During a working trip to the Altai region, Akim of the East Kazakhstan region N. Saktaganov held a meeting with residents of the region and introduced them to the current indicators of the socio-economic development of the region, and outlined the key tasks facing the Altai region in the coming period.During the meeting, residents raised a number of important issues regarding the state of communal infrastructure, the development of a vocational training system and environmental safety.All questions were explained, the planned stages and approaches to their solution were outlined.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/vko-altay-altay/press/news/details/1124164?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1124148?lang=kk

Podgorica, December 9-10, 2025 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Montenegro Daulet Batrashev held talks with the President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Andrija Mandić, during which the current state of parliamentary relations between Kazakhstan and Montenegro was discussed and the need to activate inter-parliamentary cooperation was noted.The Montenegrin politician expressed readiness to establish a parliamentary friendship group with Kazakhstan and invited his colleague, the Speaker of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Erlan Koshanov, to visit Montenegro at a time convenient for the Kazakh side, with the dates to be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.In his turn, the Kazakh diplomat informed his interlocutor about the domestic political situation in Kazakhstan, including the implementation of large-scale political reforms initiated by the President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and plans on transition to a unicameral Parliament.In addition, D. Batrashev held a series of meetings during his working visit with the aim of further developing cooperation with Montenegro.In particular, during negotiations with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Perish Kastratovich, and the Advisor of the President of Montenegro on International Affairs, Irena Prelevich, the interlocutors discussed in detail the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations, paying special attention to strengthening political dialogue, namely the issue of organizing the first-ever visit of the President of Montenegro to Kazakhstan, the possibility of resuming political consultations, as well as establishing a diplomatic mission of Montenegro in Astana. The Montenegrin side noted the importance of organizing a visit of their head of state to Central Asian countries in general, and to Astana in particular, following which the parties discussed specific details and the timing of the upcoming visit next year, as well as reviewed the list of documents for possible signing.There was also an exchange of views on a number of pressing issues on the regional and global agenda, as well as cooperation between the two countries within the UN, OSCE, Council of Europe, and mutual support for each other's candidacies in the elected bodies of international organizations.The prospects for developing bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism, including increasing tourist flows, developing air connections, and optimizing visa procedures, were discussed at a meeting with the State Secretary of the line ministry, Petar Drašković. The parties agreed to consider the possibility of signing a bilateral document on cooperation in tourism.Possibilities for enhancing cooperation in the field of legal assistance and criminal proceedings, as well as sharing experiences between the relevant authorities, were discussed with the Director General for Criminal and Civil Law of the Ministry of Justice of Montenegro, Jelena Grdnič.During the meeting with the President of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro, Nina Drakic, the parties discussed the current state of business cooperation and the possibility of organizing a visit of Montenegrin business representatives to Kazakhstan during the upcoming visit of the President of Montenegro, the organization of a business forum for Kazakh and Montenegrin entrepreneurs, and the holding a tourism exhibition for Kazakhstanis.Priority areas of cooperation such as energy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, tourism, and information technologies were identified.The Ambassador presented and proposed to the Montenegrin side a wide range of agricultural products for potential future export to Montenegro.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-zagreb/press/news/details/1124141?lang=kk

Sarajevo, December 11, 2025 - Ambassador of Kazakhstan Daulet Batrashev presented his credentials to the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željko Komšić.  During the meeting, the current state and prospects of bilateral relations were discussed, highlighting significant potential for cooperation in the fields of energy, information technology, artificial intelligence, and food security.The Ambassador informed the Chairman of the Presidency about the implementation of large-scale reforms in various areas of public administration and comprehensive socio-political transformations in Kazakhstan.It was emphasized that Kazakhstan pursues a peaceful and open foreign policy, advocates the principles of equality, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. The diplomat noted Kazakhstan's consistent course toward comprehensive strengthening interstate relations and deepening cooperation between Kazakhstan and Bosnia and Herzegovina on the international stage.The Head of Bosnia and Herzegovina commended the course of reform, noted Kazakhstan's significant achievements, and emphasized the country's role as a leading Eurasian economic power at the crossroads of two continents with immense transit and transport potential.Ž.Komšić conveyed warm congratulations to the President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and to the entire people of Kazakhstan, with best wishes for well-being and prosperity on the occasion of the upcoming Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1125101?lang=kk

