PRETORIA, 15 October 2019 - Kanat Tumysh, new Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Republic of South Africa, presented his letters of credence to Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa during a solemn ceremony held in the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse.During the course of this event, Ambassador Tumysh conveyed to the Head of State sincere greetings and warm wishes from Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, especially for the RSA’s outstanding UN Security Council Presidency, commending the high level of Kazakh-South African political, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations aimed at strengthening interstate cooperation across the entire spectrum of ties. The Ambassador confirmed the adherence of Kazakhstan’s leadership to further building-up efforts to improve mechanisms of mutually beneficial cooperation and updated about the key areas, outlined by President Tokayev in his this year’s most important speeches, in particular, the Inaugural statement and the State of the Nation Address. Yet, he mentioned Kazakhstan’s measures to diversify its economy, promote transit and transport potential and attract investment, and updated on the modernization of his country’s development in the political, social and economic spheres. This go in tune with the new initiatives of President Ramaphosa, elected in May 2019.Tumysh also focused on the need to deepen cooperation in the international organizations, where both sides have repeatedly proved their reputation as promoters of the principles of multilateralism and supporters of anti-war and anti-nuclear policies. In particular, on the UN Security Council seat, with the tenure of Kazakhstan in 2017-2018, and South Africa in 2019-2020. He also voiced important initiatives of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the First President and Leader of Nation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in particular, to create a new geopolitical reality based on three dialogues, as well as to free our planet from the scourges of terrorism and WMD.He pointed to the ideas of tolerance, as well as inter-ethnic and inter-confessional peace and harmony, promoted by his country. Kazakh diplomat also added, “Our countries have much in common. Both South Africa and Kazakhstan boast a diverse population with different ethnicities, religions, and traditions – a diversity that strengthens and enriches us”. As President Ramaphosa highlighted: “It is friends like you with whom we seek to work to protect and strengthen the rules-based multilateral system of global governance… as well as to address poverty, inequality, war, terrorism and climate change. These challenges are inter-related and mutually reinforcing. We should work together to discourage unilateralism in matters of international trade and security. We must work together to defend the integrity of our multilateral institutions by ensuring that they are effective, inclusive and truly democratic”.Touching on economic issues, the head of the host country called for the development of mutual tourism and investment: “To this effect, we will be hosting the second South Africa Investment Conference next month, from the 5th to the 7th of November. We welcome investors from your country to attend this Investment Conference and to see for themselves the potential for opportunities that exist in South Africa.”The President also emphasized the commitment of the government and the people of South Africato deepening economic partnership, political dialogue and cooperation with Kazakhstan on matters of mutual interest, conveying warm greetings to the leadership of this friendly country. He wished to Ambassador K. Tumysh enjoyable and meaningful stay in South Africa.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33433?lang=kk

On 14 October 2019 the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan R.Vassilenko as a guest of honor attended the celebration of the ITEC Day (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation).In his statement, the Deputy Foreign Minister noted the importance and relevance of the ITEC courses to Kazakhstani specialists in various fields (information technology, English, cybersecurity, medicine, etc.) and wished success to this program in further deepening cooperation between Kazakhstan and India.As the Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan P.Kumar informed, 1020 citizens of Kazakhstan from 1990s to 2019 were trained at various courses of the ITEC, which was established in 1964.   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33422?lang=kk

BAKU, 14 October, 2019 - The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan Serzhan Abdykarimov presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev this morning in Baku.During the conversation, the President of Azerbaijan emphasized the warm and good relations that have historically developed with the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Elbasy Nursultan Nazarbayev, which continue to develop successfully with the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which allowed bringing bilateral cooperation to a high level of strategic partnership. Ilham Aliyev shared his vision on further strengthening and expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation in investment, trade and economic, fuel and energy, transit and transport, agricultural, cultural and humanitarian and other fields.The Ambassador thanked the President of Azerbaijan for agreeing to his appointment, spoke about his plans and expressed his readiness to take efforts to intensify the entire spectrum of relations between the two fraternal states and peoples.President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Ambassador Abdykarimov on his assuming to new position and wished him success in his future activities.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33419?lang=kk

