Astana, 15 April 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev received the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Kazakhstan Ali Akbar Jowkar.The diplomats reviewed the current state and prospects of the bilateral cooperation, reaffirming their mutual interest in further developing the ties in political, trade-economic, investment, and cultural-humanitarian spheres.During the meeting, key issues on the international agenda were also discussed. The importance of de-escalation and ensuring sustainable stability in the Middle East was underscored. The Kazakh side noted its commitment to resolving differences exclusively through political and diplomatic means in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, as well as its readiness to contribute to relevant international efforts, including by offering a platform for negotiations in the city of Turkestan at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1201748?lang=kk

Astana, April 15, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov received copies of letters of credence from the newly appointed Ambassador of the Principality of Monaco to the Republic of Kazakhstan Mireille Martini.During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, investment, and cultural-humanitarian spheres.Deputy Minister Issetov noted that Kazakhstan attaches great importance to the development of relations with Monaco and is interested in expanding mutually beneficial partnership, including in such areas as tourism, finance, and environmental protection.The interlocutors emphasized the importance of strengthening contacts and exploring new promising areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Monaco.At the end of the meeting, the Deputy Minister wished the Ambassador of Monaco every success in her diplomatic mission in Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1201731?lang=kk

As part of the working visit of the Chairman of the Presidium of the NCE "Atameken" Kanat Sharlapayev to the region, prospects for the development of local entrepreneurship were discussed and leading enterprises were visited. Dialogue with business, a meeting with the regional council, a visit to the "One Village - One Product" exhibition - all these events helped to form the main thesis - the Kostanay region confirms its status as one of the key industrial and agricultural regions of Kazakhstan.The region's Akim, Kumar Aksakalov, noted that the development of large-scale production and the creation of the most favorable environment for small and medium-sized businesses are priority areas for the region."Today, the Kostanay region is one of the steadily developing regions of the country. In terms of manufacturing output, the region ranks fourth in the republic. Our region is a center of mechanical engineering: 25% of the country's total production comes from the Kostanay region. The region also holds leading positions in the processing of agricultural products, export, and food production. It is important that each investment project is accompanied by the creation of sustainable jobs and the development of local infrastructure. Interaction with the National Chamber 'Atameken' allows for prompt feedback from entrepreneurs," noted the head of the region.In turn, Kanat Sharlapayev outlined the key priorities of the National Chamber for the current year. According to him, the main focus will be on strengthening the protection of entrepreneurs' rights and unlocking the potential of domestic business.The Chairman of the Chamber also familiarized himself with a number of leading enterprises in the region and major investment projects.During the meeting with business representatives, issues concerning construction, the agricultural sector, support for domestic producers, and the development of social entrepreneurship were raised.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1201335?lang=kk

A meeting dedicated to preparations for the 2026 fire-danger period was held at the regional akimat under the chairmanship of the head of the region, Kumar Aksakalov. The official fire-danger season began on April 6 and will last until October.The staffing of the forest guard has currently been strengthened. If three years ago it consisted of 825 people, today it has increased to 1,242 people, or by 51%. The provision of forestry institutions with equipment has increased from 76% to 90%. Over three years, 51 fire trucks, 86 tractors, 36 small forest fire complexes, and 65 vehicles have been purchased. The number of 24-hour surveillance cameras is increasing annually. The average area of forest fires has decreased from 11.4 to 4.6 hectares, a reduction of 2.5 times."A new fire-danger period is now beginning. Traditionally, the number of forest visitors increases from May. It should be remembered that administrative liability is provided for non-compliance with fire safety rules in forest and steppe areas. Reducing risks and preventing the occurrence of fires is our common task. It is important that each of us always observes fire safety rules: at home, on the street, and in the forest," noted the head of the region.During the meeting, reports on preparations for the fire-danger period were presented by the acting head of the Department of Emergency Situations of the Kostanay Region, Nazarali Selimov; the head of the Department of Natural Resources and Regulation of Natural Resource Use of the regional akimat, Gulzhanat Keribayeva; the akim of the Auliekol district, Zhansultan Taukenov; and the akim of the Kamysty district, Yerlan Zhaulybayev.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1201344?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1201165?lang=kk

