Astana, January 16, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov met with Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia Dace Rutka.During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Kazakh-Latvian cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres.Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation in the transport and logistics and agricultural sectors, which are of key importance for increasing the volume of mutual trade.The sides expressed their readiness to continue close cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, and the schedule of bilateral events for 2026 was also discussed.Following the meeting, the diplomats reaffirmed their commitment to continuing a substantive dialogue and further deepening comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1142955?lang=kk

ӘЛЕУМЕТТІК МАҢЫЗЫ БАР АЗЫҚ-ТҮЛІК ТАУАРЛАРЫНЫҢ ТІЗБЕСІ ЖАҢАРТЫЛДЫҚазақстан Республикасы Сауда және интеграция министрінің 2025 жылғы 23 желтоқсандағы № 362-нқ бұйрығына сәйкес, әлеуметтік маңызы бар азық-түлік тауарларының тізбесі қайта бекітілді. Аталған өзгерістерге сәйкес, әлеуметтік маңызы бар азық-түлік тауарларының саны 19-дан 31-ге дейін ұлғайтылғанын хабарлаймыз.Қолданыстағы заңнамаларға сәйкес, әлеуметтік маңызы бар азық-түлік тауарларына сауда үстемесінің мөлшерін арттыру (15%-дан) айыппұл салуға алып келеді.Атап айтқанда:- жеке тұлғаларға, шағын кәсіпкерлік субъектілерге – 5 АЕК;- орта кәсіпкерлік субъектілерге – 35 АЕК;- ірі кәсіпкерлік субъектілерге – 150 АЕК. Егер бір жыл ішінде заң бұзушылық қайталанса, айыппұл мөлшері екі есе артады.Бұл өзгерістердің мақсаты – әлеуметтік маңызы бар өнімдерге баға тұрақтылығын қамтамасыз ету және бағаның негізсіз өсу тәуекелдерін төмендету. Қазір сауда нүктелеріне бақылау күшейтілуде. Сонымен қатар, әр кәсіпкер ӘМАТ-қа белгіленген 15%-дық шекті сауда үстемесін сақтауы тиіс.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/shymkent-auyal-zharuazhalyk/press/news/details/1142949?lang=kk

Oath-Taking Ceremony for Civil Servants Held in the City of ZhanaozenAn oath-taking ceremony for civil servants newly appointed to public service was held at the Zhanaozen City Akimat under the chairmanship of Meken Uisenov, Head of the Office of the Akim of the city.The ceremonial event was attended by employees of the Office of the Akim of Zhanaozen, as well as civil servants from the city departments of entrepreneurship and agriculture, and housing and communal services.During the ceremony, Meken Uisenov emphasized the importance of public service and noted that taking the oath is a significant step that officially affirms a civil servant’s responsibility to the people and the state. He also stressed to the newly appointed civil servants that integrity, fairness, professionalism, and strict compliance with legal requirements are the fundamental principles of public service.As part of the ceremony, the National Anthem of the Republic of Kazakhstan was performed, after which the newly appointed civil servants solemnly took the oath.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/akimat-goroda-zhanaozen/press/news/details/1142950?lang=kk

Dear residents! False information about alleged crimes being planned in schools is being spread through instant messaging apps. Please do not believe these rumors and do not forward unverified messages. The police are conducting an investigation and all security measures have been strengthened. The situation is under control. ❗ Dissemination of false information about impending crimes is punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Keep calm - trust only official information.

Dear residents! False information is being spread on messengers that crimes may be committed in schools. These messages are not true. We ask you not to believe such rumors and not to spread unverified information. Currently, the police are conducting an investigation, and all security measures have been strengthened. The situation is under full control. ❗ The law provides for a penalty of up to 5 years in prison for spreading false information about preparations to commit a crime. Be patient and only trust official sources of information.

