Budapest, December 9, 2025 – The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Hungary, Abzal Saparbekuly, met with the Head of the Office of the President of Hungary, István Szilvester Timár, to discuss current issues on the agenda of bilateral relations within the framework of the Kazakh–Hungarian strategic partnership.Ambassador A.Saparbekuly briefed his interlocutor on the implementation of previously reached agreements and shared updates on the negotiations held during the state visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, K. Tokayev, to Budapest last year with President Tamás Sulyok and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, as well as on the agreements reached during President Sulyok’s visit to Astana in October.In addition to bilateral political ties, the Kazakh diplomat discussed the status and prospects of cooperation in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as joint projects and investment opportunities currently under consideration by both sides.Particular attention was given to a proposal to exchange experience in the field of artificial intelligence and digitalization, including their legal regulation.The interlocutors also emphasized the importance of introducing the Kazakh and Hungarian languages in the academic programs of national universities in both countries.Following the meeting, both sides noted the importance of implementing the agreements reached by the heads of state during bilateral negotiations in order to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Hungary.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-budapest/press/news/details/1124513?lang=kk

Budapest, December 9, 2025 – The prestigious Danube Institute in Hungary hosted the opening of the discussion platform “Turkic World – West: Geopolitical Dialogue.” The new platform aims to explore opportunities for deepening economic and political partnerships between the Turkic states, the European Union, and the United States of America.The forum was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, government agencies, foreign and local analytical centers, as well as expert communities. From Kazakhstan, representatives of the Institute of Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Nazarbayev University participated actively in the panel sessions, contributing to the discussions.The main theme of the event focused on directions for cooperation between Western countries and the Turkic world, as well as analyzing interactions in trade, infrastructure connectivity, energy security, and strategic resource supply chains.During the plenary session, the floor was taken by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Hungary, A.Saparbekuly. In his speech, the Ambassador presented Kazakhstan’s foreign policy priorities regarding the prospects of political and economic cooperation between the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and the West, emphasizing the importance of Kazakhstan-Hungary strategic partnership as a connecting bridge in the Eurasian space and a reliable partner for regional and global stability.The Ambassador also highlighted Kazakhstan’s policy on developing international transport and logistics infrastructure, including the successful progress in establishing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), noting that the Middle Corridor is an important project connecting East and West. He emphasized Kazakhstan’s readiness to expand cooperation in strengthening transport connectivity and developing multimodal cargo routes.Special attention was paid to Kazakhstan’s role in Europe’s energy security. Noting Kazakhstan’s potential as a global leader in hydrocarbon and uranium production, the Ambassador expressed the country’s interest in expanding cooperation with European states in both traditional and renewable energy sectors, as well as promoting green hydrogen production technologies.Among the key areas, the Ambassador also focused on cooperation in strategically important minerals. He underlined that Kazakhstan possesses significant reserves of such resources and can make a substantial contribution to diversifying global supply chains, which aligns with the interests of the EU and the USA.Regarding regional cooperation, Ambassador A.Saparbekuly stressed the importance of strengthening the Organization of Turkic States as an institutional platform for economic integration and interaction. He highly appreciated Hungary’s active participation as an observer state in the OTS and expressed confidence in its role in expanding cooperation between the EU and the OTS.The forum continued with thematic panel discussions on prospects for cooperation between the USA and the Turkic region states, strengthening Europe’s energy security, diversifying strategic mineral supplies, and establishing a structured framework for interaction between the EU and the OTS. Participants noted that sustained dialogue plays a vital role in forming reliable partnership mechanisms and reinforcing overall economic and strategic stability.The Danube Institute plans to regularly hold the Geopolitical Dialogue on Turkic-Western Cooperation to support expert interaction and develop interregional partnership formats.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-budapest/press/news/details/1124508?lang=kk

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent a congratulatory telegram to Guy Parmelin on his election as President of the Swiss Confederation.The congratulatory message notes that Guy Parmelin's re-election to this high office is a testament to the unwavering trust he enjoys thanks to his leadership qualities and many years of dedicated service to his country.The President of Kazakhstan expressed confidence that during his new term, Switzerland, which plays an important role in global affairs, will continue on the path of sustainable development and prosperity.Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wished Guy Parmelin success in his responsible government work and the Swiss people happiness and prosperity.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-geneva/press/news/details/1124495?lang=kk

Islamabad, 11 December 2025 – At the invitation of the management of the Pakistan Foreign Service Academy, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin, delivered a lecture to the Academy’s students on the prospects for developing cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan, as well as Central and South Asia.In his remarks, Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin provided a detailed overview of the current state of political, trade-economic, cultural-humanitarian and educational cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan.The Ambassador devoted a separate section of his lecture to transport and logistics, emphasizing the importance of this sector for advancing cooperation between Kazakhstan, the Central Asian states, Pakistan and the countries of South Asia, and spoke about the work being carried out in this area.The Academy’s students showed great interest in issues of regional security, the development of transport corridors, innovation, and the role of youth in strengthening of international cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-islamabad/press/news/details/1124454?lang=kk