The sentence of the Almaly district criminal court of the city of Almaty has come into legal force sentencing to 10 years’ imprisonment of a citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan A. Bitimbaev on the facts of preparation for the act of terrorism, propaganda of terrorism, incitement to religious hatred and illegal possession of firearms.He got into the field of view of the National Security Committee as an adherent of destructive religious ideology and a supporter of the Daesh international terrorist organization banned in the Republic of Kazakhstan.The audit uncovered the information of his terrorist attacks preparation using explosives in places of mass population under the influence of Daesh campaign on the Internet.After the attack, he intended to move to Syria to join the ranks of foreign militants and continue terrorist activities.In order to disrupt these plans of A. Bitimbaev in April of the current year, he was detained in Almaty by the National Security Committee with the involvement of the internal affairs bodies.During the search, he was seized firearms and traumatic weapons, components for making a self-made explosive device, schemes of three shopping and entertainment centers, a mask and gloves.The guilt of A. Bitimbaev is fully proved by testimony, material and other evidence. Press ServiceNational Security CommitteeThe Republic of Kazakhstan Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/knb/press/news/details/33338?lang=kk

On 7 October 2019, K. Syroezhkin has been convicted of high treason under the paragraph 1 article 175 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan by specialized inter-district court in criminal cases in Almaty. The accused was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in the maximum security institution and deprived of Kazakh citizenship.Press ServiceNational Security CommitteeRepublic of KazakhstanSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/knb/press/news/details/33335?lang=kk

The Kazakh delegation, headed by the Chairwoman of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs, Anar Zhailganova, visited Stockholm (Sweden) and Copenhagen (Denmark) to study the best practices in the provision of digital public services. For reference: UN 2018 “UNE-Government Survey” study shows that Denmark and Sweden are leading countries in terms of digitalization among other UN member states. The visit of the Kazakh delegation was carried out as part of a joint project with the UN Development Program to further improve the mechanisms of professionalization of the state apparatus, and to ensure the quality of public services. Bilateral meetings were held with general managers, directors of departments and offices, as well as with project managers, consultants and business developers of the authorized bodies of Sweden and Denmark. During the presentation of their activities, the Swedish authorities presented the main approaches to the development of digitalization, including the introduction of artificial intelligence in the interaction of the state and citizens, which allows  to plan and “anticipate” the needs of service recipients. In turn, the Danish side announced the methods of using electronic ID (individual number) in obtaining various services, including banking. For authorization in various information systems of the country, a single login and password is used. The Kazakhstan delegation presented the domestic model for the development and provision of digital public services. In particular, A.Zhailganova spoke about the methods of using digital solutions in Kazakhstan, aimed at improving the quality of public services and the exclusion of interaction between recipients of services and public servants. The Swedish and Danish colleagues were interested in Kazakhstan's experience in using the methods of “proactive services” and “services according to one application”, as well as the availability of various mobile applications. Thus, the Director General of the Swedish Enterprise Registration Service, Annika Stenberg, said: “Using“ one application” is an interesting method of providing a range of services with one application. We should also think about it”.  The Director General of the Swedish Tax Agency, Catherine Westling Palm, expressed a desire to visit Kazakhstan for a more detailed study of this method. In addition, based on the results of a visual demonstration of the mobile applications “mGov” and “SmartAstana” actively used by Kazakhstan people, representatives of the Danish Digitalization and Local Government Agency announced adjustments to their plans to include a mandatory trip to Nur-Sultan. Based on the results of the study tour, the parties agreed on further mutual cooperation in the field of digitalization and automation of business processes for the provision of public services.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qyzmet/press/news/details/33312?lang=kk

Today in Stockholm, with the support of UNDP, a meeting was held between ACSA Chairwoman Anar Zhailganova and the Director General of the Agency for Economic and Regional Development of Sweden, Ms. Gunnila Nordlef. The Agency for Economic and Regional Development is the main government agency for the implementation of policies in the field of electronic public services. During the meeting, the Swedish side presented the main approaches to the development of electronic public services, as well as civil servic, work in the field of internal control and anti-corruption. In turn, the head of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs informed the Swedish colleagues about the active use of digital solutions in Kazakhstan aimed at improving the quality of public services. The Kazakh delegation was greatly interested in the development of artificial intelligence in the interaction of the state and citizens. Following the meeting, the parties agreed on mutual cooperation in the field of digitalization and automation of business processes in the provision of public services. For reference: The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth has a broad mission and is aimed at promoting sustainable growth, promoting entrepreneurship and competitiveness in all parts of Sweden. One of the main tasks is to ensure the investment of EU funds in projects that promote growth and employment in the regions. The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth is working for more small and medium-sized enterprises, to expand their capabilities by using the capabilities of digital technology.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qyzmet/press/news/details/33311?lang=kk

