ALMATY, June 11, 2018 – Within Kazakhstan's chairmanshipin the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Almaty hostedthe regular meeting of the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers.The event was attended by delegations of all CSTO Member States: Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Andrei Dapkiunas, Kazakh Minister of Foreign Affairs Kairat Abdrakhmanov, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Aibek Omokeev, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin, as well as CSTO Secretary General Yuri Khachaturov.The participants exchanged views on the international agenda and the further development of foreign policy cooperation within the Organization.As it was stated following the Councilmeeting, the participantsexchanged viewson the current state and prospects for the development of the situation in Afghanistan. The meeting confirmed the general position that the crisis in Syria could be resolved only through political and diplomatic means. In this regard, the role of the Astana Process in stabilizing the situation in Syria was particularly emphasized.The sides expressed their hope that the upcoming talks between the leaders of the United States and the DPRK would be an important step in resolving issues related to the DPRK nuclear program, global disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.Furthermore, the agenda included the development and strengthening of cooperation between the CSTO and international agencies. It is symbolic that Kazakhstan's chairmanship in the CSTO coincided with its membership in the UN Security Council. Thus, Kazakhstan is working closely to align the agendas of the two organizations.In his statement, Minister Abdrakhmanov noted that Kazakhstan's chairmanship focused on the implementation of the priorities put forward by President Nursultan Nazarbayev at the anniversarySummit in Minsk last November.They include such relevant issues as the development and strengthening of military and military-technical cooperation, the Organization's involvement in creating an international counter-terrorism system, the development of joint approaches to counter cybersecurity threats, and specific measures to combat illicit drug trafficking.Kazakhstan considers necessary to further enhance the cooperation of the CSTO with the CIS, CARICC, CICA, other international organizations and agencies. It is notable that most of the CSTO ministerial meeting participants arrived in Almaty from Qingdao that hosted the SCO Summit.Another important area of cooperation with CSTO partners is the further implementation of the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan to develop a code of conduct to achieve a terrorism-free world, which is being actively promoted in the UN Security Council. The main objectives of this document are to create a broad international coalition of partner countries to counter terrorism and achieve a terrorism-free world by 2045.The Council of Foreign Ministers paid special attention to the Organization'sfurther institutional strengthening. In particular, the draft Protocol onAmendments to the Agreement on the Legal Status of the CSTO was agreed upon.During the meeting, the parties adopted a joint statement on the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. “Kazakhstan, as a party to this historic treaty, confirms its full commitment to this document and calls on all parties to preserve it and strictly observe it,”Minister Abdrakhmanov said.Overall, the CSTO ministerial meetingagreed on a number of practical documents, the most important of which will be submitted for consideration by the heads of state at the CSTO Summit in Astana this autumn, which will also be chaired by Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25850?lang=kk

ASTANA, June 18, 2018 – Ensuring the constitutional rights of citizens is the cornerstone of large-scale reforms on modernizing the public administration system initiated by President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev. This was stated by Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov at a meeting with the Italian delegation visiting Kazakhstan. Member of the Senate of the Italian Parliament Roberto Rampi and President of the Italian Federation for Human Rights Antonio Stango attended the meeting.According to the foreign minister, strategic relations between Kazakhstan and Italy, complementary economic potential, shared positions on regional and global security, dialogue between civilizations and religions, and combating international terrorism open new opportunities for deepening bilateral cooperation.During the meeting, the Italian side learned more about the institutional reforms aimed at ensuring the rule of law and respect for human rights in Kazakhstan.Minister Abdrakhmanov said active collaboration with national and international human rights organizations demonstrated Kazakhstan's commitment to values and principles of human rights protection.MP Rampi assessed the work of human rights mechanisms in Kazakhstan and their impact on the promotion of sustainable development issues in our country. “We are not here to teach, but to jointly promote human rights protection throughout the world,” the senator said.The sides also discussed the ratification of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the European Union. The Italian MP expressed his willingness to assist in expediting the ratification of this document laying the foundation for a qualitatively new agenda in relations with the European Union.The program of the visit of the Italian delegation to Kazakhstan also included meetings with Senate member Byrganym Aitimova, representatives of the Prosecutor General's Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25824?lang=kk

