Kazakh Minister of Foreign Affairs Kairat Abdrakhmanov has held a series of bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Kazakhstan-European Union Cooperation Council meeting taking place in Brussels. At the meeting with Federica Mogherini, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the two sides exchanged views on a wide range of topical international and regional issues, including the situation in Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, as well as the DPRK nuclear programme.Talks with Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, were devoted to the process of updating the EU Strategy for Central Asia. Minister Abdrakhmanov underscored Kazakhstan's readiness to actively participate in the development of a new document with a view to contributing to its effectiveness and taking into consideration the interests of all states in our region. Particular attention was also devoted to cooperation and assistance for Afghanistan, including in education field.The Kazakh Minister also had a noteworthy meeting with Iveta Grigule, the Chair of the European Parliament delegation for Central Asia, during which parties sides discussed the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation, including in the legislative field. The next meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU Parliamentary Cooperation Committee is planned for the fall of 2018.At the meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of Belgium, Didier Reynders, Kazakh Foreign Minister discussed the prospects for developing bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and attracting Belgian investment and technologies to Kazakhstan. In the light of Belgium's bid for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council in 2019-2020, Minister Abdrakhmanov provided a detailed briefing about Kazakhstan's activities on the UNSC and President Nursultan Nazarbayev's peace-building initiatives.During his trip to Brussels Minister Abdrakhmanov also met with Foreign Ministers Carmelo Abela of Malta and Simon Coveney of Ireland.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/27735?lang=kk

The Republican Information Group on Clarifying the Message of the Head of the State "New Development Opportunities in the Conditions of the Fourth Industrial Revolution", headed by the Minister of Internal Affairs K.Kasimov started work in the Kyzylorda Oblast.Kalmukhanbet Kasymov took part in the meeting of the gubernator of the region Krymbek Kusherbayev with the population, where the key tasks of the Address of the Head of the State were also discussed.During the meeting with the region's activists, the Minister described the main directions noted in the program document, described the measures taken by the Government of the country to achieve the goals. Particular attention is paid to the important directions of the implementation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the construction of a modern legal and safe society.The head of the ministry also held a personal reception of citizens, where he got acquainted with the problems of specific residents of the region, and gave instructions for the prompt solution of issues of concern to citizens.During the trip, the minister met with the personnel of the departments of internal affairs, emergency situations and the penal enforcement system, where he detailed the measures to be taken by the internal affairs bodies to implement the tasks stemming from the Message."Message of the President N.A. Nazarbayev to the people of Kazakhstan should give an impetus to the modernization of the activities of the bodies of internal affairs and technological development in order to meet the new requirements, "the Minister of Internal Affairs said to his colleagues.K.Kasymov got acquainted with the activities of the local police service, its equipment, the work of the duty unit and a portable police post with modern equipment. Visited the institution of the penal system after its complete reconstruction, where instead of barracks buildings were built dormitories for prisoners with conditions close to international standards. At the same time, the minister discussed the expansion of opportunities for obtaining vocational education and creating additional jobs for convicts with the involvement of business structures in the region.Attention of the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was submitted to the construction of the training center of the Department of Internal Affairs, the Zhalagash ROVD and the Saksaul police station of the Aral district.The minister also met with young road inspectors, who last year became the best in the republic. Kalmukhanbet Kasymov thanked them for the impeccable assimilation of the rules of road safety and noted that the YUID members contribute to the strengthening of public order, which is one of the tasks identified by the President of the country.  Press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27733?lang=kk

The State Institution "The Establishment of Motor Transport Services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan", Astana, T.uuelsizdik Ave., announces a competition for filling vacant police driver positions. Phones: 8 (7172) 722112, 273550, e-mail: mvd00@inbox.ru, fax: 714772.Official duties: Professional management of a company car. Keep the vehicle in proper condition. Know the rules of the road, the basis of vehicle maintenance.Requirements for the participants of the competition: age not older than 35 years, education not lower than the average, those who have completed military service, have a Certificate of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs on passing testing for knowledge of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, driving license of the category "B and VS", driver's experience more than 3 (three) years. Be ready for the delivery of established standards for physical fitness. Admission documents 10 days from the date of publication of the announcement.Requisites:GU "Establishment of motor transport services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan"Astana city, T.Universaliz avenue, 1.IIC: KZ92070101KSN0000000GU "Treasury Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan"BIK: KKMFKZ2ABIN: 020940002309Reception: 8 (7172) 722056E-mail: mvd00@inbox.ru  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27732?lang=kk

