elections, with the updated presidential mandate limited to one term of seven years without the right to be re-elected. &nbsp;He said that the new presidential system would strengthen Kazakhstan&rsquo;s political stability and social structure. All institutional changes envisioned by the constitutional reforms are to be legally completed by the end of this year.

On November 17, the Caspian Policy Center is proud to host regional experts and policy officials to share and exchange valuable insights on the historical and future constitutional path, current realities, and opportunities for Kazakhstan.

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<h3>RSVP to hnelson@caspianpolicy.org</h3>

Upcoming Elections in Kazakhstan: Realities and Opportunities

The Organization of Turkic States is an international organization that has emerged as an increasingly influential platform for connecting Turkic-speaking countries, as well as fostering comprehensive cooperation between these countries and the world. This institution is made up of five member states: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, T&uuml;rkiye, and Uzbekistan, with Hungary and Turkmenistan having observer status. Previously called the Turkic Council, the organization underwent a significant transformation in the last few years following the 8th Summit in Istanbul, in which it was renamed the Organization of Turkic States. The organization has been influential in working closely to develop connectivity, harmonization of trade, and has done so in different multilateral formats. Furthermore, the organization has been involved in recent talks about security collaboration.

We invite you to join the Caspian Policy Center for a discussion with Ambassador Baghdad Amreyev, Secretary General for the Organization of Turkic States on the role of the organization in a rapidly changing world, especially as traditional power brokers face new obstacles. CPC is delighted to host Ambassador Amreyev to this discussion and we are eager to foster closer relations between our organizations, as we both share the vision of just how important this region is on a global scale.

The Organization of Turkic States’ Role in a Changing World

The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host this event to bring together the best minds in business, government, and non-profits to discuss new business challenges and opportunities for the Caspian region. The forum will bring together policymakers, business leaders, and members of the academic community at the Yale Club to discuss the emerging business landscape across the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

Third Caspian Business Forum

On July 6, the Caspian Policy Center hosted a closed discussion on supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises in Azerbaijan with Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan. Mammadov briefed CPC board members and staff on strategies implemented by the Azerbaijani government to promote SME growth following the economic challenges brought on by Russia&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine. He also discussed the inclusion of green energy approaches and plans to incorporate smart cities into the country.

Caspian Policy Center Hosts Discussion with Orkhan Mammadov Chairman of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan

The Caspian Security Conference organized by the Washington-based Caspian Policy Center and the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA Center) of the U.S. National Defense University, will explore the future of security for the Greater Caspian Region following Russia&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine. Conference sessions will examine the following questions:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;- What role can the United States play in helping Caspian countries maintain positive relations with all partners in the region?&nbsp;

&nbsp;-&nbsp;How can the United States and Caspian countries work together to stabilize Eurasian markets in the wake of Russian sanctions and prevent sanction busting?&nbsp;

&nbsp;- How can the United States and its European allies work with the Caspian region to ensure stable energy markets in the wake of Western disengagement from the Russian energy market?&nbsp;

&nbsp;- What can the Caspian countries do to insulate themselves from potential security threats stemming from the invasion of Ukraine?&nbsp;

&nbsp;- How can the United States and its allies aid the Caspian countries in countering security threats from malign actors?&nbsp;

&nbsp;- Can the United States and its NATO allies create successful comprehensive national security partnerships with Caspian countries?&nbsp;

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After gaining independence, the countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asia quickly set out to build international relationships, protect their sovereignty, and safeguard their national security. The United States began forming political and security relationships with the Caspian region and all eight countries joined the NATO Partnership for Peace. During the U.S. and NATO mission in Afghanistan, countries on both sides of the Caspian Sea provided essential assistance to the United States and Europe. International forces departed Afghanistan on August 31, 2021, leaving the political and security outlook of the country and its neighbors in question. Then, early in January 2022, the region saw CSTO troops deployed for the first time to Kazakhstan and on February 24 Russia invaded Ukraine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and Russia&#39;s invasion of Ukraine have demonstrated a need to reevaluate relations with traditional security partners and great powers, leaving the Caspian countries in the difficult position of determining their security future. As the United States and Europe come together to impose heavy sanctions on Russia, the Caspian region must navigate complex political, defense, and economic ties between Russia and the West. The countries of the region will need to develop and employ decisive, creative, and cooperative solutions to both protect their national security and to collaborate with a diverse set of international partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Caspian Security Conference: What Comes Next for the Caspian Region Following the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Russia&rsquo;s use of its naval capabilities in the Caspian Sea to strike Ukraine emphasizes the strategic importance that the landlocked body of water can play. Restricted access to the Caspian Sea, an important route for transcontinental shipping and energy transit, accentuates the power disparity of the different navies and coast guards that operate in the region. The attack on Ukraine marks a shift in Russian policy, and its use of the Caspian fleet potentially reflects the changing security demands of the region as well as the traditional challenges of preventing trans-Caspian smuggling.