ASTANA, June 21, 2018 - President Nursultan Nazarbayev's decision to declare Shymkent a city of national significance is of historical international value. It will facilitate the practical implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in our country, including through viable urban management, providing housing to people and improving urban environmental planning of one of the largest Kazakh cities.The creation of the Turkestan region with Turkestan as the administrative center also plays a critical role in enhancing all-round regional cooperation in Central Asia, since the region is situated in the middle of this vast region. It is a meeting point of major railway lines and the Western Europe-Western China international highway corridor.Cities in southern Kazakhstan are well-known destinations of inbound tourism that house the ancient architectural monuments and sacral sites of the Muslim and Turkic world. Ancient Turkestan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will now have more opportunities to enhance its tourism infrastructure. Turkestan's important role in history and in modern times will undoubtedly be discussed during the international Cities Mayors Forum Global Silk Road to be held in Astana on July 2-3, 2018.According to international experts, President Nazarbayev has been consistently implementing his visionary policy of creating new growth points for the Kazakh economy, which will be beneficial for the neighbors in the region and will create the environment for the successful implementation of the five social initiatives of Elbasy.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including diplomatic missions of Kazakhstan around the world, will continue to provide comprehensive assistance to the akimats of the regions and cities of Kazakhstan in strengthening international relations, attracting technologies and investment, promoting trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation of the regions.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25779?lang=kk

On June 28, 2018, a telephone conversation took place between Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov and the U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo.Both foreign ministers noted with satisfaction consistent implementation of the arrangements achieved during the official visit of H.E. Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the U.S. in January 2018. Michael Pompeo stressed the importance of the visit of the Kazakh leader and noted that the U.S. President Donald Trump appreciates the agreements reached in Washington and the development of bilateral partnership with Kazakhstan.The parties discussed in detail the wide range of issues related to the development of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States, in particular, the prospects for strengthening cooperation in the trade, economic and investment, energy, agriculture and other areas. The schedule of bilateral contacts at various levels, including within the framework of international forums, was considered.Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister and the U.S. Secretary of State held a detailed exchange of views on topical issues on the regional and international agenda.It was stressed that Kazakhstan's experience in getting rid of the fourth largest nuclear arsenal is an example, including for the settlement of the situation related to the North Korean nuclear program and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.Both parties stressed the importance of fruitful cooperation in the regional format, as well as the cooperation of Kazakhstan and Central Asia with the United States and other partners to help stabilize and ensure the sustainable development of Afghanistan. The Kazakh diplomat drew attention to the successful implementation of the educational program for the Afghan students atKazakhstan's universities, as well as the Regional Conference “Empowering Women in Afghanistan", which take placein Astana.The Kazakh Foreign Ministerreconfirmed his invitation to Michael Pompeo to visit Kazakhstan at the State Secretary'sconvenience.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25718?lang=kk

MONACO, June 28, 2018 - Ambassador of Kazakhstan to France with concurrent accreditation to Portugal and Monaco Zhan Galiyev presented credentials to Prince Albert II.During the conversation, the parties discussed the high quality political dialogue at the bilateral level and within the framework of international organizations, as well as the prospects for expanding trade and economic ties, boosting cooperation in the field of investment, finance, green technologies, tourism and sports.The Ambassador informed the Prince of Monaco of massive social and economic and political reforms under the Kazakhstan's modernization programs and the Head of State's addresses. The diplomat also briefed about the establishment of the AIFC, the International Center for Green Technologies and Investment Projects, International Center for IT Start-ups. In this regard, specific interest was expressed to facilitating green technologies partnership with the Foundation of Prince Albert II whose main tasks are tackling global warming, use of renewable energy sources and financing green projects.In his turn, the Prince, who visited Astana in 2012 with an official visit and in 2017 within the framework of the National Day of Monaco at the International Specialized Exhibition EXPO 2017, highly appraised the achievements of Kazakhstan under the leadership of President Nursultan Nazarbayev and congratulated on the forthcoming 20th anniversary of Astana. He also wished the country success in implementing state programs and stressed that the Principality is interested in improving bilateral relationship with Kazakhstan in top priority areas for both countries.At the same day, June 28, the Kazakh Ambassador met with Minister of State of the Principality Serge Telle to discuss issues of the forthcoming visit of the Head of Government of Monaco to Astana on July 4-6 this year.In addition, the Ambassador held meeting with Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Monaco Justin Heiman. The sides discussed a possibility of holding a bilateral investment forum in the Principality, as well as the presentation of the AIFC for the financial and business community of Monaco.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25702?lang=kk

Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Canada Akylbek Kamaldinov presented credentials to Governor General of Canada Julie Payette. The ceremony took place in the Governor General's official residence in one of the oldest military buildings in North America - the Citadelle of Quebec.Speaking at the solemn ceremony, Madam Payette underlined the rapid growth of bilateral relations between the two states, stating that Canada endorses the reforms carried out by Kazakhstan, including within the “100 Concrete Steps" program launched by President Nursultan Nazarbayev. In addition, she pointed out that she had repeatedly visited Baikonur in the past as a professional astronaut.In the course of the bilateral meeting, the Governor General of Canada accepted a greeting message from President Nursultan Nazarbayev on the occasion of upcoming Canada Day – 1 July, who invited her to visit Kazakhstan at a date convenient for the parties.Ambassador Kamaldinov provided a detailed picture of key areas of cooperation between Astana and Ottawa in political, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian fields. Kazakhstan's commitment to collaborate with Canada within the implementation of the third economic modernization of the Republic of Kazakhstan was particularly emphasized.Julie Payette gratefully accepted the congratulation of the Head of State and expressed hope to continue close political dialogue. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to explore new promising areas of cooperation and enhance bilateral contacts at all levels.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25650?lang=kk

ASTANA, July 2, 2018 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a solemn meeting on the occasion of the Day of Diplomatic Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which was attended by representatives of the Presidential Administration, Parliament, ministries and agencies, veterans of diplomatic service.Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov congratulated all members of the Ministry on the professional day and noted that since gaining its sovereignty and independence, Kazakhstan had been pursuing a consistent and effective foreign policy, whose main "architect" President and Leader of the Nation Nursultan Nazarbayev was at the origins of modern national diplomacy.“We have managed to defend our national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, to obtain firm security guarantees and to form a “good neighborhood belt". All this became possible thanks to the wise policy of Elbasy – First President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Kazakhstan, in 26 years of its independence, has built friendly and constructive relations with all states and organizations interested in developing cooperation with our country", said Mr. Abdrakhmanov.At the same time, it was stressed that Kazakhstan is a full-fledged participant of various international venues, platforms, informal forums and fundamental multilateral global and regional agreements.The main mission of the Foreign Ministry is to ensure diplomatic instruments to protect the sovereignty, security, territorial integrity of Kazakhstan, its political, trade, economic and other interests in relations with other states and in the international arena.As part of the implementation of strategic and policy documents, as well as President's addresses, the Foreign Ministry sets systemic tasks: increasing the competitiveness of Kazakh diplomats, ensuring the transparency of HR policy, digitizing diplomacy, taking pragmatic and rational decisions, attracting world experience and committing to the best traditions, as well as ensuring openness of the Foreign Ministry to the public.During the official meeting, ministry officials, veterans of the Kazakh diplomatic service were awarded ministerial awards and commemorative medals 20 Years to Astana.The minister announced the conferment by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the order of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of diplomatic ranks to senior executives and the staff of the central administration and diplomatic missions. During the official ceremony, young diplomats of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, civil servants took a formal oath to selflessly serve their homeland and people, faithfully execute the laws, the Constitution and protect the interests of the country.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25466?lang=kk