The Kazakh Ministry of Internal Affairs met with the delegation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic where the guests got acquainted with various aspects of the modernization of the internal affairs bodies and discussed topical issues of cooperation.During the meeting, the head of the Information and Analytical Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Roza Roza Zakargayeva and the deputy head of the Department for the organization of the disclosure of property crimes of the Criminal Police Department Abdukadyr Nazarov spoke about countering transnational crimes and Kazakhstan's features of fighting against telephone and motor vehicle theft.- We are currently working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to combat slaughter. Now the identification of the entire livestock is being conducted. In the border areas of the two countries, the facts of cattle theft or border crossing are often recorded by the animal itself. Having "personal data" of livestock, we can speed up the establishment of its location, "A. Nazarov emphasized.The Kyrgyz side, represented by Almazbek Boobekov, head of the Information Technology Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic and Ulan Baktygulov, the head of the department of the same unit, was interested in Kazakhstan's experience in using automated ATS systems, technical integration with databases, the possibility of exchanging data with other law enforcement agencies and their interaction implementation of the "Safe City" project, automation stages, as well as criteria for assessing the activities of law enforcement agencies s of the Republic of Kazakhstan.During the visit, the guests got acquainted with the work of the Operations Management Center, the Molecular Genetic Laboratory of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the specialized and migration CSCs.Press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27731?lang=kk

The "Counterfact" operative preventive action was conducted to detect, suppress and disclose criminal offenses in the field of information and communication, as well as to identify those who unlawfully manufacture and distribute products that are prohibited in free circulation.In the course of the operation, law-enforcement bodies revealed 167 offenses, including 115 violations of copyright and related rights, unauthorized access to information, illegal use of special technical means, fraud against Internet users.There are 8,600 units of products that are banned in free circulation, including more than 8,000 counterfeit CD-DVD disks and 11 flash cards, 18 carriers with pornography content, 14 with unlicensed software, and 116 other storage media were confiscated.In addition, a shop in Zhambyl region, which manufactured counterfeit products, was identified.Press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27730?lang=kk

It is important to note that there was no such thing in the penitentiary system of the Republic of Kazakhstan yet, and the project is being implemented within the framework of the implementation of the 33th step of "National Plan - 100 concrete steps".During the speech the deputy akim of Shakhtinsk city, Kairzhan Tleubergenov, noted that representatives of interested state bodies were involved in the development of this project, and its implementation would bring the penitentiary system closer to international standards.Despite the fact that in accordance with the Criminal Executive Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the re-socialization and rehabilitation of convicts was carried out on an ongoing basis, this project introduces a significant novelty in the educational work of convicts.Firstly, the special contingent will prepare for life at liberty from 6 to 12 months before release.For these purposes, according to the project "Prison for rehabilitation ", a whole complex of social and legal assistance is provided.In particular, the competence and skills, tasks, duties and powers of the executors of the pilot project will be determined. It is planned to develop rehabilitation programs focused on needs and risks (such as anger management, dependence treatment, financial literacy, housing programs, etc.).During preparation of the convict for freedom, attention will be focused on the formation of a sustainable motivation for resocialization, changing the way of life, a healthy circle of communication and the system of social assistance to persons who belong to the most vulnerable segments of the population.In addition, the project "Prison for rehabilitation" provides for the restoration of family ties and lost personal documents.The most vulnerable category of people, upon their written application and submission, institutions are sent by the social protection authorities to the homes of the disabled and the elderly.Based on the results of the project implementation, it is expected not only to reduce recidivism, but also to minimize the negative consequences arising from the execution of a sentence of imprisonment.It should be noted that on the eve of this project AK-159/18 and AK-159/20 hosted training seminars for the CES staff. Human rights defenders and representatives of NGOs familiarized the staff of the penitentiary system with the experience of a number of foreign countries.The pilot project of "Prison for rehabilitation", approved by the akimat of Karaganda region will be implemented during the first quarter of 2018.Press service of the CES Committee of the MIA of the RK   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27729?lang=kk