Skopje, December 10, 2025 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to North Macedonia, Satybaldy Burshakov, delivered a presentation lecture to students and faculty members of the Goce Delcev University in Shtip.The diplomat informed the audience about Kazakhstan's current development, the political and socio-economic reforms led by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the country's achievements in foreign policy, its geopolitical role in the modern world, and the results of Kazakh-Macedonian cooperation.The audience showed particular interest in the development of Kazakhstan's higher education system and its international academic and educational programs.During a meeting with the University Rector, Dejan Mirakovski, Ambassador Burshakov discussed opportunities and prospects for deepening cooperation in the field of education. An agreement was reached on the need to strengthen partnerships between universities and scientific centres of the two countries.Rector Mirakovski expressed profound interest in establishing mutually beneficial ties with Kazakh educational institutions, emphasizing the prospects for academic exchange, joint projects, and the expansion of scientific and educational interaction.The university leadership expressed gratitude to the Embassy of Kazakhstan for the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the country and highlighted the importance of holding such meetings in the future.Background: Goce Delcev University was founded in 2007. It cooperates with the Higher Education Council (Turkey) and the European University Association. The university has a student body of over 20,000.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-skopje/press/news/details/1124143?lang=kk

On December 11, 2025, the Kazakhstani delegation, headed by Zhandos Duisembiev, Chairman of the State Revenue Committee, took part in the 52nd meeting of the Joint Board of Customs Services of the EAEU in St. Petersburg. The meeting was also attended by the heads of the customs services of Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.The main topic of the meeting was the further improvement of customs administration within the Eurasian Economic Union. The parties discussed ways to increase the transparency of procedures, strengthen the control of transit goods, and develop the risk management system. A number of decisions were adopted aimed at enhancing the coordinated work of the working groups and improving the effectiveness of cooperation among the member states.The Kazakhstani side emphasized the importance of improving information exchange between the customs services of the EAEU. Reliable and timely data exchange is a key factor in ensuring accurate goods declaration and proper calculation of customs payments.In continuation of the discussed topic, Kazakhstan held bilateral meetings with the customs services of the participating countries. During these meetings, the parties exchanged practical proposals to strengthen control and outlined priority areas for further joint work.It was also noted that the State Revenue Committee of Kazakhstan and the Federal Customs Service of Russia have established a joint Working Group to combat the illegal movement of goods between the two countries. The Action Plan of this group has been approved. It aims to ensure the transparency of customs procedures, strengthen control over goods in transit, prevent illegal imports, and enhance cooperation in these areas.As part of the implementation of the Plan, the parties will exchange information on detected violations of customs legislation — including cases of inaccurate declaration, undervaluation of goods, and failure to deliver cargo, including during transit, as well as data on suspicious consignees.The next meeting of the Joint Board of Customs Services of the EAEU is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd/press/news/details/1124097?lang=kk

Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a law “On ratification of the Protocol on Water and Health to the 1992 Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes,” Zakon.kz reports.The Protocol was adopted on June 17, 1999, in London.The purpose of the document is to ensure the protection of public health and well-being through sustainable water resource management, as well as through the prevention and control of water-related diseases.The Protocol is a multilateral legal document whose objectives are strategically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.On a global scale, it is the first and only treaty that focuses on water supply, sanitation, hygiene, and health issues.The main obligations of countries under the Protocol are to establish specific and measurable targets for water supply, sanitation, hygiene, and health, to establish and improve a system for monitoring and early warning of water-related diseases, to develop contingency plans with the necessary resources for response, and to develop international cooperation in the field of water resources protection and use, sanitation, and health.Thus, Kazakhstan has joined the institutional structure of the Convention and will gain access to advanced technologies and knowledge in the field of safe drinking water treatment and delivery, as well as wastewater disposal and reuse, and will be able to participate in the development of joint surveillance and early warning systems and emergency response plans.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-geneva/press/news/details/1124108?lang=kk

During his visit to Doha, the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Berik Assylov, held bilateral talks with the Prosecutor General of the State of Qatar, Issa Bin Saad Al Nuaimi, during which ways to strengthen mutual cooperation were discussed. As part of the visit, an agreement was signed between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the State of Qatar on the transfer of sentenced persons, and a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Prosecutor General’s Offices of both states.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-doha/press/news/details/1124112?lang=kk

