Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/968157?lang=kk

Dear media representatives, On April 11, 2025, Almaty city will host the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the 8th meeting of foreign ministers in the “Central Asia – Russia” format.The CIS Foreign Ministers’ Council will address a wide range of issues aimed at further strengthening cooperation within the Commonwealth. Particular attention will be given to coordinating efforts in the political, trade and economic, cultural, humanitarian, and other areas of collaboration.As part of the upcoming meeting of foreign ministers in the “Central Asia – Russia” format, it is planned to discuss current issues of cooperation among the countries of the region in the areas of trade, economy and investment, transport and logistics, cultural and humanitarian affairs, as well as regional security.A press center for media representatives will be operational on April 11, 2025, at the Rixos Almaty Hotel, located at 506/99 Seifullin Avenue, Almaty.To obtain accreditation, please complete the attached form and send it to mfakzaccreditation@gmail.com until 12:00 PM on April 7, 2025.For any additional questions, please contact the Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan:- Yerlan Utegenov, mobile: +7(777) 041 88 65Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/967782?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/967598?lang=kk

On April 1, 2025, the akim of the region met with the silver medalists of the junior World Short Track Championships Polina Omelchuk and Anastasia Galechina, which took place in Calgary (Canada). The meeting was also attended by the head of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of the Akimat of Kostanay region.Anastasia Galechina won a bronze medal in the 2000-meter relay at the Calgary Championships, and Polina Omelchuk won a bronze at the 2024 Youth Olympics.There has been a lot of good news about winter sports in our region this year. Among them, Gleb Ivchenko became the champion at the IX Asian Winter Games in short track in China, and Nail Bashmakov and Vladislav Kovalev won the bronze medal in cross-country skiing.Akim thanked the coaches of our athletes: Anatoly Galechin, Ilya Korobeynikov and Nikolay Fedorenko, and noted that he was proud of the results of the young short-track athletes."In recent years, I am pleased that our athletes perform at a high level. The Winter Olympics in Milan are ahead. We will always support our athletes who have a chance to compete for licenses and medals," the mayor said.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/967458?lang=kk

Astana, March 28, 2025 – A meeting of the “Human Dimension Dialogue Platform” Consultative and Advisory Body was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan under the chairmanship of Ambassador-at-Large Alua Nadirkulova. The meeting focused on two key agenda items: ensuring gender equality and equal opportunities for men and women, as well as combating violence against women.The event was attended by members of the Mazhilis of Parliament, representatives of the Human Rights Commission under the President, the National Human Rights Center (Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights), relevant government agencies (the Ministry of Culture and Information, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the Ministry of National Economy, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Health, etc.), Kazakhstani non-governmental organizations working in the field of women’s rights, as well as observers from international organizations, including UNDP and UN Women.The meeting opened with a report by Lira Raisova, Deputy Chair of the Youth and Family Affairs Committee of the Ministry of Culture and Information. She emphasized Kazakhstan’s commitment to justice and inclusivity, as well as its active promotion of global initiatives to ensure gender equality. It was noted that Kazakhstan’s international partners recognize its significant contribution to the implementation of the Generation Equality Forum’s Action Coalitions and the Beijing+30 Process.Participants were informed that Kazakhstan has undertaken significant efforts to improve national legislation in the interests of women. It was highlighted that on June 16, 2024, the Law on “Ensuring Women’s Rights and Children’s Safety” came into force, making Kazakhstan the first country in the CIS who introduced advanced measures to combat violence against women and children.During the discussion of the first agenda item, Sayat Kenebayev, Director of the Department for Social Sector Development, Law Enforcement, and Special Agencies at the Ministry of National Economy, presented key measures to expand women’s economic rights and opportunities. These included the gradual increase of women’s representation in the governing bodies of state-owned companies to 30%. Target indicators were set to enhance female representation at decision-making levels – both in executive positions and in boards of directors. It was noted that by the end of 2024, women accounted for 48.1% of small and medium-sized business owners, demonstrating their growing contribution to the economy.Azhary Suleimenova, a representative of the National Human Rights Center, briefed participants on a Special Report prepared by the Ombudsman’s Office on combating domestic violence. She highlighted the issue of insufficient crisis center coverage in remote regions. Strengthening interagency coordination was proposed to enable timely identification of at-risk families and provide targeted assistance. Additionally, the importance of working with offenders was emphasized – expanding and continuing correctional programs for aggressors.During the meeting, Aselgul Alibayeva, a representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, provided details on the implementation of new legislative measures. It was noted that the April 2024 law significantly strengthened mechanisms for protection against domestic violence. The Criminal Code was amended to reinstate liability for battery and intentional infliction of minor harm to individuals in a helpless or financially dependent situation – provisions most frequently applied in cases of domestic violence. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, at the President’s instruction, special police units for the protection of women and children from violence have been reinstated, and a new institution of female investigators for handling sexual crime cases is being introduced.Among the new legislative measures discussed at the meeting, particular interest was drawn to the President’s initiative to introduce a separate article in the Criminal Code establishing liability for the abduction of individuals for the purpose of forced marriage (commonly known as “bride kidnapping”). The proposal to introduce this separate article was supported by the General Prosecutor’s Office, and work is currently underway with relevant government agencies to draft the necessary amendments.Overall, the discussion took place in an open and constructive atmosphere. Representatives of government agencies and NGOs engaged in a candid exchange of views, identified existing problems, and proposed specific recommendations for their systematic resolution.The “Human Dimension Dialogue Platform” Consultative and Advisory Body was established in 2013 at the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The platform serves as an effective tool for promoting dialogue between the government and the civil sector. Various current issues of human rights protection are discussed at the platform with the participation of representatives of international organizations and diplomatic corps (UNDP, OHCHR, OSCE, and others) as observers.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/967420?lang=kk