The results of the large-scale operational preventive action "Bus" conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs along with the Ministry of Investment and Development were summed up.Passenger transport is an integral part of the unified transport system of the country and the issues of safety of passenger transportation on roads are always relevant", Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Yerlan Turgumbayev said. "And it's not accidental that every year there are more than 500 transport incidents, which kill about 60 people and injure more than 800 people."Analysis of accidents on passenger transport shows that the reasons for the situation are primarily in the low transport discipline of the drivers themselves, the lack of appropriate targeted preventive work and control by officials responsible for the release of passenger vehicles on the line. During the action 190 bus park officials were fined for more than 5.7 million tenge for such violations.Totally during the operation police officers detected and suppressed over 19 thousand violations committed by public transport drivers, including 166 violations of the labor and rest regime, 245 - drivers without a certificate, 594 - the absence of compulsory insurance of civil liability of the carrier to passengers, 1 135 - speeding, more than 3.5 thousand facts of using the phone while driving a vehicle, 195 facts of illegal transportation of passengers. "14 facts were revealed when drivers of buses, who are responsible not only for themselves, but also for their passengers, managed to drive in a state of intoxication. Moreover, there are facts when the bus driver was arrested while driving in drug intoxication," Deputy minister said. "So, in Aktobe oblast, a bus driver was detained, who was in a state of drug intoxication, while he was serving the city route and there were passengers in the bus."As the results of the peacekeeping operations it showed that almost every sixth of the tested vehicle is technically faulty, while more than half of them had a mark about their pre-trip monitoring. 312 facts of illegal re-equipment were revealed, including numerous facts when seats were simply removed and turned into sleeping reclining places or even into cargo holdings. For example, in Karaganda region, when police stopped a bus that was traveling from Almaty to Ekibastuz, it turned out that the whole rear sector was converted under the bed, and the driver did not have the necessary permits and a license.In addition, during the peacekeeping operation 65 buses were identified with an unprecedented pre-trip inspection, 780 bus control facts that did not pass mandatory technical inspection.The revealed violations testify to the absence of unified requirements for the organization of non-scheduled traffic and the formal pre-trip inspection of a vehicle on the ground.Based on the results of the operational preventive action, the Ministry of Internal Affairs  developed proposals to improve the safety and comfort of passenger transportation on road, which will be sent to the MIR as the authorized body in the field of transport and communications for their further implementation.Press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27728?lang=kk

In order to ensure the readiness of the management bodies, forces and facilities of civil protection services by the spring period, from 5 to 6 March of this year the Republican command-staff exercise "Koktem-2018" is conducted in the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk.According to the plan, it is planned to work out the issues of interaction and notification of central and local executive bodies, to translate the regime of functioning of territorial and branch subsystems of the State Civil Protection System into a high alert regime for fulfilling tasks for the purpose of threatening and emergence of the spring period.The exercises are planned to involve operational groups from the central state bodies (republican civil protection services), local executive bodies (commissions for the prevention and liquidation of emergency situations), regional, district and city civil protection services, emergency rescue services, military units of the National Guard and approval of the Ministry of Defense.On March 5 this year staff work will be conducted with the republican and regional civil defense services to make a decision on the preparation of command and control bodies and civil defense forces and the management of the forces of the State Civil Protection System, in the event of emergencies of the flood period.On March 6 this year in all regions, the cities of Astana and Almaty, tactical and special exercises and trainings will be conducted with the units of emergency rescue services and formations, regional civil protection services, to develop practical actions for emergency rescue and emergency response work at the emergency of the spring period.Practical training will also take place directly in areas populated by flood-prone areas. This will allow to carry out the training of district emergency response units, to conduct real anti-flood measures in places prone to flooding.Qualitative testing of actions at the training places and carrying out preventive measures will in the future bring practical benefits for preventing accidents and reducing damage from flood waters.Republican operational headquarters of the RCSE "Koktem-2018"   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27722?lang=kk

On March 16 of the current year in "Alatau" Sports Complex there were competitions on struggle "Kazakshara kures", dedicated to the celebration of "Nauryz-Meiramy", within the Spartakiad of the central office of the Ministry. 12 teams of the central apparatus of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its structural divisions took part in the competitions. According to the results of the competitions in the team event, the team of the Special Training Department took the 1st place, the second place - the team of RSE "Alatau" of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the teams of the Office of the Specialized Security Service and the Operational Division shared the third place. DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL TRAINING   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27717?lang=kk

On March 27, Eastern Kazakhstan, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yuriy Ilyin paid a working visit to study the flood situation. He held a working meeting with the regional headquarters, and also from the regional akimat took part in the meeting of the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.At present, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan together with the Deputy Akim of the East Kazakhstan region fly over the flooded territories of the region.Yuriy Ilyin estimated the situation with a high water in Glubokovsky and Shemonaiha regions.The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs drew particular attention to the areas where the most critical situation was developing - the villages Progress, Glubokoe, Predvornoye, Shemonaiha, Verkh-Uba.All settlements are under constant control of rescue units, rescue operations are carried out.The additional grouping of forces is planned, and additional measures are being taken, both to protect people and to ensure their livelihoods. Note that currently in the evacuation points of the region is about 100 people, another 900 from relatives. Some citizens refuse to evacuate.For citizens, the delivery of products has been carried out, and psychological assistance is being provided locally.    Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qriim/press/news/details/27716?lang=kk