Toronto, April 13, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov paid a working visit to Toronto, during which he took part in a roundtable discussion and held a number of meetings with the leadership of the ministry and representatives of the business community.A roundtable on “Kazakhstan–Canada Dialogue: Unlocking Cross-Sectoral Opportunities” was held under the co-chairmanship of Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov and Assistant Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade of the Province of Ontario Suzanne Skinner. The event brought together more than 25 Canadian companies interested in developing business partnerships with Kazakhstan.In his remarks, Deputy Foreign Minister Kuantyrov presented key macroeconomic indicators of Kazakhstan and highlighted the country’s investment opportunities, including its potential as a regional transport and logistics hub. Canadian participants expressed strong interest in the Kazakh market, particularly noting the country’s steady economic growth and technological development.During the visit, Kuantyrov also held a meeting with Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade of the Province of Ontario Victor Fedeli. The parties noted the positive dynamics of bilateral cooperation, including engagement with the Province of Ontario. In turn, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan highly appreciated the outcomes of Ontario’s business mission to Astana in 2025 and invited Minister Fedeli to visit Kazakhstan.In addition, Deputy Foreign Minister Kuantyrov held a number of meetings with Canadian companies.The visit confirmed the mutual interest of the parties in deepening trade and economic cooperation and implementing joint investment projects in priority sectors of the economy.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1200896?lang=kk

Astana, April 14, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev met with the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Kuwait to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Adel Ahmed Sulaiman Alghenaiman.During the meeting, the Ambassador of Kuwait presented copies of his credentials and reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, as well as deepening engagement within the framework of international organizations.Deputy Minister congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and expressed confidence that his mission would contribute to the further development of the traditionally friendly and trust-based relations between Kazakhstan and Kuwait.The parties discussed ways to enhance political dialogue, strengthen trade, economic and investment cooperation, and expand collaboration in the fields of agriculture and digitalization.They also exchanged views on regional and global issues on the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1200864?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1200739?lang=kk

Astana, April 13, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov held a meeting with a delegation of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces of the Senate of the Parliament of the French Republic, headed by Valérie Boyer, a member of the France - Central Asia Friendship Group of the French Senate.During the meeting, the parties reviewed the current state and prospects for the further development of the Kazakh - French strategic partnership.Particular attention was paid to deepening cooperation in the fields of energy, transport and agriculture, as well as to enhancing interaction on climate agenda issues and promoting initiatives aimed at ensuring environmental sustainability.The interlocutors emphasized the importance of expanding interparliamentary dialogue as an effective tool for strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on current regional and international issues.Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the continued progressive development of the Kazakh-French strategic partnership.   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1200082?lang=kk

For the first time in the Kostanay region, an intellectual quiz "IT brAInstorm" was organized, aimed at popularizing information technology and artificial intelligence among schoolchildren.The event became an important part of the systematic work to develop digital skills among youth and increase interest in modern IT professions.Teams from 7 comprehensive schools in the city of Kostanay took part in the quiz. Participants competed in several stages, testing their knowledge in the field of information technology and artificial intelligence, solving logical problems, and also demonstrating skills in quick thinking and teamwork.The "IT brAInstorm" format differed from traditional quizzes in that it allowed participants not only to test their knowledge but also to develop analytical thinking, creativity, and the ability to work effectively in a team. During the quiz, schoolchildren learned about modern technological trends and expanded their understanding of the opportunities in the IT sphere.Before the quiz began, a tour was organized for the participants at the Qostanai Hub. During the tour, the schoolchildren familiarized themselves with the center's infrastructure and received detailed information about educational programs, startup projects, and opportunities for technological development. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1199434?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1199005?lang=kk

In the Nauryzym district of the Kostanay region, the "We Are Volunteers" campaign was held, during which young people contributed to the improvement of the area. Active volunteers of the district gathered together and carried out work to clean the monument dedicated to veterans of the Great Patriotic War, as well as the adjacent territory.During the campaign, participants cleared the area of litter, tidied up the surrounding space, and beautified the memorial site. Such events are aimed at fostering a sense of patriotism and respect for historical heritage among the younger generation.It is worth noting that the volunteer movement in the country is actively developing. Social and environmental initiatives contribute to increasing the civic engagement of youth and involving them in socially significant activities.According to the organizers, the "We Are Volunteers" campaign is not a one-time event. In the future, such initiatives will continue, and the youth of the district will remain actively involved in the life of society.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1198917?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1198823?lang=kk

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

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

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

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

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

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1197456?lang=kk

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