Today, under the chairmanship of Akim of Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov, a meeting of the akimat was held, at which two priority issues were considered — the development of water supply and transport infrastructure in the region.Water supply: 100% security rateAkim of the region noted that providing the population with high-quality drinking water remains one of the most important priorities. Over the past five years, 90.2 billion tenge has been allocated to the energy and housing and communal services sectors, of which 20.7 billion tenge will be allocated in 2024 alone. As a result, the level of provision of drinking water to the rural population increased to 91.3%.This year, 22.6 billion tenge is provided for water supply, which will allow 65 projects to be implemented and provide another 24.7 thousand people with access to clean water. Special attention is paid to connecting houses to the system — on behalf of the mayor, this is a prerequisite for the implementation of all projects. So, in two years, 55 thousand houses were connected, and as of January 1, 2025, water has already been turned on in 259.4 thousand houses in the region.The head of the region also stressed the need to involve local contractors in the work — their share increased from 26% in 2023 to 60% in 2025, which contributes to job creation and the development of local businesses.Transport infrastructure: focus on southern areas and international routesIn 2024, the budget of the road industry amounted to 106.0 billion tenge, which is 42% more than last year. 1,580 km of roads and 382 streets in 103 settlements will be repaired in the region.Special attention is paid to the southern regions of the region. On behalf of the Head of State, repairs of the Torgai–Yrgyz highway will begin this year, which will provide a direct link between the western regions and the center of the country through our south. This project will be a powerful impetus for the development of Arkalyk and the surrounding areas.Another important area was the restoration of the airport in Arkalyk. Design and estimate documentation is currently being developed. After completion of the work, it is planned to launch regular flights to Kostanay and Astana, which will significantly expand the transport accessibility of the region.In addition, in 2025, the repair of the Zhezkazgan–Petropavlovsk highway section from Arkalyk to the border of Ulytau region (87 km) will be completed. This will shorten the route between north and south by 400 km and increase the traffic flow from 10 to 2,500 vehicles per day.Due to the growing transit importance of the southern regions, the governor of the region instructed to start developing roadside services — the construction of hotels, sanitary facilities, cafes and shopping malls that meet international standards.The region is at the center of transit flowsAccording to Kumar Aksakalov, thanks to an integrated approach and government support, Kostanay region will become a key transit hub in the coming years, connecting the north and south of the country, as well as creating new routes between Kazakhstan, Central Asian countries and the Russian Federation.The results of the Akimat's meeting demonstrate a systematic approach to infrastructure development, improving the quality of life and creating conditions for sustainable economic growth in the region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/967192?lang=kk

