Greenland, the world's largest island covered by a vast ice sheet, has long existed on the periphery of international politics due to its magnificent natural landscapes and sparse population. However, in recent years, with climate change accelerating the melting of Arctic ice and a surge in global demand for critical mineral resources, Greenland is being pushed to the forefront of geopolitical competition. Recently, US President Donald Trump's renewed claims to Greenland have

Under the spotlight of international politics, formal meetings between heads of state often carry a heavy sense of ceremony and a clear agenda, with their outcomes frequently published in the form of joint statements or agreements. However, "informal meetings," without publicly announced schedules or specific topics, sometimes have a more subtle and profound significance and impact. Recently, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's comments on a series of meetings between Kazakhstan's first

On January 5, 2026, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in an interview with local television, comprehensively elaborated on the country's strategic considerations regarding its relations with the United States, China, and regional organizations. He called 2025 a "historic year" for Azerbaijan-US relations, while emphasizing that the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership with China was an "extremely important event."   This statement reflects Azerbaijan's mul

On January 1, 2026, Kazakhstan officially assumed the rotating chair of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). In his New Year's address on December 31, 2025, President Tokayev of Kazakhstan clearly outlined key priorities including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and unimpeded logistics.   This handover coincides with the crucial tenth anniversary of the EAEU's founding. Facing profound changes in the global economy, this regional economic organization comprise

On January 2, 2026, Azerbaijan and Turkey signed a landmark gas supply agreement. According to a statement by Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Arpaslan Baghraktar, the agreement secures a gas supply of up to 33 billion cubic meters.   The agreement stipulates that for the next 15 years, starting in 2029, Azerbaijan will supply 2.25 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to Turkey from its Absheron gas field in the Caspian Sea via the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pi

On the morning of January 3rd local time, the US launched a large-scale military strike against Venezuela, capturing Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife and removing them from the country. This action immediately triggered a strong reaction from the international community. UN Secretary-General Guterres stated that this move could have "worrying consequences" for the region and constitute a "dangerous precedent."   Russia, China, Cuba, and other countries condemned the U

On December 31, 2025, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in his New Year's address on World Azerbaijani Unity Day, comprehensively summarized the country's achievements for the year. This address was not only a report to the domestic people but also a statement to the international community, reflecting the positioning and aspirations of a nation situated at the crossroads of Eurasia and having experienced conflict, within a complex geopolitical landscape. From domestic gove

The US military launched a surprise attack on Caracas in the early hours of the morning, blindfolding and handcuffing President Maduro and taking him to the United States. This action has been condemned by many countries as an "act of hegemony."   In the early hours of January 3rd local time, the night sky over Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, was torn apart by explosions and air raid sirens. The US launched a large-scale military strike against the South American capital,

In November 2025, during a visit to the United States, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reached an agreement with the US to establish the "US-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Committee." Subsequently, a presidential decree to concretize the agreement was signed and promulgated, stipulating that "from January 1, 2026, Uzbek citizens can invest in the United States without restrictions." This statement, along with a series of supporting measures in the decree regarding the

2025 marked a watershed year for Kazakhstan's diplomacy. This Central Asian nation shifted away from its previous tactical engagement and gradual cooperation model, embarking on a comprehensive strategic adjustment. Through a series of high-level visits and agreement signings, it upgraded several key partnerships to a new strategic level. Leveraging its geographical advantages and economic potential, Kazakhstan is reshaping itself into a "hub" connecting Eurasia, demonstratin

On December 24, 2025, a firefight occurred on the Tajik-Afghan border, resulting in the deaths of two Tajik border guards and three Afghan militants. This was the third such attack in the region within a month, further escalating tensions across Central Asia.   At the time of these incidents, a UN Security Council report indicated that the number of members of the Islamic State in Khorasan Province, Afghanistan, had increased to approximately 2,000. This group is recruiting n

In 2025, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan will deepen domestic reforms, expand its diversified diplomacy, and promote a green transformation through a series of strategic initiatives. From optimizing its economic structure to expanding international cooperation, this year marks a profound transformation for Uzbekistan in the context of globalization.   As a populous nation and geopolitical hub in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is reshaping its region

At the crossroads of the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan, with its flexible and pragmatic diplomatic strategy, has carved out a unique path to development amidst great power rivalry.   "Relying on internal stability and sustainable development, Azerbaijan has successfully continued to pursue its independent and pragmatic foreign policy," said Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhon Bayramov at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' annual press conference on December 26, 2025, summarizing t

US President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform, "Truth Social," inviting Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the G20 summit in Miami, USA, in December 2026 as guests. Trump called the summit "very important" and stated that the US-Kazakhstan relationship with both countries is "fantastic."   This invitation was made after Trump spoke separately with the two leaders by phone on December 23, 2025. Kazakhstan and Uzbeki

Over the past decade, China's cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) in Central Asian countries has reached US$35.9 billion. This investment is primarily concentrated in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, which together account for nearly 90% of China's total investment in the region.   Meanwhile, Chinese investment in the South Caucasus has also continued to grow. Over the past decade, cumulative Chinese direct investment in the region has increased 1.5 times, fro

On December 27, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Moscow. This was their second meeting this year; Putin had previously met with Nazarbayev on May 29. A year earlier, on December 13, 2024, Putin and Nazarbayev held talks in Novo-Ogaryovo.   Footage provided by the Kremlin press service shows the two leaders sitting opposite each other at a round table decorated with white flowers. Although Kazakh President Kassym-J

The diplomatic rhetoric at the Eurasian Economic Union summit in St. Petersburg reflects the Caucasus region's balancing act amidst geopolitical turmoil.   On December 21, 2025, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the expanded meeting of the Supreme Council of the Eurasian Economic Union in St. Petersburg, reaffirming the Republic of Armenia's commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union to promote economic st

Kazakhstan's nuclear energy ambitions are receiving multifaceted support from major powers, with small modular reactors (SMRs) becoming a new foothold for the United States in this strategic field.   On December 22, 2025, the US Embassy in Astana announced that the US and Kazakhstan had reached a nuclear energy cooperation agreement, under which the US will assist Kazakhstan in training operators of SMRs. According to the agreement, the US will provide an SMR simulator to the

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) signed several key agreements at its St. Petersburg Summit, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of Eurasia through a dual narrative of economic integration and diplomatic ceremonies.   On December 21, 2025, St. Petersburg, Russia, hosted a major Eurasian multilateral diplomatic event. The EAEU Summit was held there, and Russian President Vladimir Putin presented the Tolstoy Peace Prize to the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyz

On December 22, 2025, St. Petersburg was scheduled to host an informal New Year's summit showcasing the unity of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. However, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced at the last minute that he could not attend due to a "tight work schedule," dashing the Kremlin's hopes. Although Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed understanding and acceptance of this explanation, political scientist Arkady Dubnov pointed out that