Economics
Prospects for Cooperation Considered at the Kazakhstan–Poland Intergovernmental Commission 10.04.2026
Astana, April 10, 2026 – The 10th meeting of the Kazakhstan–Poland Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation (IGC) was held in Astana, aimed at further strengthening trade, economic, and investment ties between the two countries.The Co-Chairs of the IGC – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov and Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Technology of the Republic of Poland Michal Baranowski – together with representatives of relevant government agencies, discussed the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation, as well as measures to ensure sustainable economic growth.The parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in advancing the partnership and reviewed prospects for cooperation in key sectors, including agro-industry, energy, mining, transport, pharmaceuticals, and digital technologies.“Poland is a reliable partner of Kazakhstan in Central and Eastern Europe and the European Union. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Astana and Warsaw have been strengthening constructive political dialogue and expanding trade, economic, and investment ties,” said Deputy Minister Issetov, highlighting the successful activities of Polish companies in Kazakhstan.The Polish side, in turn, expressed interest in Kazakhstan’s policies aimed at economic diversification and enhancing investment attractiveness, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s importance as a key partner in Central Asia.The parties also noted the important role of the Kazakhstan–Poland Business Forum held earlier as an effective platform for establishing direct contacts between the business communities of the two countries.Following the meeting, the Protocol of the 10th session of the Intergovernmental Commission was signed.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1198878?lang=kk
Kazakhstan and Armenia held Consular Consultations and Expressed Interest in Expanding Cooperation in the Consular Sphere 10.04.2026
Yerevan, April 9, 2026 – As part of the implementation of the Action Program between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia for 2026-2027, scheduled consular consultations were held in Yerevan.Azamat Aubekov, Director of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, headed the delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Artur Petrosyan, Head of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, represented the Armenian side. Representatives of relevant agencies of both countries also took part in the consultations.The meeting was held in a constructive and business-like atmosphere, with participants conducting a comprehensive review of the current consular agenda. Particular attention was paid to the practical implementation of the agreements on travel and stay procedures for citizens, as well as cooperation in the field of migration, signed on April 15, 2024. The parties noted that these arrangements not only strengthened the legal framework of bilateral relations but also created favorable conditions for expanding direct contacts between citizens and business communities of the two countries.At the conclusion of the negotiations, the heads of the delegations signed the final Protocol of Consultations, formalizing the agreements reached and outlining priority areas for further interagency cooperation. The Kazakh and Armenian sides reaffirmed their readiness to further deepen their partnership in the interests of their citizens. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1197753?lang=kk
Investment Protection Forum: Ensuring Stability and Investment Attractiveness 10.04.2026
Yerevan, April 9, 2026 – As part of the implementation of the Action Program between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia for 2026-2027, scheduled consular consultations were held in Yerevan.Azamat Aubekov, Director of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, headed the delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Artur Petrosyan, Head of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, represented the Armenian side. Representatives of relevant agencies of both countries also took part in the consultations.The meeting was held in a constructive and business-like atmosphere, with participants conducting a comprehensive review of the current consular agenda. Particular attention was paid to the practical implementation of the agreements on travel and stay procedures for citizens, as well as cooperation in the field of migration, signed on April 15, 2024. The parties noted that these arrangements not only strengthened the legal framework of bilateral relations but also created favorable conditions for expanding direct contacts between citizens and business communities of the two countries.At the conclusion of the negotiations, the heads of the delegations signed the final Protocol of Consultations, formalizing the agreements reached and outlining priority areas for further interagency cooperation. The Kazakh and Armenian sides reaffirmed their readiness to further deepen their partnership in the interests of their citizens. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1197754?lang=kk
Kazakhstan and Armenia Aim to Expand Interstate Cooperation 09.04.2026
Yerevan, April 9, 2026 – During an official visit to the Republic of Armenia, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.The Foreign Minister conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to Prime Minister Pashinyan on behalf of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.