Astana, April 1, 2026 – Bilateral interagency consultations were held under the chairmanship of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleхandr Mischenko.During the meeting, the parties discussed pressing issues of bilateral cooperation in trade, economic, investment, and cultural and humanitarian spheres.Particular emphasis was placed on increasing mutual trade turnover, expanding cooperation in agriculture, improving logistics, and diversifying exports.At the conclusion of the meeting, the sides agreed to continue the dialogue between their foreign ministries in order to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1192136?lang=kk

Astana, April 1, 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Faisal Alkahtani.During the meeting, the two sides discussed the pressing issues of regional and global agenda, including the situation in the Middle East, as well as the current state of bilateral cooperation.Minister Kosherbayev expressed concern over the dangerous military escalation in the region and emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts through diplomatic means in accordance with the principles of international law. In this regard, the Kingdom's important role in de-escalating the conflict and stabilizing the situation was highlighted.The Kazakh Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to the Saudi Ambassador for his assistance in evacuating Kazakh citizens from the Kingdom. It was noted that ensuring the safety and return of compatriots to the homeland is a priority for our country.For his part, the Saudi diplomat confirmed his readiness to closely collaborate with the Kazakh Foreign Ministry to deepen our multifaceted bilateral cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1192128?lang=kk

With the onset of the flood period in the region, efforts to ensure the safety of the population have been intensified. The flood situation in the region is under the special control of the head of the region."To date, the total water volume in two large reservoirs is 939.5 million m3, which is 70% of capacity, against a norm of 1.4 billion m3. A task force of 2,815 personnel, 392 units of equipment, 123 watercraft, and 336 motor pumps has been designated for flood and inundation response," noted the regional Akim, Kumar Aksakalov.On the roads, there are 3 overflows, of which 1 is of republican significance and 2 are of district significance.The overflow on the road to the village of Karynsaldy in the Amangeldy district has been eliminated, and traffic has been restored.There is 1 settlement (the village of Mirnoye in the city of Arkalyk) without transport access.No instances of washouts have been recorded in the region. No flooding of private residential houses has been registered in the region, and there are no flooded houses under monitoring. The constructed barrier made it possible to prevent water from reaching nearby houses.More than 1.3 million cubic meters of snow have been removed from the regions.Cleaning of aryks (3) and drainage canals (51) is underway, reinforcement of protective embankments (2,515 m) is being carried out, snow removal from residential yards (1,578 households) has been organized, and over 8,500 bags of inert materials have been laid.Blasting operations to break up ice on rivers and water bodies in the region have been completed. The volume of work performed amounted to 225 thousand cubic meters.To carry out preventive flood control measures and pre-position forces and means in the regions, consolidated task forces totaling 272 personnel, 32 units of equipment, and 7 watercraft were dispatched from March 16 to 27 of this year to the city of Arkalyk and the Amangeldy, Zhangeldin, Nauryzym, Karasu, and Auliekol districts.As part of flood control measures, evacuation points, feeding stations, and temporary accommodation centers for the population have been established in rural settlements prone to flooding. Currently, round-the-clock duty is organized at flood-prone sections of the region, and constant monitoring of the situation is ensured. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1192124?lang=kk

Kumar Aksakalov, the Akim of the Kostanay Region, paid a working visit to the villages of Karamyrza and Oktyabrskoye in the Karasu district, where he reviewed flood control measures. The district has prepared 20 thousand bags, 450 thousand units of inert materials, and mobilized over 110 personnel and 20 pieces of equipment.As of now, no incidents of residential house flooding have been registered in the village of Karamyrza. In the spring of 2025, work was carried out to embank 56 flood-prone yards in Karamyrza. To date, additional embankment work has been completed for the village. 1000 units of bag containers have been laid.Additionally, clearance of drainage channels into the Tyuntyugur River is being conducted.The first and second stage hydraulic structures on the river ensure the safe passage of floodwaters on the Tyuntyugur River.The first stage was commissioned in 1956, the second – in 1972. Over decades of service, the structures have undergone significant wear.To ensure the safe passage of floodwaters and prevent flooding, repairs to the hydraulic structures were carried out in 2025.The repair work was completed in December 2025. This has not only restored the facilities but also extended their service life and protected adjacent areas from the threat of flooding.Currently, 8 units of heavy machinery and 10 personnel are deployed on duty at the hydraulic structures.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1192123?lang=kk