Bagdat Sharafatuly Talapbayev, Senior Specialist of the Department for Educational and Social-Psychological Work with Convicted Persons of the Astana Department of the Penal System, Justice Major, won 2nd place in the national “Best in Profession” competition among PPS employees held at the Kostanay Academy!Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/duisastana/press/news/details/1124445?lang=kk

Order of the Acting Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan from December 5, 2025 № 527 introduced a ban on the export of certain types of timber from the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.This order imposes a ban on the export from the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan for a period of six months certain types of timber (HS code 4401, 4403, 4404, 4406 and 4407) regardless of the country of origin, except for the code TN VED EAEU 4406910000 “Softwood sleepers for railroad or tramway tracks, impregnated” and code TN VED EAEU 4401310000 “Wood pellets”, the country of origin of which is the Republic of Kazakhstan.The order shall come into effect from December 12, 2025.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-zhetysu/press/news/details/1124414?lang=kk

The acting akim of the Atameken rural district, A. Kemezhanov, receives residents daily. Systematic work is underway to hear the appeals and suggestions of the villagers.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-munaily-atameken/press/news/details/1124374?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1124375?lang=kk

In Ulken Naryn district, Akim of the East Kazakhstan region Nurymbet Amanovich Saktaganov held a meeting with the population. The issues raised are important areas for all of us.At the meeting, the governor of the region gave specific instructions on the implementation of the tasks outlined in the new Presidential Address, diversification of the region's economy, modernization of infrastructure and development of the social sphere.The district's development plan, investment projects, agricultural potential, tourism development, the condition of roads and water systems, and Internet access were all discussed and specific decisions were made.  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/maslikhat-ulken-naryn/press/news/details/1124328?lang=kk

The Center for Forecasting Criminal Threats and Public Security Risks of the Committee on Legal Statistics and Special Accounts of the Prosecutor General's Office warns of a new scheme of online fraud.According to foreign sources (https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/8230736, https://www.pravda.ru/news/videochannel/2313571-russia-new-fraud-scheme/, https://iz.ru/1996945/2025-11-26/moshenniki-massovo-zastavliaiut-zhertvsamim-zvonitim?utm_source=yxnews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fdzen.ru%2Fnews%2Finstory%2Fa910b074-a37c-54c8-bb26-884c26851152, https://lenta.ru/news/2025/11/26/nazvanasamaya-populyarnaya-v-poslednie-mesyatsy-shema moshennichestva/) scammers launched a new wave of attacks, sending letters and SMS on behalf of delivery services, management companies and banks. Under the pretext of "authorization errors," "replacing the intercom," or "checking counters," attackers force people to call them back.As a result, unsuspecting citizens create conditions for cybercriminals to use social engineering tools.We recommend it:- be vigilant and critical of unknownincoming messages and calls;- call back only to the official numbers listed onthe organizations' websites;- use two-factor authentication;- do not disclose bank card information, one-time SMS codes, orany other confidential information to third parties.Stay vigilant and observe cybersecurity. Center for Forecasting Criminal Threats and Public Security Risks of the Committee on Legal Statistics and Special Accounts of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1124330?lang=kk

First textbook published on Kazakhstan's soft power through official development assistanceKazakhstan Agency of International Development «KazAID», in collaboration with L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU), has presented the country's first comprehensive training manual on Official Development Assistance (ODA). Official Development Assistance (ODA). The publication reveals the process of using ODA as an instrument of soft power for Kazakhstan.The publication of this guide marks a significant milestone, reflecting Kazakhstan's journey from a country receiving international aid to one capable of providing it to others. The creation of its own ODA system and the establishment of KazAID are the result of strengthening statehood, economic growth, and increased international authority.The publication includes an analysis of the development of Kazakhstan's ODA system, a comparative study of the approaches to soft power implementation by the US and Japan, and an overview of KazAID's practical experience in Central Asia and other regions.The manual is intended for students, teachers, researchers, and specialists in the field of international relations, public administration, and development.The authors of the publication are: Arken Arystanov, Chairman of KazAID, Doctor of Economics; Aigerim Ospanova, PhD, Professor at ENU; and Akbota Zholdasbekova, Acting Professor at ENU.The electronic version of the textbook is available at: https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kazaid/documents/details/914949?lang=ruSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kazaid/press/news/details/1124313?lang=kk

