Energy and Economy

 

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Sign $65 Million In Commercial Deals

During the first Interregional Forum, business leaders from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan signed $65 Million in deals including deals for the supply of poultry meat, medical products, micro-fertilizers, sodium cyanide, shale, limestone, and ammophos. Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic Akylbek Zhaparov attended the forum.

Source: The Astana Times

Uzbekistan and Iran to Foster Bilateral Cooperation

Iran’s National Petrochemical Company (NPC) and Uzbekistan’s Uzkimyosanoat signed a Memorandum of Understanding at International Exhibition of Plastic, Rubber, Machinery, and Equipment. The MOU was signed based on the agreement between the Presidents of Iran and Uzbekistan reached during President Mirziyoyev’s visit to Iran. Since June, multiple MOUs have been signed across different sectors, with parties agreeing to continue to explore new fields for cooperation. 

Source: Tehran Times 

EAEU to Form a Free Trade Area with India

On September 21, representatives Eurasian Economic Commission Trade Policy and Industrial Policy departments met with officials of the Ministry of Trade and Industry of India. The trade turnover between the EAEU and India saw a positive development with a 90% increase in the first six months of 2023. With the promising trend, both parties discussed the potential for further strengthening bilateral trade relations and industrial cooperation through forming a free trade area. 

Source: Eurasian Economic Commission 

Karabakh’s Khankendi Connected to Azerbaijan’s Power Grid

On September 24, Khankendi city within Azerbaijan’s Karabakh economic region was connected to Azerbaijan’s power grid. According to the office of Azerbaijan’s president administration, providing electricity to the city was agreed upon the meeting held between Azerbaijani officials and representatives of Karabakh’s Armenian population in Yevlakh on September 21. 

Source: A News, TASS

 

Security and Politics

 

Ethnic Armenians Leave Via Lachin Road to Armenia 

According to reports, more than 1,000 ethnic Armenians have fled across the border into Armenia after Baku announced that it has retaken control over the Karabakh region. As tensions remain high and violence ensues, some Armenians have started leaving the region, while others have opted to stay. There have also been reports of Karabakh’s Armenian residents have shown their desire to receive Azerbaijani citizenship. In a televised address, Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pahinyan said on September 21 that he did not see an imminent threat to civilians in Karabakh.

Source: Reuters, Barron’s, Trend News Agency

Turkish President Visits Nakhchivan Region of Azerbaijan

On September 25, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in Nakhchivan region of Azerbaijan to hold talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev. Following an official ceremony, the two leaders held one-on-one talks to discuss bilateral relations, as well as regional and global issues, particularly the recent developments in Karabakh. Erdoğan and Aliyev also attended the inauguration of the Igdir-Nakhchivan pipeline, which will supply natural gas from Türkiye to Nakhchivan.

Source: TRT World

Presidents of Iran and Tajikistan Expressed Concern over Terrorist Issues in Afghanistan 

Presidents of Iran and Tajikistan met during the 78^th United Nations General Assembly over security issues in Afghanistan. The leaders discussed the threats of terrorist groups in Afghanistan to the stability of the entire region. In response to the growing securty concerns, the leaders expressed the need to hold joint ministerial meetings among regional countries to ensure effective coordination in combating terrorism. 

Source: The Khaama Press 

Mine Explosion in Karabakh Leaves Two Azerbaijani Servicemen Dead

According to the Minstry of Defense of Azerbaijan, as a result of an anti-tank mine explosion in Karabakh on September 24, two Azerbaijani servicemen lost their lives. Another serviceman was injured, with his condition being stable after receiving medical assistance. The explosion comes after the launch of a local anti-terrorist operation by Azerbaijani forces, which concluded with a ceasefire agreement and demilitarization of Armenian military units in Karabakh.

Source: Vestnik Kavkaza

Sources: A News, Astana Times, Barron’s, BBC, Eurasian Economic Commission, Reuters, TASS, Tehran Times, The Khaama Press, The New York Times, Trend News Agency, TRT World, Vestnik Kavkaza