Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1203701?lang=kk

New York, 16 April 2026 – A meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the situation in the Middle East and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz was held at the UN Headquarters in New York. During the debate, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Kairat Umarov presented Kazakhstan’s position on the current developments.Kazakhstan expressed concern over the rising tensions in the region and emphasized the need to find a balanced and mutually acceptable solution. It was underscored that all disputes must be resolved exclusively through dialogue and diplomacy, in full accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. In this context, reference was made to the position of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, that diplomacy and constructive dialogue remain the only reliable means of achieving lasting peace and stability.Kazakhstan welcomed the ceasefire agreement and expressed hope for its preservation and further strengthening. The importance of ongoing mediation efforts aimed at advancing dialogue, including initiatives by a number of countries, was also highlighted.Reaffirming its commitment to the principles of peace and cooperation, Kazakhstan stated its readiness to support diplomatic efforts, including by offering a platform for negotiations, if necessary.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-kazakhstanun/press/news/details/1203688?lang=kk

Leuven, 17 April 2026 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium Roman Vassilenko visited the Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals of KU Leuven (SIM²), where he held a meeting with its Director, Professor Peter Tom Jones, and got acquainted with the activities of the SOLVOMET Research & Innovation Centre.The parties discussed prospects for developing cooperation in the fields of critical raw materials, sustainable metallurgy, circular economy, and resource processing. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between Kazakhstan and the European Union on a Strategic Partnership in Sustainable Raw Materials, Batteries and Renewable Hydrogen, signed in 2022, as well as the corresponding Roadmap for 2025-2026.The Ambassador noted that Kazakhstan plays a key role in ensuring global resource security, producing 21 out of the 34 critical raw materials identified by the European Union. It was emphasized that the country possesses more than 9,000 deposits of 103 types of mineral resources and already supplies copper, chromium, titanium, phosphorus, beryllium, tantalum, and manganese to the European market.In this regard, special attention was given to the EU Critical Raw Materials Value Chains Facility (CRM Facility), implemented with the support of the European Commission. It was noted that Kazakhstan’s participation in this initiative will open additional opportunities for attracting investment, introducing advanced processing technologies, and integrating into global supply chains, including cooperation with European industry.Vassilenko emphasized the importance of introducing modern raw material processing technologies, including the extraction of rare elements, as well as the recycling of mining and metallurgical waste and tailings. The Kazakh side also expressed interest in attracting advanced European technologies and expertise, including developments from KU Leuven and the SOLVOMET Centre.During the visit, the Ambassador was introduced to the research infrastructure of SIM² and SOLVOMET, including hydrometallurgy laboratories, solvent extraction facilities, and pilot-scale metal processing units. It was noted that the centre’s activities are aimed at developing closed-loop production cycles and reducing the carbon footprint of industry.The parties also discussed the joint participation of Kazakh and European research organizations in EU programmes, including Horizon Europe.Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in strengthening scientific, technological, and industrial cooperation, including the implementation of joint research projects, technology transfer, and capacity building.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-brussels/press/news/details/1203655?lang=kk

Moscow, 17 April 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev took part in the regular meeting of Foreign Ministers in the “Central Asia - Russia” format.During the meeting, the parties reviewed progress in implementing the agreements reached following the Second Central Asia – Russia Summit held in October 2025 in Dushanbe. The agenda covered key areas of cooperation in trade, energy, transport and logistics. The ministers also exchanged views on pressing international issues and regional security.“The combination of the economic potential of Central Asia and Russia opens long-term prospects for strengthening a comprehensive partnership, creating a solid foundation for future achievements and new horizons of cooperation,” said Minister Kosherbayev in his remarks.According to the results of last year, the region’s total trade turnover with Russia increased by 6.5 percent and reached approximately 50 billion US dollars, with more than half of this volume accounted for by Kazakhstan. Alongside growing trade, investment cooperation and industrial collaboration have also continued to expand steadily. In Kazakhstan alone, a portfolio of 177 joint projects with Russia has been formed with a total investment volume of more than $ 55 billion, of which 122 projects have already been implemented. This clearly demonstrates the scale and substantive nature of economic cooperation within the Central Asia – Russia format.The Kazakh Foreign Minister particularly emphasized the relevance of regional security issues, noting that contemporary challenges and threats are becoming increasingly complex and require coordinated responses.“In these circumstances, particular importance is attached to coordinating efforts to counter terrorism, extremism, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, illicit arms trade and illegal migration,” Minister Kosherbayev noted.Special attention was also given to the humanitarian dimension, including education, culture and people-to-people ties, which remain one of the solid pillars of cooperation between Central Asia and Russia.Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening multifaceted cooperation within the Central Asia – Russia format, noting its key role in ensuring sustainable regional development, and expressed readiness for the consistent implementation of the agreements reached.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1203641?lang=kk

