Astana, September 8, 2026 – At the initiative of the Kyrgyz side, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi held a telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Zheenbek Kulubaev. The Kyrgyz Foreign Minister warmly congratulated his Kazakh counterpart on his appointment to the high office and wished him every success in his responsible duties.During the conversation, the Ministers noted the steady development of the Kazakh-Kyrgyz allied relations. They expressed their mutual intention to further contribute to strengthening political dialogue and expanding cooperation in trade and economy, investment, transport and logistics, water and energy, as well as cultural and humanitarian spheres.The Ministers also discussed current issues on the regional and international agenda and reviewed the schedule of upcoming international events at the highest and high levels.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1287543?lang=ru

We, the Foreign Ministers of the States Parties to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia (hereinafter referred to as the “CANWFZ Treaty”), on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the CANWFZ Treaty in Semipalatinskreaffirming our commitment to humanity’s common goal of achieving a world free of nuclear weapons, and recognizing the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use or testing of nuclear weapons,emphasizing that the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones is one of the most powerful universal tools for preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and strengthening the global disarmament process,noting the importance of the Treaty between the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan on Friendship, Good-Neighborliness, and Cooperation for Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century in strengthening peace and security in the region,recalling that the idea of establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia was first proposed by the Republic of Uzbekistan in September 1993 at the 48th session of the UN General Assembly,convinced that the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia represents a successful example of the consolidation of efforts by the countries of the region, and emphasizing that this was an important step toward strengthening the nuclear nonproliferation regime and the process of nuclear disarmament, regional and international peace and security, as well as the development of cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and the environmental rehabilitation of areas affected by radioactive contamination,welcoming the thirty-fifth anniversary of the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site and the thirtieth anniversary of the opening for signature of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and paying tribute to the memory of the numerous victims of nuclear explosions and their consequences in all regions of the world,we hereby declare the following:We reaffirm our commitment to the historically significant CANWFZ Treaty, signed by the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan on 8 September 2006, in Semipalatinsk. As the result of collective efforts of all five Central Asian states in their aspiration to ensure security, stability and peace in the region, and as it remains the first and only such zone located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and directly bordering two nuclear-weapon States, the Semipalatinsk Treaty continues to play an important role in strengthening the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime and serves as a symbolic example of Central Asia’s transformation from a region where nuclear weapons were once actively tested and deployed into one of the leaders of global efforts toward nuclear disarmament.We reaffirm the key role of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as the cornerstone of international efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and, ultimately, to achieve their complete elimination. In this regard, we regret that the Eleventh Review Conference of the States Parties to the NPT concluded without adopting substantive outcomes, reflecting continuing differences and a lack of trust in the field of nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation. We call on all NPT parties to continue negotiations in good faith on the effective implementation of obligations under all three interrelated and mutually reinforcing pillars – nuclear disarmament, nonproliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.In light of the urgent and unprecedented challenges threatening global security and stability, we express serious concern over the lack of substantial progress in the field of nuclear disarmament in accordance with Article 6 of the NPT, as well as the cessation of key arms control agreements, coupled with an alarming trend toward the modernization of nuclear arsenals. At the same time, we note the special responsibility of nuclear-weapon States to engage in negotiations on nuclear disarmament and call for the urgent development of new, verifiable arms control mechanisms to prevent a nuclear arms race.We affirm our unwavering support for the activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in implementing the provisions of the NPT, promoting cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and applying safeguards and monitoring of nuclear programs in the Agency’s member states.We firmly advocate for the necessity of the earliest