South Korea embraces Central Asian leaders, looking to boost regional clout
Seoul is set to host its first presidential meeting with five Russia-allied states positioning themselves as a bloc.
![Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on August 31, 2026. [Pool/Reuters]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-08-31T123734Z_1822546573_RC2O9NA2JC94_RTRMADP_3_SCO-SUMMIT-PUTIN-XI-1788205560.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov, centre-right, welcomes China’s President Xi Jinping, centre-left, upon his arrival in Bishkek, ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. [AFP]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/afp_6a94ee56ea47-1788145238.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![Chinese President Xi Jinping applauds during a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on July 1, 2026. [File: Maxim Shemetov/Reuters]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-07-31T052804Z_1847139487_RC2R4MAKU4PF_RTRMADP_3_CHINA-DEFENCE-XI-1787733678.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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Memories of a Dream: How Music Revives a Woman’s Lost Dream
Memories of a Dream: How Music Revives a Woman’s Lost Dream
Published On 31 Dec 2025
Kyrgyzstan votes in snap parliamentary election with no opposition
President Sadyr Japarov aims to shore up power, with his allies set to win polls amid clampdown on media and opposition.
EXPLAINER
Why is Trump hosting Central Asia leaders; are Russia, China his targets?
US President Donald Trump to meet leaders from five Central Asian countries in Washington for 10th meeting of C5+1.
EXPLAINER
China’s Xi Jinping meets Central Asian leaders: Why their summit matters
China is the region’s top trading partner, but Russia and the US both have a presence, too.
Kyrgyzstan court sentences ex-leader Atambayev to 11 years in absentia
Former leader convicted on charges of corruption and participating in mass unrest in the Central Asian country.
LONG READ
The girl with sun-shaped earrings: A family remembers a murdered daughter
Family and friends piece together the events that led to the death of an ambitious student and loving daughter.
In Kyrgyzstan, an ‘unprecedented crackdown’ on free press raises alarm
As several laws threaten to criminalise their work, investigative reporters are fleeing the Central Asian nation.
EXPLAINER
Panic in Bishkek: Why were Pakistani students attacked in Kyrgyzstan?
More than 300 Pakistani students have returned home after violent clashes that left some wounded.
Russia’s Putin makes rare visit to Kyrgyzstan despite ICC arrest warrant
Russian leader is expected to travel to China next week after a two-day visit to Bishkek.
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 584
As the war enters its 584th day, these are the main developments.
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