31 News on the Silk Road - July 2025

Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have established the "Green Corridor Alliance" to advance the Azerbaijan–Central Asia Green Energy Corridor project, aiming to boost regional energy security and sustainable development.

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Azerbaijan and Afghanistan discussed boosting the Lapis Lazuli Corridor to enhance trade links. Baku expressed readiness to expand export-import volumes with Kabul. Talks held during the ECO Summit in Baku. 

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The Middle Corridor was in focus at the UK Parliament as Kazakhstan urged partners to move from simple transit to joint production. British officials and experts see the route as a key alternative for faster, sustainable trade between Asia and Europe. 

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Uzbekistan and Pakistan leaders Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Shehbaz Sharif met at the ECO Summit in Khankendi to advance trade, accelerate joint projects, expand direct flights, and promote the strategic Trans-Afghan railway connecting Central and South Asia. 

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Tajikistan has expressed interest in joining the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project, aiming to strengthen regional links to Europe via the New Silk Road. Talks with China focused on expanding multimodal corridors across Central Asia. 

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Kazakhstan Railways and China Railway Corp have signed a strategic cooperation deal to modernize and expand the MiddleCorridor. The agreement includes infrastructure upgrades, digital solutions, and joint investment in logistics.

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Europe is turning to the MiddleCorridor—connecting China to Europe via Central Asia, the Caspian, and the South Caucasus—as it seeks secure, alternative trade routes beyond Russia and the Suez. A game-changer in Eurasian logistics. 

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Kazakhstan and Afghanistan have agreed to build a strategic railway connecting Central and South Asia. Signed during FM Murat Nurtleu’s Kabul visit, the project aims to enhance trade, transit, and regional integration. Talks also covered digitization, agriculture, and geologic exploration. 

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Azerbaijan and Georgia discussed expanding gas supplies, electricity transit, and joint green energy projects. 1.6 bcm of gas was supplied to Georgia in 5 months. Talks also covered the strategic Caspian–Black Sea–Europe Green Energy Corridor. 

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Kazakhstan has launched 4 upgraded customs posts on its borders with China and Uzbekistan, featuring high-tech scanning, faster processing, and one-stop control. Part of a broader push to boost transit capacity and digital border systems. 

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At a high-level roundtable in Ankara, Uzbekistan and Türkiye discussed boosting trade, energy, IT, and mining ties. Turkish firms expressed keen interest in joint projects, with new B2B missions and regional outreach plans already underway. 

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In the first half of 2025, Azerbaijan exported 12.1 bcm of natural gas—6.1 bcm to Europe, 4.9 bcm to Türkiye (incl. TANAP), and 1.1 bcm to Georgia. Total production reached 25.2 bcm, with Shah Deniz contributing the largest share. 

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Turkmenistan and the Benelux Union discussed scrapping visa requirements for diplomatic/service passports to enhance official mobility. The proposal reflects growing EU–Central Asia engagement and aims to streamline cooperation on regional and global issues.

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Azerbaijan-China visa-free regime takes effect July 16, allowing 30-day stays. Tourism already up 70%. The move is set to boost cultural, educational, and economic ties—reflecting growing strategic partnership and shared global outlook. 

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Armenia has officially applied to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeking to shift from observer to full member. PM Nikol Pashinyan says the move aligns with Armenia’s balanced foreign policy vision. The SCO summit in China this fall may address the application. 

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Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov ratified the key border agreement with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on the tri-border point in the Fergana Valley. Signed in March 2025, this deal enhances regional stability and cooperation in Central Asia. 

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At the SCO Business Council in Beijing, Uzbekistan proposed key initiatives including the SCO TradeNet platform, smart border zones, and an SME business school—aiming to boost digital trade, innovation, and cross-border cooperation.

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President Tokayev has ratified a treaty to expand allied relations with Kyrgyzstan. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in politics, trade, defense, and regional security between the two neighboring Central Asian states. 

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During Minister Mikayil Jabbarov’s visit to Prague, Azerbaijan and Czechia discussed boosting ties in trade, transport, energy, agriculture, and innovation. Skoda and Agrofert explored green tech and investment opportunities in Azerbaijan. 

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A new customs model at the China–Kazakhstan Baktu checkpoint cuts clearance time from hours to under 10 minutes. This digital-first system boosts trade efficiency and slashes costs—part of China's push to streamline cross-border logistics in Xinjiang. 

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Bishkek hosts high-level talks on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, with construction already underway. Seen as a key step toward regional integration and trade route diversification, the project also highlights growing China–Kyrgyz economic ties. 

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China's LinkWise Data Intelligence may build two 300 MW data centers in Bukhara and Surkhandarya. A new MoU marks growing Chinese investment in Uzbekistan’s digital infrastructure—aligned with Tashkent’s green tech ambitions. 

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Uzbekistan has invited Georgia to join the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project—an emerging part of the MiddleCorridor. If realized, the move could enhance trans-Eurasian trade, shorten delivery times, and boost Georgia’s role in global logistics.

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Tajikistan and Mongolia signed 10 cooperation agreements and agreed to establish a joint Business Council. Presidents Rahmon and Khurelsukh also launched a bilateral economic forum and emphasized closer ties in energy, tourism, digital innovation, and culture. 

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Georgia and Armenia move to establish a new joint border checkpoint. Customs heads met in Yerevan to finalize cooperation details, aiming to boost legal trade and streamline cargo flow. Repair works are underway on the Sadakhlo–Tsopi–Aghkorpu route. 

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Slovenia expresses readiness to join the Black Sea Energy cable—Azerbaijan’s key green energy link to Europe. It supports joint hydrogen, smart grid, and renewable energy R&D, and praises Azerbaijan’s COP29 leadership. 

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Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan held their 8th Intergovernmental Commission meeting in Baku, discussing expanded cooperation in energy, trade, transport, and agriculture. A new protocol was signed; the next session is set for Ashgabat. 

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Uzbekistan fast-tracks the Tashkent–Samarkand high-speed rail project. Backed by South Korea, AIIB & more, the line will ease congestion, boost trade, and expand connectivity across Central Asia. Feasibility study wraps up by late 2025.

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Iran and Tajikistan vow to deepen strategic ties—boosting cooperation in trade, energy, culture, and transport. Tehran also plans rail links with Dushanbe, Merv, Ankara, and Herat, expanding its regional reach through diplomacy and infrastructure. 

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Kazakhstan and Türkiye have signed an agreement to boost freight transport via the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Key goals include regular service, digital tracking, and expanded capacity across the MiddleCorridor linking China, Europe, and Africa. 

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Georgia and Türkiye have confirmed readiness to fully launch the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Ministers also reviewed major projects—East-West highway, Tbilisi’s new airport, and deeper economic cooperation. BTK seen as key to Asia-Europe connectivity. 

The Caspian Post