Innovations in the legal field are not limited to solving everyday problems of citizens, but are aimed at protecting the interests of authors and entrepreneurs, and even debtors and collectors. A clear proof of this is the new digital mechanisms being implemented in the fields of copyright and enforcement proceedings. A common digital platform is being launched to protect copyright. This system will provide accurate accounting of where, how, and to what extent works are used, as well as the remuneration paid to authors. Most importantly, a fair and transparent distribution of payments will be ensured. If an author or copyright holder discovers that their work has been used illegally, they can file a complaint with the judicial authorities and initiate an investigation. In the field of intellectual property, the Department of Justice is carrying out concrete work within its competence. In 2025, inspections were conducted based on applications from right holders regarding the illegal use of trademarks, and 50 administrative cases were initiated. By court decision, the guilty parties were fined 5,669,944 tenge. In addition, 58,062 counterfeit products worth a total of 35,943,862 tenge were removed from illegal circulation. This figure has increased significantly compared to previous years. What is alarming is that the majority of counterfeit goods fall into the category of household chemicals and food products. In this regard, experts urge consumers to be more careful when purchasing goods they use every day. Enforcement of judicial acts that have entered into legal force is also one of the important areas in the field of justice. Currently, 7 state and 162 private bailiffs are working in Shymkent. Since thousands of enforcement proceedings are in the process of being implemented, there are many questions and complaints from the public in this area. To optimally solve these problems, digital technologies are also being widely introduced into the field of enforcement proceedings. One of them is the “robot bailiff”, which has long been familiar to many. Cases for the recovery of amounts of less than 20 MCI in favor of the state are automatically carried out. The system sends a message to the debtor, blocks his accounts, and if there are funds, the recovery is carried out automatically. This mechanism is also beneficial for the debtor, since additional costs paid to a private bailiff are saved. In 2025, 31,225 cases were completed through this system, and 650 million tenge was automatically recovered. In addition, the ability to apply to a bailiff online for parties to enforcement proceedings has been launched. Now the collector or debtor can register on the website aisoip.adilet.gov.kz and fully monitor the progress of their case through the "Cabinet of Parties" service. The measures taken by the bailiff are marked in green, and the untaken actions are marked in red. According to the law, the bailiff must respond to the application within 5 days. In the absence of a response, the application is automatically sent to the regional chamber of private bailiffs. And a citizen who disagrees with the decision of the chamber can file a complaint with the republican chamber or the Department of Justice. This was announced today by the head of the Shymkent Department of Justice, Isabekova Ainur Akzhigitkyzy, as follows. More details: https://www.youtube.com/live/jCazbGRG6pc?si=Qi4fFECRpVyjXoTm #RSKSHYMKENT #BRIEFING