The chairwoman of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs Anar Zhailganova held a meeting to discuss the implementation of the Address of the Head of State "Constructive public dialogue is the basis of stability and prosperity of Kazakhstan."It was attended by employees of the central office of the Agency, its subordinate organizations - the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the National Center for Personnel Management, and territorial departments of the Agency through video conferencing. Anar Zhailganova voiced instructions to ensure high-quality and timely execution of tasks aimed at improving the public service coming from the Message.“The head of state set the task until 2024 to gradually reduce to 25 percent the number of civil servants by directing the released funds to materially stimulate the most useful workers. At the same time, it is necessary to work out measures to attract young personnel to the public service, as well as observing the principles of meritocracy. We are faced with the task of developing approaches for the implementation of this assignment,” she said.The Head of the Agency also emphasized the special importance of the systemic fight against corruption, voiced by the President of the country. The necessity of considering anti-corruption issues among public servants through the prism of ethical control is noted. As Anar Zhailganova said: “Civil servants, especially those working in regulatory bodies, should clearly understand that the slightest violation of ethical norms and legislation on civil service in relations with the business community can be regarded as an obstruction of legitimate entrepreneurial activity or an attempt to lobby someone else’s interests ".According to her, of considerable importance is the further increase in the share of public services provided in electronic form, including making payments for their non-cash payment. This is especially relevant in light of the task voiced by the Head of State to develop the digital economy and strengthen leadership in the Central Asian region in terms of the development of information and communication technologies, as well as the widespread introduction of non-cash payments. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qyzmet/press/news/details/33310?lang=kk

On August 29, 2019, a solemn event was held at the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan For Civil Service dedicated to the celebration of Constitution Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Chairwoman of the Agency Anar Nuralievna Zhailganova in her congratulatory speech noted that employees of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs should advance the values ​​of the Constitution and focus their activities on serving the people. The first President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Leader of the nation, said that, guided by the provisions of the Constitution, our society has come a long way. Each citizen contributes to the development of our state, most fully applying their knowledge, experience and hard work. The Head of State, K. Tokayev, also emphasized the rule of law, noting that “The most important task for us is to serve faithfully in accordance with the law.” In this regard, the Constitution remains the main guarantor and  the key of the establishment of  law-based state. Summing up the event, the Chairman of the Agency expressed confidence that the employees of the Agency will continue to honestly and impeccably fulfill their duties for the benefit of society and will make every effort to ensure constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qyzmet/press/news/details/33308?lang=kk

Today at the site of the Central Communications Service, a press conference was held on the issues of selection for the Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve. The event was attended by Anar Zhailganova, Chairwoman of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerlan Abil, Rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dana Dzhakupova, representative of the software company  of the information system for the selection of the Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve. In her opening remarks, the Agency Chairwoman noted that the Agency for Civil Service Affairs is launching an online platform for accepting applications from citizens for participation in the selection for the “Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve”. This was announced at a briefing in the Central Communications Service by Anar Zhailganova, Chairwoman of ACSA . Anar Nuralievna spoke about the basic requirements for applicants to the “Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve”. In the election program of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev,  the Head of State “Well-being for all! Continuity. Justice. Progress ”  the task of forming the Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve was set before the Agency. Now, young Kazakhstanis, who have certain achievements in their industry, have the opportunity to be chosen for the reserve and be appointed to high government and managerial positions in the country. The main requirements for the participants are citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan, aged under  35 , education and work experience  not less than 5 years. “We all know very well that a considerable number of creative, talented Kazakhstani youth live abroad. Therefore, citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan who are both in the country and abroad are allowed to participate in the competition,” said A. Zhailganova. Candidates who have passed to the Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve will be given the opportunity to be appointed to political and senior managerial administrative positions, senior management positions in national holdings and national companies. As Anar  Zhailganova noted, the selection of reservists will consist of the following stages: The first stage is the admission of participants' documents. An automated document collection system has been launched. The filing procedure is as simple as possible. The second stage is testing the ability of candidates. The test aims to determine the ability of the applicant to work with the complex text and numerical information. The third stage is an assessment of leadership qualities, the level of strategic vision, motivation and values ​​of candidates. To do this, candidates need to write an essay and present their socially significant projects. Check of essays and design work will be carried out in the system online. For its objectivity, it is planned to keep a video recording of  the process of writing an essay by candidates. The fourth stage is an  interviewing of participants in the Expert Commission.  Participants who have shown the best results for the previous stages of selection in the aggregate of scores. The commission formed by the Presidential Administration will conduct an individual interview with each applicant who has successfully completed the previous selection stages. At the final stage of selection, the National Commission for Personnel Reserve makes a decision on the enrollment of candidates with the highest scores in the Presidential Youth Reserve. As the Chairman of the Agency noted, all conditions will be created for the transparency of the selection process. “Our citizens will be able to see applicants to participate in the selection. Moreover, after each stage of selection, we will publish in the automated online platform and on the Agency’s website a list of those who proceed on the next stage. To ensure transparency in decision-making, industry experts will be involved in the candidate’s assessment. They will be able to monitor the transparency of processes and its objectivity”,  Anar Zhailganova emphasized. On the basis of it, prior to the appointment of reservists to the post, their training under specially designed programs is provided. For reservists, they can be individual, taking into account the recommendations of experts based on the selection results. They focus on inculcating  additional necessary knowledge to work in the civil service, building up the competencies of reservists to work with the public, including public speaking, the ability to work in the limited conditions, and more. To date, the rules and procedures for selecting the Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve are regulated by Presidential Decree.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/qyzmet/press/news/details/33307?lang=kk

