Putin, Erdogan and Raisi make visits in Central Asia

Russian president Vladimir Putin has arrived in Kazakhstan while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi are expected in Uzbekistan. Central Asia's former Soviet republics are looking to diversify their partnerships as Russia's influence in the region has declined. China has become a major player in the region through its Belt and Road Initiative, and other world powers such as the EU, US, Iran, and Turkey are also seeking to strengthen ties.