Astana, May 19, 2026 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the 22nd meeting of the bilateral Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) on Ethnic Germans in the Republic of Kazakhstan. As of today, there are 226,000 ethnic Germans in Kazakhstan and around one million German resettlers from Kazakhstan in Germany.Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov and Germany’s Federal Government Commissioner for Matters Related to Ethnic German Resettlers and National Minorities Bernd Fabritius co-chaired the annual session.The agenda of the IGC covered issues of cooperation in education, culture, science, youth policies, the studying of German language, archival work, facilitating business contacts and liberalization of the visa regime, with a focus on implementing the joint projects to support the national identity of Germans in Kazakhstan.The participants noted the important contribution of the Kazakh-German University in Almaty, the Centre for German Language and Culture at the Eurasian National University, the branch of the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences at the Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications, the Kazakh-German Center in Astana, the Kazakh-German Institute of Sustainable Engineering in Aktau, the National Academic German Drama Theatre, «Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung» newspaper and other institutions in strengthening the bilateral interaction.«Kazakhstan considers ethnic Germans an integral part of its society, contributing significantly to strengthening public harmony promoting cultural diversity and expanding international humanitarian ties» Issetov said.He noted that ensuring favourable conditions for coexistence of various ethnic groups in a common socio-cultural space remains one of the key priorities of the Government of Kazakhstan.In turn, Bernd Fabritius confirmed the German Government’s intention to continue supporting ethnic Germans in Kazakhstan by saying - «serving as a «bridge of friendship», Ethnic Germans in Kazakhstan contribute to the development of bilateral cooperation, while the German Government supports efforts to strengthen this area of engagement».The parties agreed on the implementation of further measures to ensure comprehensive support to ethnic Germans in Kazakhstan that were stipulated in the Communique signed at the end of the meeting.The Intergovernmental Commission on Ethnic Germans in the Republic of Kazakhstan was established in accordance with the Agreement on Cooperation in the Support for Citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan of German Nationality between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany signed in Almaty on May 31, 1996.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1223811?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1223816?lang=ru

Astana, May 19, 2026 – Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Gabidulla Ospankulov held a meeting with CEO of the Danish company FLSmidth Toni Laaksonen.During the talks, the parties reviewed prospects for further deepening cooperation with one of the leading international engineering companies in the mining and cement industries.The parties also discussed the implementation of the company’s project to expand its service center in Karaganda, aimed at modernizing and significantly amplifying service infrastructure for mining enterprises in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. The total investment volume amounts to approximately 15 million US dollars.Chairman Ospankulov noted that the project is regarded as an example of long-term industrial partnership focused on equipment supply, production localization, and transfer of modern technologies.Discussing the upcoming opening of the company’s service center, the interlocutors highlighted the wide range of services to be provided, including manufacturing and refurbishment of equipment components, repair and modernization of mining equipment, assembly and maintenance of units and components, as well as engineering and technical support for mining and metallurgical enterprises.Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in continuing the dialogue and further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1223817?lang=ru

First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev held a meeting with Senior Director for International Government Relations of ExxonMobil Yuri Kim.During the meeting, the sides discussed ExxonMobil’s current activities in Kazakhstan, as well as prospects for expanding investment cooperation and implementing joint projects in the energy sector.First Deputy Minister Ashikbayev highlighted ExxonMobil’s important role in the development of Kazakhstan’s energy sector and expressed interest in further strengthening mutually beneficial partnership. Senior Director Kim confirmed the company’s readiness to continue long-term cooperation and expand investments in the Kazakhstan’s economy.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1223943?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1224804?lang=ru

Astana, May 19, 2026 – On the sidelines of the international symposium “The Golden Horde as a Model of Steppe Civilization: History, Archaeology, Culture and Identity”, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev met with Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the World Heritage Centre and UNESCO’s Acting Assistant Director-General for Culture.The Minister informed his interlocutor of the great importance attached by the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the principles and practice of multilateral cooperation within the United Nations system, in which UNESCO has traditionally held a special place as a key instrument of international cooperation in the humanitarian areas.The Foreign Minister underscored the significance of the history of the Golden Horde as a major state that played an important role in the formation of the Kazakh nation, as well as a number of other peoples of Central Asia and Eastern Europe. In this context, he expressed appreciation to UNESCO for its decision to grant patronage to the significant international symposium taking place in Astana on 19-20 May 2026.In his turn, Lazare Eloundou Assomo thanked Kazakhstan for the invitation, noting the high level of organization and substantive quality of the scientific event. According to him, UNESCO highly values its cooperation with Kazakhstan, including in view of its ongoing membership in the World Heritage Committee, and stands ready to continue joint efforts aimed at safeguarding its cultural, natural, documentary and intangible heritage, as well as strengthening the capacities of Kazakh experts in this field.At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to constructive cooperation within the UNESCO’s mandate.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1223258?lang=kk

