Geopolitical Monitor: "Malaysia-Latin America Relations: Engagement between Distant Partners"

 

 

"Malaysia-Latin America Relations: Engagement between Distant Partners"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion 

Geopolitical Monitor

 17 July, 2026

Published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/malaysia-latin-america-relations-engagement-between-distant-partners/ 

 

The world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and partnerships & alliances are being formed between countries that are geographically far apart from each other. Generally speaking, Latin America sees the United States, China, and Europe as its main extra-regional trading partners and strategic allies. However, other countries should be monitored, including Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea, whose presence and engagement with Latin America have increased in recent years. However, there is one other actor that should be considered when discussing a globalized, interconnected world: Malaysia.

For analysts, scholars, and practitioners of foreign policy, Malaysia is no stranger to Latin America. One key link between the Asian nation and Latin America is the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a free-trade pact that brings together 12 economies across the Asia-Pacific, Western Hemisphere, and the United Kingdom. The other regional bloc to keep in mind is the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which includes Malaysia as well as Chile, Mexico, and Peru. Moreover, while not as notorious as Beijing’s, Tokyo’s, or Seoul’s presence, Kuala Lumpur maintains friendly bilateral relations with several Latin American nations.

Modern Diplomacy: "Ankara-Tashkent relations: What’s the next milestone?"

 

 "Ankara-Tashkent relations: What’s the next milestone?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Marin Ekstrom

6 June 2026

Modern Diplomacy

Published: https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/06/06/ankara-tashkent-relations-whats-the-next-milestone/ 

 How far integration will go between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan is debatable. 

 

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) recently held a summit focused on “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.” While the May 15 meeting itself did not offer any groundbreaking resolutions, all five heads of the OTS member states participated and reaffirmed their commitment to greater cooperation and integration. This summit was just one example in a series of events that demonstrate growing unity and collaboration among the Turkic states.

How far integration will go between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan is debatable. There are several regional initiatives that are bringing these countries, as well as other states across the Caucasus and Central Asia, together, including connectivity projects such as the Middle Corridor and the Uzbek-Kyrgyz-Chinese railway, as well as agencies such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Eurasian Economic Union.

 

Geopolitical Monitor: Oil Dependency in Wartime: Malaysia and the Iran War

 

 

"Oil Dependency in Wartime: Malaysia and the Iran War"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Geopolitical Monitor 

9 April 2026 

Published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/oil-dependency-in-wartime-malaysia-and-the-iran-war/ 

 

The war in Iran appears to be paused, for now, as the United States and the Islamic Republic have announced a two-week ceasefire. It is unclear whether this ceasefire will hold or if hostilities will resume. In the meantime, countries that rely on energy and other resources from the Middle East will be quick to send their tankers and cargo ships across the Strait of Hormuz to replenish their much-needed energy reserves at home.

Curiously, just prior to the announcement of the ceasefire (and US President Trump’s threat of annihilating Iran as a country), when the Strait was still closed, the government of Malaysia announced an agreement with Tehran to allow the safe passage of Malaysia-bound ships through the contested Strait. This development warrants discussion to understand how governments have navigated this tense situation and the importance of energy diversification.

CAP: "Kazakhstan’s Regional Ecological Summit: A Turning Point for Environmental Protection?"

 

 

"Kazakhstan’s Regional Ecological Summit: A Turning Point for Environmental Protection?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

CAP Policy Brief 

Central Asia Program - George Washington University

19 March, 2026

Published: https://centralasiaprogram.org/publications-all/research-updates/kazakhstans-regional-ecological-summit-a-turning-point-for-environmental-protection/ 

 

Central Asia faces a range of environmental challenges, including extreme temperature fluctuations, water insecurity, environmental degradation, deforestation, air pollution, and melting glaciers. The legacy of the Soviet Union’s nuclear tests also continues to affect the region. Climate change is exacerbating many of these challenges even as governments pursue a green energy transition. The loss of the Aral Sea, which nowadays resembles a series of interconnected lakes, is a grim reminder of the consequences of inaction or insufficient environmental protection; today, the Aral is estimated to be just 10% of its 1950s size.

