Central Asia Signals Support for Washington

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

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that he would provide funds through the World Bank’s Gaza Reconstruction and Development Fund. In addition, Astana indicated it would provide medical personnel for a planned international stabilization force. However, reports of the deployment of additional security units have not been confirmed by official sources.

Furthermore, Kazakhstan pledged wheat shipments to improve food security, as well as 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, featuring residential buildings, schools, and medical facilities. Details regarding funding were not disclosed.

A 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 want to deepen their relations with the U.S. Since gaining independence, the Central Asian states have sought to diversify their foreign policy options and expand partnerships with the West.

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 U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Boeing, and international investors. Topics included investments in mining, infrastructure, and aviation. Kazakh airlines are reportedly planning to deepen their cooperation with Boeing, including new aircraft deliveries and potential maintenance centers. An international hospital project in cooperation with U.S. partners was also discussed.

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

Observers also view Kazakhstan’s involvement as an attempt to secure its own economic interests—particularly in light of recent disruptions to key export routes for Kazakh crude oil.

This article was produced in cooperation with our partner bne intelliNews