Central Asia signals support for Washington

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have pledged considerable financial support to the Board of Peace (BoP) initiated by US President Donald Trump. However, neither side specified the exact amounts. The pledges were made at the board's inaugural meeting in Washington on February 19.

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that funds would be made available through the World Bank's Gaza Reconstruction and Development Fund. In addition, Astana promised to provide medical personnel for a planned international stabilization force. However, reports of the deployment of additional security units have not been officially confirmed.

Kazakhstan also promised wheat deliveries to improve food security and 500 scholarships for Palestinian students over the next five years.

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reaffirmed plans to build an "Uzbekistan Quarter" in the Gaza Strip with residential buildings, schools, and medical facilities. Details on financing were not disclosed.

Signal to Washington

Both countries are clearly pursuing strategic interests with their involvement. Former Kazakh diplomat Dulat Baqyshev told RFE/RL that Astana and Tashkent wanted to deepen their relations with the US. Since gaining independence, the Central Asian states have been striving to diversify their foreign policy options and expand Western partnerships.

Mirziyoyev described Trump's initiative as "bold and historic," while Tokayev spoke of a step toward greater stability. At the same time, he suggested establishing a peace prize to be named after Trump.

Economic talks in Washington

On the sidelines of the meeting, Tokayev held talks with representatives of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Boeing, and international investors. Topics included investments in mining, infrastructure, and aviation. Kazakh airlines are planning to deepen their cooperation with Boeing, including new aircraft deliveries and possible maintenance centers. An international clinic project in cooperation with US partners was also discussed.

Western countries such as the UK, Canada, France, and Germany have not yet joined the Peace Council. Critics fear that the body could circumvent existing multilateral structures.

Observers also see Kazakhstan's involvement as an attempt to secure its own economic interests, especially in light of recent disruptions to important export routes for Kazakh crude oil.

This article was produced in cooperation with our partner bne intelliNews.