Under the chairmanship of the Akim (Governor) of the Kostanay Region, Kumar Aksakalov, a regular meeting of the regional headquarters for coordinating the activities of state bodies on drug addiction prevention and countering drug-related crime was held. The meeting was attended by heads of law enforcement and state agencies, as well as, via video conference, the akims (mayors/heads) of cities and districts of the region.Statistics for the first two months of the current year show a decrease in the number of registered drug-related offenses. However, the volume of substances seized from circulation has increased 10-fold (exceeding 220 kg) compared to the same period last year. Over 2.3 thousand bank cards and 703 crypto wallets used in criminal schemes have been blocked. Property worth 371 million tenge has been seized in connection with 38 criminal cases.This trend confirms that preventive measures combined with targeted operational work yield the expected effect, allowing for the neutralization of criminal activity and the disruption of major distribution channels, including those using cryptocurrency for transactions.In the context of implementing the Law "On the Prevention of Offenses," which came into force on March 2, 2026, the head of the region emphasized that the focus should shift from punitive measures to prevention and providing early assistance to at-risk youth.The akims of cities and districts have been instructed to ensure the real involvement of non-governmental organizations, enhance the activities of youth resource centers in blocking drug-related graffiti and internet advertising, and engage opinion leaders and experts to build a conscious immunity to drug use.Only through a comprehensive approach, combining the efforts of the state, society, and citizens, and applying modern, targeted, and more effective methods, will we be able to effectively counter the drug threat and ensure the safety of our citizens.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1192086?lang=kk

Another meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Crime Prevention was held at the akimat (administration) of the Kostanay region. The meeting was chaired by the akim (governor) of the Kostanay region, Kumar Aksakalov, with the participation of the heads of law enforcement and state bodies.During the meeting, issues relevant to the region were considered - crime prevention in the cities of Kostanay and Rudny, as well as the ongoing preventive work with minors.The akims of the cities of Kostanay and Rudny reported on the work being done, problems in their regions, and informed about upcoming plans to improve public safety.On the issue of protecting the rights and interests of children, the Commissioner for Children's Rights of the Kostanay region, N.Z. Basenova, the Deputy Head of the Regional Police Department, K.A. Mendybaev, and the Head of the Education Department, A.E. Ibrayeva, were heard.The Chairman of the commission pointed out the need to strengthen interdepartmental cooperation, increase the targeted nature of preventive measures, and take measures to timely identify persons in the "risk group".Following the meeting, a number of instructions were given to improve the effectiveness of the ongoing preventive work based on the principle of "zero" tolerance.Prevention, detection, and the inevitability of punishment should become a unified set of measures for each offense.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1192080?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1191632?lang=kk

At the akimat of the Kostanay region, as part of legal education aimed at improving the financial and legal literacy of employees, a specialist from the Department of State Revenue was invited. The specialist explained in detail the algorithms for filling out declarations of income and property, the procedure for reporting digital assets, securities, and liabilities to other persons, as well as the methods for submitting documents through the mobile application "E-Salyk Azamat".Mandatory declaration is an important tool for ensuring transparency and strengthening public trust in government bodies, and is one of the elements of the state's anti-corruption policy.In the future, it is planned to continue the practice of holding such meetings in the format of "direct dialogue" to maintain a high level of professional competence among employees.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1191599?lang=kk

Tashkent, March 31, 2026 – As part of an official visit to Tashkent the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev was received by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.During the meeting, President Mirziyoyev noted with satisfaction the positive dynamics in the development of multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of further deepening the allied relations between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.In turn, Minister Kosherbayev conveyed warm greetings and best wishes on behalf of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and informed about the progress in implementing the agreements reached at the highest and high levels.“Today, Kazakh-Uzbek relations serve as a model of reliable and long-term cooperation in the international arena. This is primarily facilitated by regular and trust-based political dialogue at the highest level,” Kosherbayev stated.The sides also discussed current issues on the regional and international agenda.The high level of interaction between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan within multilateral structures was underscored, along with the importance of further developing regional cooperation and joint efforts to strengthen peace and stability in Central Asia.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1191158?lang=kk