БРЮССЕЛЬ, 2018 жылғы 3 шілде - Қазақстанның Бельгия Корольдігіндегі Елшісі Айгүл Құспан Бельгия Королі Филиппке сенім грамоталарын табыс етті.Салтанатты рәсімнен кейін екі ел арасындағы саяси диалогты жаңа деңгейге көтеру, сауда-экономикалық және мәдени байланыстарды жандандыру мәселелері талқыланды.Король Қазақстан «ұлы тарихы бар, кең әлеуетке ие үлкен ел екендігін» атап өтіп, Қазақстандағы бастамаларға қызығушылық танытты.Елші Бельгия Короліне Президент Нұрсұлтан Назарбаевтың бастамасымен жүзеге асырылып жатқан әлеуметтік-экономикалық және саяси реформалар туралы мәлімдеді және осы реформалардың 2050 жылға дейін Қазақстанның алдыңғы қатарлы дамыған 30 мемлекеттің қатарына кіруін қамтамасыз етуді көздейтінін жеткізді. Бұл реформалар Бельгия және Қазақстан үшін тең маңыздылыққа ие ұлттың тұтастылығын сақтау, этносаралық диалогты дамытудағы Елбасымыздың сәтті саясатына да негізделетіні ерекше аталып өтілді. Сонымен қатар, 6 шілдеде елордамыз Астананың 20 жылдығы тойланатынына назар аударып, осындай қысқа мерзімде Астана халықаралық форумдардың алаңына, сондай-ақ бизнес, қаржы және жаңа технологиялардың хабына айналғандығын атап өтті.Саяси диалогты және сауда-экономикалық ынтымақтастықты нығайтуда нақты ұсыныстар айтылды. Қазақстандық дипломат Бельгияның 2019-2020 жылдарға БҰҰ Қауіпсіздік Кеңесінің тұрақты емес мүшелігіне сайлануымен құттықтап, екі еліміздің БҰҰ шеңберінде және халықаралық аренадағы ұстанымдарының жақындығын атап өтті. Сауда-экономикалық салада аймақтық және федералды іскерлік топтардың Қазақстанға экономикалық миссиялары, сондай-ақ бельгиялық компаниялардың еліміздегі жұмысы құпталды.Бельгия Королі Филипп Президент Н. Назарбаевқа ілтипатын білдіріп, Қазақстанның Елбасы басшылығымен зор жетістіктерге қол жеткізгенін айтты. Еліміздің халықаралық бейбітшілік пен қауіпсіздікті нығайту жолындағы бастамаларына жоғары баға берді. Сонымен қатар, ол өзінің 2002 және 2009 жылдары Байқоңырға сапарларын, 2010 жылы үлкен бизнес-делегацияны басқарып Қазақстанға жасаған сапарын және 2014 жылы Брюссельде Президент Н. Назарбаевпен өткізілген кездесулерді ілтипатпен еске алды. Сұхбат соңында Король Елшіге екі ел арасындағы ынтымақтастықты арттыру жолындағы жұмысына сәттілік тіледі.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25421?lang=kk

On July 4, 2018, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a joint briefing by Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov and Health Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Elzhan Birtanov for the diplomatic corps accredited in Kazakhstan regarding the Global International Conference on Primary Health Care to be held on October 25-26, 2018 in Astana and dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the WHO Alma-Ata Declaration.The upcoming anniversary Conference is of historic importance for our country, since 40 years ago the WHO International Conference on Primary Health Care was carried out in Almaty in September 1978, attended by representatives from 157 states. The Conference resulted in the historic Alma-Ata Declaration, which has had a significant positive contribution to global health and which is one of the most famous international documents in the present time.It is planned that as a result of the Global Conference the WHO Member States adopt an outcome document in the form of a political declaration that will once again confirm the dedication of the countries to fulfill the Alma-Ata Declaration obligations through modern achievements and technologies which facilitate high quality contemporary medical care.Subsequently, this Declaration will be discussed at the World Health Assembly and the UN General Assembly meetings.The forthcoming big event of international significance is intended to confirm the commitment of Kazakhstan and other WHO members to implement in practice the UN Sustainable Development Goals approved in 2015.The briefing was also attended by Permanent Representative of the World Health Organization in Kazakhstan Oleg Chestnov and Representative of the United Nations Children's Fund in Kazakhstan Yury Oksamitny.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25420?lang=kk

On July 5, 2018, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev met with Assistant Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Donald Bobiash in Astana.While discussing Kazakhstan-Canadian cooperation they welcomed the successful organization of the 3rd Kazakhstan-Canadian Business Council meeting in Ottawa on June 11, 2018. Deputy Minister Ashikbayev noted Kazakhstan's interest to strengthen and diversify trade and economic relations with Canada and its commitment to broadening business contacts between the two countries.Assistant Deputy Minister Bobiash emphasized opportunities to enhance cooperation between Kazakhstan and Canada in the sphere of agriculture, a traditionally successful area of bilateral engagement, considering science and research potential and significant exporting opportunities in this area.Deputy Minister Ashikbayev and Assistant Deputy Minister Bobiash also exchanged views on the international agenda, including the issue of stabilization and sustainable growth of Afghanistan. Deputy Minister Ashikbayev informed about Astana's measures and efforts aimed at facilitating the development of Afghanistan bilaterally and also multilaterally within the framework of Kazakhstan's non-permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council. Assistant Deputy Minister Bobiash expressed an interest in strengthening Kazakhstan-Canadian dialogue on Afghanistan. They also discussed opportunities to reinforce comprehensive efforts of the global community to ensure economic growth and social development in Afghanistan.At the end of the meeting Deputy Minister Ashikbayev and Assistant Deputy Minister Bobiash agreed to promote further the dialogue between Kazakhstan and Canadian Foreign Ministries.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25419?lang=kk