Brussels, 11 December 2025 – Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Belgium, Mr. R. Vassilenko, held a meeting with the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Dr. Saunders. The parties discussed ongoing cooperation and prospects for its further enhancement.The Ambassador reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to constructive engagement within the WCO’s key bodies and highlighted the importance of reforms promoted by the Secretary General, including strengthening strategic governance, transparency, and digital transformation.Mr. Vassilenko informed the Secretary General about Kazakhstan’s comprehensive customs modernization programme, including the development of the unified digital platform Keden, and noted the country’s intention to consider participation in the WCO’s Anti-Corruption & Integrity Promotion Programme.Special attention was given to the digitalization of transit procedures along the Middle Corridor, which plays a strategic role in increasing transit capacity and improving the efficiency of regional logistics.The Kazakh side also invited Dr. Saunders to visit Kazakhstan to familiarize himself with the work of border customs posts and exchange views on practical aspects of cooperation. The Ambassador reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to further strengthen its partnership with the WCO and to take part in joint initiatives aimed at advancing digital solutions, transparency, and improved customs administration at both regional and global levels.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-brussels/press/news/details/1124114?lang=kk

Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek participated in the 12th World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), dedicated to the theme "Humanity.io: Human Values ​​at the Center of Education," and presented key areas for transforming Kazakhstan's education system. During the visit, a meeting was held with Qatari Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, during which the two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-doha/press/news/details/1124115?lang=kk

في أستانا، وقع أرشيف رئيس جمهورية كازاخستان و دار الوثائق لدولة قطر مذكرة تفاهم.تُمهّد الوثيقة لتطوير مجال الأرشفة في البلدين، وتبادل الخبرات، وتنفيذ المشاريع المشتركة.واتفق الطرفان على التعاون في مجالات الرقمنة وحفظ الوثائق وترميمها.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-doha/press/news/details/1124116?lang=kk

On 10 December 2025, the City Concert Hall of Leiden (Eel Market Hall) hosted a piano evening featuring the outstanding Kazakh composer, pianist, and researcher Rakhat-Bi Abdyssagin. The concert was organized with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and with the participation of representatives of the Kazakh diaspora, marking an important step in promoting contemporary Kazakh culture in Europe.Rakhat-Bi Abdyssagin is one of the most remarkable and bold representatives of a new generation of musicians, the author of two “quantum symphonies,” a number of innovative works, and the book Quantum Mechanics and Avant-Garde Music: Shadows of the Void. His artistic vision intertwines music, mathematics, and physics: he explores the connections between quantum mechanics and avant-garde composition, creating works inspired by the principles of the many-worlds interpretation, uncertainty, and quantum interactions. Abdyssagin’s scientific approach harks back to the ancient tradition in which music was considered a branch of mathematics, and musical harmony was understood as rigorously as a mathematical formula.The concert program spanned three centuries of musical evolution, reinterpreted through the lens of social transformation and the aesthetic searches of different eras. The evening concluded with one of Abdyssagin’s early compositions, dedicated to the themes of peace and humanism–a musical message to humanity conveyed through the image of birds forced into eternal migration as a consequence of human conflict.The concert became a notable cultural event and preceded Rakhat-Bi Abdyssagin’s participation in the international conference “100 Years of Spin,” dedicated to the centennial of the discovery of spin in quantum mechanics. At the symposium, the composer presented his research on the relationship between avant-garde music and modern physics, continuing a dialogue between art and science that once inspired Einstein, Planck, and Heisenberg.The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan expresses its gratitude to Leiden University, the City Concert Hall, programme partners, and representatives of the Kazakh diaspora for their support. The concert by Rakhat-Bi Abdyssagin vividly demonstrated how contemporary Kazakh art resonates within the international academic and musical community, shaping the image of Kazakhstan as a country where creativity and science evolve in close interconnection. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-hague/press/news/details/1124117?lang=kk

The Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, Grand Mufti Nauryzbai Haji Taganuly, paid an official visit to the State of Qatar and met with the Chairman of the Qatar Development Fund, Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the Director-General, Fahd bin Hamad Al-Sulaiti.The parties signed an agreement aimed at supporting the project for the renovation, restoration, and expansion of the “Abu Nasr al-Farabi” Mosque in Astana, as well as the construction of a spiritual and cultural center.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-doha/press/news/details/1124118?lang=kk