Tashkent, March 30, 2026 – As part of an official visit to Tashkent, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov.During the meeting, the foreign ministers reviewed a wide range of issues of multifaceted Kazakh-Uzbek cooperation, as well as discussed prospects for further strengthening political, trade-economic, investment, transit-transport, water-energy, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation.The sides expressed their commitment to deepening strategic partnership and alliance based on friendship, mutual understanding and good neighborliness.“Thanks to the political will of the heads of state in recent years, Kazakh-Uzbek relations have been brought to a qualitatively new level of interaction and demonstrate high dynamics of development at all levels,” Minister Kosherbayev noted during the conversation.In turn, Minister Saidov confirmed that the presidents of the two states have set a long-term course for the progressive expansion of cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats.In this context, the foreign ministers thoroughly discussed measures for the practical implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level during the first and second meetings of the Supreme Interstate Council in 2024-2025, and expressed readiness to further promote the inter-parliamentary and intergovernmental relations.Special attention was paid to further development of trade-economic and investment cooperation.“Significant progress has been made in recent years in deepening economic cooperation. Kazakhstan consistently ranks among Uzbekistan’s top three trading partners. In 2025, the bilateral trade increased by 16.2 percent and approached $5 billion,” Minister Kosherbayev said. In the context of the implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level, the ministers confirmed their intentions to facilitate further deepening of the economic partnership, including increasing bilateral trade to $10 billion.The interlocutors also noted progress in industrial cooperation, which currently includes 78 investment projects worth $1.8 billion.In this context, the implementation of such projects as the construction of the International Center for Industrial Cooperation “Central Asia”, hotels “Tashkent” in Astana and “Astana” in Tashkent, as well as the “Astana” district in “Yangi Tashkent” was also reviewed.During the meeting, the sides highlighted the significant potential for cooperation in the development of transport corridors enabling both countries to access markets of the Middle East, South Asia and Europe. The sides expressed mutual readiness to promote fruitful interaction in this area.In addition, the substantive agenda of cultural and humanitarian cooperation was emphasized as the foundation of strong and long-term relations between the two states.The sides also underscored the importance of implementing projects in the educational field, and in particular, the activities of the branch of the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers in Almaty and the Chirchik branch of South Kazakhstan Research University named after Mukhtar Auezov.The ministers also exchanged views on current regional and international issues, confirmed their interest in strengthening cooperation within multilateral structures and expressed readiness to continue mutual support in promoting the initiatives of both countries.The foreign ministers emphasized the importance of developing regional cooperation and joint efforts to strengthen peace and stability in Central Asia.Following the talks, the Cooperation Program between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2026-2027 was signed.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1191166?lang=kk

Prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and North Macedonia were the key topic on the agenda of the 3rd round of political consultations.Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia Zoran Dimitrovski noted the progressive development of bilateral relations and exchanged views on the regional and international agenda. The diplomats highly appreciated the outcomes of the visits of President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timčo Mucunski to Astana in 2025.The parties discussed priority issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including further expansion of political, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian ties.An important topic of the negotiations were boosting mutual trade and the diversification of its structure in such areas of cooperation as agriculture, energy, transport, tourism, education, and culture. The prospects for expanding legal framework, including the possibility of introducing a visa-free regime for holders of national passports were considered.The leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia congratulated Kazakhstan on the successful adoption of the new Constitution in the referendum held on March 15 and expressed confidence that the reforms would contribute to the country’s further development.Arman Issetov noted: «Kazakhstan attaches great importance to the comprehensive deepening of multifaceted relations with the Republic of North Macedonia. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries, which marked their 30th anniversary last year, positive dynamics of interaction have been maintained in priority areas».In conclusion, the parties expressed their readiness to contribute to the further intensification of bilateral cooperation, with special attention to be paid to practical measures for implementing joint business projects and mutually attracting investments into various sectors of the two countries’ economies.In this regard, the diplomats welcomed organizing this April trade and economic mission of Kazakhstan in Skopje, within the framework of which the establishment of a Business Council between the Сhambers of commerce and industry is planned.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1190543?lang=kk

Over 50 families in the Kostanay district have received new apartments. The keys to the housing were handed over in the under-construction "Astana" microdistrict.This microdistrict is one of the actively developing residential complexes. In recent years, several apartment buildings have been erected here, and engineering and social infrastructure is developing dynamically. The transferred apartments were delivered fully ready for occupancy.Overall, this year, hundreds of thousands of square meters of housing are planned to be commissioned in the regional center and districts. The "Astana" microdistrict is a clear example of this work. The houses here are built in accordance with modern requirements and are focused on creating comfortable living conditions.The apartments were provided in buildings No. 2, No. 6, No. 8, and No. 10. The housing was received by large families, persons with disabilities, and other categories of citizens in need of improved housing conditions.Furthermore, the development of social infrastructure is being carried out in parallel in the microdistrict. In particular, the construction of a new fire station has begun, and work is currently underway to pour the foundation. Completion of the facility is planned by the end of the year. The construction of a sewage pumping station is also actively underway.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1190189?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1190114?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1190047?lang=kk

Regional Head Kumar Aksakalov inspected the new buses of PC "Altair".To date, the regional center has a developed route network comprising 38 routes. Daily, 187 buses operate on the lines, of which 73% are vehicles with a service life of no more than 7 years.Over the past 3 years, 90 new buses have been acquired through leasing, including 28 units last year.This year, the carrier PC "Altair" purchased 12 new Yutong brand buses on a 5-year lease at 7% through the Industrial Development Fund."Updating public transport and developing passenger transportation remain a priority in forming a comfortable and accessible urban environment. In recent years, with state support, systematic modernization has begun: carriers are acquiring modern buses through leasing mechanisms. As a result of the bus fleet renewal, the share of public transport with a service life of less than 7 years has increased by 8% and reached 81%," noted the regional akim.According to the regional head, the task is not merely to increase the number of buses, but to qualitatively change the entire system: ensuring regularity of service, improving comfort levels, covering socially significant facilities and new residential areas with transport.Furthermore, carriers are required to strictly adhere to schedules, ensure discipline, and improve the culture of passenger service.It is worth noting that today residents have access to modern digital services — through mobile applications, they can track bus movements in real-time, plan routes, and save time.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1190084?lang=kk