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We invite you to join the Caspian Policy Center for a panel discussion on the implications of Russia&rsquo;s use of the Caspian Sea on the South Caucasus and Central Asia and the long-term security challenges for the littoral states.

Assessing Caspian Naval Defenses: Threats and Opportunities

The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host 30 Years of U.S.-Caspian Relations: A Celebration to honor the 30th anniversary of partnership between the United States and the countries of the Caspian region. In coordination of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, the celebration will bring together policymakers, business leaders, and members of the academic community at the National Press Club to honor the accomplishments of U.S.-Caspian relationship over the past three decades.&nbsp;

Celebrating 30 Years of U.S.- Caspian Diplomatic Relations

In March and April, senior fellows, advisors, and staff of the Caspian Policy Center traveled to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia to meet with experts and officials in each of the countries. In these meetings, they learned about the energy, security, and diplomatic aspects of each country&rsquo;s current policy in the region, and what those policies mean for regional cooperation and peace. In the briefing CPC&rsquo;s experts shared their takeaways from the region&rsquo;s capitals and potential opportunities to increase U.S. engagement. and the implications of Russia&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine. 

As Putin&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine has further upset the geopolitical balance of a region already dealing with the consequences of COVID-19, the implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the region&rsquo;s reactions were of primary focus. Additionally, the potential for progress in forming a lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia was discussed. The briefing was attended by members of the diplomatic, academic, think tank, and business communities.

CPC Holds a Briefing on Trips to the South Caucasus

As Russia&rsquo;s military buildup on its border with Ukraine continues and recuring attempts at diplomacy fail, tensions between Russia and NATO have reached their highest point since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Though President Putin&rsquo;s efforts to establish Russia&rsquo;s &ldquo;privileged sphere of influence&rdquo; in the former Soviet space have currently focused on Russia&rsquo;s western flank, the impacts of his actions will reverberate across Eurasia.

We invite you to join the Caspian Policy Center for a panel discussion on the implications of the Russian military threat on the Ukrainian border for the security of the South Caucasus and Central Asia and their relationship with Russia.

Putin’s Ukraine Crisis: Implications Across Eurasia

For thirty years, U.S.- Caspian engagement has proven a critical component of regional stability and goodwill. In 2021, the countries of the Caspian region celebrated their thirtieth year of independence, and the Caspian Policy Center, which has served as a bridge between the region and the United States celebrated its fifth anniversary. To celebrate what the countries of the Caspian region have achieved in their independence and to look towards future U.S.-Caspian prosperity in the next thirty years, the Caspian Policy Center is proud to host a panel of senior representatives to discuss the past, present, and future of U.S.-Caspian relations.   &nbsp;

30 Years of U.S.-Caspian Diplomatic Relations

Kazakhstan, long seen as an example of stability in Central Asia, experienced unprecedented mass protests in reaction to increases in fuel prices. Violence later broke out in Almaty, the country&rsquo;s largest city and business hub, as crowds took over government buildings and public infrastructure. The government of Kazakhstan appealed to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), marking the CSTO&rsquo;s first ever mobilization.

Multiple narratives have emerged as details remain unclear in the wake of large-scale internet shutdowns throughout the country. At this event we will discuss the unrest in Kazakhstan and what it means for the country and region going forward.

Protests and Unrest in Kazakhstan: What Happened and What’s Next?

After recent events in Central Asia and Afghanistan, Ambassador Baktybek Amanbaev of Kyrgyzstan and representatives of Kyrgyzstan&rsquo;s Embassy in Washington, D.C. attended a meeting with the Caspian Policy Center and shared their thoughts on current regional and global issues. Ambassador Amanbaev discussed challenges facing the region and opportunities for U.S.-Kyrgyz cooperation. The meeting included members of Kyrgyzstan&rsquo;s Embassy and Caspian Policy Center senior fellows and staff.

Briefing at the Caspian Policy Center with Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to the U.S. Baktybek Amanbaev

The Caspian Policy Center held a briefing on bilateral U.S.-Kazakhstani relations with Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan for International Cooperation Erzhan Kazykhan and Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United States Yerzhan Ashikbayev. At this briefing, new opportunities for U.S.-Kazakhstani relations were discussed as well as how the United States can strengthen the partnership between the countries. The discussants included representatives from the Embassy of Kazakhstan to the United States and members of the CPC advisory board and staff.