ASTANA, July 5, 2018 - As part of the presentation of the Astana International Financial Centre, Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov met with UK Minister for Investment and Member of Parliament Graham Stuart.The UK Minister congratulated Kazakhstan on the opening of the AIFC and the 20th anniversary of Astana, and expressed readiness of London to provide further comprehensive assistance in the development of investment cooperation.In turn, Mr. Abdrakhmanov thanked the UK for its significant contribution to the development and strengthening of the AIFC and expressed hope for the active participation of UK companies, banks and financial institutions in the activities of the Centre.Speaking at the official presentation of the AIFC, President Nursultan Nazarbayev emphasized the role of the United Kingdom in the establishment of the new financial centre in Astana, including the principles of English law and the AIFC Court, which is composed of credible UK judges led by former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales Woolf.During the talks, the two sides noted the strategic nature of their bilateral cooperation in all domains, especially, in the area of trade and investment.They also noted big prospects for deepening cooperation in the field of digitalization, infrastructure projects, mining industry and agriculture. The sides expressed mutual interest in practical implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative in order to develop transport and transit potential of Kazakhstan connecting China and Asia with the European market, including the United Kingdom.The Ministers also agreed to continue to maintain good dynamics in the development of contacts within existing and prospective mechanisms of bilateral political and economic cooperation. In this regard, they discussed the schedule of forthcoming bilateral intergovernmental meetings and investment forums.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25418?lang=kk

ASTANA, July 6, 2018 – Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Uzbekistan, Abdulaziz Kamilov, and Kyrgyzstan, Erlan Abdyldaev took a strollaround Astana and visited new architectural sites of the city. The guests walked along the left bank of the capital city, visited the Expo site, where the Astana International Financial Center is located.Furthermore, the guests walked along the embankment of the Yessil River and a new pedestrian bridge, a gift of Atyrau region to mark Astana's anniversary. The foreign ministers of the neighboring Central Asian republics arrived as part of the official delegations of their countries headed by the presidents to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Astana. As is known, the foreign ministers of the Central Asian countries plan to hold their regular traditional meeting at the end of July in the Kyrgyz town of Cholpon-Ata.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25411?lang=kk

ASTANA, July 9, 2018 - On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of signing the Declaration on Eternal Friendship and Alliance in the 21st century between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation, the foreign ministers of the two countries exchanged congratulatory messages and expressed confidence in continued multifaceted Kazakh-Russian collaboration aimed at promoting the friendship between the two nations.Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov pointed out that the signing of this vital document provided a background for strengthening the exemplary cooperation and all-round relationship between our countries, indicating, for the first time, the allied nature of relations between Kazakhstan and Russia.“Over the past period, the Declaration has become a sound basis for the strategic partnership of our countries. Today, relations between Kazakhstan and Russia are developing steadily and dynamically, and the cooperation is progressing in all areas,” stressed Mr. Abdrakhmanov.In his turn, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the implementation of core ideas of the Declaration facilitated the progressive development of Kazakh-Russian relations and achievement of a qualitatively new level of the alliance and strategic partnership.“In this difficult international situation, this approach enables us to find balanced solutions that respect the interests of each other to the fullest extent,” the Russian Foreign Minister writes in his congratulatory message.On July 6, 1998, the heads of two states - Nursultan Nazarbayev and Boris Yeltsin - solemnly declared that they would preserve the bonds of eternal friendship between Kazakhstan and Russia as “a guarantee of national security, political stability, interethnic harmony and prosperity of both states.”On July 6, 2018, the well-known Russian publication Rossiyskaya Gazeta published an article by Minister of Foreign Affairs Kairat Abdrakhmanov dedicated to the 20th anniversary of signing the Declaration. Particularly, the Minister spoke about the value of the Declaration that articulated qualitatively new principles and criteria for the advancement of multidimensional and successful relations between the two countries in the new millennium. In addition, Abdrakhmanov shared his thoughts on existing friendly relations between Kazakhstan and Russia, which justifiably can be called today a successful model of strategic partnership and allied relations of the states in the CIS space.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25391?lang=kk