С 1 февраля 2024 года по состоянию на 1 декабря 2025 года исполнено 188 242From February 1, 2024, to December 1, 2025, 188,242 applications totaling USD28.25 million were processed and transferred to authorized operators for subsequent crediting to applicants' bank accounts. Of these, 116,579 applications totaling USD17.60 million were processed for housing improvements, and 71,663 applications totaling USD10.65 million were processed for education.As a reminder, recipients of targeted savings (TS) can use the entire amount or a portion of it, with any unused balance remaining in the targeted savings account (TSA). The most popular sub-purposes for using funds to improve housing conditions were: replenishing a deposit into housing construction savings for further accumulation (113,944 applications were completed for a total of USD17.23 million), making a down payment to obtain a mortgage loan for the purchase of housing - 899 applications for a total of USD126.70 thousand, and acquiring housing through civil law transactions (final settlement) - 643 applications for a total of USD86.29 thousand.The most popular sub-goals in terms of paying for education were: payment for educational services of educational organizations located in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in installments (for each academic period or academic year) or in full at one time (for the entire period of study) (64,877 applications were completed for a total of USD9.81 million), replenishment of an educational savings deposit under an agreement on an educational savings deposit (4,776 applications were completed for a total of USD580.04 thousand), payment for educational services of foreign educational organizations in installments (for each academic period or academic year) or in full at one time (for the entire period of study) (1,633 applications were completed for a total of USD214.72 thousand) Detailed information on targeted savings payments for the purpose of improving housing conditions and/or paying for education, broken down by authorized operators and regions, can be found on the website enpf.kz.As a reminder, under the National Fund for Children program, 50% of the investment income from the National Fund of the Republic of Kazakhstan is distributed annually among children of the Republic of Kazakhstan citizens born in 2006 or later. All recipients of the National Fund were awarded USD100.52 in 2023 and USD129.38 in 2024. Children who received their first National Fund funds in 2023, with the exception of those born in 2006, were awarded investment income of USD3.04 this year. As a result, the target savings for a child born in 2006 are USD100.52, and for a child born in 2007, USD232.94.  Adult citizens must independently obtain information about their TS then contact an authorized operator to open a US dollar bank account and submit an online application for CT payment to improve housing conditions and/or pay for education. Target requirements for the 2025 reporting year, as well as investment income, will be accrued to participants in the target requirements no later than February 1, 2026.Target savings for Kazakhstani citizens born in 2008 and turning 18 in 2026 will also be credited to their target savings accounts no later than February 1, 2026. Regular reports on the National Fund for Children program are posted on the enpf.kz website.You can find program terms, instructions, and answers to your questions at kids.enpf.kz and on the БЖЗҚ ЕНПФ YouTube channel. We also note that a video tutorial on the implementation of the National Fund for Children program, including the steps to take before and after a child reaches adulthood, is available on the БЖЗҚ ЕНПФ YouTube channel at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHQNAxfskX8.  UAPF was founded on August 22, 2013 on the basis of GNPF APF JSC. The founder and shareholder of the UAPF is the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan represented by the State Institution Committee of State Property and Privatization of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Trust management of UAPF pension assets is carried out by the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In accordance with the pension legislation, the UAPF attracts compulsory pension contributions, employer’s compulsory pension contributions, compulsory occupational pension contributions, voluntary pension contributions, as well as carries out enrollment and accounting of voluntary pension contributions formed at the expense of the unclaimed amount of guaranteed compensation for the guaranteed deposit, transferred by the organization carrying out mandatory guarantee of deposits, in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On mandatory guarantee of deposits placed in second-tier banks of the Republic of Kazakhstan", ensures the implementation of pension benefits. The Fund also carries out accounting of target assets and target requirements, accounting and crediting of target savings (TS) to target savings accounts, payments of TS to their recipients in bank accounts, accounting for returns of TS in the manner determined by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan within the framework of the National Fund for Children program (More details at www.enpf.kz)    Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-mendykarin-audany-akimat/press/news/details/1128971?lang=kk

        The State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan has amended some orders of the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan in accordance with paragraph 9-1 of Article 417 and paragraph 20 of Article 418 of the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan «On Customs Regulation in the Republic of Kazakhstan». The document is aimed at implementing the provisions of the customs Code and clarifies the procedure for interaction between state revenue authorities and the persons being checked during tax audits.     The rules, which come into force on January 1, 2026, make customs audit procedures more transparent and convenient for businesses. They define the conditions for issuing preliminary customs audit reports, the procedure for submission written objections, and their consideration.     Key changes to customs audits:The deadlines for submitting a written objection and its consideration by the person being checked have been regulated (the deadlines for submitting an objection and its consideration will begin on the day following receipt of the preliminary inspection report and receipt of the objection, respectively). Previously, the time limits were calculated from the date of receipt of the preliminary inspection report and receipt of the objection.Notification of the person being checked upon resumption of the deadline for consideration of a written objection. Information about such renewal will be sent within 2 business days.When making a decision, the person being reviewed may withdraw a previously submitted written objection.Objections of persons being checked subject to large-taxpayer monitoring under paragraph 3 of Article 144 of the Tax Code and who have entered into investment contracts shall be reviewed by the Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan.     The ultimate goal of the changes is to make the audit procedure more understandable, flexible, and focused on open dialogue between the state and taxpayers.    Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd/press/news/details/1124324?lang=kk

