A two-day Muay Thai masterclass organised by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan has concluded at the Kazakh National University of Sports.Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan A. Kuantyrov attended the opening ceremony on 20 August. He noted that the masterclass contributes to strengthening Kazakhstan–Thailand relations and promoting cooperation in the sports, cultural and humanitarian spheres.On 21 August, A. Kuantyrov met with Ambassador of Thailand to Kazakhstan P. Niyomrerks and distinguished Thai athletes. The sides discussed prospects for expanding sports cooperation, including the organisation of joint training camps and masterclasses, as well as the development of direct contacts between athletes and coaches.The event was attended by renowned Thai athletes, including legendary fighter Buakaw Banchamek, a two-time K-1 World MAX champion and multiple-time Muay Thai world champion, as well as Nuenglanlek Jitmuangnon and Marie Ruumet.During the practical sessions, athletes and coaches from the two countries exchanged professional experience and sporting skills. The masterclass marked another practical step towards strengthening sports, cultural and humanitarian ties between Kazakhstan and Thailand.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1278440?lang=ru

On the instructions of the Head of State, a large-scale modernization of 125 railway stations continues in Kazakhstan. The work is aimed at renewing passenger infrastructure, improving comfort and safety, and creating modern conditions for serving citizens.The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Akim of Kostanay Region Berik Tanzharikov.«In Kostanay Region, comprehensive reconstruction was planned at six railway stations — in Kostanay, Arkalyk, Tobol, Zhelezorudny, Amankaragay, and Kushmurun. Previously, after renovation, stations in Amankaragay, Kushmurun, Rudny, and Arkalyk were opened. The next facility to complete comprehensive modernization was the Tobol station. Its renovation became part of the consistent work to develop the region's transport infrastructure and improve the quality of passenger services», — noted the Deputy Akim.The history of the station spans more than 80 years. The building was constructed in 1942 and has remained an important element of the railway network of Kostanay Region for decades.As part of the modernization, the station's infrastructure has been completely renewed. The facility's area is 420.8 square meters. The work was aimed at improving passenger comfort and safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility for various categories of citizens.Tobol station serves two passenger platforms. The average daily passenger flow is about 235 people, with 13 pairs of passenger trains passing through the station. Among the main routes are Semey – Mangistau, Nurly Zhol – Atyrau, Nurly Zhol – Oral, Kostanay – Almaty, Aktobe – Nurly Zhol, and Kostanay – Arkalyk. Suburban and regional connections are also provided.During the modernization, the station area was also improved, which helped create a more comfortable and safe environment for passengers, residents, and guests of the region.The renovation of Tobol station has become another step in the development of the transport infrastructure of Kostanay Region and the improvement of the quality of passenger services.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1278439?lang=ru

The technical launch of the largest indoor water park in Kazakhstan took place in Kostanay. The new facility is becoming part of the region’s emerging tourism infrastructure and is expected to give a new impetus to the development of domestic tourism.Kumart Aksakalov, the akim of the Kostanay Region, took part in the opening ceremony. According to him, the new facility should become part of the modern urban environment and expand the opportunities for recreation for the region’s residents.“The Head of State consistently pays attention to creating a comfortable urban environment, developing modern infrastructure, and ensuring high‑quality recreation for citizens.” “Our goal is to create conditions so that residents, from children and young people to the older generation, can spend their free time in a high‑quality way without having to leave the region,” said Kumar Aksakalov.The two‑storey complex covers an area of more than 9,000 sq. m and will be able to accommodate up to 500 visitors at the same time. For a region with a long cold season, it is crucial that the facility will operate year‑round. The water park will start operating for visitors in September 2026.At the center of the complex is a water area with seven pools, with a total area of about 1,500 square meters. It includes a wave pool with artificial waves, a children’s area, “Aquatonic,” and water attractions.“Octopus” will become not only a place for family recreation but also a new city landmark capable of attracting guests to Kostanay from all over the country and neighboring countries. The facility is expected to become one of the key features of the regional center’s tourism offering.Along with the development of tourism infrastructure, a modern and comfortable urban environment is gradually taking shape in Kostanay. New points of attraction are emerging: the triathlon park, the central square, and the park on the territory of A. Baitursynuly University; parks and squares are being improved, and avenues, walking, sports, and recreational areas are being created.At the same time, modern hotel infrastructure is being developed in Kostanay. Hotel complexes of international brands Marriott, Novotel, and Holiday Inn will be built in the city. As the head of the region noted, the growth of business activity and the arrival of new investors are increasing the demand for modern accommodation facilities. Taken together, such projects expand opportunities for recreation, social interaction, and self‑realization among young people, creating a more comfortable environment for living and working in the region.“Along with economic development and the launch of new factories and plants, it is necessary to create conditions for a comfortable life for people and meaningful family recreation. The Kostanay Region should have more unique facilities that are interesting both for residents and for visitors to the region. One such place will be our largest indoor water park in the country,” the regional akim noted.The opening of “Octopus” in this sense goes beyond the scope of a single facility. It complements the tourism offer of the Kostanay region and creates a new reason to visit the region, strengthening the role of the regional center as a point of attraction for tourists from different regions of the country.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1278425?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1278421?lang=ru

