Astana, May 5, 2026 – The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev received the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria Beate Meinl-Reisinger and the Federal Minister of the Interior of Austria Gerhard Karner during their official visit to Kazakhstan.The parties confirmed the high level of Kazakh-Austrian relations based on mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation. “Today, we discussed key areas of Kazakh-Austrian cooperation and outlined new horizons for interaction. Austria is an important partner of Kazakhstan in the European Union, and we intend to further deepen our cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally,” the Kazakh Foreign Minister emphasized.During the talks, particular attention was paid to the progress in the implementation of agreements on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports and on readmission, which opens up additional opportunities for further strengthening bilateral cooperation. In addition, the Austrian side within the framework of cooperation with the OSCE will hand over 25 passport readers to Astana International Airport.Special attention was paid to the development of trade, economic and investment ties, including the holding of a business roundtable. In this context, the role of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council, as well as Austrian companies operating in Kazakhstan, was highlighted.The interlocutors noted significant potential for cooperation in such sectors as mining industry, transport and infrastructure, energy, tourism and education. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding transport and logistics cooperation, including the development of the Middle Corridor and participation in the “Global Gateway” initiative, opening up new opportunities for Austrian businesses in Kazakhstan.In the context of economic cooperation, the parties discussed issues of energy collaboration. The role of Kazakhstan as one of the key suppliers of oil to Austria, as well as its contribution to ensuring energy security and stable supplies, was underlined.The parties also exchanged views on current international and regional security issues, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation and resolving contemporary challenges exclusively through peaceful means in accordance with the UN Charter.Following the meeting, the parties expressed confidence that joint efforts would give a new impetus to Kazakh-Austrian partnership and contribute to the further expansion of cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1214449?lang=kk

Systematic work continues in the Kostanay region to ensure social protection for veterans and persons equated to them in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Veterans". As of today, 4 participants of the Great Patriotic War, as well as 3040 veterans and other categories of citizens covered by the relevant legislation, reside in the region.Throughout the year, veterans and home front workers are provided with a range of social, economic, and cultural measures aimed at improving their quality of life and strengthening social support.As part of the celebration of May 9 - Victory Day, by decisions of local representative bodies, participants of the Great Patriotic War were provided with a one-time social assistance payment of 5,000,000 tenge.Additionally, payments are provided for other categories of citizens, including: underage prisoners of concentration camps, ghettos, and other places of forced detention created by the Nazis and their allies during the Second World War; citizens who worked during the siege in the city of Leningrad at enterprises, institutions, and organizations of the city and were awarded the medal "For the Defense of Leningrad" or the badge "Resident of Besieged Leningrad"; persons awarded orders and medals of the former USSR for selfless labor and impeccable military service in the rear during the Great Patriotic War, as well as persons who worked (served) for at least six months from June 22, 1941, to May 9, 1945, and were not awarded orders and medals of the former USSR for selfless labor and impeccable military service in the rear during the Great Patriotic War; widows of soldiers who died in the Great Patriotic War and wives of deceased veterans of the Great Patriotic War, recognized as persons with disabilities.The amounts of payments for these categories are determined by decisions of the maslikhats of cities and districts.In addition to one-time payments, monthly social assistance is provided on a permanent basis to veterans, home front workers, as well as persons equated to veterans, and members of their families.In accordance with the decisions of local representative bodies, these categories of citizens are also provided with social support measures in the field of health improvement.According to the decision of the regional maslikhat, veterans are provided with free vouchers for sanatorium-resort treatment. In 2026, health improvement for 360 people is planned at the expense of the regional budget.Additionally, starting from 2024, an alternative support mechanism has been introduced - reimbursement of costs for sanatorium-resort treatment. The compensation is provided in an amount not exceeding the guaranteed cost of the voucher established on the portal of social services.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1214428?lang=kk

