Defense · Defense Policy Strategy
The Hidden Risk in America’s AI Strategy
The new strategy may deepen reliance on large AI models and computing infrastructure, conflicting with diverse defense ecosystem goals.
Conferences Events Festivals · International
Qairat Almaty vs Anderlecht
This week, football fans across Europe are once again turning their eyes toward Central Asia, as FC Qairat Almaty — the reigning champions of Kazakhstan — take on RSC Anderlecht in the play-off round of the UEFA Europa League qualifying path.
Politics · International Relations
Iran Says Hormuz Will Stay Closed Until US Meets Deal Conditions
• Iran says Hormuz will remain closed. • Tehran demands an end to US oil sanctions. • The June interim deal has collapsed. • Iran signals a more offensive posture.
General · International
A New Experiment in Turkmenistan: Can Technology Transform the Transport Sector?
Adoption may hinge on pricing after the trial, as smaller companies might find the full features hard to sustain.
Latest
All stories →Travel · Culture Heritage
Kazakhstan: The World’s Most Underrated Travel Destination
Politics · International Relations
Full-scale war might return to Yemen if Houthi strikes continue, the UN warns
Politics · International Relations
‘Mustaqillik’ Generation: New Navigators of the Silk Road
Politics · International Relations
Trump Weighs New Economic Pressure on Iran as War Drags On
Politics · International Relations
WHO Warns Global Rehabilitation Gap Is Leaving Millions Without Essential Care
Politics
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Politics · International Relations
Kazakhs Will Vote the Qurultay
This Sunday, 23 August 2026, millions of Kazakhstanis will walk into polling stations to take part in one of the most consequential moments in their nation’s modern history: the first-ever election to the Qurultay (Құрылтай), Kazakhstan’s newly established single-chamber parliament.
Politics · International Relations
King Philippe of Belgium Visits Kazakhstan in October 2026
At a glance From 12 to 15 October 2026, King Philippe of the Belgians will pay his first-ever State visit to Kazakhstan, at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. It will be the first time in history that a Belgian sovereign travels on an official visit to the Central Asian country, since diplomatic relations were established in 1992.
Politics · International Relations
Interview with H.E. Khandker Masudul Alam, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Belgium
Interview with H.E. Khandker Masudul Alam, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union
Politics · International Relations
Iran Says Hormuz Will Stay Closed Until US Meets Deal Conditions
• Iran says Hormuz will remain closed. • Tehran demands an end to US oil sanctions. • The June interim deal has collapsed. • Iran signals a more offensive posture.
Economy
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Economy · Global Economy
Turkmenistan’s Economy Grows 6.3% in H1 2026
Turkmenistan’s economy grew by 6.3% in the first half of 2026, driven by strong oil and gas output alongside gains in construction, trade, and services. While economic stability remains solid, long-term resilience will depend on accelerating diversification beyond the energy sector.
Economy · Global Economy
Xi Jingping praises China-Kazakhstan relations after signing $13bn in deals
A set of valuable deals were signed in Shanghai.
Economy · Investment Entrepreneurship
Germany-France Rivalry Deepens
Germany and France, the EU's twin engines, are locked in intensifying rivalry over investment appeal, industrial jobs, and political vision. Foreign investment is declining, layoffs continue in autos and banking, and disputes over Ukraine and MERCOSUR are deepening the rift between Berlin and Paris.
Economy · Finance Banking
Can Azerbaijan Become an Islamic Finance Hub?
Azerbaijan is strengthening its role as a regional investment and Islamic finance hub by leveraging strategic partnerships, infrastructure, and the Middle Corridor. The Baku IsDB Forum highlighted diversification, Gulf investment potential, and sustainable economic cooperation across the region.
Travel
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Kazakhstan: The World’s Most Underrated Travel Destination
When people, especially in Europe, think of great travel destinations, they often imagine France, Spain, Italy, Japan or Thailand. Rarely does Kazakhstan come to mind. Yet this vast Central Asian nation offers something increasingly difficult to find in modern tourism: authenticity. But for me, as a Belgian journalist, Kazakhstan is one of the most underrated travel destinations. It is so rich that, in one country, you can experience so many different things.
Travel · Travel Diplomacy
Can Tourism Save Europe’s Migration Crisis?
Africa’s tourism sector is expanding rapidly and could create jobs, attract investment, and support economic growth, potentially addressing some drivers of migration. However, experts argue tourism alone cannot reduce migration, as benefits are uneven, security risks remain high, and broader economic reforms are still essential.
Travel · Travel Diplomacy
Tourism House Brussels: A New Hub for Global Tourism
The World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI) has officially completed the first milestone of Tourism House Brussels, a landmark initiative designed to strengthen the relationship between the global tourism industry and the European institutional ecosystem.
Travel · Travel Diplomacy
President João Lourenço’s speech during the Angola Invest Summit
LUANDA, ANGOLA — Under the high patronage of the President of the Republic, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Angola hosted the Angola Investment Summit from June 17 to 19, 2026. The summit was an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, held in partnership with the Global Tourism Forum Institute (GTFI), based in Brussels and Dubai.