On May 15, an informal Summit of the heads of the participating countries of the Organization of Turkic States "Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development" was held in Turkestan.Special attention was paid to issues related to artificial intelligence, digitalization, cybersecurity, the development of space and satellite technologies, as well as the introduction of modern digital solutions in the economy, public administration and humanitarian cooperation.It was noted that the OTS Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development represents an important stage in shaping a common technological agenda for the Turkic states and reflects the determination of member countries to transform the Turkic space into a dynamic centre of innovation, high technologies, science and digital transformation. Kazakhstan presented a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening the technological leadership and institutional capacity of the Organization, including the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence University for students from Turkic states, the expansion of cooperation in cybersecurity, and the promotion of international digital initiatives under the auspices of the UN. The participants also emphasized the need for further improvement of the OTS Secretariat’s activities, expansion of its institutional capabilities, and strengthening of its coordinating role in the implementation of joint projects and initiatives.        Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-minsk/press/news/details/1221748?lang=kk

May 16, 2026 – In accordance with the instructions of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Iran, humanitarian aid was delivered to the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Kazakhstan Agency of International Development KazAID jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan.The handover ceremony of the humanitarian cargo to the Iranian Red Crescent Society took place at the Serakhs railway station..The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Islamic Republic of Iran Ontalap Onalbayev, representatives of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, as well as the Head of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Khorasan Razavi Province (Mashhad), Gholamabbas Arbab Khales.The humanitarian cargo included canned meat products, sugar, first-grade flour, medical supplies and medicines. The humanitarian assistance provided by the Kazakh side is intended to support the people of Iran and contribute to meeting socially significant needs.The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Iran Ontalap Onalbayev noted that Iran is one of Kazakhstan’s important political, trade-economic and humanitarian partners in the Middle East and the Islamic world.“A friend in need is a friend indeed. Kazakhstan has consistently supported the people of Iran during various periods,” the Ambassador emphasized.In turn, a representative of the Iranian Red Crescent Society expressed gratitude to the Kazakh side for the humanitarian assistance provided, noting that this step would contribute to further strengthening bilateral relations and mutual support between the two countries.The humanitarian cargo, consisting of 30 railway wagons, will be delivered to the city of Tehran and distributed among the relevant institutions.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1221756?lang=kk

Astana, May 14, 2026 – The latest consular consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates was held, bringing together representatives of relevant government agencies from both countries.The Kazakh delegation was headed by Azamat Aubekov, Director of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, while the UAE delegation was led by Rashed Rahmah, Director of the Consular Service Department at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.During the consultations, the two sides reaffirmed the strong level of bilateral cooperation in the consular sphere and expressed their commitment to further strengthening ties grounded in mutual trust, strategic partnership, and respect for international law. The parties also underscored the importance of the existing visa-free regime in facilitating business, tourism, investment, and people-to-people exchanges between Kazakhstan and the UAE.Alongside discussions on migration, consular legalization, mutual recognition of documents, and the protection of citizens’ rights, particular attention was devoted to the digitalization of consular services and the growing role of artificial intelligence and smart technologies in public administration.In this context, the parties exchanged views on enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of public services through modern digital solutions, improving the responsiveness of consular assistance, and expanding bilateral cooperation in the field of digital transformation. Astana and Abu Dhabi also expressed interest in sharing best practices on the development of intelligent government services and next-generation digital platforms.At the conclusion of the consultations, both delegations described the discussions as constructive and substantive, agreeing to maintain regular dialogue and information exchange on consular matters.The parties further confirmed their intention to hold the next round of consular consultations in the United Arab Emirates at mutually agreed dates.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-abudhabi/press/news/details/1221743?lang=kk