Almaty region, 04.10.2019 - An international business forum Jetisy Invest-2019 took place in Taldykorgan, Almaty region. The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ermek Kosherbayev, Akim of Almaty Region Amandyk Batalov, Deputy CEO of KAZAKH INVEST Birzhan Kaneshev as well as over 400 representatives of the diplomatic corps, financial organisations and international and local business circles from 7 countries. The forum participants signed commercial agreements for 13 projects worth $ 859.7 million. The Akim of Almaty region Amandyk Batalov noted that despite the global economic crisis and general decline in investment inflows, domestic investments grew by 27% in Almaty region between 2014 and 2016. In 2018, the Almaty region was Kazakhstan’s leading region in terms of attracting foreign investments. Volume of investments in the region has been growing annually by 20% since 2016. In turn, the Deputy CEO of KAZAKH INVEST Birzhan Kaneshev emphasised the importance of favourable investment climate in the country: “The Government carried out a number of reforms to improve the country’s investment climate by introducing and implementing global best practices. Today, we have a three-level system for supporting foreign investors, including Kazakhstan’s representative offices abroad at the external level, KAZAKH INVEST at the central level and regional front offices operating on the “one-stop shop” basis. The representatives of large and multinational companies, such as Leroy-Merlin, Mareven Food, Waste Energy KZ, ArKazInvest and others shared about their successful experience in the region. During the forum, it was noted that the region is suitable for implementation of renewable energy projects. Thus, 24 out of 74 renewable energy projects in Kazakhstan operate in Almaty region. One of the projects, Kazakhstan’s largest solar power plant with a capacity of 100 MW, was implemented with participation of a major investor from Singapore - Universal Energy and launched in September. Next year, the same company plans to launch a solar and a wind power plants with a capacity of 50 MW each. In addition, another 28 renewable energy projects are at different stages of implementation.Currently, KAZAKH INVEST project pipeline includes 34 projects worth $3.8 billion in Almaty region. Of these, 12 projects are at the construction stage and 22 - at the development stage. By end of the year, there are plans to implement 10 projects resulting in creation of 1200 jobs.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33219?lang=kk

Almaty region, October 4, 2019 - The front office for investment attraction and investors’ support started operations in Almaty region. The office was launched in line with the Government’s order to establish special front offices for investors in the country. The office, operating on the principle of "one-stop shop", is located in the financial center of Kazakhstan – Almaty city with the address Zheltoksan St. 112. “The front office, operating on the “one-stop shop” principle, provides not only comfortable conditions for obtaining public services, but also availability and transparency of procedures as well as effective interaction with authorities” - said Birzhan Kaneshev, Deputy CEO of KAZAKH INVEST.The front office will house specialists from local executive bodies, public service centers, Regional Chambers of Entrepreneurs Atameken, Damu Entrepreneurship Fund, socio-entrepreneurial corporations (SEC), migration, customs and tax authorities, as well as public notaries and translators.  At the front office, all investors and businessmen will be served in nine directions, namely provision of public services, project support, marketing and accounting services, procurement consultations, CT KZ certification, assistance from financial institutions and development institutes, protection of rights and legitimate interests of business, as well as assistance in solving all migration, customs and tax issues. It is worth noting that, today, across Almaty region there are 34 investment projects worth $3.8 billion registered in the KAZAKH INVEST Monitoring System. Of these, 12 projects are under the construction, while 22 projects are at the development stage. In general, 10 projects will be implemented by the end of the year creating 1200 jobs.National Company KAZAKH INVEST JSC is a subordinate organization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. KAZAKH INVEST, acting as a "single negotiator" on behalf of the Government of the country, provides a full range of services to support investment projects, including registration, obtaining various permits and approvals required for the implementation of investment activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/33218?lang=kk