 Deputies of the Maslikhat visited the East Kazakhstan Regional Multidisciplinary Center of Oncology and Surgery. As part of the modernization and reconstruction, repairs have been carried out here, equipment, furniture and material and technical base have been updated.Namely, the departments of the surgical building have been modernized with the replacement of medical equipment with more modern ones to provide timely high-tech medical care to cancer patients. In addition, major repairs were carried out in the departments on the 2nd floor – a mammology center, a day hospital for chemical and radiation therapy, a rehabilitation department, an information technology and maintenance department, administrative offices; on the 3rd floor – a day hospital for surgery and endoscopy, a 24-hour hospital for surgery and urology.Currently, work is being completed on the 1st floor, where the reception department, pharmacy, central laboratory, information room, compressor room are located.The deputies noted the positive dynamics in the development of the medical center and stressed the importance of continuing work to improve conditions for patients and medical staff.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ukmaslihat/press/news/details/1124283?lang=kk

On December 10, 2025, Zhanat Serikovich Nugumanov, Senior Bailiff of the Interdistrict Territorial Enforcement Department No. 1 branch of the North Kazakhstan Region Department of Justice, held a lecture for employees of the Mamlyutsky District Branch of the State Corporation "Government for Citizens" in the North Kazakhstan Region on "Corruption Prevention Measures."The employees received answers to their questions.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/adilet-sko/press/news/details/1124198?lang=kk

In order to ensure road safety, an LED pedestrian road sign was installed on the 3rd place by the contractor for the maintenance of rural roads.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-munaily-bayandy/press/news/details/1124205?lang=kk

Akim K. Zheksenbayev congratulated the owner of the award and noted that he highly appreciates his contribution to improving family well-being and maternal work.️ ️ Press service of the Office of the Akim of bayandy village.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-munaily-bayandy/press/news/details/1124214?lang=kk

On December 11, 2025, legal consultants from the Zanger Chamber, together with a notary from the North Kazakhstan Region, held a "Free Legal Aid" campaign for the public as part of the "Law and Order" ideology.During the event, citizens had the opportunity to ask pressing legal questions and receive qualified consultations from specialists.The meeting addressed topics related to countering fraud and explained the benefits of implementing a special chatbot designed to make legal information more convenient and accessible to the public.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/adilet-sko/press/news/details/1124217?lang=kk

The State Revenue Department of East Kazakhstan region hosted a meeting focused on proactive measures to prevent violations among civil servants.The meeting was chaired by the Acting Deputy Head of The State Revenue Department of East Kazakhstan Zhibitaev Askhat Rainbekovich. Attendees included: Alimzhanova Zarina Kairoldinovna, senior inspector for special assignments of the domestic violence unit of the Regional Police's Department of Public Safety; Tokenov Merei Aidynuly - police captain of criminal police department of the Ust-Kamenogorsk Criminal Police Directorate; as well as Police Captain, and platoon commander of the Ust-Kamenogorsk Patrol Police Battalion – Omirbekuly Ernar.During the meeting, participants discussed a range of preventive measures, focusing specifically on preventing civil servants from being in a state of alcoholic, narcotic and/or toxic intoxication, preventing non-medical use of psychoactive substances, combating domestic violence, as well as countering cyberattacks.Police representatives explained the relevant legislative norms, liability measures, and preventive mechanisms.Summarizing the meeting, the Acting Deputy Head – Ethics Commissioner Askhat Rainbekovich emphasized the critical importance of strict compliance with service ethics, legislation on public service, anti-corruption requirements, and the Code of Ethics for Civil Servants.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-vko/press/news/details/1124160?lang=kk

Akim of the region Nurymbet Saktaganov visited Nikolsk-1 LLPDuring a working visit to the Altai region, Akim Nurymbet Saktaganov learned about the operations of Nikolsk-1 LLC. This private agricultural enterprise has been operating since 2009 and is one of the region's most stable agricultural enterprises.The company's main activities are:•crop growing,•livestock farming.The farm provides the region with high-quality agricultural products and also creates seasonal jobs for local residents.The company's founder, Marat Sailubaev, presented his plans for developing winter tourism infrastructure on Mount Oryol to the regional governor. Future plans include the construction of a modern winter sports complex, the restoration of the cable car, and the creation of a maral farm.The project aims to expand the region's tourism potential and attract new investment.The regional akim noted the importance of such initiatives and emphasized that the development of agriculture and tourism is one of the key growth areas for the Altai region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/vko-altay-chapaev/press/news/details/1124162?lang=kk