Addressing these issues is critical not only for environmental protection but also for sustaining Central Asia’s growing population and expanding international connectivity. However, the region’s environmental challenges are highly complex, as they often intersect with regional geopolitics; moreover, some regional governments do not appear to prioritize environmental protection. To address these issues in a multilateral setting, Kazakhstan will host the high-level Regional Ecological Summit (RES-26) from April 22-24. The summit must be more than another forum for discussion and diplomatic photo opportunities. Astana must take a leadership role by convincing its neighbors across the Greater Central Asia region and international partners to focus more on environmental protection, particularly water security, for the sake of not just Kazakhstan but the entire region.

 

NEGlobal: "Moldova’s foreign policy goals for 2026: No unification, but more European integration"

 

 

"Moldova’s foreign policy goals for 2026: No unification, but more European integration"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

NEGlobal

20 January 2026

Published: https://www.neglobal.eu/moldovas-foreign-policy-goals-for-2026-no-unification-but-more-european-integration/

Moldovan President Maia Sandu said in a recent media interview that she would support Moldova’s unification with Romania if the Moldovan population voted in favor of this initiative. While this initiative is unlikely to happen, this statement highlights the strong relations between Chisinau and Bucharest (current and historical).

Furthermore, President Sandu’s statement can also be put in the context of Moldova’s growing engagement with Europe. At the end of 2025, Moldova’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, Mihai Popsoi, discussed his ministry’s five diplomatic achievements for the year. One new accomplishment is that Moldova is currently the president of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and will organize a major ministerial summit in May. Moldova’s quest to join the European Union — President Sandu wants her country to join the bloc by the end of the decade — remains steadfast. If the first half of the 2020s can be summarized as Moldova embarking on a European quest, the second half of the decade will cement it.

 

 

Modern Diplomacy: "Japan and South Korea: Vital partners in the New Uzbekistan"

 

 

 

"Japan and South Korea: Vital partners in the New Uzbekistan"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Marin Ekstrom

Modern Diplomacy

28 October 2025

Published: https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/10/29/japan-and-south-korea-vital-partners-in-the-new-uzbekistan/

Uzbekistan has recently commenced construction of a new airport in Tashkent, valued at $2.5 billion, as a symbol of the country’s reinvention.

 

Uzbekistan has recently commenced construction of a new airport in Tashkent, valued at $2.5 billion, as a symbol of the country’s reinvention. The project, slated to begin operations in 2029, aims to serve as Central Asia’s key aviation hub by supporting more than 40 take-offs and landings per hour and serving 20 million passengers annually. Economists predict that increased air traffic at the airport could generate $27 billion in annual revenue and create thousands of new jobs.

To achieve this ambitious goal, Tokyo and Seoul will be critical partners: Japan’s Sojitz Corporation, which has extensive experience in the aviation sector, has agreed to invest millions of dollars and share technical expertise. As for South Korea, the Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) signed a $24.5 million consulting contract to provide operational and service support for the development of the new Tashkent airport.

 

NE Global "Moldova: Engaging neighbors, not just Global powers"

 

 

"Moldova: Engaging neighbors, not just Global powers"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

NE Global 

9 July 2025

Published: https://www.neglobal.eu/moldova-engaging-neighbors-not-just-global-powers/

Moldova is not solely laser-focused on joining the EU but also engaging its regional European neighbors and lesser-known blocs.

In this era of Great Power competition, or Cold War 2.0, there are a plethora of analyses and commentaries about evolving geopolitical affairs, including relations between the so-called small countries with the Great Powers (the U.S., China, and Russia), the European Union, Japan, and medium and rising powers (Brazil, Kazakhstan, India or Turkey). However, an often-overlooked topic is how countries with a more limited global footprint interact with their peers.

 

Geopolitical Monitor: "Kazakhstan Diplomatic Drive Pushes Central Asia Cooperation"

 

 "Kazakhstan Diplomatic Drive Pushes Central Asia Cooperation"

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

Geopolitical Monitor

12 June, 2025

Published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/kazakhstan-diplomatic-drive-pushes-central-asia-cooperation/

Kazakhstan organized the 2025 Astana International Forum (AIF), held in the Central Asia country’s capital, in late May. During the event’s opening ceremony, Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted, “the post-war global order is fragmenting. Protectionism is rising. Multilateralism is faltering.” He added, “in this emerging disorder, the task before us is clear: to preserve cooperation where it still exists and to restore it where it has broken down… That’s what we in Kazakhstan strongly pursue: ‘The unity in diversity.’” This statement demands some further analysis given recent developments across Eurasia.