Doha, December 6-7, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev participated in the Doha Forum 2025, held in the capital of the State of Qatar.Recognized as one of the leading global platforms for high-level dialogue on international affairs, the Forum brought together more than 5,000 participants from 162 countries, including heads of state and government, ministers, heads of international organizations, representatives of academia and the business community, as well as civil society institutions.This year’s Forum was held under the theme “Justice in Action: beyond promises to progress,” focusing on advancing the principles of justice through diplomacy, sustainable development, and inclusive governance. Participants exchanged views on the transformation of the international system, the evolving role of multilateral cooperation amidst emerging global challenges, and mechanisms to strengthen collective responsibility among states.On the sidelines of the event, a special session organized by the Astana International Forum (AIF), titled “Middle Powers as Bridge-Builders: Reinventing Global Cooperation,” took place. The session provided an opportunity to discuss the growing role of middle powers in international diplomacy and to explore coordinated approaches to addressing global crises.During his visit, Deputy Minister Bakaev held a bilateral meeting with the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Ahmed Al Hammadi. The parties reviewed current issues of political, trade and economic, and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. Both sides noted the positive dynamics of bilateral relations, underscoring that progress is driven by the strategic dialogue and political will of the leaders of Kazakhstan and Qatar. The interlocutors reaffirmed their readiness to continue joint efforts aimed at implementing high-level agreements and further deepening the strategic partnership.Deputy Minister Alibek Bakayev also met with the State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs at the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of Spain, Diego Martínez Belío. Discussions focused on key areas of the Kazakhstan–Spain agenda, including political cooperation, economic engagement, and cultural and humanitarian ties. The Spanish side expressed its interest in enhancing comprehensive bilateral cooperation and confirmed its intention to undertake a visit to Kazakhstan in the near future.In addition, Deputy Minister held a number of informal exchanges with representatives of international organizations and participating states, discussing Kazakhstan’s multi-vector foreign policy approach, regional security issues, and joint efforts to address contemporary global challenges. These engagements reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s active and constructive role in promoting international dialogue and contributing to global stability.Kazakhstan’s participation in the Doha Forum 2025 once again demonstrated the country’s commitment to openness, constructive multilateral engagement, and its firm dedication to strengthening international peace and cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-doha/press/news/details/1124119?lang=kk

Ljubljana, December 8, 2025 – The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Slovenia Altay Abibullayev at a meeting with Peter Japelj, Director of the Department of Economic, Cultural and Scientific Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, discussed a range of issues of bilateral cooperation and the implementation of agreements reached following the official visit of the President of the Republic of Slovenia to Kazakhstan in March 2025.The diplomats paid special attention to the most promising areas of Kazakh-Slovenian economic cooperation, in particular, preparations for the upcoming IGC meeting, energy cooperation, the participation of Slovenian companies in the implementation of agreements between Kazakhstan and the EU in the field of rare earth materials, Kazakhstan's access to the infrastructure of the Slovenian seaport Koper, as well as the intensification of pharmaceutical cooperation with the participation of world-famous Slovenian brands Krka and Lek.Slovenia is interested in further developing partnerships in the field of advanced medical technologies, biopharma and the supply of medicines to the kazakh market.The Slovenian Foreign Ministry also supported the proposals of the kazakh side on the comprehensive activation of the digital agenda, cooperation in the field of ICT, artificial intelligence with the participation of Kazakhstan and Slovenian start-up companies, digital security, big data and the introduction of high-tech solutions in industry, energy and public services.According to statistical data of Slovenia, the volume of trade between our countries in January-October 2025 amounted to $152.1 million, which is 19.9% higher than in the same period of 2024.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-ljubljana/press/news/details/1124091?lang=kk

Chisinau, December 9, 2025 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Moldova Almat Aidarbekov, paid a visit to Soroca at the invitation of the Primar of the Municipality, Ms. Lilia Pilipetski.The parties exchanged views on possible avenues for cooperation. Particular attention was given to opportunities for mutual participation in cultural, social and economic projects in Kazakhstan and Moldova.Both sides expressed their readiness to maintain regular contacts in order to identify promising areas of cooperation and to develop practical steps aimed at advancing interaction in these fields.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-kishinev/press/news/details/1124087?lang=kk

