China, Pakistan, and Tajikistan hold meeting as part of the World Sustainable Transport Forum in Beijing
- Turkmenistan and American Education Testing Service discuss prospects for cooperation in field of education
Istanbul
Central Asia is becoming a key region in the geopolitical struggle between the United States and China, writes the Turkish publication Daily Sabah.
The U.S. is reassessing its foreign policy, focusing on economic pragmatism and realism. Meanwhile, China is strengthening its influence in the region by investing in infrastructure and energy.
By encouraging investments and reforms in Central Asia, the U.S. aims to reduce the region’s dependence on Russia and China.
In the geopolitical game, U.S. strategy encourages China to concentrate resources on maritime operations, potentially weakening its influence in Central Asia. At the same time, China is investing heavily in Central Asia’s infrastructure and energy, contributing to the growth of trade.
China is the largest buyer of energy resources from Central Asia, increasing its dependence on the region, which plays a key role in ensuring China’s energy security and serves as a transit route for trade and investment.
For the U.S., the region is becoming important in the context of curbing China’s influence and strengthening its own positions.
Read: Six trends of the “Great Game” around Central Asia
A recent Central Asia Barometer study showed growing concern about Chinese investments in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. In the latter, negative perceptions of Chinese economic activities have led to protests against the development of the Kumtor mine.
The Belt and Road Initiative is losing popularity among the population of Tajikistan. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have significant debts to China, which is causing discontent.
Against this backdrop, the U.S. is urging the region to use its strategic position to counter Chinese policies.
As events in the great geopolitical game unfold, Central Asia’s role is becoming increasingly significant, making it critically important for both American strategy and global dynamics, the article concludes.
Tajikistan, China and Pakistan discuss transport and communications
Meanwhile, another report says, “As part of the World Sustainable Transport Forum in Beijing, a meeting took place between the ministers of transport and communications of three countries: China, Pakistan, and Tajikistan.”
The talks were attended by Tajikistan’s Minister of Transport Azim Ibrohim, China’s Minister of Transport Li Xiaopeng, Pakistan’s Federal Minister of Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, and the Director of the ESCAP Transport Department Weimin Ren, Avesta reports.
Key topics of the meeting included developing cooperation in transport and communications, the work of joint commissions, simplifying permit procedures for international transport, and creating infrastructure to service electric vehicles in Tajikistan.
One of the main outcomes of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum to establish a mechanism for regular meetings of the “China-Central Asia” transport ministers. This format will contribute to strengthening logistics, developing transport infrastructure, and improving conditions for the movement of people and goods in the region.
The forum also highlighted the importance of the recent UN General Assembly resolution, which declared September 26 as World Sustainable Transport Day and announced the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport starting in 2026.
During the trilateral discussions, Tajikistan’s Minister of Transport Azim Ibrohim discussed with his colleagues issues related to:
– The activities of working commissions
– Cooperation projects
– Obtaining permits for international transport
– Building service stations for electric vehicles in Tajikistan.
The ministers also agreed on joint development of transport infrastructure, logistics, and ensuring efficient movement of goods and people in the regions.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of a Memorandum on the creation of a meeting mechanism for the “China-Central Asia” transport ministers.
Earlier, Tajikistan and Pakistan discussed the development of bilateral economic relations to increase exports, use transit routes, and improve sugar imports.
Turkmenistan and American ETS discussed prospects for cooperation in field of education
An official delegation from the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan met with Shannon Ashpole Litto, Director of Government and External Relations at Educational Testing Service (ETS), in the United States, reports Turkmenportal.com.
ETS, a recognized global leader in educational test development, presented an overview of its activities and proposed areas for expanding bilateral cooperation.
According to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the meeting discussed prospects for collaboration in several key areas. Turkmenistan was offered cooperation in preparing for participation in international assessments, such as PISA, with the development of methodologies for successful participation in these programs.
The possibility of collaboration in creating test questions using advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, based on well-known tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL was also considered.
Particular attention was paid to the possibility of studying the methodology for administering PRAXIS tests to assess knowledge and certify teachers. Both sides noted that the introduction of international testing standards could significantly improve the quality of education in Turkmenistan, facilitating the selection of the most qualified students and raising the overall level of educational services.
The implementation of the discussed areas of cooperation with ETS is aimed at modernizing the country’s education system and aligning it with international standards.
Read: USA’s Latest Great Game East
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Courtesy: Central Asian Light (Posted on October 1, 2024)