MOSCOW, July 12, 2018 – Within the framework of implementation of the agreements reached between the leaders of the SCO member states during the SCO Summit (Qingdao, June 9-10) High-level consultations on the international activities of the Organization were held.Kazakhstan was represented by Mr. Yerlan Alimbayev, Ambassador-At-Large, the National Coordinator on the SCO Activities. The Kazakh diplomat announced the country's position on key issues of the international agenda, drew attention to the need for timely and full implementation of initiatives of the leaders of SCO member states. He also stressed the importance of the President Nursultan Nazarbayev's initiatives on establishment of a platform to share experience in the field of new technologies and economy digitalization within the SCO, as well as for joint elaboration of the SCO Concept of Sustainable Development.Participants was welcomed by Mr. Sergey Lavrov the Foreign Minister of Russia, who noted in his address the growing demand of the SCO in the world and the further strengthening of the strategic cooperation with international and regional structures.Heads of delegations of eight member-states and Mr. Rashid Alimov, the SCO Secretary-General, in their speeches stressed the importance of concerted and coordinated actions of all parties in order to further improve the mechanisms of mutually beneficial cooperation on international arena.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25091?lang=kk

NEW YORK, 12 July - “Climate change is a 'threat multiplier' as it can result in poverty, food insecurity, illegal migration, social instability and bitter conflicts”, according to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Yerzhan Ashikbayev, on 11 July, at the open debate of the United Nations Security Council dedicated to Understanding and Addressing Climate-related Security Risks.In his statement, the Deputy Foreign Minister noted that the problem of climate change was a central theme throughout the world community, which had significant economic, social and environmental consequences. Kazakhstan is ready to unite with other Members States in joint multilateral action for global security.“Kazakhstan and the entire Central Asian region has its own tragic experience with dying Aral Sea. This environmental disaster has brought many challenges for the population and nature in neighboring states, affecting more than 60 million people”, Ashikbayev said. He then elaborated on the various measures undertaken to address this alarming concern, within the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, which had resulted in some notable positive improvements of the situation.Highlighting that climate change mitigation is one of the priorities of the Government of Kazakhstan, His Excellency underscored the significant steps taken to reduce the amount of hazardous emissions, as well as to move towards a full transition to renewable energy sources by 2050. The International Center for Green Technologies in Astana, which has been established on the site of Astana Expo 2017, will be crucial in furthering this process.The event chaired by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Margot Wallström, was addressed by President of the Republic of Nauru Baron Vaca, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, the Minister of Water Resources of Iraq Hassan Janabi and others.In New York, Mr. Ashikbayev also participated in the forum titled, “Contribution of Transboundary Water Cooperation to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”. He shared the experience of Kazakhstan in the use of transboundary rivers with its neighboring countries in Central Asia, and also Russia and China. In addition, he also expressed support for a comprehensive consideration and application of the international water law to resolve the threat posed by the shrinking of the Aral Sea.Deputy Foreign Minister Ashikbayev also stated that Astana attaches great importance to the Meeting of the Parties to the Water Convention of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, to be held from 10 to 12 October, later this year, which was expected to attended by more than 400 representatives of governments, international non-governmental organizations and water experts from all around the worldSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25083?lang=kk