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

From January 19, 2026, scheduled power outages will be carried out for individual residential areas and the private sector. Please take the necessary measures in advance and take into account possible restrictions.Shutdown scheduleJanuary 19th, 202610:00-17:00 (KTP-Kenzhigulov): IP Kenzhigulov, Karbysheva St. 210:00-13:00 (KTP-Railway No. 1): Helios Housing and Communal Services, Doschanova St.10:00-13:00 (TP-696): Helios No. 2 Housing and communal services, service station, TTS, Tool store, Tair cafe, No. 14 housing and communal servicesJanuary 20, 202610:00-17:00 (KTP-Duisebayeva): IP Duisebayeva, 28/2 Lermontov St.14:00-17:00 (Amangeldy Kent): shops "Kolokolchik", "Zhanar", "Phoenix", "Novelty", TTS base, IP UmirbaevPrivate sector: K. Marx St., Druzhba, Rudnenskaya, Mira, Teplichnaya, Park, Lenin, Embankment, Gogol, TselinnayaJanuary 20-21, 202610:00-18:00 (TP-141): Etalon No. 6, Miami sauna, agrochemical laboratory, Industrial Warehouse 7Residential sector: 118 Khakimzhanova St.Private sector: Rudnenskaya, Khakimzhanova, Sokolovskaya, Komarova, Dzhangildina, Panfilova, Beda, Sadovaya, Seralina, Letunova streetsJanuary 21st, 202610:00-17:00 (TP-131): Bakhyt store, 120 Mayakovsky St. (residential sector)10:00-18:00 (TP-604): Elite barrel, cafe 5 mkr., Agroexport KZ, IP Kazbekova, ZHKS "Zhastar"Residential sector: houses 5 mkr. 7, 7a, 7b, 8, 9, 10January 22, 202610:00-18:00 (KTP-Malkov): private sector: 1/57–1/93 Abai Ave., 3/53–3/6310:00-18:00 (TP-044): private sector: Sovkhoznaya str., 2-Sovkhoznaya, Kairbekov str. 370/3–370/510:00-18:00 (RP-1): IP Sapbekov, IP Seitenov, IP Akhchin G, IP Akhmetova, Lenta store, Sarah KZ construction siteJanuary 23, 202610:00-19:00 (RP-23): IP Savchenko, Narrow-gauge street10:00-14:00 (TP-Pionerlux): IP Gareev, stores "Anai", "VAN", IP Pupyreva, IP Galisultanova, IP Bannikov, "Company DOST", "Fish shop"Note: The shutdown time is approximate. Changes are possible depending on the progress of the work.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-kalasy-akimat/press/news/details/1142863?lang=kk

Abu Dhabi, January 16, 2026 – The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Arab Emirates, R.Zhumabek, met with Abdalla Majid Al Ali, Director General of the UAE National Library and Archives.During the meeting, the Kazakh diplomat focused on issues related to revitalizing cooperation between the libraries and archives of the two countries, emphasizing the importance of effectively implementing previously reached agreements.In addition, the sides discussed the possibility of holding joint events to further develop cultural and humanitarian cooperation. In this context, the Emirati side expressed its readiness to implement joint projects aimed at establishing cultural and literary corners in the libraries of Kazakhstan and the UAE, digitizing ancient manuscripts and books related to Islam preserved in the archives of both countries, as well as translating selected publications on politics, economics, literature, and traditions into Arabic and Kazakh.At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan presented an invitation to the 3rd International Congress of Archivists titled “Digital Archive EXPO,” which will be held in Astana from 8 to 12 June 2026. For his part, Director General Abdalla Majid Al Ali confirmed that he would take part in the above-mentioned event.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-abudhabi/press/news/details/1142803?lang=kk

13 января библиотекарь Федоровской центральной районной библиотеки провела для учащихся ОШ имени Ы. Алтынсарина час истории «Қазақ халқының батыр ұлдары». Мероприятие было посвящено 320-летию со дня рождения Наурызбай батыра, героя борьбы против джунгарских захватчиков.Школьники узнали о жизни и подвигах героя, познакомились с материалами темполки «Қазақ батырлары» и приняли участие в викторине «Путь батыра». Мероприятие сопровождалось тематической презентацией.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay-fedorov/press/news/details/1142795?lang=kk

      January 5th, 2026, Incheon (Republic of Korea) – Representative of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Korea, Bibarys Shapetov, took part in a working meeting with Mr. Park Heon, Director of Incheon Airport Customs.      Incheon International Airport is the Republic of Korea’s largest air gateway and one of Asia’s key aviation hubs. In 2025, passenger traffic reached 74,071,475 (an average of 202,935 passengers per day), which is 4% higher than the previous year.      During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues of customs control amid heavy passenger flows, including enhancing the efficiency of procedures, applying risk-based control, and using digital solutions and advanced technologies to speed up and simplify customs operations.     Special attention was given to countering illicit drug trafficking. Mr. Park emphasized that preventing attempts to bring narcotics into the country is one of the key priorities of airport customs. In this regard, he noted that 303 cases related to attempted drug smuggling were detected at Incheon Airport during January–September 2025.      As part of the visit, the SRC MF RK representative also reviewed the organization of customs operations in the passenger terminal, including the overall control workflow in international arrival and departure areas and practices aimed at maintaining a balance between facilitation for bona fide travelers and security requirements. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd/press/news/details/1142726?lang=kk