In accordance with the Action Plan between the foreign ministries of Kazakhstan and Armenia, a visit of the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Amangeldy Sainov, took place in Yerevan.During a meeting with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, David Karapetyan, the parties discussed current issues related to the organizational development of the foreign ministries, exchanged practical experience in the field of human resources management, and reviewed prospects for further expanding cooperation between relevant departments.Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening professional contacts, enhancing interagency cooperation, and continuing regular dialogue on diplomatic service matters.In addition, an opening ceremony of the Honorary Consulate of Kazakhstan in Armenia, with its consular district covering the Armavir Province, was held during the visit, with the participation of representatives of the foreign ministries and the administration of Armavir Province.It was noted that the opening of the Honorary Consulate will contribute to strengthening interregional partnership, as well as expanding humanitarian and business ties between the two countries.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1223202?lang=kk

Gabidulla Ospankulov, Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, held a meeting with representatives of St. Mary's International Hospital and the South Korean companies Waycen and Meninblox.During the meeting, innovative solutions in healthcare digitalization were discussed, using the example of the hospital, which combines a regional emergency medical center, hospice and palliative care, and comprehensive care through automation and robotics of medical services.The parties discussed the prospects and opportunities for implementing leading digital medical practices in Kazakhstan, particularly at medical institutions in the West Kazakhstan region.Gabidulla Ospankulov discussed government support measures, tax incentives, and the advantages of the country's investment climate.The participants also discussed the implementation of an investment project to build a multidisciplinary clinic.Waycen, a South Korean medical artificial intelligence (AI MedTech) company, specializes in developing AI solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of oncological diseases, as well as precision medicine platforms for all stages of cancer treatment.Meninblox develops large language models (LLM) for medicine and AI solutions to improve the efficiency of medical services.The company's key product is the MediKoGPT platform, a specialized medical language model trained on verified medical data. Using this platform, the company develops AI assistants and digital services to optimize communication between doctors, patients, and medical institutions.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1222908?lang=kk

New Delhi, May 15, 2026 – First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev participated in the BRICS Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in New Delhi on May 14–15, 2026.During the meeting, the participants discussed a wide range of pressing international and regional issues, including prospects for reforming the global governance system, strengthening multilateral cooperation, ensuring stable economic growth, enhancing trade and economic ties, as well as cooperation in the fields of digital transformation, energy, and climate change mitigation.In his remarks, First Deputy Minister Ashikbayev emphasized the importance of further strengthening multilateral cooperation, developing international transport and logistics corridors and connectivity, promoting digital transformation and artificial intelligence, as well as expanding industrial cooperation, technological exchange, and energy interaction, including the development of green energy and critical minerals. He also underscored the growing role of BRICS as one of the key mechanisms for shaping a more equitable, inclusive, and balanced architecture of global governance.Reaffirming Kazakhstan’s commitment, as a BRICS partner country, to practical and results-oriented engagement within the association, he highlighted the priority of deepening cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, transport connectivity, and innovation-driven development.Particular attention was paid to sustainable development issues, including ensuring energy and food security, as well as advancing the climate agenda while taking into account the interests of developing countries. In this context, Ashikbayev highlighted the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish a UN-backed International Water Organization aimed at consolidating fragmented international efforts in the water sector.On the sidelines of the event, First Deputy Minister Ashikbayev also held a number of bilateral meetings, including with India’s Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, as well as with the heads of foreign ministries of BRICS member and partner states. The discussions focused on current issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.Following the meeting, the participants reaffirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation within the BRICS framework and advancing joint initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable development and enhancing the stability of the global economy.The Republic of Kazakhstan has been a BRICS partner country since January 1, 2025. In 2026, the Republic of India holds the BRICS Chairmanship under the motto “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.”Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1221464?lang=kk

