Overview

A Central Asian Union was proposed by Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbaev on April 26, 2007, consisting of the five Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The proposed Union would primarily deal with interstate border issues, trade, visa regimes, tourism, and security. If realized, the Central Asian Union would represent a counter- balance to the existing Russian-dominated Collective Security Organization and the Chinese- Russian -led Shanghai Cooperation Organization. In his proposal, the Kazakh President said:

"In the region, we share economic interest, cultural heritage, language, religion, and environmental challenges, and face common external threats. The founding fathers of the European Union could only wish they had so much in common. We should direct our efforts towards a closer economic integration, a common market and a single currency."

So far, the presidents of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have signed an agreement to create an "International Supreme Council" between the two states. In addition, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have signed a "Treaty of eternal friendship".

Though the proposed union has the support of the presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, it was outright rejected by Uzbekistan president Islam Karimov.

Tajikistan Considers Railroad Link To Bypass Uzbekistan

03.29.2010

The Tajik government has suggested building a railroad link through Afghanistan to avoid the delays in rail cargo bound for Tajikistan via Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan Withdrawing From Regional Power Grid

12.01.2009

Uzbekistan is expected to officially leave the Soviet-era regional power grid that unites the country with its three Central Asian neighbors. The move could leave Uzbekistan’s impoverished neighbors, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, facing severe electricity shortages during the winter months.

Turkey-Kazakhstan relations hit peak

10.25.2009

Leaders of East Asian countries have laid the groundwork for a European Union- style bloc that will cover half the world's population, analysts and officials say.

Iran proposes setting up 'Asian Union'

10.15.2009

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki The Iranian foreign minister has proposed setting up the 'Asian Union' to strengthen economic cooperation among Asian counties.

Uyghur Leader: 'Entire Turkic-Speaking World Rallied To Support Us'

10.04.2009

Uzbek, Turkmen Reps Skip Turkic-Speaking Assembly

10.02.2009

Tajik, Kyrgyz Begin Joint Border Patrols

09.11.2009

Tajik and Kyrgyz border guards have begun a joint patrol of some parts of the border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.

Central Asian States Profess Unity, But Grow Farther Apart

08.03.2009

While the five states of Central Asia often try to project an image of regional unity, they are increasingly going their own ways, which in turn harms their ability to jointly dictate their future.

Is Turkey Asian or European?

03.31.2009

Having been rejected by the West, Huntington argues, Turkey may turn to the Turkic countries of Central Asia in search of a new identity.