Uzbek-Kazakh thaw can ease tensions and reshape region

Subject

Improvements in Kazakh-Uzbek relations.

Significance

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are the key Central Asian states and the dynamics of their relationship have implications for all their neighbours. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev's visit to Tashkent on September 16 was hailed as the start of a new era in a sometimes troubled relationship. The change in mood was initiated by Shavqat Mirzioyev, Uzbekistan's president since December 2016.

Impacts

• Uzbekistan is unlikely to reverse its stance on the Eurasian Economic Union, which it is reluctant to join.
• Kazakh-Uzbek cooperation is likely to include counter-terrorism and other security measures.
• A better bilateral relationship will facilitate China's Belt and Road initiative in Central Asia.