entry-into-force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) which will mark exactly thirty years since its opening for signature on 24 September 2026. In this regard, we emphasize the need to preserve and further strengthen the international norm against nuclear testing and call for refraining from any actions that could undermine this norm.We emphasize the important role of raising awareness on disarmament and non-proliferation in fostering a culture of peace, trust and responsibility, and note the particular importance of involving the youth in discussions on disarmament and international security. We support the continued promotion of the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, initiated by the Kyrgyz Republic and symbolically observed annually on 5 March – the date the NPT entered into force – as well as related regional educational initiatives.In this regard, we note the relevance of the recommendations contained in the UN Study on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education, as well as the UN Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament, “Securing Our Common Future: An Agenda for Disarmament.”We welcome the signing on 6 May 2014 by the nuclear-weapon States of the Protocol on Negative Security Assurances to the Treaty on the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone and its ratification by four nuclear-weapon states, and we express our hope for the earliest completion of the ratification process for the Protocol by the United States of America.We express our interest in the institutional development of the CANWFZ Treaty and in expanding further partnerships with existing nuclear-weapon-free zones with the aim of strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and uniting international efforts to ensure peace and security. In this context, we welcome the signing of Memoranda of Understanding with the African Commission on Atomic Energy (AFCONE) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL), as well as the holding in Astana on August 28–29, 2024, under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship, of the second meeting of representatives of all existing nuclear-weapon-free zones.We note the great importance of strengthening regional security as a key factor for sustainable development and stability in Central Asia, and we reaffirm our intention to continue to cooperate closely in addressing common challenges and threats.We support efforts to establish new nuclear-weapon-free zones in regions where they do not currently exist, including in the Middle East.We welcome the adoption of the resolution “Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia” at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly as well as the holding, of an anniversary meeting of the Treaty’s participating States in Ashgabat on 5 December 2024, under Turkmenistan’s chairmanship, with the participation of representatives of other existing nuclear-weapon-free zones and international organizations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1287510?lang=ru

Kuala Lumpur, 7 September 2026 – Almaty showcased its tourism potential at MATTA Fair 2026, Malaysia’s leading international tourism exhibition. Kazakhstan participated in the country’s largest tourism event for the first time, introducing Almaty and Kazakhstan’s diverse travel opportunities to the Malaysian market.The Visit Almaty pavilion emerged as one of the highlights of the exhibition. Its distinctive design, engaging programme and performances by a Kazakh creative ensemble attracted strong interest from Malaysian travellers and tourism industry professionals. Over the three-day exhibition, more than 10,000 registered visitors came to the pavilion to discover the tourism offerings of Almaty and the surrounding region, including its natural landscapes, cultural attractions, national cuisine and traditions.A vibrant cultural programme featuring musicians, dancers and Kazakh batyrs, along with traditional food tastings and displays of national handicrafts and souvenirs, presented Almaty as a destination where a dynamic modern city meets spectacular mountain scenery, rich cultural heritage and the timeless hospitality of the Great Steppe.Alongside its participation in the exhibition, Almaty Tourism Day was held in Kuala Lumpur to further promote Almaty as one of Central Asia’s most attractive destinations and strengthen tourism ties between Kazakhstan and Malaysia.The event brought together representatives of Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Tourism Malaysia, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATA), airlines and the wider tourism industry. The programme featured a presentation of Almaty’s tourism potential, remarks by tourism industry leaders, the signing of memoranda of understanding, business meetings and a cultural showcase.In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Malaysia Bulat Sugurbayev highlighted the importance of expanding tourism exchanges between the two countries. He noted that Kazakhstan’s first participation in MATTA Fair opens new opportunities to promote the country as a travel destination among Malaysian visitors.Secretary General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, highlighted Almaty’s growing importance as a tourism hub, providing a gateway to other regions of Kazakhstan and destinations across Central Asia.One of the key outcomes of Almaty Tourism Day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Tourism Department of the Almaty City Akimat and