An expanded meeting on landscaping and improvement of the ecological state of the city was held in Kostanay with the participation of Akim of Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov, the city administration and relevant services. The focus is on the implementation of the initiative of the Head of State Kassym—Jomart Tokayev "Taza Kazakhstan", which has become a new strategy for the formation of ecological culture in the country."Taza Kazakhstan is not a fashion trend, but a new social standard. We have to start small — with a clean yard, a well-tended tree, and a green park. Ecological culture should become the norm of life," Kumar Aksakalov emphasized, opening the meeting.Large-scale improvement plansAccording to the governor of the region, in 2025, more than 37% of the regional budget is directed to the development of the regional center. 17.1 billion tenge is provided for the improvement of urban infrastructure alone, which is 50% more than last year.Special attention is paid to the development of public spaces. This year, 7 parks and 3 squares with a total area of 93.5 hectares are being improved in Kostanay. Construction of a new 4-hectare family park has begun in the area of the former agricultural institute, and work will cover the surrounding area near the mosque. New recreation areas are planned in the MKR. Kunai, Pritobolsky Park, Central Square and other locations. There will also be a new park at the intersection of Temirbaev and Al-Farabi streets."We are not just creating parks, but modern points of attraction. At the same time, it is important not only to build such spaces, but also to maintain them efficiently. The responsibility lies with public utilities, businesses and every citizen," Kumar Aksakalov said.Ecology and landscapingSpecial attention was paid to landscaping issues at the meeting. In 2025, 52.7 thousand trees are planned to be planted in the region, of which 3,168 are in Kostanay. 970.1 million tenge is provided for the landscaping of the city, while part of these funds is allocated for the care of green spaces.Kumar Aksakalov instructed to stop the practice of illiterate and formal "crowning" of trees. Now all the work on the formation of the crown will be carried out only according to indications, with the participation of specialists. A specialized service for the care and accounting of green spaces will also be created, which will begin with a complete revision of the trees in the city."Planting a tree is good. But the real ecological approach is to preserve it, take care of it. We need perennial, stable plants, not seasonal flowers that die in a couple of months," said the head of the region.Modern courtyards and children's infrastructureNew playgrounds and sports grounds worth 1.3 billion tenge will be installed in 39 courtyards of Kostanay this year. All structures will be made of high-quality materials, with mandatory compliance with safety standards."The modern courtyard is a center of communication and life. Safety, comfort and quality must come first here," Kumar Aksakalov emphasized.Order in the city is a common causeAn important topic of the meeting was the maintenance of courtyards, adjacent territories of enterprises, institutions and trade facilities. The akim of the region instructed to amend the Rules for the improvement of settlements in order to expand the boundaries of business responsibility to sidewalks and roadways.The issue of organizing the removal of bulky and construction debris, which remains an unresolved problem, was also discussed. The governor of the region stressed that this could become a promising niche for entrepreneurship, in particular, in the field of processing. There are already 5 processing plants operating in the city, and in 2026, a new investment project for paper waste processing worth 7 billion tenge will begin.Landscaping control will be tightened, including video surveillance systems at container sites. The territory of the city will be divided into sections with the consolidation of responsible organizations, and the operational headquarters will regularly monitor the condition."Ecological culture is not a clean—up day once a year. This is everyone's daily choice. Only zero tolerance for litter and disorder will lead us to real order. "Taza Kazakhstan" is what we will leave to our children. And we must do everything to make them proud of their city," Kumar Aksakalov summed up.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/974855?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/974523?lang=kk

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 25, 2018 - At the invitation of the US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Kairat Abdrakhmanov, is attending the first Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, taking place on 25-26 July in Washington, D.C.Prior to the Conference, on July 25, Abdrakhmanov conducted a range of meetings with the US Department of State authorities, including First Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, who contributed to fostering cooperation within the Silk Road Strategy format, when he was a Senator in the 1990s.The diplomats focused on the dynamic growth of Kazakh-American relations, as well as on the implementation of the agreements reached during the official visit of President Nazarbayev to Washington in January 2018. Special emphasis was made on the enhancement of political and trade and economic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States.Minister Abdrakhmanov also met with the management of leading American companies, who were briefed on Kazakhstan's increasingly favorable business environment. It was stressed that the successful implementation of the high-level agreements between the Presidents of Kazakhstan and the United States gave a boost to business activities, as well as increased the inflow of US investments into the Kazakh economy.The minister noted that given Kazakhstan's policy of economic diversification, the country is interested in attracting American experience and capital for the implementation of big high-tech projects, including in processing and manufacturing industries, development of transport infrastructure, agriculture, communications and IT-technologies. These and many other projects will be discussed during the upcoming visits of Kazakh officials to the United States and American trade missions to Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/24475?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/973616?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/973503?lang=kk