Talented musicians, international competitions laureates – artists of the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra violinist Assel Zhakiyanova and cellist Botagoz Kaliyeva, as well as pianist Zhanna Zdornova will present their art to the residents and guests of the capital.“This concert marks a debut performance of our trio, which is a great responsibility for us. This kind of music-making is different from what we do in our everyday life, and that is very interesting. Every instrument’s role is tremendously important, and all of them must interact with each other. The preparation process for the concert has been going on for several months. We have devoted a lot of time and attention to the selection of the program, which includes both popular works and rarely performed opuses. For example, A. Piazzolla’s Tango Revolucionario for trio will be performed in Astana for the first time. Undoubtedly, there is excitement and creative enthusiasm. It is very important for us to convey to the audience the beauty of this music, to share all the feelings and emotions that we experience when we come into contact with it,” said Assel Zhakiyanova.The artist noted that the idea of joint creative work was born in a friendly conversation.“We work together with Botagoz Kaliyeva in the Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra. She is one of the best cellists in Kazakhstan and has given concerts in Italy, Germany, Spain, Japan, Russia and other countries. Pianist Zhanna Zdornova, just like me, is a graduate of the Kazakh National University of Arts, and now we are studying together at the M. Glinka Novosibirsk State Conservatory,” shared Assel Zhakiyanova.The extensive concert program features masterpieces of romantic composers, as well as a passionate tango. F. Mendelssohn Bartholdy’s Piano Trio No.1 in D Minor, op.49, movement 1, F. Schubert’s Sonata for Violin and Piano in A Major, op.162, movement 1, J. Brahms’ Sonata for Cello and Piano No.1 in E Minor, Op.38, movement 1, F. Kreisler’s Zigeuner Capriccio, A. Piazzolla’s Tango Revolucionario for trio, P. Tchaikovsky’s June(Barcarolle) from the cycle The Seasons for trio, S. Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise, op.34, No. 14 (arrangement for cello and piano), A. Skriabin’s Poème, op. 32 No. 1 and 2 will be performed.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tsm/press/news/details/27692?lang=kk

The Head of State Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev in his campaign “Well-being for all! Continuity. Justice. Progress” announced the need to form a Presidential personnel reserve in the country. For the first time, young Kazakhstanis who have achieved significant results in innovative technologies, engineering, entrepreneurship, medicine, the economy, culture and many other areas have the opportunity to be admitted to the reserve and be appointed to high government and managerial positions in the country.The selection will be carried out as transparently and openly as possible, in which young people aged not older than 35 years, who have higher education and at least 5 years of work experience will be able to take part.For those who want to be  admitted to the reserve, it is necessary to go through several stages: testing the theoretical knowledge of candidates; assessment of leadership, critical thinking, strategic vision, motivation and values ​​of candidates (essay writing, presentation of projects, interviews and other assessment tools); interview in the Expert Commission of the Presidential Administration; consideration at a meeting of the National Commission on Personnel Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.If you are the author of successful initiatives, and able to propose new projects and put into practice ideas to improve the well-being of Kazakhstanis, make quick decisions and quickly adapt to innovations, then  send an online application for participation in the “Presidential personnel reserve” project!Challenge your capacity and get into the top of young and effective future leaders who will play a decisive role in the development of Kazakhstan and become the driving force of progress. For more information, see the following link.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qyzmet/press/news/details/27617?lang=kk

At an expanded meeting of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs, Agency Chairwoman Anar Zhailganova spoke about the formation of the Presidential personnel reserve in the country.President Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev announced the need to update the managerial staff by the leaders of the “new formation” who are able to quickly make decisions and quickly adapt to changing conditions and trends in the election program “Well-being for all! Continuity. Justice. Progress".On July 15 of this year at an extended meeting of the government, the Head of State emphasized that performance indicators of state bodies often do not reflect what society expects. According to A. Zhailganova, the Presidential personnel reserve is intended to become a social upwards mobility for promising young people and a source of leaders for the new formation.Therefore, given the scale of the project, it is necessary to ensure objectivity, quality and transparency at every stage of selection. It is noted that the persons who will be included in the reserve will be appointed to political and senior managerial administrative, as well as senior positions of national holdings and companies.The selection mechanism has been worked out in terms of customer focus. Young Kazakhstanis, including those who are outside the country and have higher education, will be able to take part in the selection. At the same time, political civil servants appointed by the President will not be able to participate. After enrolling in the reserve, it is planned to organize their training on the basis of the Presidential Academy of Public Administration and Nazarbayev University.We recall that today in Astana, under the chairmanship of the chairwoman of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Anar Zhailganova, an expanded meeting of the ACSA was held to discuss work priorities for the coming period.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qyzmet/press/news/details/27601?lang=kk