On May 14 of this year, the Justice Department of Atyrau region,together with representatives of the Regional Notary Chamber and second-tier banks of Atyrau,passed a round table in order to clarify the requirements.Of the Law «On state registration of rights to real estate» and the implementation of works on state registration of rights to real estate on-line.During the meeting, notaries were explained to the parties,making the transaction the efficiency of the electronic registration format,talked about the issues that arose when registering transactions.Also, the bank's employees explained,that all documents passed electronic registration must comply with the legislation and that it is necessary to correctly explain to the population the pattern of electronic registration.At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed their views and clarified the existing issues. Press Service of the Department of JusticeAtyrau regionSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/adilet/press/news/details/32898?lang=kk

Following the conducted analysis of Almaty’s economy, budget and credit profile over the last five years, Fitch assigned the investment grade “BBB” in terms of Long-Term Foreign- and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs), and a Standalone Credit Profile (SCP) of “BBB+”https://www.fitchratings.com/site/pr/10088964.According to Fitch’s international rating scales, “BBB” represents a good credit quality of the issuer, indicating current low expectations of the credit risk.The new rating is an acknowledgement of the city’s efforts, supported by International Finance Cooperation (IFC, a member of the World Bank Group) through its Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Cities Program, to identify long-term private finance solutions that support the city’s ambitious infrastructure program. ECA Cities Program partners with municipalities to facilitate green and sustainable municipal infrastructure development and improve key services including in public transportation, water, sanitation and waste management, energy efficient and smart city technologies.  As part of its work with the city, IFC provided guidance and recommendations to Almaty in preparing relevant documentation for applying for an international credit rating and throughout the process of obtaining a rating. An international credit rating is crucial to provide investors with an indication of Almaty’s creditworthiness and fulfilment of its financial obligations and is a first step of strategic partnership between IFC and Almaty to pave the way for long-term, non-sovereign financing solutions for major infrastructure projects. This work is being implemented in close partnership with the World Bank, which brings its extensive urban infrastructure and policy expertise to the partnership.  «Receiving an international credit rating is an important step in enhancing the city’s ability to attract commercial long-term financing for its growing investment needs. IFC’s objective is to spur investment in modern infrastructure and help Almaty deliver efficient and sustainable services to improve the quality of life of its residents», - Cassandra Colbert, IFC’s Regional Manager for Central Asia.Almaty’s credit rating will be included in the list of leading world capitals assessed by Fitch Ratings to draw the attention of international business communities and financial institutions.«A high credit rating creates a favorable investment climate in the city of Almaty and facilitates the establishment of a promising investment platform for business initiatives. It is worth noting that we aim to further improve the current SCP “BBB+” up to the higher investment levels and leverage long-term financing from world leading international financial institutions», - says Usserov Ilyas, Deputy Mayor.IFC and the Mayor’s Office of the City of Almaty signed an agreement in February in which IFC would help support the municipality in accessing long-term capital and ramping up its investments in critical infrastructure.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almaty/press/news/details/32245?lang=kk

The Republic of Kazakhstan welcomes the accession of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking states (Turkic Council, CCTS).On 14 September 2019, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a Decree on the accession to the Nakhchivan Agreement on the Establishment of the Cooperation Council of the Turkic-speaking states. On the same day Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, send the instrument of accession to the CCTS Secretariat.Turkic Council was established on 3 October 2009 by the initiative of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Leader of the Nation Nursultan Nazarbayev. The founders of the organization are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey.This historic decision important for the Turkic world coincides with the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Nakhchivan Agreement. The Heads of States of the organization will sign the decision on the membership of Uzbekistan into the Turkic Council during the 7th Summit of the Turkic Council devoted to the development of small and medium-sized business, which will be held in Baku on 15 October 2019.Uzbekistan’s membership in the CCTS will strengthen the integration of the Turkic world and bring new horizons of cooperation at the times when the Turkic Council is taking concrete steps to strengthen the economic interaction of the Turkic states. In May 2019 in the capital of Kazakhstan within the framework of the XII Astana Economic Forum, the joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkic-speaking states was launched with the aim to further enhance ties between businessmen and increase trade turnover between countries.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/32243?lang=kk