“Thanks to joint efforts of the leaders, the bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Armenia have reached a qualitatively new level. A stable political dialogue has been established, regular contacts at the highest and high levels are maintained, trade and economic cooperation is coordinated through the Intergovernmental Commission, and cultural, humanitarian as well as scientific and educational ties are actively developing”, Minister Kosherbayev said.The Kazakh Minister noted with satisfaction that the new geopolitical situation in the South Caucasus region has opened up new opportunities for the economies of the two countries. In particular, last year the export of Kazakh grain to Armenia was resumed via the railway route through the territories of Russia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. In this regard, the Minister reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s interest in long-term supplies of agricultural products, in particular grain and meat to Armenia.The parties discussed issues related to the further development of relations in the transport, transit and trade spheres within the framework of the effective implementation of the Roadmap for Trade and Economic Cooperation between the Governments of Kazakhstan and Armenia for 2026-2030.The Kazakh Foreign Minister also informed about the measures being taken to establish regular direct air connections between the two countries.The interlocutors also exchanged views on current issues on the international and regional agenda, noting that Kazakhstan and Armenia have gained positive experience in working together on this track of cooperation and today the positions of the parties coincide on many issues.In conclusion of the meeting, reaffirmed their intention to jointly promote the expansion of interstate cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1197731?lang=kk
Kazakhstan and Armenia Strengthen Political Dialogue and Mutually Beneficial Cooperation 09.04.2026
Yerevan, April 10, 2026 – During an official visit to Yerevan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev was received by President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan.The Foreign Minister conveyed the warmest greetings and best wishes from President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Vahagn Khachaturyan.Minister Kosherbayev noted that Kazakhstan appreciates the personal attention and contribution of the Armenian President to the development of Kazakh-Armenian relations. He expressed gratitude for decision to participate in the Regional Ecological Summit, which will be held on April 22-23, 2026 in Astana.«Armenia is an important and reliable partner of Kazakhstan, with which we have close and comprehensive ties. Today, Kazakh-Armenian relations are developing steadily, with a constructive approach and mutual willingness to take into account each other’s interests. This is facilitated by a trust–based political dialogue at the highest level, as well as actively advancing interparliamentary and intergovernmental cooperation», – the Kazakh Foreign Minister emphasized.In turn, President Khachaturyan noted the relevance of holding the Regional Ecological Summit organized in Astana under the auspices of the United Nations. The Armenian President said that he fully shares Kazakhstan’s position on the need to unite the efforts of the international community in seeking joint responses to environmental challenges.In conclusion of the meeting, the President stressed that Armenia attaches great importance to the further development and consolidation of Armenian-Kazakh relations based on friendship and mutual respect. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1197726?lang=kk
Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan and Armenia Identify New Areas and Ways for Cooperation 09.04.2026
Yerevan, April 8, 2026 – During his official visit to Yerevan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan.The parties thoroughly reviewed the current state and prospects for further strengthening the multifaceted mutually beneficial cooperation. During the negotiations special attention was paid to trade and economic cooperation, as well as to the issues of the transit and transport potential. The important role of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Kazakh-Armenian Business Council was emphasized.«An important task for us is to promote both qualitative and quantitative growth in mutual trade turnover. This can be facilitated by the diversification of trade, the creation of opportunities for the mutual promotion of new types of goods in the markets of our countries», Minister Kosherbayev said.The parties highlighted the existence of a solid basis for strengthening trade relations, which is formed by over 100 enterprises with Kazakh capital registered in Armenia and more than 400 Armenian companies operating in Kazakhstan.Minister Kosherbayev informed his counterpart about the diverse package of preferences provided to investors in Kazakhstan. He expressed confidence that combining the potentials of the two countries would significantly enhance investment cooperation.Cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and digitalization was identified as a promising and mutually beneficial area. In this regard, the successful project to establish a branch of the Armenian educational center “TUMO Astana” in Kazakhstan was noted. The Kazakh Foreign Minister also expressed interest in implementing joint initiatives aimed at developing the innovation ecosystem and promoting domestic technological solutions.Nuclear energy, pharmaceuticals, higher education and healthcare were also considered as new and promising areas of partnership.The Kazakh Foreign Minister drew attention to the initiative of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish an International Water Organization with the UN system aimed at enhancing global cooperation in the sustainable management of water resources.The parties also discussed issues related to regional transport connectivity, emphasizing that transit and logistics interconnectivity creates new opportunities for integrating the markets of Central Asia and the South Caucasus. The dynamics of resolving issues related to the resumption of direct flights between the cities of Kazakhstan and Armenia was welcomed.The interlocutors exchanged views on current issues on the regional and international agenda, paying special attention to strengthening peace and stability in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Constructive cooperation within the framework of international organizations was also noted.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1197637?lang=kk
About the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 09.04.2026