On August 22, 2026, after a 33-year hiatus, Arkalyk was once again connected to Astana by regular flights. Today, the first passenger flight on the Astana – Arkalyk – Astana route took place.The resumption of air service became possible thanks to the restoration and modernization of Arkalyk Airport. The work was carried out in accordance with the instruction of the Head of State given at the IV meeting of the National Kurultai.The main objective of the project is to provide convenient and affordable air service for residents of Arkalyk and nearby districts.A new passenger terminal, an emergency rescue station, a garage for special equipment, a checkpoint, and a control tower have been built at the airport. The runway, taxiway, and apron have also been reconstructed.The airport has received an aviation security service certificate. Instrument approach charts have been published in the AIP of Kazakhstan.To date, the newly built airport has completed all certification procedures. On August 3, the airport received Aviation Security Service Certificate No. 8/26. On August 18, it received Certificate No. 21 from the RSE "Kazaeronavigatsia" as an air navigation service provider. On August 21, Aerodrome Certificate of Fitness Series ARD No. KZ01VKC00000389 was issued.Currently, Arkalyk Airport is ready to receive and service regional passenger aircraft of the CRJ200 type. Three routes are available for residents of Arkalyk and nearby settlements:Astana – Arkalyk – Astana;Almaty – Arkalyk – Almaty;Kostanay – Arkalyk – Kostanay.Following the results of the tender, SCAT Airlines was designated as the carrier. Thanks to government subsidies, the ticket price to Astana and Kostanay will be 10,000 tenge, and to Almaty 25,000 tenge.The new route will improve transport links for residents of Arkalyk, Amangeldy and Zhangeldy districts of Kostanay Region, as well as Zharkain District of Akmola Region.More than 80,000 people will have the opportunity to travel faster to other regions of the country, including for medical, educational, and government services.The new route also creates additional opportunities for business development, attracting investment, and economic growth in the Torgai region. The project plans to create 136 new jobs.The opening of the air route was accompanied by a theatrical and musical performance that took place at Astana Airport, on board the aircraft, and upon arrival in Arkalyk.In Arkalyk, passengers of the first flight were greeted with music, songs, and shashu.The return of regular flights after 33 years became an important event for Arkalyk and the entire Torgai region. Now residents have convenient air connections with the country's largest cities, and the region has new opportunities for business development and attracting investment.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1278388?lang=ru

Astana, August 21, 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev received Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Kazakhstan Alimirzamin Askerov.At the outset of the meeting, Minister Kosherbayev congratulated Ambassador Askerov on his appointment and wished him success in his diplomatic mission in Kazakhstan.The parties discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation and prospects for further strengthening the strategic partnership and alliance between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. It was highlighted that regular contacts and the trust-based dialogue between the Heads of State constitute a solid foundation for the continued advancement of Kazakh-Azerbaijani relations.The Minister of Foreign Affairs briefed his counterpart on the political and socio-economic reforms underway in Kazakhstan, emphasizing that the country has entered a new stage of its development. In this context, it was noted that the upcoming Kurultai elections on August 23 will constitute an important step in the practical implementation of the new constitutional model.Particular attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation. The parties noted the strong momentum in bilateral trade and significant potential for expanding non-resource exports, developing industrial cooperation and increasing mutual investments. The importance of further expanding transit and transport cooperation was also emphasized. Kazakhstan views Azerbaijan as one of its key partners in advancing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).The parties exchanged views on current issues of cooperation within international organizations, including the UN, OTS, CICA, OIC, and others.At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed his readiness to contribute to the further advancement of bilateral relations in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1278294?lang=ru

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Astana, 20 August 2026 - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issagaliyev received the election observation missions of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA) deployed to observe the elections of deputies to the Kurultai of the Republic of KazakhstanDuring the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the preparations for and conduct of the upcoming elections, as well as on the activities of international observers.Deputy Minister Issagaliyev briefed the representatives of the missions on the ongoing efforts to ensure the necessary conditions for the work of international observers and emphasized Kazakhstan’s commitment to conducting an open and transparent electoral process in accordance with national legislation and the country’s international obligations.The international observers provided information on the main areas of their work and expressed appreciation to the Kazakh side for the support provided in facilitating their activities.The parties also discussed mechanisms of cooperation within the OTS and TURKPA frameworks and reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening interaction.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1277719?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1276644?lang=ru

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issagaliyev received Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Kazakhstan Jung Ki-Hong.The sides exchanged views on current issues of Kazakh-Korean cooperation. They underscored the importance of further strengthening the enhanced strategic partnership and maintaining regular political dialogue.Particular attention was paid to the schedule of mutual visits and events at the highest and high levels planned for the current year, as well as preparations for the first Summit of the “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” format, which is expected to provide additional impetus to regional cooperation.In conclusion, the diplomats expressed their readiness to continue constructive dialogue and joint efforts to further strengthen relations between Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1276463?lang=ru