the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents. The agreement is aimed at strengthening cooperation in tourism promotion, information exchange, professional networking and business collaboration between the tourism industries of Kazakhstan and Malaysia.MATTA President Nigel Wong highlighted the strong interest generated by the Kazakh pavilion and announced that the Almaty pavilion had received an award for Best Cultural Programme.More than 50 Kazakh and Malaysian tourism companies took part in business meetings held on the sidelines of Almaty Tourism Day, creating new opportunities for partnerships and the development of joint tourism products.The cultural programme introduced guests to traditional Kazakh music, performances on the dombra and kobyz, national dances and vocal traditions. The performances offered visitors an opportunity to experience Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage and the spirit of hospitality of the Great Steppe.Almaty Tourism Day marked another important step in Kazakhstan’s active promotion in one of Southeast Asia’s key tourism markets. Held on the sidelines of MATTA Fair 2026, the event demonstrated the shared interest of Kazakhstan and Malaysia in further expanding tourism cooperation, strengthening business ties and opening new opportunities for travellers.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-kuala-lumpur/press/news/details/1287479?lang=ru

Interview with Elnur Itenov, Head of the Kuryk Customs Post— Elnur, what is the role of the Kuryk customs post in vehicle imports? Itenov: The Kuryk customs post is located at the seaport of Kuryk and operates around the clock. Cars and cargo arrive here on ferries and Ro-Ro vessels, including from the Caucasus direction. For individuals, this is one of the sea routes for bringing a vehicle onto the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union. We carry out customs control, declaration, risk management and release of the vehicle in line with the law.— How does clearance for an individual differ from a commercial import? Itenov: An individual imports a car for personal use. Such a vehicle is declared with a passenger customs declaration through the Keden information system. A commercial import follows a different track: a goods declaration, different rates and requirements. Importantly, if a person brings in more than one vehicle in a calendar year, the customs authority may treat this as activity that is not personal use. In that case the rules for business activity apply.— What documents does a citizen need at the post? Itenov: The basic set is: an identity document; vehicle papers — a registration certificate or equivalent title; a sale-purchase contract, invoice or other proof of acquisition and value; documents confirming ownership or the right to dispose of the vehicle; transport documents — a bill of lading or ferry waybill. If the car comes from a third country, route documents are required. VIN, body number, year of manufacture, engine capacity and the parties’ details must match across all papers. Inconsistencies are one of the main reasons for delayed release.— What does the procedure at Kuryk look like step by step? Itenov: After leaving the ferry, the vehicle goes through radiation control, weighing if required, and inspection, including the inspection and screening complex. Then a passenger customs declaration is filed in the clearance building. An officer checks the documents and identification numbers and applies risk profiles. A customs examination may follow. After assessment and payment of customs duties, taxes and the customs processing fee, the car is released. The owner must then register the vehicle with the competent authority within the statutory period — generally within ten working days after the customs operations related to release.— What payments does an individual make when clearing a passenger car? Itenov: The set of charges is standard. First, import customs duty. For most petrol and diesel passenger cars imported by individuals, the rates are those set by Decision No. 107 of the EEC Council of 20 December 2017. According to clarifications by the State Revenue Committee, a 15 percent rate of customs value still applies to a large share of cars up to seven years old. Older cars are charged specific rates in euro per cubic centimetre of engine capacity. Second, value-added tax at 16 percent of the tax base, which includes customs value and duty. Third, the customs processing fee — six monthly calculation indices. Separately, after customs release, the recycling (utilisation) fee and the primary state registration fee are payable. Their amount depends on category, age and engine type. Electric vehicles have separate preferential regimes, but quotas and conditions must be checked on the date of import.— Can a car be brought in temporarily without full clearance? Itenov: Yes. A vehicle registered abroad may be temporarily imported by an individual with relief from customs duties and taxes for the period provided by law. In practice a period of up to 90 days is often cited for certain categories of international movement and temporary admission. The term and conditions depend on the person’s status and the regime. Temporary admission does not replace release for personal use. If a citizen intends to operate the car permanently in Kazakhstan and register it, full customs clearance is required.