Strasbourg, January 16, 2026 – The Consul General of Kazakhstan, Anel Bakytbekkyzy, delivered a lecture to master’s degree students of the Institute of Political Studies at the University of Strasbourg (Sciences Po) on the foreign policy and international initiatives pursued by the Head of State.The audience, consisting of future public servants and international professionals in law, economics, history, theory, and sociology was informed about the implementation of political reforms and the new economic course outlined by President K.Tokayev through a comprehensive analysis of Kazakhstan’s current position in regional and global politics.A.Bakytbekkyzy spoke about ongoing institutional reforms, the modernization of the public administration system, and the planned parliamentary reform transitioning to a unicameral Parliament based on broad public dialogue and the upcoming referendum.The lecture highlighted Kazakhstan’s multivector course as a “Middle Power” emphasizing its contribution to and promotion of international security, including initiatives in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, UN peacekeeping activities, mediation efforts in international conflict resolution, as well as active participation in international and regional organizations. Detailed information was also provided on Kazakhstan’s bilateral and multilateral cooperation with China, Russia, the United States, and EU countries.A separate section of the lecture focused on Kazakhstan’s socio-economic development, presenting current data on macroeconomic growth, economic diversification, investment climate, and digital technology development. Particular emphasis was placed on Kazakhstan’s efforts to reduce dependence on raw material exports, develop logistics, industry, agro-industrial complexes, and the “green” economy.A.Bakytbekkyzy also briefed attendees on the main points of the Head of State’s message in the interview with Turkistan newspaper on January 5, as well as the declaration of 2026 in Kazakhstan as the “Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence” and elaborated on Kazakhstan’s strategic priorities in AI development.During the lecture, an overview of Kazakhstan’s relations with France and the EU was also presented. The strategic nature of the Kazakhstan-France partnership was emphasized, along with the dynamics of political dialogue, growth in trade and investment cooperation, and the development of humanitarian, cultural, and educational ties. Special attention was given to the significance of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the EU, as well as the outcomes of the first EU – Central Asia Summit.On year of the 35th Anniversary of Independence, the Consul General also highlighted Kazakhstan’s national profile, including its geographical location, administrative-territorial structure, demographic characteristics, ethno-religious diversity, and principles of social tolerance. It was stressed that Kazakhstan, as the largest landlocked country in the world, plays a significant role in ensuring Eurasian transport, energy, and digital connectivity.The lecture generated keen interest among the audience and was accompanied by an active question-and-answer session.Sciences Po – the oldest institute of political studies in France, whose alumni include public officials, politicians, diplomats, military officers, and bankers. The institute initiates partnerships with major French civil service schools and government partners (Bank of France, Armed Forces Commissariat, etc.).Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-strasbourg/press/news/details/1142943?lang=kk

Seminar on Ethics and professional conductThe Ethics Commissioner held a seminar for employees of the territorial departments of State Revenue and the Department.During the meeting, the key requirements and standards of official conduct of civil servants were explained, as well as practical situations that employees face in their daily work. The seminar covered the following issues: compliance with the norms of the Code of Ethics of Civil Servants requirements for professional conduct and business ethics prevention of conflicts of interest and the procedure for its settlementanti-corruption restrictions and prohibitions responsibility for violation of ethical standards correct and respectful interaction with taxpayers, official discipline and respect for the principles of legality communication culture, appearance and behavior during and after work hours, theuse of official information and the prevention of its disclosure, the role of the ethics Commissioner and the procedure for seeking advice The seminar participants received answers to relevant questions and recommendations on compliance with ethical standards in their professional activities.Such events contribute to the formation of an open, honest and professional civil service, focused on the trust of citizens.#Ethics of the Civil Service #Authorized Ethics #Civil Service #Anti-corruption #Official Ethics #UGD #DGDSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-kostanay/press/news/details/1142916?lang=kk

On 16 January 2026, at the initiative of the Embassy, a meeting was held between the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Holy See, Timur Primbetov, and the Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad.During a friendly and trust-based exchange, the parties discussed a range of topical issues of bilateral cooperation, as well as interaction within international fora.Particular attention was paid to issues related to the coordination of joint efforts aimed at promoting interreligious and interconfessional dialogue.In this context, T.Primbetov informed his counterpart about the events planned for 2026 within the framework of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.The parties confirmed their strong interest in holding the second Kazakhstan-Vatican Colloquium in the capital of Kazakhstan in the current year and agreed to commence work on organizational arrangements in the near future.At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue regular contacts and exchanges of views on the full range of bilateral cooperation. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-vatican/press/news/details/1142919?lang=kk

A seminar for the teaching staff was held at the University of Toraigir on the basis of the study room of the Department of State Revenue for the Pavlodar region within the framework of the Memorandum of Cooperation. The main purpose of the event was to clarify the key provisions of the new Tax Code, which entered into force on January 1, 2026.During the seminar, the Department's specialists familiarized the participants in detail with the main amendments to the Tax Code, the procedure for their application, as well as current issues of taxation of individuals and legal entities.Special attention was paid to the transition to "new" special tax regimes.According to Arman Uvaliev, head of the Non-production Payments Department, in accordance with Article 840 of the new Tax Code, approved on July 18, 2025, taxpayers currently using special tax regimes and planning to switch to the "new" simplified declaration regime must submit a notification of the transition no later than February 28, 2026, otherwise they will be transferred to the generally established taxation regime.The meeting was held in the format of an open dialogue. Explanations were given to all the questions of the participants, and certificates were awarded to the participants at the end of the seminar.Department of Explanatory Work and contact center State Duma of the Pavlodar regionSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-pavlodar/press/news/details/1142928?lang=kk

A seminar meeting was held in the regional departments of construction, architecture and urban planning, the state architectural and construction control with the participation of the head of the NGO "ADAL DOS Prevention" A.Baylin and Ethics Commissioner K. Syundikov.The issues of compliance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the norms of the Ethical Code of Civil Servants of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the prevention of offenses, disciplinary offenses, the implementation of the "Adal Azamat" Concept, countering illegal gambling and ludomania, the "Law and Order" Concept, and compliance with the principles of a secular state were considered. The Ethics Commissioner focused the employees' attention on improving their professionalism and customer orientation.The cases from the practice of regional construction are considered: construction of a school in the BEREK district, facilities of the regional center along the ave. Nazarbayeva and St.Tolstoy and also the decision of the court on a corruption offense in 2025 with the participation of deputies of the maslikhat of the district of Beimbet Mailin.A.Baylin informed about the work carried out by the public association to prevent corruption in government agencies and the quasi-public sector, in the field of public procurement through public monitoring. He also drew attention to the prevention by employees of mistakes without malicious intent, which lead to criminal liability. Kazakhstan has improved its position in the Corruption Perception Index, reaching 88th place among 180 countries in the world. This was also facilitated by the adoption of the Law on Public Control.Measures are being taken to combat corruption in the public sector. In 2025, one official of the local executive body, 2 police officers, the prosecutor of the city of Rudny, 2 deputies of the district maslikhat, 5 employees of territorial divisions of central state bodies (border phytosanitary and veterinary control and supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan), 6 quasi–public sector persons (4 specialists of Karabalyk LLP) were convicted of corruption in Kostanay region. agricultural experimental station, 2 forestry workers").Following the results of the seminar, the employees were given recommendations and information booklets were distributed.   K. Syundikov Ethics CommissionerState Institution "Office of Akim of Kostanay region".Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1142934?lang=kk