Astana, December 10, 2025 – First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Ashikbayev, met with representatives of the World Health Organization in Kazakhstan.The meeting was attended by WHO Representative in Kazakhstan, Skender Syla, and Melitta Jakab, Head of the Geographically Dispersed Office of the WHO Regional Office for Europe located in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The discussion focused on key areas of cooperation in the health sector and strengthening joint initiatives.During the meeting, the parties discussed the results achieved by Kazakhstan in key areas of the healthcare system. In particular, they noted a 25% reduction in non-communicable diseases, an increase in the average life expectancy to 75.4 years, and positive trends in maternal and child health.Additionally, the parties considered opportunities to expand cooperation with WHO in the context of the upcoming Regional Environmental Summit in April.First Deputy Minister Ashikbayev emphasized the importance of increasing the number of Kazakh healthcare professionals working in international organizations and promoting their professional development within the WHO system.In this regard, organization representatives noted that the possibility of organizing professional training and development programs for healthcare workers in Kazakhstan is being considered. Organization also highlighted that Kazakhstan’s achievements in primary health care are recognized by many countries as a positive example.At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue joint efforts aimed at improving the quality of medical services, ensuring their accessibility for the population, and further strengthening the healthcare system.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-pretoria/press/news/details/1129094?lang=kk

On December 11, a meeting was held at the Tourism Department of East Kazakhstan Region to review the results of the inspection and the implementation of recommendations based on the external analysis of corruption risks in the tourism sector.During the meeting, issues such as state support measures, the procedure for issuing licenses for tour operator activities, and the functioning of tourist information centers were discussed. Heads of divisions presented reports on the measures taken to reduce corruption risks and increase the transparency of procedures.The discussion raised several key problem areas, including gaps in regulatory legal acts, insufficient mechanisms for monitoring and verifying documents, as well as issues of interaction with authorized bodies. It was noted that a number of proposals had been submitted to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Ministry of National Economy.Special attention was given to measures aimed at preventing corruption risks in the work of the Subsidy Commission, including the reconsideration of the functional responsibilities of the commission secretary. Proposals for improving the procedure for issuing licenses to tour operators and ensuring the authenticity of their documents were also discussed.Regarding the development of tourist information centers, it was highlighted that additional QR codes were installed for tourist convenience, cooperation with transport hubs and hotels was expanded, and quality requirements for service providers’ reporting were strengthened.Based on the results of the meeting, responsible specialists were instructed to continue work on eliminating identified risks, strengthen cooperation with authorized bodies, and keep under control the process of introducing amendments to regulatory documents.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tourism-vko/press/news/details/1124039?lang=kk

On December 10, 2025, a meeting dedicated to the development of the East Kazakhstan Region Tourism Master Plan was held in the building of the regional akimat. The meeting was attended by representatives of government bodies, the tourism business, and regional organizations.The Head of the Tourism Department, Irina Smit, presented information on the current state of the tourism sector, the activities planned for 2026, the development of sanitary and hygiene infrastructure, and measures of state support.During the meeting, tourism industry entrepreneurs raised current issues and proposed initiatives aimed at revitalizing the work of the tourism community. Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC “SPK Ertis,” Kanatbek Mirzabekov, presented the draft Master Plan for tourism development in the region and initiatives for its improvement.Participants exchanged views, identified the key challenges facing the sector, and discussed ways to address them. Special attention was given to infrastructure development, improving the quality of tourism services, supporting entrepreneurs, and enhancing the region’s investment attractiveness.The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue joint work on improving the Master Plan and to take into account the proposals of all stakeholders.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tourism-vko/press/news/details/1124048?lang=kk

Минск, 11 декабря 2025 года – В столице Беларуси состоялись ежегодные консультации внешнеполитических ведомств стран Содружества Независимых Государств на тему «О взаимодействии государств-участников СНГ в информационной сфере». От Казахстана приняли участие советник Министра иностранных дел Алишер Сулейменов и директор Департамента коммуникаций МИД Ерлан Жетыбаев.В мероприятии также участвовали представители Республики Беларусь, Кыргызской Республики, Российской Федерации, Республики Таджикистан, Республики Узбекистан, Азербайджанской Республики (в качестве наблюдателей), а также Исполнительного комитета СНГ.Состоялся содержательный обмен мнениями по вопросам повышения эффективности информационного сопровождения деятельности Содружества, медийного обеспечения значимых международных мероприятий на пространстве СНГ, содействия углублению практического взаимодействия между ведущими СМИ государств-участников СНГ.Отмечена важность коллективных усилий по противодействию общим информационным угрозам, в том числе распространению в медиапространстве СНГ дезинформации и фейков.Следующие межмидовские консультации государств-участников Содружества по информационному взаимодействию намечены к проведению в IV квартале 2026 года.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1124058?lang=kk