At the initiative of the Republic of Kazakhstan, an important historical decision was made at the international level: the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.A number of projects are being implemented in the region to develop the volunteer movement and support environmental initiatives. One of the main innovations in this direction is the organization of the "Best Environmental Strategies" competition among volunteers. The winner of the competition is awarded a grant of 1 million tenge. The award ceremony will take place at a solemn event summarizing the year's results. Competition participants develop their initiatives in advance and go through stages of selection and project defense.The region currently has about 3 thousand volunteers, of which 2,456 are youth. To support and develop the volunteer movement, 11 projects with a total value of 19,245 thousand tenge are being implemented in the region in 2026. One of them is the "Promotion of Volunteering in the Kostanay Region" project worth 5 million tenge, implemented by the Regional Youth Resource Center.Overall, volunteer activity in the country has shown steady growth in recent years. Annually, more than 60 thousand people are attracted to the National Volunteer Network, and more than 200 people have become laureates of the international "Volunteer of the Year" award.At the regional level, an increase in volunteer activity is also observed. According to the results of 2025, 2,211 events were organized in the region, with the participation of more than 22 thousand volunteers. The total volume of volunteer activity exceeded 4,800 hours. Furthermore, the regional front office is becoming an effective platform providing opportunities for the formation of proactive youth and leaders.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1197131?lang=kk
Kazakhstan and Germany Strengthen Foreign Policy Dialogue 08.04.2026
Astana, April 6, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov held a meeting with Minister of State for Europe of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany Gunther Krichbaum within the framework of his working visit to Astana.During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.Particular attention was given to transport and logistics cooperation, including the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the participation of German companies in infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan.The two sides also exchanged views on current regional and international issues, including the coordination of efforts in multilateral fora.As a result of the meeting, mutual interest in further strengthen of partnership and expansion of cooperation in all key areas was confirmed.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1195839?lang=kk
Meeting with the Representative of the United Nations Department of Global Communications in Kazakhstan held at the Kazakh Foreign Ministry 08.04.2026
Astana, April 7, 2026 – First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Ashikbayev, held a meeting with the Representative of the United Nations Department of Global Communications in Kazakhstan, Vlastimil Samek.During the meeting, the Kazakh diplomat expressed his appreciation to the UN representative for his active work as Head of the United Nations Information Office in Kazakhstan, as well as for fostering effective communication with the Government and the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan in promoting the activities of the UN Country Team in Kazakhstan and maintaining close cooperation with all national and international partners engaged in UN activities.During the meeting, Representative Samek noted that over the years of his work in Kazakhstan, the United Nations Information Office has become a reliable partner of the Government in building communication with the UN, as well as with Kazakhstani media, which actively disseminated information about positive developments associated with the UN’s work in Kazakhstan.Following the meeting, First Deputy Minister Ashikbayev presented Representative Samek with a certificate of honor on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yermek Kosherbayev, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the United Nations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1195864?lang=kk
Kazakhstan and Moldova Expanding Cooperation in the Consular Sphere 08.04.2026
Chisinau, April 7, 2026 – Consultations on Consular issues between Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova were held.Azamat Aubekov, Director of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led the delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Moldovan side was represented by Lilian Moraru, Head of the General Directorate for Consular Affairs of the MFA. Representatives from relevant government agencies of both countries also took part in the consultations.The parties highly appreciated the level of interaction and reaffirmed their readiness to further develop cooperation based on the principles of mutual trust and compliance with international law. The diplomats discussed the issues of migration policy, border management, mutual recognition of documents, digitalization of consular services, as well as providing legal assistance to citizens in accordance with international conventions. Participants noted the importance of such meetings, which contribute to bilateral relations.Following the consultations, the parties confirmed their commitment to an exchange of information to ensure the protection of the rights and interests of citizens of Kazakhstan and Moldova. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1195874?lang=kk
Accidents on heating networks in the region decreased by 6 times 08.04.2026