It is proposed to develop a set of measures for the social support of civil servants to increase the competitiveness and attractiveness of public service for people in a market economy. This was announced by ACSA Chairwoman Anar Zhailganova at an extended meeting of the Agency. “The experience of developed countries shows that the optimal package of social benefits and guarantees increases the level of attractiveness of civil service for high-class specialists,” she said. A. Zhailganova instructed the heads of the Agency’s territorial divisions to conduct an in-depth analysis of the level of satisfaction of local civil servants and to make final proposals within a month's time taking into account the specifics and needs of the regions. The development of a set of measures for the social support of civil servants is provided for in the Action Plan for the implementation of the election program of President Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev “Well-being for all! Continuity. Justice. Progress ”and proposals received during the nationwide“ Birge ”campaign.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qyzmet/press/news/details/27594?lang=kk

At the heart of the opera Turandot is the 12th century story about the love of Turandot and Calaf. At one time, it captured the attention of the playwright C. Gozzi, and he wrote a fairytale based on it. This fairytale caught the fancy of the outstanding composer G. Puccini, who created the priceless work that is now a part of the world opera treasury.The world premiere of Turandot took place in Milan on April 25, 1926. The composer died before completing his work on the opera, and all future performances ended with the final duet and finale written by Franco Alfano based on the author’s notes.The heroes of the Italian commedia dell’arte are portrayed in this opera as calculating Chinese officials, performed by the soloists of the China National Opera House. Turandot (the Austrian dramatic soprano Martina Serafin and the Kazakh opera diva Zhupar Gabdullina) represents in this opera the personification of cruelty and unattainable beauty. In order to take revenge on all men, she comes up with trials for her suitors – three riddles, and those who cannot solve them will be immediately executed. Only the Unknown Prince Calaf (the Bulgarian tenor Kamen Chanev), who is in love with her, passes the test. Due to the strength of his feelings and ingenuity, he solves all three riddles and is now ready to melt the heart of the headstrong princess, but only after she guesses his name.Turandot’s RiddlesZhupar Gabdullina – Turandot – is diligently preparing for the upcoming premiere. The artist explains that she has already been performing this part for a long time, consequently, it is up to the stage direction now: learning the mise-en-scenes and putting into action the ideas of Davide Livermore.“On account of the beauty of my heroine, the princes’ heads roll. Before Calaf, 14 of the princess’ suitors died. In many other productions where I happened to perform this role, the appearance of Turandot onstage was akin to ice that cools everything around her. In the libretto, she is only 14 years old. Therefore, in this production, the stage director interprets her actions from a psychological point of view. At one time, her grandmother was cruelly violated by some foreigners, so Turandot takes vengeance on all men in her name. Since birth, not a single one of them has touched her yet. Calaf’s right answers to all her riddles bring her great pain and disappointment. The princess says, “I will let you go, go your own way”, but meets resistance. In response, she receives a riddle from the protagonist, which she cannot solve. This is a really difficult role, and I will do my best to try to create this character, to convey to the audience the director’s main idea. According to Davide Livermore’s vision, Turandot is feminine, lithe; all of her movements are very pliant, which attracts men. In regard to vocals, hard work is to be done as well,” said Zhupar Gabdullina.Martina Serafin is also preparing the part of Turandot. The world-famous opera singer shared her impressions of her work in Astana.“The Astana Opera is a beautiful opera house, very well organized. For me, as an opera singer, acoustics are important, and the acoustics here are very good. Working with the conductor was a big pleasure. I also had a wonderful time working together with my colleagues – Kazakhstani singers and with the orchestra, which has a very beautiful sound. I have found very professional atmosphere here. The Stage Director Davide Livermore is giving his all to this production. He is working with every choir artist as if each of them were a soloist. He focuses on the characters emotions. Turadot is a role that I love very much, and sing a lot in my life. I am quite happy to share my interpretation with the audience of Astana. I would like to congratulate the people of Kazakhstan on the significant date – the 20th anniversary of the capital. I know that this performance is dedicated to the celebration of the anniversary, and I am happy to be a part of this event,” said Martina Serafin.Honored Artist of Kazakhstan, state prize laureate Maira Mukhamedkyzy and Honored Artist of Kazakhstan Zhannat Baktai, who has repeatedly interpreted this role at various international venues, will perform the fragile slave girl Liu, who is in love with Calaf.This will be the debut performance of this part for the opera prima Maira Mukhamedkyzy.“This defenseless girl with incredibly powerful inner energy amazes me very much. Such a strong love is rarely found on this earth, not everyone is given the opportunity to feel it. The audience remembers Liu by her heroic deed. All three arias that I have to perform are very difficult. The first aria is tender and exquisite; here she declares her love for Calaf, talks about her feelings. In the second aria, I must convey a storm of emotions raging in my heroine’s chest, because her beloved first saw Turandot and went crazy for the beautiful princess, not hearing or seeing anything around him. Liu cannot accept this, but her heart is still full of love. And since fate has decreed that they are not destined to be together, Liu kills herself, saving Calaf. Thus, the emotional, impassioned Liu is a contrasting character. She is the opposite of the cold Turandot. What is the difficulty in performing this part? The need to simultaneously deliver dramatic acting, meanwhile not forgetting about the technically complex vocals,” noted Maira Mukhamedkyzy.Director Davide Livermore has already worked at the Astana Opera in 2017 as a jury member of Placido Domingo’s Operalia, World Opera Competition. He was happy to accept the opera house’s invitation to stage G. Puccini’s opera Turandot. “I am very happy to be here, and I also feel great joy that our countries are united by a cultural bridge. I am grateful to the opera house’s management for the opportunity to work in this wonderful opera house again. I came into contact with Turandot for the first time when I was 6 years old. My father gave me a CD with the recording of this opera. The part with the children’s choir performance impressed me back