Another environmental event — plogging — took place in the city of Kostanay on the banks of the Tobol River. The running community Run in Joy acted as the organizer. The community leaders are Dmitry Kaptyol and Anna Blyum.Plogging is a modern environmental initiative that combines running and cleaning up the environment. The event took place on the section from the restaurant "Ak Shanyrak" to the Gagarin Dam along the Tobol River. The main goal of the event is to develop environmental culture and promote a healthy lifestyle.Armed with gloves and bags, the participants ran along the route while simultaneously collecting household waste along the shore. In addition, some eco-activists used stand-up paddleboards to clean up trash directly in the river. The Department of Housing and Communal Services of the city of Kostanay provided support by supplying two tractors and the necessary equipment.It is worth noting that the location for the plogging was not chosen by chance. This is one of the popular routes for training and holding sporting events. It is here that the "Self-Transcendence" trail marathon takes place, the start of which is located near the mausoleum of Ybyrai Altynsarin.In just a few hours, the participants collected over 100 bags of trash. More than 40 people took part in the event — students, representatives of the "walruses" community, running clubs, and active city residents.It is worth noting that plogging in Kostanay has been held on a regular basis since 2019, and the number of participants grows every year.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1214082?lang=kk

Astana, May 4, 2026 -  Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev held a meeting with members of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Japan, including Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Arfiya Eri and Chairperson of the International Bureau of the Liberal Democratic Party Taro Kono.During the talks, the parties discussed priority areas for further strengthening Kazakh-Japanese cooperation, including interaction in the trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres.Particular attention was paid to the development of cooperation in transport and logistics, environmental issues, as well as the implementation of joint projects in the fields of rare earth metals, digitalization, and advanced technologies.The parties also exchanged views on current issues on the international and regional agenda, including coordination of efforts on multilateral platforms.Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in maintaining regular dialogue and further expanding cooperation across a broad range of areas of mutual interest.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1214005?lang=kk

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The head of the region, Kumar Aksakalov, congratulated the outstanding scientist, wise mentor, and public figure Kalkaman Khasenovich Zhakyp on his 80th anniversary.Kalkaman Khasenovich dedicated his conscious life to serving the people. His life journey, which began in a simple village, reached significant heights thanks to hard work and perseverance. More than 300 scientific works by the scholar are dedicated to issues of interethnic relations, the state language, history, culture, and the development of society.Currently, serving as the chairman of the regional Council of Aksakals under the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, he sets an example for the younger generation, contributing to strengthening unity and harmony in the country.The respected aksakal has also achieved significant success in the field of sports. He participates in marathons of various levels, covering thousands of kilometers."Dear Kalkaman Khasenovich, I wish you and your spouse, Damesh Saktaganovna, long life, good health, prosperity for your families, and the joy of spending more happy days together," noted the regional akim in his congratulatory speech.The work of Kalkaman Zhakyp has received high recognition from the state and is marked by various awards, including the "Kurmet" order. On this day, the head of the region, expressing sincere gratitude to the jubilarian, also awarded him the special breast badge "Ybyrai Altynsarin." Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1213573?lang=kk

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A ceremonial presentation of the first racing car, designed and assembled by students, took place at the Akhmet Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University. On the eve of Science Day, the car, covered with a white cloth, was presented to the public and became one of the most striking elements of the event.The project was implemented on the basis of the Center for Advanced Mechanical Engineering at the university. Notably, every part of the car was made by the students themselves — from scratch. From the idea and engineering calculations to design, assembly, and testing — all stages were carried out by the young engineers.As the organizers note, this is not just an academic exercise but a full-fledged engineering test. Student racing cars of such a high level are rare in Kazakhstan.A distinctive feature of the project is that the student acts simultaneously as both the driver and the engineer, being responsible for both the driving and the technical aspects.The implementation of the project has become a clear testament to the development of engineering education in the region and the high potential of future specialists.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1213066?lang=kk

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Astana, April 30, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arman Issetov held a meeting with activists of the «Assembly Jastary» Republican Public Association at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.The event, dedicated to the celebration of the Day of Unity of the People of Kazakhstan, focused on the issues related to engaging youth people in foreign policy initiatives and strengthening interethnic harmony.During the meeting, the Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized that a consistent state youth policy is a strategic priority of the Head of State.«The adoption of the new Constitution has become a major milestone in the modern history of the country. This step laid a solid foundation for a Just Kazakhstan, becoming a symbol of profound democratization and a reboot of the political system. This opens up unique historical opportunities and access to real social elevators for young people,» Arman Issetov noted.Young Kazakhstanis shared information about their activities both in the country and abroad, and also presented initiatives aimed at strengthening public harmony.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1212879?lang=kk