As part of the implementation of the President's instructions on the need to increase the share of agricultural processing, Akim of Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov got acquainted with the preparatory work on the site of the new Confectionery Capital complex. The project is being implemented on the basis of the largest food industry enterprise in the region, Bayan Sulu JSC.Bayan Sulu JSC has been holding the position of one of the largest confectionery manufacturers in Kazakhstan for many years, producing over 300 products and employing more than 1,700 people. The company's products are in demand not only within the country, but are also successfully exported to the markets of the CIS and Europe.The new Confectionery Capital project is designed to strengthen the region's position in the food industry and significantly increase the volume of processing of local raw materials. The total investment of the project exceeds 14 billion tenge, and its production facilities will allow producing up to 16.6 thousand tons of high-quality confectionery products annually. Thanks to the implementation of the project, 260 new jobs will be created in the region, which will have a positive impact on employment.As Akim of Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov noted, "The implementation of the Confectionery Capital project is an important step towards fulfilling the instructions of the Head of State to increase the share of agricultural processing. We strive to maximize the potential of local raw materials and provide residents of the region with new jobs. This will not only strengthen the region's economy, but also ensure the deep processing of local products."Currently, preparatory work has been completed – the old structures of the former bakery with an area of 7.6 thousand square meters on a 3.1 hectare site have been dismantled at the construction site. The main construction and installation works will begin in the second quarter of 2025, design and estimate documentation has been prepared, and state expertise has been successfully completed.The financing of the project is provided with the active support of JSC SEC Tobol, which allocated 5 billion tenge for the acquisition of shares of JSC Bayan Sulu, as well as the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, which provided a loan of 6 billion tenge for the purchase of high-tech equipment. Suppliers of the necessary equipment have already been identified, which guarantees a timely start of production.The implementation of the Confectionery Capital complex will help reduce import dependence, expand the region's export opportunities and significantly increase the production of high-value-added products. The new project will not only strengthen the economy of Kostanay region, but also provide residents of the region with stable and well-paying jobs.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/966593?lang=kk

Astana, March 31, 2025 – Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu received the European Union’s Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais, who arrived to Kazakhstan on a working visit.During the meeting, the parties discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral and regional cooperation, including the practical implementation of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the European Union, as well as strengthening economic ties, investment cooperation, and regional security issues.Both sides emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue within the framework of the EU Strategy for Central Asia and implementing joint initiatives in the fields of sustainable development, digitalization, and climate policy. Green transformation and the transport and logistics connectivity of the region with the European Union were discussed thoroughly. In this context, the importance of implementing projects aimed at developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route was highlighted.Minister Nurtleu reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the European Union and noted the significance of the upcoming “Central Asia - European Union” Summit in Samarkand this week.For his part, Special Representative Stiprais praised the dynamics of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU, highlighting the key role of Kazakhstan in fostering interregional cooperation and implementing major infrastructure and economic projects.Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue their constructive dialogue on all pressing bilateral and regional issues.The European Union is the main trade and investment partner of Kazakhstan. The trade turnover between Kazakhstan and European Union reached 49.7 billion US dollars (+16.9%), including exports from Kazakhstan – 38.6 billion dollars, imports to Kazakhstan – 11.1 billion dollars. The gross inflow of direct investment from EU countries for the period from 2005 to 9 month of 2024 amounted 200.7 billion dollars, which is 47.8% of the total gross FDI (419.5 billion dollars). Of these, in 9 months of 2024, FDI from EU countries amounted to 6.4 billion dollars or 50.4%. There are more than 3,000 European companies currently operating in Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/966538?lang=kk

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Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/966324?lang=kk