The PGL Astana 2026 international Counter-Strike 2 tournament is currently taking place at the Barys Arena sports complex in Astana, according to the Astana city administration.Organized by PGL Esports SRL, the tournament features a prize pool of USD 1.6 million and brings together 16 world-class teams, including Team Spirit, G2 Esports, FURIA Esports, and Heroic.Among the special guests attending the event are Counter-Strike world champion Dauren Kystaubayev, FURIA Esports player Danil Golubenko, streamer Slava Buster, PGL tournament host James Banks, and world champion Gabriel Toledo.The tournament has been included in Kazakhstan’s 2026 calendar of tourism events approved by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan.Experts note that, amid the rapidly growing global interest in esports, hosting major international tournaments in Kazakhstan enhances Astana’s appeal as a destination for foreign visitors. One of the spectators who traveled to the capital from Moscow specifically for the event, Alexander Belobukh, praised the high level of organization.“This is my first time in Astana, and I’m genuinely impressed by the city and its atmosphere. What stands out most is the tremendous interest young people here have in esports. A big part of that is undoubtedly connected to Kazakhstan having such a strong player as Danil Golubenko, who currently competes for the Brazilian club FURIA Esports. Honestly, he is a true role model for young fans, and deservedly so. Golubenko consistently delivers top-level performances and represents Kazakhstan with pride on the international stage. From a tourism development perspective, this is an excellent example of how the country is promoting its brand and showing that it keeps pace with global trends,” said Belobukh.Sports commentator and esports analyst Nurbolat Zhomart believes it is only natural for Kazakhstan to host tournaments of this scale given the country’s growing involvement in esports.“Just a few years ago, it would have been hard to imagine PGL bringing a tournament to Astana. However, organizers clearly see that Counter-Strike 2 is hugely popular across the CIS region and that top-tier players are already emerging here. One of them is Abdurakhim Isa, better known by his nickname mo0N. He is an exceptionally talented esports player, and hopefully his team will make it all the way to the final. Danil Golubenko is already a seasoned professional, and the support of the home crowd could become a decisive advantage. That said, the competition at this tournament is extremely strong, especially from teams like Team Spirit,” the expert noted.Tournament participants also emphasize that hosting PGL Astana 2026 contributes to the development of event tourism and further strengthens Astana’s position as an emerging international venue for major esports competitions.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-busan/press/news/details/1221744?lang=kk

On May 14-15, 2026, Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliyev visited the city of Kazan (Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation), where he participated in the XVII International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum 2026". The Kazakh delegation also included First Vice-Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aizhan Bizhanova, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Kazan Yerlan Iskakov, representatives of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and other government agencies. Within the framework of the forum, a number of bilateral meetings and business events were held, aimed at strengthening trade, economic, investment, and interregional cooperation between Kazakhstan and the regions of the Russian Federation and the countries of the Islamic world. During the visit, A. Shakkaliyev held meetings with Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan R. Minnikhanov, Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Mordovia B. Emeyev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Chuvash Republic S. Artamonov, as well as representatives of business circles. The parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of investment interaction and the expansion of interregional ties between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.The Minister also visited the international real estate exhibition and conference "International Property Market" and participated in the plenary session "Artificial Intelligence – New Efficiency in the Construction Industry", where issues of implementing digital solutions, modern technologies, and increasing the efficiency of the construction industry were considered. Special attention within the forum was given to the development of the Islamic economy and the Halal industry. Kazakhstan confirmed its interest in expanding the presence of domestic Halal products in foreign markets, developing relevant infrastructure, standardization, and strengthening cooperation with the countries of the Islamic world. It was noted that Kazakhstan considers the Halal industry as one of the promising areas for the development of non-resource exports and attracting investments. During his stay in Kazan, A. Shakkaliyev also gave interviews to the news agencies ITAR-TASS, "Khabar", and "Kazinform", in which he emphasized the importance of further strengthening trade and economic cooperation, developing investment interaction, and expanding interregional ties between Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.The participation of the Kazakh delegation in KazanForum 2026 contributed to the expansion of business contacts, the promotion of Kazakhstan's economic potential, as well as the strengthening of practical cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, the Halal industry, digitalization, logistics, and industry. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1221631?lang=kk