then. After learning this excerpt, I often sang it in my room. Hence, this opera is with me since childhood. There are very distinctive characters in it. I believe that every person living on this earth can also be a prince, in another period of his life finding the traits of Ping, Pong and Pang within himself. Well, right now Calaf is the closest to me. I would like to experience life and believe in love, like he does,” shared Davide Livermore. In the Spirit of Showmanship…Set and Costume Designers Sofya Tasmagambetova and Pavel Dragunov suggested an interesting design concept for this production. It consists of mixture of styles, but the Chinese symbolism still remains the key element. The audience will see a fantasy China, as described by the author of the libretto, therefore there is a freedom of ideas for the designers here. For the first time, ultramodern technologies will be used, creating various bright effects. The appearance of a dragon and horses, as well as a spectacular stage transformation will add color to the production.The set and costume designers’ ideas were implemented by the experienced craftsmen of the Artistic and Production Complex, headed by Victor Carare.“For the first time at our opera house, we will use video projections on LED backdrops, which move around the stage throughout the performance. They simultaneously complement the frontal and rear projections, which consist of screens 24 meters wide and 15 meters high. To the surprise of the audience, it will be raining in the first act, and the water will be absolutely real. A unique combination of light and video content will create one of a kind theatrical magic. Incidentally, the light plays a very important role in this production. Among other things, we have built lifting mechanisms for the titular character, which will be appearing from under the ground, and be raised about 3 meters above the steppe (!). The Restoration and Craft Shop is finishing the work on the palace and columns; the Prop Shop has also carried out a large volume of work. With each new production, we are writing an unparalled theatrical history, gaining experience, which allows us to implement the most incredible projects at a very high level. This way, the viewers who come to us, enter a special world,” emphasized Victor Carare.              “Turandot is a very rich artistic material. First of all, we were guided by the director’s vision, the technical equipment of the stage, which we tried to make the most of. The space will transform, at times becoming immense, and at times more compact. Having studied the history of the productions of Turandot, I will definitely say that our production does not repeat any of the previous international versions. The Astana Opera production will have a unique blend of Asian and Chinese styles, that is, there will be a symbolism of these two cultures in the sets,” explained Set and Costume Designer Sofya Tasmagambetova.  The color palette both in the costumes and the sets is rather restrained, which carried particular significance. On the contrary, this ‘non-brightness’ makes it possible to highlight the most important thing, which is the action. Black and white colors create a specific shadow accent.“We used silk to make the costumes, but to a greater degree we utilized one of the more expensive fabrics – jacquard. Trimming and decorating are secondary here, and tape, braid or buttons are not at all characteristic to this production. The difficulty was in the use of specific Chinese cutting techniques, which the Costume Shop tailors know very well. In addition, fabric texture was very important. Its main function is keeping the shape of the costumes. The main heroine Turandot is always in front of the audience, which makes for a new task – costume changes need to take place right onstage. Thus, four different cloaks will alternately complement the base outfit. The princess’ last dress is red. In total, we have made 247 costumes, which took more than 2 thousand meters of fabric. Such a large amount is due to the choir artists’ costume changes. Initially we planned for them to be in the same costumes throughout the entire production, but then it was decided to increase that by another costume change,” concluded the set and costume designer.In Detail about the Little ThingsThere was a serious task before the Prop Shop – to create many intricate details, painstakingly encrust the ministers’ orders, chisel medals for the princes, which will then decorate the lapels of their costumes. Incidentally, the military theme is a common thread running through the production here. Halberds for the executioners and guards, combat swords, short swords, ritual swords, curved sabers made of metal and wood stretched out on the carpenter’s machine serve as a confirmation of this. Prop masters carefully carve out the grips of the weaponry, and, instead of the usual steel, use aluminum for the tips. Only then all this beauty is decorated and finished with leather. In addition, the craftsmen made swallows on sticks, which will be used in dance scenes. In order to create the flight effect, the wings were made of fabric so that they can easily move.The manufacturing technique for umbrellas, fans, staffs requires a lot of time, their coloring is characteristic of the Eastern culture. The work on making traditional Chinese straw hats is no less laborious. They were made from papier-mâché, taking into account a special form, which was decorated with twine on top. Such a head piece weighs about 400 grams! Attention is also paid to the armor manufacture, of which there are 22 pieces. It takes 200 pieces of leather to make each one of them.Musical WorldThe Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra and Choir under the baton of the Music Director and Conductor Alan Buribayev rehearsed for several months in order to achieve filigree sound. A particular importance is placed on the choir, which has a paramount role in this opera. Principal Chorus Master of the Astana Opera, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Dautov honed the skills of not only the Astana Opera Choir artists, but also those of the artists of the China National Opera House.It is known that the composer G. Puccini worked on the opera Turandot from the summer of 1920 until his death in the year 1924. At the premiere of the opera at the Teatro alla Scala, the music suddenly stopped in the middle of the final act: Arturo Toscanini laid down his baton, turned to the audience and announced: “Here the opera ends, because at this point the maestro died.” Franco Alfano, a friend of Puccini, who had achieved international recognition with his opera Risurrezione twenty years before, completed Turandot, using Puccini’s draft of the final duet, which he had at his disposal. This version of the finale will be performed at the Astana Opera.The opera Turandot is the Astana Opera’s twenty-fourth premiere. The production without a doubt can be called larger than life. Thanks to the titanic work of the production team, residents and guests of the capital will definitely enjoy this spectacular performance.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tsm/press/news/details/27544?lang=kk