By order of the regional akim, Yerbol Kuanyshevich Taszhyurekov has been appointed as the deputy akim of the Kostanay region. Previously, he held the position of Vice Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.Born in 1979 in the city of Taraz.Has education in the following specialties:economist;lawyer;Master of State and Local Administration;Master of Public Administration and International Relations.Graduated from:M.Kh. Dulaty Taraz State University;Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University;Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan;National School of Administration of France.Work Experience1998–2001 — currency exchange office manager at LLP "Kaznur";2003–2007 — director of LLP "Profile-Lux";2007–2013 — worked in various positions at the District Court No. 2 of the Almaty District of Astana;2013–2014 — held managerial positions in the Ministry of Regional Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan;2014–2016 — deputy director of a department at the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan;2016–2018 — deputy chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ministry for Investments and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan;2018–2019 — deputy akim of the South Kazakhstan region;2019–2021 — managing director – member of the Board of JSC "National Management Holding "KazAgro";2023–2026 — Vice Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1220954?lang=kk

Astana hosted the latest round of consular consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, bringing together representatives of relevant government agencies from both countries.The Kazakh delegation was headed by Azamat Aubekov, Director of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, while the UAE delegation was led by Rashed Rahmah, Director of the Consular Service Department at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.During the consultations, the two sides reaffirmed the strong level of bilateral cooperation in the consular sphere and expressed their commitment to further strengthening ties grounded in mutual trust, strategic partnership, and respect for international law. The parties also underscored the importance of the existing visa-free regime in facilitating business, tourism, investment, and people-to-people exchanges between Kazakhstan and the UAE.Alongside discussions on migration, consular legalization, mutual recognition of documents, and the protection of citizens’ rights, particular attention was devoted to the digitalization of consular services and the growing role of artificial intelligence and smart technologies in public administration.In this context, the parties exchanged views on enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of public services through modern digital solutions, improving the responsiveness of consular assistance, and expanding bilateral cooperation in the field of digital transformation. Astana and Abu Dhabi also expressed interest in sharing best practices on the development of intelligent government services and next-generation digital platforms.At the conclusion of the consultations, both delegations described the discussions as constructive and substantive, agreeing to maintain regular dialogue and information exchange on consular matters.The parties further confirmed their intention to hold the next round of consular consultations in the United Arab Emirates at mutually agreed dates.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1220496?lang=kk

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A meeting was held in Astana between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov and the His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia David Reed MBE.The discussion focused on prospects for further strengthening Kazakh-British trade, economic and investment partnership, as well as priority items on the agenda of the upcoming meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission.Positive dynamics in bilateral trade and significant potential for its further growth were noted. In this context, it was emphasized that Kazakhstan is the United Kingdom’s largest trading partner in Central Asia: of nearly GBP 5 billion in UK trade with the countries of the region, around GBP 2.7 billion accounts for Kazakhstan.Particular attention was paid to the development of investment cooperation in critical minerals, energy, infrastructure, transport and logistics, financial services, digitalization, artificial intelligence and education. The potential for cooperation in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route was also highlighted, taking into account Kazakhstan’s strategic location and its role in ensuring resilient supply chains between Europe and Asia.The meeting also addressed opportunities to attract British expertise and financial instruments for the implementation of infrastructure, energy and industrial projects in Kazakhstan. In this context, the ratified Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was noted as creating a favorable framework for advancing concrete mutually beneficial projects, expanding institutional engagement and ensuring the practical implementation of agreements across key areas of the bilateral agenda.Humanitarian and educational cooperation was also noted to be gaining momentum, including through the expanding presence of British universities in Kazakhstan. Education, skills development and the advancement of the innovation ecosystem were highlighted as important elements of long-term economic partnership.Following the meeting, readiness was reaffirmed to further deepen the Kazakh-British strategic partnership, expand mutual trade and ensure the practical implementation of the agreements reached.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1220051?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1219692?lang=kk