Astana, April 30, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev took part in the annual “Friendly Breakfast” meeting attended by heads of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organizations accredited in the country.In his remarks, he outlined Kazakhstan’s key foreign policy priorities and ongoing domestic reforms. It was noted that Kazakhstan remains committed to developing cooperation with all partners and advocates for resolving conflicts exclusively through peaceful means – via dialogue and in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. Kazakhstan also reaffirmed its readiness to provide a platform for peace negotiations in the city of Turkestan.The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Palestine Montaser Abu Zeid, highlighted the importance of such meetings for an open exchange of views on pressing international issues and informal communication.The event brought together more than 60 representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, including the UN, CICA, and the World Bank.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1212883?lang=kk

The Republican Scientific and Practical Conference "The Spiritual and Pedagogical Heritage of Ybyrai Altynsarin and the Formation of the National Education System" was held in the Kostanay region at the Ybyrai Altynsarin Rudny Social and Humanitarian College, dedicated to the 185th anniversary of the outstanding educator, teacher, and public figure Ybyrai Altynsarin.The event was organized by the Education Department of the Kostanay Region Akimat and the Methodological Center with the support of the Department of Technical and Vocational Education. The direct implementation of the conference was ensured by the Ybyrai Altynsarin Rudny Social and Humanitarian College.The conference became a significant platform for discussing current issues in the development of the education system of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as for comprehending the spiritual and pedagogical heritage of Ybyrai Altynsarin in the context of modern challenges and transformations. Particular attention was paid to the continuity of traditional values and the introduction of innovative approaches into the educational process.More than 140 representatives from all regions of the country took part in the conference, including scientists, teachers, university professors, representatives of the technical and vocational education system, doctoral students, as well as public figures and experts in the fields of education and culture.During the plenary and sectional sessions, participants discussed the role of Ybyrai Altynsarin's ideas in shaping the national model of education, issues of spiritual and moral education of youth, the development of pedagogical science, and the introduction of modern educational technologies. A separate emphasis was placed on integrating the best traditions of domestic pedagogy with international experience.Based on the results of the conference, practical recommendations were developed aimed at further improving the education system, enhancing the quality of specialist training, and developing the country's scientific and educational potential.Holding such events contributes to strengthening professional dialogue, exchanging best practices, and forming a unified educational space based on national values and oriented towards innovative development.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1212050?lang=kk

At United Nations Headquarters, on the sidelines of the Review Conference of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan continued its active work to strengthen the international non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament regime.As Chairman of the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (Treaty of Semipalatinsk), the Head of the Kazakh delegation, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Ashikbayev, held consultations with the Secretary General of the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL) Juan Carlos Ojeda Viglione. Following the consultations, the parties agreed on concrete measures and next steps to further strengthen the partnership between the two zones, building on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2024.In the margins of the Review Conference, Kazakhstan, in partnership with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), and the non-governmental think tank Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), organized a special event on strengthening nuclear-weapon-free zones and the 20th anniversary of the Semipalatinsk Treaty. In his opening remarks First Deputy Minister Ashikbayev emphasized the role of nuclear-weapon-free zones as a crucial stabilizing component of the international nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime.Representatives of Central Asian states, as well as diplomats and experts from the ranks of the Review Conference participants, including the heads of delegations of nuclear-weapon States, actively participated in the discussion. Participants particularly emphasized the need to complete the ratification of the Negative security assurances Protocol to the Semipalatinsk Treaty and similar protocols to other zones, as well as the creation of new zones around the world.The head of the Kazakh delegation also held substantive talks with the heads of the US, Chinese, and German delegations, during which the sides compared notes on current issues on the international security agenda and discussed Kazakhstan's approaches under its chairmanship of Main Committee II of the Review Conference. Kazakhstan consistently conveyed to partners its readiness to contribute realistically and practically to reducing the nuclear threat by implementing the initiative of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to resume dialogue between nuclear powers.The NPT Review Conference will continue its work until 22 May 2026. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1211847?lang=kk