On April 17, in Antalya, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the panel session "Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties" of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum.The event was moderated by a member of the Parliament of the Republic of Turkey, former Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. At the beginning of his speech, the Head of State emphasized the role of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, under whose leadership Turkey is strengthening its position as an authoritative participant in international relations.– First of all, I would like to note the leading role played by Turkey in this part of the world under the leadership of the outstanding leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan. I believe that our countries can play a very positive, I would say, significant role in solving the most pressing problems that, unfortunately, periodically arise in our region. I would like to take this opportunity to note that we are looking forward to the arrival of President Erdogan on a state visit to Kazakhstan next month," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said. Then the President of Kazakhstan shared his vision of the main trends and challenges facing the world community in 2026 and shaping the international agenda for the near future.– Diplomats and politicians are used to saying that the whole of humanity is at a crossroads. I remember former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan often saying: "Yes, we are still at a crossroads." And this will never change when it comes to reducing international tensions. Regional conflicts today go far beyond regions, they have already become global. Of course, the UN is an indispensable, universal organization, and each State has a certain responsibility. Everyone is talking about the need for UN support. That's a fact. But everyone also says that the Organization needs not only to be supported, but also reformed. Yes, it's true. But let's be very honest. No one believes that this will happen very soon, as we have been announcing reforms, changes and reformatting of the UN for a long time, but this is not happening. We must honestly admit that it is the Security Council that is the main element for UN reform," the Head of State noted. Answering the moderator's question, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev listed the qualities that should be inherent in modern leaders.– I believe that global leaders, as well as the leaders of individual states in different regions, should, first of all, take a responsible approach to issues of international security and peace. Strategic restraint plays an extremely important role these days. In my opinion, the way out of this situation in this very complex and even paradoxical world is simple. We need to be more responsible and show restraint," the President of Kazakhstan stressed. The Head of our state expressed his assessment of the events in the Middle East. In his opinion, it is necessary to focus on the key issues of the negotiation process.– I would advise you to be more conscious about what is happening in the world. For example, everyone is discussing Iran. Of course, there is a serious situation there. It is difficult to give any comments on this. Kazakhstan expressed solidarity with the Gulf countries. We called on all States to show strategic restraint and cease hostilities. Everyone has felt the negative consequences of this conflict. First of all, the economy has suffered greatly. Today, everyone is talking about the free movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. But we must take into account the fact that before the conflict, this sea corridor was open for free trade. Therefore, we must focus on the essence of the problem. And the core of the problem is the proliferation of nuclear technology and nuclear weapons. And this issue should be the central topic of negotiations when it comes to the conflict over Iran. But now we have switched to discussing global trade issues. Despite everything, global trade is growing. Last year alone, the growth was 2.5%. So it's not all bad with trade in the world. But the quality and content of trade is a big problem," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said. The President called for a responsible approach to the issue of UN reform, pointing out that one of the reasons for the crisis of the Organization is the position of the permanent members of the Security Council.– In my opinion, we should be as pragmatic as possible when we declare the need to reform the UN. Otherwise, we will endlessly talk about the crossroads, strategic values, and other issues. We hold many global and regional meetings, conferences, and so on. I would also like to emphasize the important and positive role of the so-called middle Powers, which include Kazakhstan, Turkey and other countries. Of course, I'm not going to brag that we're the best in the world. But we demonstrate a high level of responsibility in relation to global processes, both in practice and in diplomacy. Therefore, it would not be an exaggeration to say that today the medium–sized powers often show greater responsibility than the large ones represented in the Security Council, which, unfortunately, often block the resolution of key global problems," the Head of State stressed. Anticipating another question, Mevlut Cavusoglu recalled the rich diplomatic experience of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.– President Tokayev is one of the world leaders, he knows the international system and, in particular, the United Nations. As you know, he served as Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations. At that time, I was Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Working tirelessly for the benefit of fraternal Kazakhstan, our fraternal people, he is also doing everything possible to make the international system more effective and more relevant," the moderator noted. The Head of State then presented his vision for the future of the United Nations and other international institutions.– We are talking about regional and global conflicts, but at the same time, perhaps, as a former Turkish foreign Minister, you have already noticed that all the main negotiations are taking place outside the UN and other major international structures. People meet in certain capitals, in separate conference halls, but not within the walls of the United Nations. We do not see high-level UN representatives acting as mediators in these conflicts. This is a serious problem. We are talking about reducing the role of the UN. I am very concerned about this, as I have worked in the UN system and other international organizations myself. Everyone is currently discussing who will become the next UN Secretary General. I think it's not that important. The most important thing is whether the whole system will survive in the form in which it exists," the President is convinced. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for studying the impact of artificial intelligence on the activities of international organizations and noted the need for fundamental reform of the global Organization.– I just mentioned that it looks very strange and, perhaps, even ridiculous, but it is the Security Council that prevents the resolution of the most important international issues. People, diplomats or politicians, are forced to negotiate on other platforms. By the way, this issue was very eloquently raised by President Donald Trump last September at the General Assembly session, and I fully agree with him. He criticized the malfunctioning teleprompter and escalator at the UN headquarters, saying that everything at the UN is broken. But the most serious problem is that the entire process of peacekeeping is disrupted both in the United Nations and in other structures. I am a staunch supporter of multilateral diplomacy and I still believe in a bright future for humanity, united around the idea of justice as a central element of peace consolidation," the Head of State said. In his opinion, the UN needs to get rid of ideas and attitudes that do not correspond to the time.– The organization was established 80 years ago, and those who claim that it is outdated and even fallen into disrepair are right. We need to pay attention to the content of the UN Charter, which mentions the so-called "enemy states." Yes, 80 years ago everything was absolutely clear. Today, the so-called "enemy States" play an extremely important role in supporting and financing the Organization and in facilitating the process of maintaining peace. The most important thing is to increase the efficiency and credibility of the United Nations," the President believes. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev then focused on the important role of preventive diplomacy in conflict prevention.– This issue has been discussed for many years, at least for the last 30 years. But nothing happens except very beautiful speeches, declarations, and so on. I think we need to focus on measures to predict regional or global conflicts, and this is preventive diplomacy. At the same time, we must join forces to support effective multilateral diplomacy," the Head of State summed up his speech. During the discussion, the President of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, supported Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's call for the need to pay special attention to preventive diplomacy in the work of the United Nations.– Let me note once again that both the United Nations and the European Union emerged as projects of peace. Both failed in some ways when faced with war. Why? Because there was no preventive diplomacy. Mr. Tokayev mentioned both preventive and proactive diplomacy. This is what we lack so much – a rational model of political decision–making," said the leader of North Macedonia. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze also took part in the panel discussion.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-tallin/press/news/details/1203689?lang=kk