Astana, August 18, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issagaliyev received copies of the credentials from the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia, concurrently accredited to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Monica Nashandi.Welcoming the Ambassador of Namibia, Deputy Minister Issagaliyev expressed confidence that her diplomatic mission would contribute to further strengthening the traditional friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.During the meeting, the sides discussed further development of political dialogue, expansion of trade and economic partnership, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation.At the conclusion of the meeting, the sides reaffirmed their readiness to maintain active engagement in both bilateral and multilateral formats.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1276205?lang=ru

A meeting of the regional akimat dedicated to preparations for the new 2026–2027 academic year was held under the chairmanship of Kostanay Region Akim Kumar Aksakalov.The Head of State pays special attention to education and the younger generation. Over the past three years, 10 schools have been built in our region, six of which are "Schools of the Future." The Schools of the Future are fully equipped in accordance with international standards. Artificial intelligence is used in scientific projects and research."The shortage of student places in schools has decreased from 7,500 to 2,500, that is, by 3 times. To address the remaining shortage of 2,500 places, two schools will be built," noted the head of the region.Since 2023, primary school students have been provided with free hot meals. To ensure quality nutrition, no educational facility should have a cafeteria without a sanitary-epidemiological certificate."It is necessary to conduct the 'Road to School' campaign in a high-quality and transparent manner, ensuring full coverage of children in need of assistance. I call on business representatives to actively participate in this campaign. All of this creates conditions for comfortable learning for children, their comprehensive development, and the achievement of good results," emphasized Kumar Aksakalov.Over the past two years, the region's economic growth rates have exceeded the national average. This is the result not only of attracting investments and launching new plants and factories, but also of the work of qualified specialists – graduates of educational organizations.It should be noted that currently, the share of workers under the age of 35 at new production facilities ranges from 50 to 70%.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1276174?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1276117?lang=ru

Astana, 17 August 2026 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov received copies of credentials from the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the Republic of Kazakhstan Branko Rakovec (resident in Ljubljana).Deputy Minister Issetov congratulated Ambassador of Slovenia on his appointment and expressed confidence that his diplomatic mission would contribute to the further development of beneficial cooperation between Astana and Ljubljana.The parties noted that the opening of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Ljubljana in 2024 and the official visit of the President of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar to Kazakhstan in 2025 served as important evidence of the strengthening of bilateral ties and the mutual commitment to bringing relations to a qualitatively new level.Particular attention was paid to the importance of the practical implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level, as well as to the activities of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation.Ambassador Rakovec expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and reaffirmed his commitment to making every effort to further strengthen the partnership between the two countries.The parties agreed to continue constructive engagement across the entire spectrum of areas of mutual interest.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1275461?lang=ru

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From August 14 to 16, 2026, the Kostanay Regional Environmental Gathering for Youth and Volunteers is taking place at the "Aly Parus" recreation center in the city of Lisakovsk.The event is organized by the public foundation "Ecological Club 'Neco'" with the support of the State Institution "Department of Public Development of the Akimat of Kostanay Region" as part of the project "Promotion of Environmental Ideas among Youth and Volunteers EcoZhas within the framework of the 'Taza Kazakhstan' principle."Up to 80 representatives of active youth and the volunteer community of Kostanay Region, aged 18 to 35, are participating in the gathering, including representatives from youth resource centers of the region's districts and cities.The main goal of the gathering is to foster environmental culture, develop environmental volunteering, leadership competencies, and project thinking skills among youth, as well as to increase the level of young citizens' involvement in solving environmental issues in the region.After the guests assembled, the program began with an excursion, where participants visited eco-enterprises and organizations such as the Eco-Office, the State Nursery, a Private Nursery, "Atameken 4+", and "AgroEcoHub". Afterward, they proceeded in an organized manner by bus directly to the venue of the three-day gathering in the city of Lisakovsk at the "Aly Parus" recreation center.As part of the three-day program, participants will get acquainted with the activities of environmental enterprises and organizations, take part in educational trainings, master classes, team-building events, and project work.One of the key areas of the program will be training in the development of environmental strategies and practical solutions. In teams, participants will identify current environmental problems in the region, develop their own strategies, and present them at the final defense.The educational program is planned to cover areas such as environmental volunteering, conscious consumption, animal volunteering, waste recycling and reuse, landscaping, renewable energy sources, environmental and climate projects, as well as international practices in the field of ecology and volunteering.Speakers and experts of national and regional level have been invited: Asyl Okapova, Lyudmila Yevzhenkova, Olga Solovyova, Dinara Shadrina, Gennady Ipatov, Azim Zhanburchinov, Zhumat Bauyrzhan Kiikbayuly, and Tatyana Mironyuk.The three-day program includes team-building, sports, and cultural and leisure activities aimed at developing team interaction and strengthening professional and interpersonal ties among participants.Based on the results of the three days' work, participants will present the developed environmental strategies. The best strategy will receive funding of at least 1,000,000 tenge for subsequent implementation. All participants of the gathering will receive certificates.The event will conclude with the environmental campaign "We Were Never Here!", during which participants will clean up the area.The gathering is aimed at developing the youth environmental movement in Kostanay Region, supporting volunteer initiatives, and forming practical mechanisms for youth participation in implementing the region's environmental agenda in accordance with the principles of "Taza Kazakhstan".Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1274627?lang=ru