— Where do people most often go wrong? Itenov: First, an incomplete or inconsistent set of documents, especially on value and title. Second, an attempt to understate customs value. The risk-management system and price information detect this; value is adjusted, charges are recalculated, and liability may follow. Third, bringing in several cars “for personal use” in one year. Fourth, not realising that after customs one still needs a vehicle construction safety certificate, an electronic vehicle passport, the recycling fee and registration. Since 20 October 2025, under an EAEU decision, individuals cannot obtain the safety certificate for certain types of vehicles that are not on the approved list. Such cars cannot be fully cleared and registered. Fifth, confusion between the national tariff and the EAEU Common Customs Tariff. If a car was cleared at a lower national rate, taking it later to another Union state may require payment of the difference.— How does the post address grey imports and smuggling? Itenov: We use risk management, examination, screening complexes, and cooperation with the Border Service, the transport prosecutor’s office and economic investigation bodies. The post’s record shows that concealed goods in trucks have been detected more than once, involving tens of millions of tenge in unpaid charges. For cars, control is built on VIN identification, database checks and analysis of the document chain. A compliant declarant benefits: a legal vehicle moves faster.— What would you advise a Mangystau resident planning to import a car via Kuryk? Itenov: Prepare the papers before boarding the ferry. Check the VIN on every document. Value the car realistically, using the contract and market data. File the declaration in Keden without errors. Allow time for inspection and payment. Remember the one-car-per-year rule for personal use. After release, do not delay the safety certificate, the electronic passport, the recycling fee and registration. Advice is available from the state revenue contact centre and from information boards at the post. Our job is not to put a barrier in front of a law-abiding person, but to apply equal and transparent rules for everyone.— Has the post gone digital? Itenov: Yes. Electronic declaration, integration with the Keden platform, screening complexes and elements of a single window reduce face-to-face contact and queues. The port and the post operate 24 hours a day. The digital trail of the transaction protects both the budget and the vehicle owner.Interview prepared by the Department of State Revenues for the Mangystau Region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-mangistau/press/news/details/1287471?lang=ru

In Ust-Kamenogorsk, prices for socially important food products have generally remained stable since the beginning of the year. At the same time, a significant decrease in prices is noted for certain types of products. Thus, in the city, the price of cucumbers decreased by 51% and became half the level of the beginning of the year. Tomatoes also fell in price by 45%.The Department of Trade and Consumer Protection of the East Kazakhstan Region, based on data from the Bureau of National Statistics, conducted an analysis of price changes for January–August 2026. According to its results, the overall price index for socially important food products in Ust-Kamenogorsk amounted to 101.0%. This is lower than the national average (101.4%).The most noticeable price decrease is observed for vegetable products. In addition to cucumbers and tomatoes, the price of polished rice has decreased by 6.7% since the beginning of the year. At the same time, the price of wheat bread made from first-grade flour remained at the January level — the index amounted to 100.0%.The cost of bone-in beef has remained virtually unchanged since the beginning of the year — the index amounted to 100.7% (an increase of only 0.7%). The price of poultry meat also remains stable — index 100.2%.At the same time, due to the transition to the new harvest, a seasonal price increase is observed for a number of vegetables. Carrots rose in price by 57.4%, onions — by 51.4%, potatoes — by 30.9%. The price of lamb increased by 19.5%, minced meat — by 9.1%. Butter rose in price by 3.2%, hard cheese — by 1.1%.To reduce the impact of seasonal changes on the market, work is underway in the region to form food reserves. In particular, replenishment of the stabilization fund is envisaged through direct purchases of the new harvest of potatoes, onions, cabbage, and carrots from local farmers. The collected products will be used in the autumn-winter period to provide the market with necessary goods and prevent sharp price increases.In order for residents to be able to purchase products directly from producers and at affordable prices, farmers' fairs are also regularly held in the region. Here, goods are offered at prices 15–20% lower than in stores. Since the beginning of the year, 421 fairs have been held in the region.To prevent unjustified price increases, control in retail facilities has also been strengthened. Monitoring of compliance with the established 15% maximum trade markup on socially important food products is carried out on an ongoing basis. Based on the results of control, 75 administrative measures have been applied against entrepreneurs who committed violations.In addition, as a result of the work of the regional commission, more than 10 unproductive intermediaries have been excluded from the supply chain of goods. This allows reducing unjustified markups on the way from producer to consumer and lowering the final cost of products.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1287431?lang=ru