Briefing with the Kazakhstani Presidential Representative Erzhan Kazykhan and Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the U.S. Yerzhan Ashikbayev

A year after parliamentary election turmoil led to President Sooronbay Jeenbekov&rsquo;s resignation, the Kyrgyz Republic is holding new elections for a parliament that has seen substantial change since the prior year. During President Sadyr Japarov&rsquo;s one year in office, new challenges for the country and the region have emerged. Given the tumultuous history of parliamentary elections in the Kyrgyz Republic, the elections are a pivotal point for the country. 
The Caspian Policy Center will discuss the outcomes and implications of the most recent election. The discussion will host experts on the Kyrgyz Republic, cover the results of the parliamentary election, and what it will mean for the country and region. 
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Bishkek at the Ballot Box: An Analysis of the Kyrgyz Parliamentary Election

To follow the summit of the Turkic Council in Istanbul this November, the Caspian Policy Center is organizing a special ambassadorial briefing. This year&rsquo;s summit witnessed considerable changes to the Turkic Council, including its restructuring into the Organization of Turkic States. At this event we will hear from the ambassadors of member states, as they share their thoughts on what the organization will mean for the future of the region, and what roles it can serve to facilitate closer ties between the Turkic countries.

In addition to representatives from the embassies, the briefing will include experts from leading think tanks and key U.S. government agencies. Lunch will be provided.

Caspian Ambassadorial Briefing: The Organization of Turkic States

Thirty years ago, the Soviet Socialist Republics became independent nations and quickly set out to build international relationships, protect their sovereignty, and safeguard their national security. For the last 20 years, the ongoing U. S. military presence in Afghanistan and the struggle between the Afghan government and the Taliban have had a profound impact on the security of the Caspian region and its relationships with the United States.&nbsp; International forces departed Afghanistan on August 31, 2021, leaving the political and security outlook of Afghanistan in question, and by extension the stability of the entire Caspian region. &nbsp;The repercussions of this political, humanitarian, and military withdrawal loom large for the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus and have the potential to drastically alter the security outlook of the Caspian region.&nbsp; As this process plays out, the countries of the region will need to develop and employ decisive, creative, and cooperative solutions to both protect their national security and to collaborate with a diverse set of international partners.

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<h3><a href="http://caspiansecurity.org/">LEARN MORE AND REGISTER</a></h3>

Caspian Security Conference

One year ago, the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War took place, resulting in Azerbaijan regaining control of seven territories Armenian forces had long occupied as well as much of Nagorno-Karabakh itself, resulting in much of the Armenian population leaving the area, and a Russian-brokered cease-fire that included the deployment of Russian peacekeepers. That ceasefire remains in place, but there is no peace and no serious movement towards a peace agreement. While there have been some positive actions, for example, high-level talks on improving transportation connectivity and the return of some detainees and the provision of information on the location of minefields, border skirmishes and other incidents show the potential for renewed conflict.

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In light of this anniversary of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, the Caspian Policy Center is gathering two former U.S. ambassadors to the region for an online event to discuss the outlook for peace and reconciliation, and steps the countries in the region, as well as the United States and international organizations, can take to help Armenians and Azerbaijanis build a more peaceful, prosperous, and stable future.

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To confirm your attendance and to receive a Zoom link to join the session, please email <a href="http://jcohen@caspianpolicy.org">jcohen@caspianpolicy.org</a>.

One Year After the Nagorno-Karabakh War: A Need for Initiative

Japan and the Republic of Korea have strengthened their presence across the Caspian in recent years, particularly through a number of cultural and economic projects. Additionally, South Korea is a growing destination for Central Asian migrant workers. While much has been made of China&rsquo;s investment and aggressive foreign policy in Central Asia, Japan and South Korea&rsquo;s substantial relationships in the region are too often underestimated.&nbsp;

 
In conjunction with the Caspian Policy Center&rsquo;s new policy brief&nbsp;titled &ldquo;It&rsquo;s Not Only China: Japan and Korea&rsquo;s Growing Roles in Central Asia&rdquo; we will gather Japanese, South Korean, and regional experts to discuss the growing roles of Japan and South Korea in the Caspian and their geopolitical significance. The discussion will cover Japanese and South Korean investment, development aid, and business in the Caspian as well as high-level political contacts between Central Asia&rsquo;s capitals and Tokyo and Seoul. The experts will provide their perspective on Japan and South Korea&rsquo;s activity in the region, possible future areas of engagement, and what these important relationships can mean for the United States and others.

Events