Astana, March 31, 2025 – Within the framework of the official visit of the President of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar to Kazakhstan, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia Tanja Fajon.The parties discussed current issues and prospects of development of Kazakh-Slovenian cooperation. Special attention was paid to strengthening trade and economic ties and creating favorable conditions for business circles of the two countries.Both ministers emphasized the importance of a business forum to be arranged during President Pirc Musar’s visit, as a key step in expanding bilateral contacts. In this context, transportation and logistics, pharmaceuticals, green energy, water resources and telecommunications were highlighted as priority areas.“Astana highly values ties with Ljubljana as an important partner in Central Europe and the European Union. We can find common ground on many issues, in particular mutually beneficial use of our transit and transportation potential,” said Minister Nurtleu.The foreign ministers also “compared the notes” on topical issues on the regional and international agenda, emphasizing the constructive interaction within the multilateral format. In this context, the proximity of Astana’s and Ljubljana’s positions on the importance of compliance with the UN Charter and principles of international law was noted.Minister Nurtleu also expressed appreciation for Slovenia’s support in the establishment of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, and for its assistance in granting the European Commission’s mandate to begin negotiations on facilitation of the EU visa regime for Kazakhstan’s citizens.In her turn, Minister Fajon reiterated Slovenia’s commitment to expanding multifaceted cooperation with Kazakhstan across all areas of mutual interest.Following the meeting, the sides agreed on further efforts to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/966146?lang=kk

"Kazakhstan needs a strong, technologically advanced industry capable of successfully competing in global and especially regional markets" Kassym-Jomart TOKAYEV,President of the Republic of Kazakhstan As part of the execution of the instructions of the Head of State to improve the efficiency of work in attracting investments to the region's economy, constant work is underway to implement investment projects.The industrial zone, which has been operating in Kostanay since 2014, has become a key driver of the region's development. This site is provided with all the necessary ready-made infrastructure, including the main gas pipeline, water supply, sewerage, communications and electricity supply networks.Currently, 7 projects worth 97.4 billion tenge have been launched in the Industrial Zone of Kostanay with the creation of more than 1.0 thousand jobs, a significant part of the projects have been implemented in the field of agricultural machinery. 9 more projects worth 348.5 billion tenge with the creation of 3.9 thousand jobs are at different stages of implementation.At the same time, it is necessary to note the launch and implementation of new key projects in the Industrial Zone.So, in 2024, in the field of metallurgical production, KamLitKZ LLP launched a cast iron casting plant, whose activities are aimed at casting products and components made of gray cast iron, these are blocks and cylinder heads. The production meets all modern requirements, has a high level of automation and energy efficiency.The project cost is 78.2 billion tenge, with a production capacity of 45 thousand tons of castings per year and the creation of 500 jobs.In addition, KamLitKZ LLP, as part of the continued development of the enterprise's cluster, plans to launch 2 projects in the field of metallurgy this year: the production of main gears for driving axles and in-depth localization of the production of drive axle beams for trucks, with a production capacity of 74 thousand gearboxes and 90 thousand beams for trucks per year, the total volume of investments of 160.5 billion tenge with the creation of 650 jobs.In addition, in the mechanical engineering industry, in 2024, the production of cabins for Belarus tractors (MTZ Kazakhstan LLP), as well as the manufacture of bodies for vehicles (ambulances, paddy wagons, rapid response services - TEHNOPARK KZ LLP) began. By the end of the year, 250 cabs and 600 body units were produced. Serial production of springs for rolling stock has also been started since last year.As a result of these projects, in addition to increasing production volumes, the range of products is expanding due to the emergence of a new product range.Local authorities apply an individual approach to each investor in terms of communication.Thus, in 2023, the implementation of one of the key projects in the automotive sector was launched in the Industrial Zone – the construction of a new KIA full-cycle car manufacturing plant, which will have a tangible positive effect on the economic development of the region and will contribute to an increase in export potential.The volume of investments in the project is 90.0 billion tenge, with a production capacity of 70 thousand cars per year and the creation of 1,500 jobs. The plant is scheduled to be launched in the second half of 2025.With the advent of such a large global concern represented by KIA Corporation, in addition to the production of cars, a revolutionary change is expected in the system of personnel training in the field of mechanical engineering, where a new generation of domestic engineers will be raised, and everyone knows that the human capital factor is a key component in the formation of a competitive economy.Thus, the presence of Industrial Zones in the region allows investors to get convenient working conditions, including infrastructure, transport accessibility and other preferences. And the region is becoming attractive for attracting investors to key sectors of the real sector, which will eventually generate a multiplier effect in the form of budget revenues and the creation of new jobs, which will generally ensure economic growth for many years to come.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/966122?lang=kk

