Ljubljana, February 2, 2026 – At the meetings of the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Slovenia, Altay Abibullayev, with the leadership of world–famous pharmaceutical companies in Slovenia, the head of KRKA, Jože Colarič, as well as Chairman of the Board Gregor Makuc and members of the Board of Lek–Sandoz, the state and prospects for the development of bilateral investment cooperation and the expansion of the presence of their advanced drugs in the market of Kazakhstan were considered.The Ambassador noted that in the light of mutual activation and institutional mechanisms for supporting business, investment and foreign economic activity, the total trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Slovenia currently amounts to about 170 million euros, while a significant share of this volume is generated by the activities of KRKA and Lek–Sandoz companies, which underlines their strategic role in the development of bilateral economic relations. connections. The role of Kazakhstan as a regional hub for Central Asia and the Caucasus was emphasized, including the possibility of scaling up the presence of pharmaceutical companies in the markets of neighboring countries using mechanisms for harmonizing registration and regulatory procedures.The KRKA leadership presented one of the most modern and advanced pharmaceutical plants in Europe to the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, provided up-to-date information about the company's global structure in 70 countries, the scale of investments in the latest research and development, as well as the development of operational and commercial activities in Kazakhstan, including the expansion of marketing and professional cooperation with the medical community.During the negotiations with Lek–Sandoz, the main focus was on the regulatory environment and access to the Kazakh market, the company's participation in government and corporate procurement, as well as opportunities for expanding investment cooperation, including the prospects for localization of production, the use of special economic zones and instruments of the Astana International Financial Center to increase predictability and protect investments.The Ambassador invited the management of the companies to take an active part in the «AI&Digital Bridge» Business Forum in Ljubljana on March 12 and the meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on March 13, during which it is planned to discuss issues of innovative development, the introduction of digital solutions and the use of artificial intelligence in industry and the pharmaceutical sector. The companies are also interested in participating in the Kazakhstan Pharmaceutical Forum in Turkestan on March 4-5, 2026.The pharmaceutical companies confirmed to the Ambassador their mutual interest in deepening the strategic economic partnership, expanding their investment presence and forming a practical roadmap for cooperation focused on long-term sustainability, technological development and mutual economic benefits.Reference: KRKA's system employs 13 thousand employees, including 103 people in Kazakhstan, investments in research and development of new drugs amount to 185 million euros, it is planned to produce more than 300 billion tablets in 2026, the company's turnover amounted to 2.05 billion euros by the end of 2025, which is 7% more than in 2024. The Lek-Sandoz system employs about 23,000 employees, including 1 person in Kazakhstan, investments in research and development of new drugs amount to 100 million euros, and the company's turnover amounted to 530 million euros by the end of 2025.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-ljubljana/press/news/details/1154138?lang=kk

Ljubljana, 2 February 2, 2026 – The historic Julij Betetto Hall hosted a landmark cultural event: the "In the Spirit of Beethoven" concert, organized by the Academy of Music of the University of Ljubljana in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Slovenia.Renowned Kazakhstani cellist and professor Eldar Saparayev, performing alongside distinguished masters from the Berlin Philharmonic and the Zurich Chamber Orchestra - Tanja Sonc, Matic Kuder, Maja Rome, Zoran Marković, Miha Mitev, and Andrej Žust - presented one of Ludwig van Beethoven's most brilliant masterpieces: the Septet in E-flat major, Op. 20.The venue brought together members of Ljubljana’s diplomatic corps, business leaders, the academic community, prominent figures in the arts, and friends of Kazakhstan, as well as students and residents of the Slovenian capital. The evening was met with a resounding full house, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all attendees and reaffirming Kazakhstan's status as a nation with profound musical potential. Thanks to a live broadcast on Slovenia's national radio, these world-class classical performances were heard in real-time by listeners across the country.The concert, which evoked unforgettable emotions and concluded with a prolonged standing ovation, has truly become a "spiritual bridge," attesting to the high reputation of the Kazakhstani classical music school in Europe. Such initiatives by the Embassy will continue, deepening friendly ties and bringing our nations closer through the universal language of art.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-ljubljana/press/news/details/1154140?lang=kk