 

The Diplomatic Courier: "The evolution of Kazakhstan’s new “blue” foreign policy"

 

 

 

 "The evolution of Kazakhstan’s new “blue” foreign policy"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The Diplomatic Courier

10 June, 2025

Link: https://www.diplomaticourier.com/posts/the-evolution-of-kazakhstans-new-blue-foreign-policy

Climate change, population growth, and water mismanagement make water resources a very sensitive topic in Central Asia. Kazakhstan should apply its multivector foreign policy to a new “blue” approach, writes Wilder Alejandro Sánchez.

 

Water has become the new gold due to droughts, flooding, desertification, the effect of climate change on these natural disasters, population growth, and water mismanagement. Accordingly, water sharing among countries is a sensitive topic. In Central Asia, for example, water resources are divided between the upstream and downstream nations. Kazakhstan’s focus on water management—and its history of mulitvector foreign policy—should give rise to a new approach to diplomacy.

 

 

The National Interest: "Europe Looks East to Central Asia"

 

 

"Europe Looks East to Central Asia"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Silk Road Rivalries

The National Interest

31 March 2025

Published: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/silk-road-rivalries/europe-looks-east-to-central-asia

 The European Union and Central Asia must continue moving engagement to the next level, from discussions and statements to actions across a broader spectrum.

The first-ever European Union (EU)-Central Asia (CA) summit will take place between April 3–4 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Josef Sikela, the European Union’s Commissioner for International Partnerships, recently highlighted the importance of this region, as “Central Asia is a €340 billion [$368 billion] economy that’s growing fast.” Indeed, Central Asia has great potential, and the upcoming summit will be a diplomatic milestone that could cement inter-regional trade and investment.

NE Global: "Tashkent’s busy diplomatic agenda"

 

"Tashkent’s busy diplomatic agenda"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

NE Global

28 February 2025

Published: https://www.neglobal.eu/tashkents-busy-diplomatic-agenda/

In the coming months, Uzbekistan will host high-profile summits between Central Asia with the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council. As global geopolitics continue to be in flux, Uzbekistan in particular, and Central Asia in general, are adapting to this evolving world. Hosting high-level meetings with Brussels & the Gulf States and recent bilateral discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and even the Taliban suggest that Tashkent is eager to engage with current and new partners and approach unavoidable, high-risk neighbors.

The Diplomat: " Trump 2.0 and Central Asia: Optimism After Rubio’s Comments"

 

 

 

"Trump 2.0 and Central Asia: Optimism After Rubio’s Comment"

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Crossroads Asia

Central Asia

27 January 2025

Published: https://thediplomat.com/2025/01/trump-2-0-and-central-asia-optimism-after-rubios-comments/

 During his nomination hearing last week, now-Secretary of State Marco Rubio endorsed the annulment of the Jackson-Vanik amendment, although its removal is ultimately a Congressional task.

 

Modern Diplomacy: "The year of Japan-CARICOM Friendship"

 "The year of Japan-CARICOM Friendship"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

East Asia

Modern Diplomacy

23 January, 2025

Published: https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/01/23/the-year-of-japan-caricom-friendship/

Last year was the Japan-CARICOM (Caribbean Community) Friendship Year, aimed at strengthening relations between Tokyo and this important 15-member bloc. Analyses about extra-regional nations with Western Hemisphere states tend to focus on the mainland, namely Latin America. Hence, Tokyo’s interest in engaging the Caribbean, an often-overlooked region, deserves praise and analysis.

The Japan-CARICOM Year had three pillars: cooperation towards sustainable development, including overcoming vulnerabilities particular to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which include CARICOM members; deepening and expanding bonds; and cooperation on global challenges. The Japan-CARICOM Friendship Year also commemorated the 30th anniversary of Japan-CARICOM relations and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Jamaica & Trinidad and Tobago.