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I congratulate you on the bright Easter holiday!Easter is a symbol of spiritual purification, kindness and hope. She reminds us of the value of charity, respect for one's neighbor, and the power of faith that unites people for the sake of goodness.This year it is especially symbolic that Orthodox, Catholics and Protestants celebrate Easter on the same day. This underlines the importance of unity and mutual understanding between representatives of different faiths and peoples.Kostanay region has always been an example of harmony and solidarity. We work together for the benefit of our native land, strengthen the traditions of friendship and respect, and pass them on to future generations.May peace, love and prosperity reign in your homes. I wish you all good health, joy and confidence in the future!Sincerely,Akim of Kostanay regionKumar AksakalovSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/979666?lang=kk

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More than 400 eighth graders from all over Kostanay region gathered in Kostanay for the regional stage of the IQanat Republican Olympiad. This round will be crucial: according to its results, 1,000 of the best students from all over the country will qualify for the finals.The special feature of the Olympiad is its social orientation: 70% of the participants are children from vulnerable families. Finalists get a chance to study for free: some at the prestigious IQanat boarding school in Borovoye, the rest as part of a three—year support program. This is not only preparation for the UNT and international exams, but also the study of English, IT, soft skills and entrepreneurship.— Up to 90% of students who have completed the foundation's programs apply for grants at leading universities in Kazakhstan and abroad. Today, our graduates study in 15 countries around the world," said Gulnara Bersagurova, Regional Coordinator of the IQanat Foundation.The Olympiad includes tests of logic, critical and spatial thinking, mathematical literacy and English. Students also choose one of six subjects: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geography or the history of Kazakhstan.This year's innovation is the peer—to-peer project: eighth graders are helped by high school students from the IQanat system, who have become mentors and tutors for them.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/964205?lang=kk

Young athletes from Kostanay worthily represented the region at the VII International Boxing Tournament in memory of the Honored Master of Sports of Russia Sofia Ochigava, which was held in Moscow. More than 300 boxers from different countries between the ages of 13 and 40 took part in the competition.Ramina Makhanova became the champion in the weight category up to 54 kg. The athlete was trained by coaches Ruslan and Temirlan Chemurzieva.The bronze medals were won:• Anelya Nauruzbayeva (46 kg weight category, coach – Nurkhan Zhalgasbekov);• Madina Nurmanova (66 kg, coach – Temirlan Chemurziev).All the athletes are pupils of the children's and youth sports school in Kostanay.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/964200?lang=kk

The emergency medical care system of Kostanay region is expanding its capabilities. The region's air ambulance service now has a modern Eurocopter H–145 D-3 Airbus helicopter at its disposal. Thanks to this, residents of remote areas will be able to quickly receive the necessary medical care, and patients in serious condition will be transported faster to medical institutions in the regional center.In addition to the new helicopter, the air ambulance continues to use the AN-2 aircraft and two vehicles for ground transportation of patients.The air ambulance department operates on the basis of the regional ambulance station. The duty is carried out daily – a doctor and a paramedic are part of the team. If necessary, highly specialized specialists, including pediatricians, are involved.In 2024, the air ambulance has already completed 74 departures and 353 departures by land transport. Since the beginning of 2025, the brigades have made 92 trips and 8 sorties.The renewal of the air ambulance fleet is a significant step to improve the medical infrastructure of the region and increase the availability of emergency care for all residents of the region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/964196?lang=kk