Astana, April 29, 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev received Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to Astana Egidiujs Navikas.During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of Kazakh-Lithuanian cooperation, both in a bilateral format and on various international platforms. Particular attention was paid to expanding trade and economic ties, as well as to enhancing cooperation in the fields of transport and logistics.Minister Kosherbayev noted that Lithuania is an important partner for Kazakhstan in the Baltic region and expressed confidence in the further development of mutually beneficial and constructive cooperation with Vilnius.Ambassador Navikas expressed appreciation for the consistent support of his mission and stated his readiness to continue collaboration between the two countries.Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in further deepening political dialogue, expanding practical cooperation, and maintaining regular contacts at various levels.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1211827?lang=kk

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The Kostanay region has reinforced its position as one of Kazakhstan’s emerging hubs of digital transformation through the large-scale “QOSTANAI TECH” festival, which brought together more than 10,000 participants and effectively turned the city into an open technological platform.The event united representatives of business, science, industry, education, and the IT sector, along with students and young innovators. For several days, Kostanay functioned as a live technological ecosystem where innovation was not only presented but actively demonstrated in real interaction with the public.Opening the festival, Akim of Kostanay Region Kumar Aksakalov emphasized that digitalization and artificial intelligence have become the key drivers of regional economic development. Today, the region ranks fourth in Kazakhstan in manufacturing output, with over 70% of its economy generated by this sector. The industrial landscape already includes 145 operational industrial robots, along with the active implementation of digital management systems and AI-based solutions.The agricultural sector has also undergone significant digital transformation: 100% of arable land, 90% of pastures, and 95% of hayfields have been digitized. As a result, losses have decreased by 40%, productivity has increased by 30%, and operational costs have been reduced by 15%.The international program featured TED-style sessions with leading global and national experts. A highlight was an online address by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rae Kwon Chung, who stressed that the future of education must be grounded not only in knowledge and skills but also in values and sustainable development principles.A defining feature of the festival was its integration into urban space. Public areas across the city were transformed into open innovation zones featuring scientific experiments, engineering demonstrations, robotics showcases, and drone technologies. The Youth Palace was reimagined as an immersive “smart city” environment with interactive digital installations.Strong interest was drawn to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and drone football — a rapidly developing tech sport gaining popularity in Kazakhstan. At the same time, student teams developed AI-based digital solutions and presented prototypes addressing real-sector challenges during a dedicated hackathon.The festival also marked the launch of industrial tourism in the region, offering participants guided visits to major manufacturing sites, including Allur, KIA, and Agromash plants, where they observed full production cycles.“QOSTANAI TECH” ultimately positioned Kostanay not only as an industrial region, but as a growing ecosystem where education, technology, and innovation converge to shape a new economic model for Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1211810?lang=kk

The largest family-friendly scientific and innovation festival of the year, «QOSTANAI TECH», is taking place in Kostanay, having already gathered thousands of residents of the region, guests from other parts of Kazakhstan, as well as representatives from business, science, the IT sector, and youth.Since early morning, the "Zhastar Saraiy" venue and the surrounding area have become a hub for everyone interested in technology, science, and the future of the digital economy.The festival was opened by the Akim (Governor) of the Kostanay Region, Kumar Aksakalov, who emphasized that the development of technology and artificial intelligence is becoming one of the key factors for the region's competitiveness.— Today, digitalization, robotization, and the implementation of artificial intelligence are already encompassing industry, agriculture, healthcare, education, and the service sector. Our task is to build a knowledge-based economy and prepare a new generation of specialists, — noted the head of the region.A special event of the business program was the online connection with the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, South Korean diplomat and scientist, Rae Kwon Chung. In his speech, he stressed that technological development must go hand in hand with sustainable development and environmental responsibility.— Economic growth is impossible without caring for the future of the planet and responsibility towards future generations, — noted the Nobel laureate, addressing the festival participants.International participation at this level gave the forum special significance and underscored its status as a platform for global dialogue on technology and the future.As part of the festival, interactive zones, an exhibition of modern technologies, VR and AI areas, robotics laboratories, an esports arena, and science shows for children and adults have already begun operating.Demonstration areas are of particular interest to guests, where one can operate agricultural machinery in virtual reality, see simulations of electric vehicle assembly lines, and participate in engineering workshops.Simultaneously, TED-style talks by international and Kazakh experts are taking place, dedicated to issues of artificial intelligence, industrial transformation, digital infrastructure, and the future of education.The festival continues; ahead, guests can look forward to industrial tours, the hackathon finals, and a large concert program.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1211389?lang=kk