Today in Astana, under the chairmanship of the chairwoman of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs Anar Zhailganova, an expanded meeting of the ACSA was held to discuss work priorities for the coming period.On the agenda there was a topical issue of effective and high-quality interaction of civil servants with citizens. “In pursuance of the President’s order, voiced at an expanded government meeting, it is necessary to pay special attention to the development of public servants' skills in interacting with citizens, to ensure their training on the basis of the Academy of Public Administration to correctly and adequately respond to resonant publications in the media, social networks,”  said the head of the Agency.The Academy is tasked with developing training programs for such skills, primarily for senior officials of local executive bodies.“The head of state at a meeting of the Council of Foreign Investors noted that the education system is part of the economy. The qualifications of each civil servant, the ability to work with the population and in the interests of the population will become a backbone element in building trust between the state apparatus and society, ” stressed  the head of the Agency.In her speech, Anar Zhailganova made a special emphasis on protecting the interests and rights of citizens when applying to state bodies. “Today, there is an increase in the number of appeals received by the Agency, which is an indicator of public confidence in our work. In this regard, we are obliged to ensure their quality and timely consideration. Each complaint should be thoroughly studied and brought to its logical conclusion, ” emphasized the chairwoman of the Agency.Anar Zhailganova warned that the facts of poor-quality consideration of appeals will be analyzed and serious measures will be taken against the perpetrators.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qyzmet/press/news/details/27516?lang=kk

Statistics for the past year demonstrate the low activity of civil servants in internal competitions for higher posts. Speaking at an expanded meeting of the Agency, Anar Zhailganova, Chairwoman of the ACSA, noted that one of the reasons for this situation lies in people's distrust of the fairness of selection in these competitions.“Despite the sufficient legal regulation, the principles of meritocracy in practice are not fully respected. I ask you to study the situation on the ground, conduct a detailed analysis and take effective measures to eradicate such practices. Kazakhstanis should see that the principles of meritocracy really work, ” she said.As a solution to this issue, monitoring of staff appointments through the E-kyzmet system was proposed. To do this, it is necessary to complete the integration of this system in government agencies and improve it, which will allow for full monitoring of staff appointments.That is, the system will have to “track” all the processes of appointments and not allow to make illegal personnel decisions, to manipulate with quarter requirements, team movements. Anar Zhailganova reminded the whole staff that ensuring compliance with the principle of meritocracy, openness and transparency of staff movements is one of the main tasks of the Agency.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qyzmet/press/news/details/27513?lang=kk