Astana, January 16, 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Sihasak Phuangketkeow.During the call, the foreign ministers welcomed the steady development of Kazakhstan-Thailand relations and reviewed the current state and future prospects of bilateral engagement in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing political dialogue and broadening cooperation in trade and investment, manufacturing industry, transport and logistics, digital development, tourism, and other priority areas.The ministers also exchanged views on key issues of the regional and international agendas, agreeing to maintain regular working contacts to ensure continued coordination on matters of shared interest.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1142739?lang=kk

Members of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan paid a working visit to military unit 5573 of the National Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which is responsible for maintaining public order and safety in the city of Astana.The delegation included members of the Mazhilis Committee on International Affairs, Defense and Security—Deputies Daulet Turlykhanov, Bolat Kerimbek, and Ardak Nazarov. Representatives of the Astana branch of the AMANAT party and local executive bodies also took part in the event.The commander of the military unit, Colonel Zhandar Ashirbekov, briefed the distinguished guests on the main areas of the brigade’s activities, its missions, and the state of its infrastructure. The deputies were shown samples of military equipment and weapons in service. In addition, the commander reported on the results achieved by the servicemen during combat service in 2025.The deputies paid particular attention to the level and quality of provision of uniform clothing for the servicemen. During the meeting with personnel, they also spoke about draft laws currently being developed in Parliament.“Last year, we reviewed several draft laws related to servicemen. In particular, attention was paid to strengthening the subject of ‘Initial Military Training’ in schools, aimed at increasing young people’s interest in military service. In addition, for the past two years, about three thousand educational grants have been allocated annually through the Ministry of Education to servicemen who have distinguished themselves during service. Conscripts who have outstanding bank loans are also allowed to suspend loan repayments until the completion of their service,” noted Deputy Bolat Kerimbek.The deputies also listened to proposals and wishes from the servicemen and shared their own plans for the future.A special guest of the meeting was singer Medeu Arynbaev, who arrived from Almaty. At the initiative of the deputies, he performed patriotic songs for the servicemen.It is worth noting that last year, while carrying out combat service on the streets of the capital, servicemen of military unit 5573 detained 56 individuals involved in illicit drug trafficking, one person for intentional bodily harm, and also identified three cases of theft. Press Service of the National GuardMinistry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of KazakhstanSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kvv/press/news/details/1142643?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1142563?lang=kk

Budapest, January 9 and 14, 2026 - The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Hungary, Abzal Saparbekuly, held traditional working meetings with leaders of the Kazakh diaspora residing in Budapest.During the meetings with the President of the Kazakh-Hungarian Foundation “Bars,” András Gál, the head of the Kazakh diaspora, Ongaysha Mandoki, as well as the head of the Hungarian-Kazakh Association of Ethnosport and Culture, Zhanargul Fenyvesi, the parties discussed issues related to the preservation and promotion of the Kazakh language, history, and cultural heritage among compatriots living in Hungary. Particular attention was paid to strengthening the diaspora’s ties with their historical homeland and expanding cooperation with the Embassy.Within the framework of the meetings, the results of cultural and public events organized by the Kazakh diaspora in 2025 were reviewed, and a positive assessment was given to their contribution to the development of humanitarian ties between Kazakhstan and Hungary. At the same time, the parties considered prospects for implementing joint projects, as well as plans for holding cultural and educational events in 2026 aimed at promoting Kazakh culture, traditions, and national sports, including through the engagement of youth and the wider Hungarian public.The meetings were held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, confirming the high level of mutual understanding and the strong ties between the Republic of Kazakhstan and its compatriots abroad. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-budapest/press/news/details/1142557?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1142560?lang=kk