Central Asia's five nations, initially overlooked recipients of Chinese investment, are now gaining economic and geopolitical traction due to BRI and global shifts. Once poor Soviet-era states, they are becoming more prosperous and strategically significant.
Russia and Tajikistan's foreign ministers confirmed mutual intent to strengthen strategic partnership and cooperation, aligning with presidential agreements. The statement emphasizes joint practical steps.
Semyon Grigoryev emphasized that the countries have "a reliable strategic partnership and alliance, dynamic contacts in all areas, and sustainable mechanisms for sectoral cooperation"
Russia’s Almaz-Antey Group continues cooperating with aviation administrations and air navigation service providers in Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, Deputy Director General Dmitry Savitsky said
In his message, the Russian president conveyed his best wishes to the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, as well as to the peoples of Georgia, Moldova, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia
The topic was discussed at a meeting held on May 4 on the sidelines of the 59th meeting of the ADB Board of Governors in Samarkand
The Dushanbe Grand Slam concluded in Tajikistan with five gold medalists across various weight categories. Mansur Lorsanov won the -90kg division in golden score against Olympic medallist Theodoros Tselidis. Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko (UAE) claimed her first Grand Slam gold at -78kg, while China's Fuchun Huang became the first Chinese man to win a world tour gold in nine years at -100kg. Asya Tavano (Italy) successfully defended her +78kg title, and Poland's Jakub Sordyl won the +100kg division. The hosts Tajikistan earned three golds in their tournament.
On day 2 of the Tajikistan Judo Grand Slam, Mongolia's Gankhaich Bold won the -63kg division in golden score against fellow Mongolian Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo. Tajikistan's Muhiddin Asadulloev, the top seed, earned an ippon victory in the -73kg final, adding a second gold for the host nation. Poland's Aleksandra Kowalewska stunned Michaela Polleres for her first Grand Slam gold, while Tajikistan's Olympic bronze medalist Somon Makhmadbekov claimed the -81kg title.
The Dushanbe Grand Slam 2026 opened with a brilliant day for the home crowd as Nurali Emomali struck gold. Anudari Jamsran, Ayub Bliev, Odette Giuffrida and Olga Mukhina also topped the podium in a packed Kasri Tennis arena.
