Headlines from the Caspian: January 27, 2026
Recent Articles
Author: Caspian Policy Center
01/27/2026
Energy and Economy
Armenia and Azerbaijan to Merge Energy Systems
In a move to facilitate import and export of electricity, Armenia and Azerbaijan will integrate their energy systems, announced Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The Prime Minister did not announce a timeline but said that the project would coincide with the construction of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity.
Source: Reuters
Kazakhstan and U.S. Energy Officials Meet in Astana
Talks were held in Astana on January 23 between Kazakhstan Vice Minister of Energy Sanzhar Zharkeshov and David Wilbor and Gordon Tate, officials from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan. The two sides discussed ways to develop Kazakhstan’s oil and gas projects through enhanced upstream efficiency. They also discussed methods to reduce environmental externalities, including the use of modernized coal-processing techniques.
Source: Trend News
Tajikistan Reports 8.4% Increase in Economic Growth in 2025
Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon reported a total gross domestic output of 173 billion somoni, or roughly $19 billion. Several areas of growth included mining, metallurgy, and rising state investment into new civilian and energy construction projects. Remittances from Tajik migrant workers in Russia remained high, and China and Russia still topped the list of Tajikistan’s trade turnover.
Source: Times of Central Asia
European Investment Bank to Invest 100 Million Euros into Tajikistan’s Transportation Sector
The investment by the European Investment Bank (EIB) seeks to accelerate the development of Tajikistan’s transport networks, as well as improve the country’s integration into existing logistics corridors in Central Asia. Upgrades to infrastructure also aim to improve public access to transportation across the country. The allocation of funds was announced on January 23 as part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Tajikistan and the EIB in 2025.
Source: Avesta, Times of Central Asia
Politics and Security
Aliyev, Trump Meet in Davos
On January 22, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the United States Donald Trump held a meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. During the meeting, the sides highlighted President Trump’s historic role in facilitating agreements aimed at advancing the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia, initialed in Washington on August 8 last year. During the discussion, President Aliyev noted that “peace already exists in the region,” pointing to tangible economic cooperation between the two South Caucasus neighbors, including the export of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia and the transit of imported grain to Armenia through Azerbaijani territory. Aliyev also underscored the importance of the U.S.-proposed TRIPP Corridor in enhancing regional connectivity. The sides also discussed the Board of Peace initiative, and Azerbaijan’s invitation to join the Board as a founding member state was described as a “clear reflection of the Azerbaijan–U.S. strategic partnership.”
Source: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
U.S. Special Envoy Gor Travels to Turkmenistan
On January 22-23, U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor traveled to Turkmenistan. Gor engaged there in a series of high-level meetings with senior government officials and the business community, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation, promoting regional stability, and strengthening economic partnerships. Accompanied by U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, Gor held meetings with President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov, and Minister of Defense Begench Gundogdyev.
Source: U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Secretary Rubio’s Call with Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Bayramov
In the call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Rubio commended the Azerbaijani government for its shipments of fuel to Armenia. The two also discussed “confidence-building measures” to advance peace and prosperity in the region.
Source: U.S. Department of State, AA
U.S. Special Envoy Marks Trip to Tashkent with Visit to Center for Islamic Civilization
U.S. Special Envoy for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli conducted a visit to Tashkent that began on January 23, in order to attend the 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia. While in Tashment, Zampolli also visited the Center for Islamic Civilization where he presented a copy of the U.S. Constitution to the leaders of the Center.
Sources: U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan, Caliber
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to visit Armenia and Azerbaijan
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance will travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia in February. Trump said the trip will advance the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) announced in August. The president also noted that the visit aims to strengthen bilateral strategic and trade partnerships with both countries.
Source: Reuters