On 17 September UN Special Envoy for Road Safety Jean Todt visited Almaty, in the framework of which he attended the new UN building. This is the first visit of the UN representative at this level to a new building. During a tour inside the building, UN Special Envoy was introduced with the initiative of the Republic of Kazakhstan on establishment of UN Regional Hub on the basis of a new building, which was positively received by him.In his opinion, Kazakhstan is an important partner of the organization and makes a significant contribution to the efforts in development of a global partnership to improve road safety. Kazakhstan also pays special attention to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals not only in the country, but also with a focus on the Central Asian region.After visiting the UN building, J. Todt met with the mayor of Almaty Bakhytzhan Sagintayev, and also met with representatives of secondary education at school No.90.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/32240?lang=kk

While in Hangzhou, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited the China National Tea Museum.During the tour of the halls, the Head of the Administration Committee of West Lake Tourist Attraction of Hangzhou Wen Wenjie and Director of the Museum Wu Xiaoli told the President Tokayev about the subtleties of tea traditions and tea etiquette, as well as about the peculiarities of tea culture in various provinces of China. The President was shown a tea ceremony.Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also visited the Leifeng Pagoda and examined the ancient manuscripts collected in the library on the territory of the pagoda.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/32236?lang=kk

As part of his two-day state visit to the People's Republic of China, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Hangzhou, located in Zhejiang province.In Hangzhou, Kazakhstan’s President visited the leading global supplier of innovative products “Hikvision” company.Hikvision’s CEO Chen Zongnan told President Tokayev about his company’s activities and implementation of some commercial projects in Central Asia.Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was presented the company's developments in the robotics, big data processing, artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/32234?lang=kk

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia Fernando Huanacuni Mamani in Astana on August 17, 2017. This is the first ever visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia to Kazakhstan in the history of bilateral relations.The agenda of the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was focused on multilateral cooperation, considering that Kazakhstan and Bolivia are currently non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council for 2017-2018. Ministers noted the importance of coordination of joint efforts within the framework of the UN and other international organizations to promote common interests and strengthen Kazakhstan-Bolivian partnership in such areas as nuclear disarmament and creation of a world free of nuclear weapons.Ministers also discussed the present state and development prospects of bilateral relations, based on positive experience of participation of Bolivia in the EXPO 2017. They noted the potential to develop bilateral cooperation in the energy and mining industry and to promote small and medium business ties. They also expressed shared interest for cooperation in education and sports.In conclusion of the meeting Kazakh and Bolivian Foreign Ministers signed the Political Declaration that reflects the most promising areas of bilateral cooperation, including the decision to hold political consultations between Ministries of Foreign Affairs to support further broadening of dialogue between Kazakhstan and Bolivia.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/32003?lang=kk

August 19, 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Portuguese Republic. Throughout a quarter-century of friendship and rapport, cooperation between Astana and Lisbon has developed in an environment of mutual benefit and progress. The visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, to Portugal in 2010, as well as the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Portuguese Republic, Paulo Portas, to Kazakhstan in 2014 became significant milestones in bilateral relations. Collaboration between the foreign ministries and relevant agencies of the two nations is strengthening. The first political consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs took place in 2012. The opening of the Embassy of Portugal in Astana in 2015 gave additional impetus to the development of bilateral cooperation. Economic ties are seeing steady expansion. Astana and Lisbon host business meetings on a regular basis, which increasingly lead to the opening of new avenues for mutually beneficial partnerships. Among the promising fields for bilateral economic cooperation are energy (including alternative energy), electronics, agriculture, food industry, pharmaceuticals, civil engineering, and consumer goods. An important line of cooperation is multilateral interaction within the framework of the UN, the OSCE, and other international organizations where Kazakhstan and Portugal hold similar or identical positions on key issues on the international agenda. Kazakhstan is committed to further strengthening political dialogue and expanding comprehensive collaboration with Portugal.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/32001?lang=kk