Strasbourg, January 29-30, 2026 – the Bureau of the European Steering Committee for Youth (CDEJ) of the Council of Europe convened at the European Youth Centre. At the meeting, Kazakhstan was represented by Mr.Valikhan Bakhretdinov, President of Kazakhstan-EU Gateway.During the sessions, the Kazakh delegation presented national achievements in the field of youth policy, with particular emphasis on strengthening youth participation, enhancing civic engagement, and reinforcing institutional support for youth initiatives. Members of the CDEJ Bureau were briefed on Kazakhstan’s progress in advancing youth policy priorities and expressed their readiness to further develop cooperation and joint initiatives.Kazakhstan reaffirmed its active engagement in major youth-related activities of the Council of Europe, including the follow-up processes linked to the 10th Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, held in Malta in October 2025. The outcomes of this conference continue to serve as an important framework for strengthening international cooperation, promoting the democratic participation of young people, and advancing strategic youth policy initiatives.Kazakhstan’s contribution to European youth cooperation was also highlighted within broader youth work development processes, including platforms focused on strengthening democracy, improving the quality of youth work, and defining future priorities for the youth sector.As part of the ongoing dialogue, an action-oriented approach was outlined to further enhance cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Council of Europe in the field of youth policy. Key areas of cooperation include the development of youth centres, increased involvement of Kazakh youth in European environmental and civic projects, and expanded awareness-raising activities in the area of human rights education.Kazakhstan’s participation in the CDEJ Bureau sessions underscores its continued commitment to international youth cooperation and to the shared values of democracy, human rights, and active youth participation promoted by the Council of Europe.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-strasbourg/press/news/details/1154146?lang=kk

A meeting was held at the M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University in Shymkent to discuss and explain the draft of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Akim of Shymkent, Sarsen Kuranbek, the Vice-Rector for Social and Educational Work of the University, Gani Besbayev, the teaching staff, and students. During the meeting, the main directions of the constitutional reform and the essence of the new draft Constitution were explained in detail. It was noted that the main goal of the reform is to improve the system of public administration, strengthen the role of people's power, and form effective mechanisms for protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens. This initiative was assessed as an important step aimed at strengthening the internal stability and legal framework of the country in the context of current global geopolitical processes. Speaking at the event, Gani Besbayev, vice-rector for social and educational work of the university, touched upon the role of the Constitution in the life of society. According to him, the Constitution is the main document that forms the legal consciousness of every citizen, therefore, knowing and understanding it is a common duty for everyone. During the meeting, special attention was paid to the issue of land and language, which is often discussed in society. Speaking on this topic, Deputy Mayor of Shymkent Sarsen Kuranbek, based on real data, explained in detail, comparing the demographic situation during the period of the Constitution adopted in 1995 and the current situation. In addition, Sarsen Kuranbek stressed the need to critically examine opinions aimed at politicizing language and land issues and creating discord in society. According to him, it is extremely important for every citizen to put the interests of the state first at such an important time. During the meeting, the Head of State's statement on the 30th anniversary of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan that the Kazakh language has become the language of interethnic communication in Kazakhstan was also noted. This indicates the increasing role of the Kazakh language in the public space. At the end of the meeting, participants asked questions about the new draft Constitution and received meaningful answers. The meeting was aimed at increasing the legal literacy of young people and strengthening civic responsibility for the future of the country. It is worth noting that the new Constitution is a document of strategic importance, developed in accordance with the new historical period of independent Kazakhstan. It is considered a legal framework aimed at the development of the state, taking into account the demands of society and the will of the people.

In Shymkent, work is being carried out in stages to provide housing for citizens in need. This time, 26 more families on the housing waiting list received their long-awaited homes. They were ceremoniously handed the keys to new rental apartments located in Asar-2, Bozaryk and Turan microdistricts. The majority of new apartment owners fall into the category of citizens in need of social support. In particular, they include people with disabilities, families raising children with special needs, single-parent families, people left without parental care, and orphans. The mayor of Shymkent, Gabit Syzdykbekov, who participated in the ceremony of handing over the keys to the apartments, congratulated the owners and noted that providing residents with affordable housing is one of the important directions being implemented within the framework of the instructions of the Head of State to improve the quality of life of the population. According to him, the housing policy in the city is based on the principles of social justice and is aimed at citizens in real need. It is worth noting that the process of allocating housing is carried out in strict accordance with the requirements of current legislation, in an established manner. This allows ensuring equal access to state support measures, transparency and fairness for citizens on the housing queue. Work continues on a systematic solution to the housing problem in Shymkent. Last year, in order to form a housing fund for socially vulnerable groups, the akimat purchased 544 apartments and transferred them to Otbasy Bank JSC. The bank carried out all organizational and contractual procedures, and in 2025, 235 apartments were handed over to their owners. Since the beginning of the year, 241 apartments have been transferred. The remaining apartments will be distributed this year in accordance with the order of priority.