A meeting of the regional akimat on the issues of the progress and completion of the heating season was held under the chairmanship of the Akim of the Kostanay Region, Kumar Aksakalov.The Head of State has repeatedly instructed to ensure the uninterrupted progress of the heating season. In our region, it is proceeding as planned and is nearing completion. No major accidents have been recorded. This is undoubtedly the result of repair work carried out in advance last summer.Significant funds are allocated annually for the modernization of heat supply facilities and engineering infrastructure. As a result, the number of accidents on heating networks in the region has decreased 6 times — from 830 in the 2022–2023 heating season to 134 in the current one.The President of the country set the task to reduce the wear and tear of heating networks to 42% by the end of 2029. In 2022–2025, we managed to reduce this indicator from 50% to 43%."Another important issue is tariffs. People should pay a fair price for the heat, water, and electricity they consume. This is possible through the installation of modern metering devices with remote data transmission functionality. Such devices allow for accurate accounting of consumption volumes and ensure transparency in calculations. The implementation of automated meters is growing: if in 2023 they were installed in 433 houses, then in 2025 — already in 1,132 houses, an increase of 3 times. Metering devices allow for savings through consumption regulation. Now, with the onset of warm spring weather, residents open their windows, and heat escapes outside. At the same time, they continue to pay for heating in full. This is not right. Our task is to more actively install heat metering units with the participation of our enterprises and local manufacturers. Such devices are already successfully operating in the region," noted the head of the region.In the current heating season, savings in one apartment building amounted to 890 thousand tenge — these are funds that remain with our citizens. The Akim of the region emphasized the need to continue installing metering devices at the same pace and ensure 100% coverage.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1196263?lang=kk
The head of the region gives an Address by Akim of Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov to the residents of the region in connection with the end of the flood period in an interview with a local TV channel 08.04.2026
Dear residents of the region!The flood season in our region has concluded.In this regard, I would like to particularly highlight the coordinated work of all authorized bodies. Thanks to the timely measures taken, populated areas were protected from meltwater. We did not allow a single residential house to be flooded. All necessary measures were taken. No emergency situations were registered. Protective engineering structures were implemented in advance:- In 92 populated areas, 32 protective embankments with a total length of 54 km were built and reinforced;- 38 water culverts were installed;- 78 km of storm sewer were cleaned;- Snow was cleared from more than 1,600 private house yards across the region.Over 3,600 people and more than 500 pieces of equipment were involved in carrying out these works. Hydrological posts operated around the clock on the rivers, maintaining constant monitoring of water levels.Thus, the period associated with the threat of flooding in the Kostanay region passed in a routine manner. All of this is the result of our joint work.I would like to express my gratitude to all citizens who participated in the joint efforts – emergency service personnel, military personnel, volunteers, and youth.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1196315?lang=kk
Development of Kazakh-Bavarian industrial cooperation discussed in Astana 08.04.2026
Alibek Kuantyrov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, met with Eric Beißwenge, State Minister of Bavaria for International Cooperation and European Affairs.During the meeting, the participants discussed the current state of Kazakh-German cooperation and opportunities for expanding bilateral relations.Alibek Kuantyrov emphasized the potential for mutually beneficial partnership in the extraction of critical raw materials and the implementation of industrial projects."We consider Germany a key partner in modernizing our industrial potential. "It's worth noting that approximately 90% of German investment goes into the industrial sector," the Deputy Minister said.He noted that Kazakhstan is consistently strengthening its role in the system of international relations.Kazakhstan is consistently strengthening its role in international relations. Kazakhstan has confirmed its readiness for bilateral cooperation with Germany on the current multilateral agenda, including collaboration within the UN, OSCE, and other international organizations. Through planned high-level meetings and a number of bilateral events this year, the strengthening of political dialogue is expected to have a fruitful impact on the development of partnership relations at several levels.Eric Beißwenge outlined the prospects for cooperation between the two countries in the development of highly processed products and spoke about Germany's positive experience in processing raw materials.Following the talks, the parties confirmed their commitment to further developing their economic partnership both bilaterally and within regional formats in the European Union and Central Asia. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1196134?lang=kk
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan Intend to Further Strengthen Their Allied Partnership and Enrich Cooperation with New Substance 08.04.2026
Baku, April 8, 2026 – As part of an official visit to Baku the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev was received by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.During the meeting, Minister Kosherbayev conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. “The high level of cooperation between our countries has primarily been achieved through a trusting dialogue at the highest level”, Minister noted.In this context, the mutual state visits of the President Tokayev to Baku in March 2024, the state visit of the President Aliyev to Astana in October 2025, as well as the Second Meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council (SIC) have given new momentum to the allied relations between our countries and contributed to elevating them to a qualitatively new level.“Kazakh-Azerbaijani relations demonstrate steady and progressive development and possess significant potential. We reaffirm our strong commitment to further strengthening the allied partnership with brotherly Azerbaijan and enriching our cooperation with new substance”, Kosherbayev stressed.During the talks the parties also discussed current issues on the international agenda. The high level of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan within multilateral frameworks was underscored, along with the importance of continued joint efforts to promote peace and stability.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1196410?lang=kk