In her welcoming speech, ACSA Chairwoman Anar Zhailganova emphasized that for the newly created Agency for Civil Service Affairs, it is important to strengthen engagement with the OSCE Office of Programs to achieve common goals to ensure good governance and transparency.“The first President - Elbasy from the day of independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan always pays special attention to international cooperation, especially with the OSCE. The holding of the OSCE Summit in December 2010 under the chairmanship of Kazakhstan in our capital is an important evidence of it. The President Kassym-Zhomart Kemelovich, being a personnel diplomat at the international level, always carefully monitors global trends and international standards in the field of public administration. The fact that the head of state instructed at an expanded government meeting to develop a new Kazakhstan concept for the development of public administration indicates that he pays very serious attention to this issue, ”she informed.As the ACSA chairwoman noted, the Agency has been assigned a number of important tasks. Among them, the development of a set of measures for social support and ensuring transparency of the career path of civil servants, the selection of a new generation of managers.“The implementation of these and other assignments requires the study of international best practices and best foreign practices. In this regard, we hope for your further support of the Agency's initiatives, including the participation of Agency representatives in the upcoming OSCE events, ” A. Zhailganova said.In turn, Dierd Sabo, congratulating the head of the Agency on her appointment as chairwoman of the ACSA, noted that her appointment indicates the high competitiveness of women in Kazakhstan and demonstrates compliance with the principles of gender equality in the country.The Head of the OSCE Program Office expressed particular interest in the development of a Concept for the Development of Public Administration. According to him, the OSCE is ready to provide assistance and expert support for the development of a program document taking into account international best practices. He also asked about the presence in Kazakhstan of the practice of providing proactive services to the population of Kazakhstan by analogy with developed European states.Ildar Uysumbayev, Director of the Department of Public Services of ASCA, informed about the introduction of proactive services in the country when not a citizen applies for public services, but the state becomes the initiator of these public services. It is noted that next year it is planned to introduce another 17 proactive services.The parties discussed the adoption of joint measures to improve the quality of public services. In particular, I. Uysumbayev proposed to strengthen cooperation on  organizing  research, training and seminars for civil society experts and service providers represented by government agencies, as well as on the provision of technical support in the creation and maintenance of information systems that allow monitoring the quality of public services.Supporting the Agency's proposals, Mr. Dierd Sabo called for effective cooperation and evaluation of the results of the implementation of joint projects, their effectiveness and the progress achieved. According to him, the time has come to introduce key indicators for assessing mutual cooperation for the benefit of the population of Kazakhstan. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qyzmet/press/news/details/27512?lang=kk

During the meeting, Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev was informed about the current activities of the Agency and plans for the coming period.Anar Zhailganova reported on the formation of the “Presidential personnel reserve” and measures taken to further transfer the provision of public services in electronic format. The head of state pointed out the need to develop a Concept for the development of public administration, which should provide for increasing the efficiency of public service and strengthening requirements for public administrators.Source: Akorda.kzSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qyzmet/press/news/details/27499?lang=kk

The Agency for Civil Service Affairs conducted a webinar with the participation of employees of the territorial departments of the department and ethics representatives of the central state and local executive bodies. It discussed the principles of working with complaints of citizens. A client-oriented state apparatus, civil servants with good communication skills, able to apply them in working with the public are a priority in the activities of the Agency and the current institution of ethics representatives. A practical guide for public servants involved in daily communications with citizens who are consumers of public services is the book “Complaint as a Gift” by well-known foreign authors Janell Barlow and Klaus Meller. Agency Ethics Commissioner Zina Baigaskina noted that cultivating a new look at citizens' complaints in the civil service system is an effective way of feedback, contributes to improving the quality of government agencies and increasing public confidence. “We all should take into account that there are 26 such complaints that are silent behind the complaint of one citizen. Often, complaints serve as a good basis for analyzing the causes of discontent and preventing them in the future,” emphasized another representative of the Agency, Chingis Agzhanbayev. The participants at the online meeting discussed the useful tips of the authors of the book, namely, how  to behave when  listening to a complaint, as if you are receiving a gift; how to apply the principles of communication with dissatisfied citizens; how to respond to written complaints and be constructive to criticism for the greater good of ourselves and the organization. These skills are especially in demand in the work of public servants.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qyzmet/press/news/details/27458?lang=kk