Astana, March 24, 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev receives the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Kazakhstan Mohammed Al-Ariqi.During the meeting, the parties discussed the current situation in the Middle East and exchanged views on regional security issues. The parties also noted the high level of political dialogue between the two countries, as well as the dynamic development of trade, economic and investment cooperation.Y.Kosherbayev expressed concern over the growing tensions in the region and emphasized Kazakhstan’s consistent position in favor of resolving all disputes exclusively through political and diplomatic means based on the principles of international law.Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and coordinating efforts within international and regional organizations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1187102?lang=kk

Astana, March 25, 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.During the call, the parties discussed the current situation in the Middle East and exchanged views amid ongoing tensions in the region.Y.Kosherbayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s position, previously voiced by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and expressed concern over the ongoing escalation in the region, including strikes targeting the territory of the United Arab Emirates. It was noted that Kazakhstan opposes the involvement of neutral states in military actions and considers violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region unacceptable.The importance of prompt de-escalation and a transition to a political and diplomatic settlement of the crisis based on the principles of international law was emphasized.While discussing bilateral cooperation, Y.Kosherbayev noted that the UAE is one of Kazakhstan’s key partners in the region and that the two countries are linked by traditionally brotherly relations.The Kazakh Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to his Emirati counterpart for assistance in the evacuation of Kazakh citizens who had been in the UAE. It was noted that ensuring the safety and return of compatriots to their homeland was a priority task for the country.The foreign ministers also highlighted the high level of political dialogue and mutual support between the two states in the international arena.For his part, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan thanked the Kazakh side for its support and emphasized the importance of international efforts aimed at ensuring regional stability and security.Following the conversation, the parties confirmed their readiness to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and continue coordination within international and regional organizations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1187183?lang=kk

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Yermukhambet Konuspayev, received the Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Kazakhstan, Mr. Stefan Gorda, on the occasion of the completion of his diplomatic mission.During the meeting, the positive dynamics of bilateral cooperation and mutual interest of the two countries in further deepening and expanding Kazakh-Moldovan relations were reaffirmed.At the conclusion of the meeting, the Deputy Minister expressed his appreciation to the Ambassador for the constructive cooperation and his personal contribution to strengthening friendly relations between Kazakhstan and Moldova, and wished him success in his future professional endeavors.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1187190?lang=kk

Nauryz Meyramy was celebrated widely and on a grand scale in the Kostanay region. This year, the region demonstrated a modern and creative approach to organizing the festivities, combining rich cultural heritage with advanced digital technologies.A distinctive feature of the celebration was the introduction of gamification elements and the use of modern IT solutions. In total, over 50 digital initiatives were implemented in the region, aimed at popularizing national traditions in an interactive format. Residents and guests of the region were able not only to observe the festive events but also to actively participate in them through digital platforms and game mechanics.The scale of the events involved a significant number of participants: over 150 thousand people took part in offline activities, and more than 600 thousand users joined the celebration in the online space.A special festive atmosphere was created by 340 thematic yurts set up in all cities and districts of the region. Visual support was provided by 170 LED screens, which broadcast festive programs, cultural projects, and interactive content.A rich cultural program featured performances by 150 artists. Famous performers and creative groups performed on the region's stages, including the group "Qyran," Kairat Tuntekov, and the ethno-group "1465." Their performances became a vivid example of the harmonious combination of national culture and modern presentation formats.The celebration of Nauryz Meyramy in the Kostanay region became a clear example of how traditions can successfully integrate into the digital environment, preserving their uniqueness and acquiring new forms that are interesting to a wide audience.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1187222?lang=kk

In the Altynsarin district of the Kostanay region, a series of events has been launched as part of the nationwide environmental initiative "Taza Kazakhstan," aimed at improving the sanitary condition of settlements and fostering environmental culture among the population.One of the key events was the "Snow Landing" campaign, which involves cleaning up yard areas and adjacent plots of private houses. Residents from all rural districts of the region, representatives of youth, public organizations, and volunteer movements are participating in the event.The campaign took place simultaneously in all settlements of the district, ensuring broad coverage and involvement of the local community.The main goal of these events is to draw attention to environmental protection issues and instill in citizens a sense of responsibility for maintaining cleanliness and order in their places of residence.Organizers emphasize that only through joint efforts can a sustainable environmental culture be formed and natural resources preserved for future generations.The implementation of the "Taza Kazakhstan" initiative continues to unite residents around the idea of caring for the environment and is an important step toward creating a comfortable and favorable living environment.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1187482?lang=kk