The republican forum "Taza Kazakhstan - Taza Bulak" was held in the city of Arkalyk. The organizer of the large-scale event was the Y. Altynsarin Arkalyk Pedagogical University. The forum was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, vice-rectors for educational work, heads of relevant departments of the country's universities, as well as representatives of youth organizations.The grand opening of the forum took place at the city Palace of Culture. The event began with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Kazakhstan, after which participants were shown a special video dedicated to the history and modern activities of the university.Welcoming speeches were delivered by Deputy Akim of Arkalyk city Abzal Tashimov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Akerke Abylaykhan, and Rector of the University Talgat Yeshzhanov. In their speeches, they emphasized the importance of the "Taza Kazakhstan" environmental program, implemented on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.During the plenary session, substantive reports were heard on issues of environmental culture, youth education, promotion of spiritual values, and development of social responsibility.Deputy Director of the Department of Social and Civic Development at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Candidate of Legal Sciences Erkebulan Nugumanov noted the special role of such events in educating the younger generation.As part of the forum, participants who contributed to the development of science, education, and public initiatives were awarded letters of appreciation from the city akim and the university rector.Also, the renowned master of applied arts, local historian, and honorary citizen of Arkalyk Shoptibay Baidildauyly blessed the youth and shared instructive thoughts on the unity of the people and the upbringing of the younger generation.After the plenary session, the forum guests visited the university's new academic building and familiarized themselves with the infrastructure and material-technical base of the educational institution.The republican forum "Taza Kazakhstan - Taza Bulak" became an important public platform aimed at shaping environmental culture, increasing the civic responsibility of youth, and promoting national values.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1219545?lang=kk

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Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1218980?lang=kk

On May 8, 2026, another session of the internal speaking club "Speaking Club" was held.Moderator - Kairat Syundikov, the ethics commissioner of the apparatus of the akim (governor) of the Kostanay region.Training topic: "The Culture of Public Speaking".The event was held to improve the culture of public speaking, overcome language barriers, and develop skills for working in front of video cameras and large audiences.  How to overcome fear, hold the audience's attention, make a positive impression, and keep to the timing? What speaking techniques and tools of influence should be used?The trainer, a state language teacher from the regional language learning center "Til Darin," Bazarkul Akhmetzhanova, focused the listeners' attention on these and other questions.Public speaking requires preparation, psychological resilience, and self-control.Public servants should not publicly express their opinions on matters of state policy and official activities if those opinions do not align with the main directions of state policy, disclose official information not permitted for public release, or contain unethical statements regarding state officials, public administration bodies, or other public servants. Public statements on the activities of a state body are made by its head or officials of the state body authorized to do so. Public servants must conduct discussions in a proper manner, without undermining the authority of the public service.A public servant, regardless of position, must be able to formulate their thoughts, express them competently, and convey information to citizens (service recipients), colleagues, and partners.This applies not only to public speaking at receptions, meetings, and gatherings but also to daily work, including telephone communications. All seminar participants had the opportunity to speak before an audience, demonstrate public speaking skills, and their level of proficiency in the state language. Among the speakers were Natalya Sukhacheva - head of the department of the Regional Department of Physical Culture and Sports, and Madi Tolegen - chief specialist of the apparatus of the regional akim, a young public servant.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1218831?lang=kk

Astana, 12 May 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a meeting with the UN Under Secretary-General, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Diene Keita.During the talks, the head of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy ministry noted that President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attaches particular importance to comprehensive cooperation with the United Nations. Kazakhstan remains a steadfast supporter of the UN as a universal platform for addressing global issues and actively participates in the implementation of the “UN80” initiative aimed at a comprehensive reform of multilateral dialogue.In this context, the Minister positively assessed the cooperation between the Government of Kazakhstan and UNFPA in improving maternal and infant health outcomes, developing youth health centres, and conducting comprehensive demographic and population studies.As noted by Minister Kosherbayev, healthcare, youth policy and gender equality should become key areas of regional dialogue with UNFPA.In this regard, the Minister called for the active use of the UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty as a platform for expanding UNFPA’s presence in the region.For her part, Diene Keita stressed that the United Nations commends Kazakhstan’s systemic reforms in promoting gender equality, protecting women’s rights and expanding opportunities for women.She also noted that Kazakhstan has achieved impressive results in healthcare, the development of youth and family policy, as well as in reducing maternal and child mortality rates.During the meeting, the UN Under Secretary-General announced the Organization’s decision to establish the UNFPA Central Asian Hub on Demographic Resilience in Almaty, which will serve as a regional centre for collecting, analysing and researching demographic development trends in Central Asia.At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue their constructive dialogue on pressing issues of the global and regional agenda. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1218504?lang=kk