 

 

 

The Diplomat: "The World Nomad Games Return to Central Asia"

 

"The World Nomad Games Return to Central Asi"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

 Crossroads Asia

The Diplomat

8 August, 2024

Originally published: https://thediplomat.com/2024/08/the-world-nomad-games-return-to-central-asia/

Sports diplomacy gets a boost as Kazakhstan amps up to host the 5th World Nomad Games in September.

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The Astana Times: "Kazakhstan Partners with Netherlands and France to Tackle Water Issues"

 

"Kazakhstan Partners with Netherlands and France to Tackle Water Issues"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

The Astana Times

6 June, 2024

Originally published: https://astanatimes.com/2024/06/kazakhstan-partners-with-netherlands-and-france-to-tackle-water-issues/

Water is a precious commodity, and due to climate change, population growth, and inter-state rivalries and tensions, access to water will become even more vital in the foreseeable future. Two recent memoranda signed by the governments of Kazakhstan and the Netherlands aim to promote greater cooperation on this issue between Astana and its European partner. To efficiently address water-related environmental crises, cooperation is key.

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Presentation: "Green 5+1 for Central Asia"

 

Presentation: "The Role of the United States: A Green 5+1 Proposal"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Green 5+1 for Central Asia

Jamestown Foundation

Washington, DC

25 April 2024

 https://jamestown.org/event/green-51-for-central-asia/

1:00 – 2:30 pm—Central Asia Becoming Part of the Solution

• Central Asia’s Response to Environmental Threats: Regional Cooperation and Joint Actions
• International Actors’ Approach: World Bank Priorities and Programs
• The Role of the United States: Green 5+1 Proposal

Geopolitical Monitor: La Relation Spéciale: Moldova-France Relations

 

"La Relation Spéciale: Moldova-France Relations"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Situation Report

Geopolitical Monitor

 28 March, 2024

Originally published:  https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/la-relation-speciale-moldova-france-relations/

The early March signing of a defense cooperation agreement between the governments of the Republic of Moldova and France did not occur in a vacuum. Since the 2020 election of Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Chisinau-Paris relations have increased significantly. Should President Sandu be reelected in the upcoming autumn elections, we could see the strengthening of a new “special relationship” in global geopolitics.

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E-International Relations: "An Environmental Focus for US-Central Asia Relations"

 

"An Environmental Focus for US-Central Asia Relations"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

E-International Relations

29 November, 2023

Originally published: https://www.e-ir.info/2023/11/29/opinion-an-environmental-focus-for-us-central-asia-relations/

During the United Nations General Assembly in September, a historic gathering took place: US President Joe Biden met with the presidents of the five Central Asian states. The outcome of this presidential C5+1 was the New York Declaration, which will serve as a blueprint for future relations between Washington and Central Asia. The following milestone will occur in early 2024, when a Business 5+1 will reportedly happen in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The next step must be a high-level US-Central Asia summit on environmental affairs, a Green 5+1.

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E-International Relations: "Opinion – Biden Should Visit Moldova"

 

"Opinion – Biden Should Visit Moldova"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

E-International Relations

13 November, 2023

Originally published: https://www.e-ir.info/2023/11/13/opinion-biden-should-visit-moldova/

Several global crises will keep the United States government busy throughout 2024, such as the war in Ukraine, the war between Israel and Hamas, and ongoing tensions with China. Domestically, 2024 is an election year, with Joe Biden’s Republican opponent yet to be determined. While addressing these crises and domestic developments, Washington must simultaneously reinforce partnerships with erstwhile peripheral countries whose relevance to global affairs has grown in recent years—for example, the Republic of Moldova. While 2024 will be a hectic year, a historic visit by President Biden to Moldova’s capital, Chisinau, is advisable.

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Interview: " Прием по случаю празднования Дня Республики организовали в Вашингтоне "

 

"Прием по случаю празднования Дня Республики организовали в Вашингтоне"

"A reception to celebrate Republic Day was organized in Washington DC"

KazInform

24 October 2024

Originally published: https://www.inform.kz/ru/posolstvo-rk-v-ssha-organizovalo-priem-po-sluchayu-prazdnovaniya-dnya-respubliki-f6d4f1

В Вашингтоне организован прием по случаю празднования Дня Республики Казахстан, который был украшен выступлением солистов Государственной концертной организации «Қазақконцерт» имени Р. Баглановой «FORTE TRIO», передает собственный корреспондент агентства Kazinform.

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