DHAKA, May 5, 2018 – Kazakh diplomat Askar Musinov was elected Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for Science and Technology at the 45th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Dhaka (Bangladesh).Musinov is a career diplomat who held various positions in the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, served as ambassador to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, executive secretary and deputy foreign minister. He was delegated by the Government of Kazakhstan as the head of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit in the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.“This appointment became possible due to the high authority of the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev in the Muslim world and his active work on developing the Islamic world. The election of a Kazakh diplomat for this important post is of particular importance in the light of the implementation of the results of the first OIC summit on science and technology held in September 2017 in Astana," said Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov.The victory in the elections is also significant because Kazakhstan's representative has never held such a high-level position in the OIC. Kamrul Ahsan, a Bangladeshi diplomat was Musinov's opponent at the elections. Twelve out of 18 members of the OIC Asian group voted for the representative of Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/26451?lang=kk

The 45th meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Dhaka (Bangladesh) adopted a Declaration and several resolutions.“We express our profound satisfaction that after over four decades of its establishment, the OIC as the overarching multilateral body of the Muslim world, has continued to raise its profile and visibility at the international level and has become a strategic dialogue partner in the maintenance of international peace and security as well as countering emerging challenges and threats across the OIC space," reads the Declaration.The OIC ministerial was held under the theme “Islamic Values for Sustainable Peace and Development". The final Declaration covered a wide range of urgent issues of the Muslim world. The Declaration calls on member states “to actively implement the outcome of the OIC Summit on Science and Technology held last year in Astana, Kazakhstan." A separate resolution highlights the role of the OIC STI Agenda-2026 adopted during the Summit, which outlines the priorities and recommended actions to promote science, technology and innovation. The document recognizes the significance of the EXPO 2017 exhibition in Astana themed “Future Energy", which “would provide impetus to the development of Science and Technology in the OIC Member States".The resolution on Agriculture, Trade, Tourism and Transportation expresses appreciation to the Government of Kazakhstan for facilitating the early take-off of the Secretariat of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS). The IOFS is to undertake appropriate measures for the timely and effective implementation of its five-year Plan of Action. Support was expressed for the development of a comprehensive strategic program (roadmap) on practical implementation and resource mobilization for the “Islamic Infrastructure Integration Initiative", proposed by Kazakhstan.The Foreign Ministers Council welcomed “the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev to create a new communication platform G-Global as the most influential force in setting international economic policy through expanding the number of countries participating in the search for global anti-crisis solutions." The resolution “calls upon the OIC General Secretariat and IDB in coordination with other OIC relevant institutions to consider the issue of participating in G-Global."A separate document welcomes the joint declaration of the presidents Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Islamic Rapprochement.The Council of Ministers “reiterates the OIC's support to the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, convened triennially on the initiative by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, and encourages religious leaders of the OIC Member States and the international community to actively participate in the VI Congress to be held in Astana on 10-11 October 2018 under the slogan of “Religious Leaders for a Secure World", reads a resolution.The Resolution on the Situation in Syria welcomes “the cooperation and efforts of Turkey, Russia and Iran in consolidating the ceasefire, establishing the de-escalation areas and adopting confidence-building measures through the Astana process in order to ensure calm for political negotiations."The Resolution on the Regional Arms Control and Disarmament welcomes the entry into force, on 21 March 2009, of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia, “which became the first such zone made up entirely of OIC Member States." The document supports Kazakhstan's initiative to elaborate further the issue of the international legal status of the nuclear-weapon-free zones, including security assurances and appropriate preferential status of States Parties to such zones. Hope is expressed that the Protocol to the Negative Security Assets Treaty, signed by five members of the UN Security Council on May 6, 2014, will enter into force in the very near future.Upon Kazakhstan's initiative, a Resolution was adopted on the Former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site and the International Day against Nuclear Tests and the Rehabilitation of the Aral Sea Region.The Resolution on Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons “supports the initiative of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the adoption of the Universal Declaration of a Nuclear-Weapons-Free World in prospect as an important step towards the adoption of the Nuclear Weapons Convention.A Kazakhstan's delegation headed by Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov took part in the OIC ministerial. The Dhaka meeting elected a prominent Kazakh diplomat Askar Musinov as OIC Assistant Secretary General for Science and Technology.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/26445?lang=kk

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan informs that the guarantor states of the Astana Process have confirmed that the Ninth International High-Level Meeting on Syria will be held on May 14-15, 2018 in the capital of Kazakhstan.Apart from guarantor states of Iran, Russia and Turkey, the delegations of the government and opposition groups of Syria were invited to the meeting, with the UN, the USA and Jordan acting as observers.According to the information received from the guarantor states, during the Astana talks, the sides intend to consider the current situation in Syria, including in the de-escalation zones, discuss humanitarian and confidence-building measures, and coordinate further steps to promote crisis settlement in Syria.Bilateral and multilateral consultations are planned for May 14, and a plenary meeting is scheduled for May 15.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/26441?lang=kk

The Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Turkey as guarantors of the observance of the ceasefire regime in the Syrian Arab Republic:1.Reaffirmed their strongcommitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. Highlighted that these principles should be universally respected and any action that might violate them and undermine achievements of theAstana format should be avoided.2.Emphasized the importance of the implementation of the Memorandum on the creation of the de-escalation areas in the Syrian Arab Republic of 4 May 2017 and other agreements reached within the framework of the Astana format. Took stock of the developments of the situation on the ground a year after signing the Memorandum.3.Underlined the key role that the de-escalation areas play in maintaining the ceasefire regime, reducing the level of violence and stabilizing the overall situation in Syria and highlighted that the creation of these areas is a temporary measure that under no circumstances undermines the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria.4.Underscored the need to encourage efforts that help all Syrians to restore normal and peaceful life and to this end to ensurerapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, to delivernecessary medical aid and humanitarian assistance and to create conditions for safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their original places of residence as well as free movement of local population.5.Reaffirmed their determination to fight terrorism in Syriain order to ultimately eliminate DAESH/ISIL, Nusra Front and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al‑Qaeda or DAESH/ISIL as designated by the UN Security Council.6.Welcomed the convening of the second meeting of the Working Group on the release of detainees/abductees and handover of the bodies as well as the identification of missing persons by three Guarantors` representatives with the participation of the UN and ICRC experts. Took note of the Working Group`s progress report and reaffirmed the necessity to continue joint efforts aimed at building confidence between the conflicting parties in Syria. Agreed to hold the next meeting of the Working Group in Ankara in June 2018.7.Guided by the provisions of the UN Security Council resolution 2254, reaffirmed their determination to continue joint efforts aimed at advancing the process of the political settlement, through facilitating the implementation ofthe recommendations of the Congress of the Syrian National Dialogue in Sochi. In this regard agreed to hold joint consultations of their high-level representatives with the United Nations Secretary‑General's Special Envoy for Syria as well as with Syrian parties in order to create conditions to facilitate the beginning of the Constitutional Committee`s work in Geneva as soon as possible and to carry out such meetings on a regular basis.8.Expressed their sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, His Excellency NursultanNazarbayev and the Kazakh authorities for hosting in Astana the 9th high-level International Meeting on Syria.9.Decided to hold the next high-level International Meeting on Syria in Sochi in July 2018. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/26437?lang=kk

15 May 2018, New York – Kazakh delegation took part in an emergency special session of the UN Security Council on the agenda item “the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question".Kazakhstan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Kairat Umarov said Kazakhstan received with deep concern the reports of civilian casualties during the suppression of Palestinian protest actions on the border between the Gaza Strip and the State of Israel. “Kazakhstan calls on the international community to take comprehensive measures to put a prompt end to violence that led to numerous victims," Umarov said.In the statement, Kazakhstan also called on both sides to be calm and restrained in order to avoid actions destroying peaceful efforts and contributing to further escalation of tensions between the Palestinians and the Israelis. In addition, Kazakhstan called on the parties to maintain the historical status quo of Jerusalem in accordance with previously reached international agreements. In his statement, the Permanent Representative noted that “reaffirming its commitment to decisions and resolutions of the UN Security Council and General Assembly, the Republic of Kazakhstan inalterably consistently supports the early full-scale Middle East settlement within the framework of peaceful political process."The Permanent Representative called for ensuring Palestine's right to statehood and Israel's right to security, using appropriate preventive diplomacy instruments, including the use of broad confidence-building measures in the political, economic and environmental dimensions and in the area of new challenges and threats.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/26366?lang=kk

In connection with the expansion of the National troupe of «Astana Ballet Folk» the theater having casting of girls with professional choreographic education.Priorities in the selection will be the following factors:- not less than 168 cm tall,- age from 18 to 25 years,- stage appearance.Casting dates: 3 Остоber - December 20, 2018.Participants have to send a resume and a full-length photo in a stage posture to aizhanzhunissova@gmail.comAfter preliminary approval, the participant will be invited to be acquainted in the theater. Any interested questions can be contacted at +77088938189. The theater will be glad to each concerned person and will support participation in the contest.«Astana Ballet» is one of the youngest professional dance troupes in the country. He has already acquired his individual personality, which gradually becomes recognizable in all over the world. «Astana Ballet» is a creativity on the verge of tradition and modernity. We find bright, perspective choreographers and, together with them, create unique productions at the junction of classics, modern and folk dance. The mission of the National Ballet Company «Astana Ballet» is to preserve the folk dance art of Kazakhstan, to develop it in a new direction, to give it a modern sound.The theater cannot exist without an actor, so we are looking for bright, ambitious and committed people. Our troupe has a close-knit professional team, where many different choreographic schools organically exist together.The theater gives performances on the stage of the theater in Astana, and also actively tours around Kazakhstan and abroad. Gala program the "Heritage of the Great Steppe", including various national numbers, became the visiting card of the collective and was presented at many famous world scenes in St. Petersburg, New York, Milan, Paris, Beijing, Tokyo.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tsm/press/news/details/26365?lang=kk

Astana, May 17, 2018 - Kazakhstan's delegation took part in the regular meeting of the UN Security Council on the political track in Syria.Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Staffan de Mistura briefed the members of the Security Council on his participation in the ninth round of the Syrian talks held on May 14-15 in Astana. The UN Special Envoy noted that he was encouraged by concrete discussions on de-escalation within the 9th High-Level Astana Meeting and, in particular, on the issue of Idlib. The diplomat said the Syrian negotiations brought useful results in terms of rapprochement of the opposition and the government and expressed deep gratitude to the leadership of Kazakhstan for the excellent organization of the meeting.Staffan de Mistura expressed hope for progress in revitalizing the political process to resolve the Syrian conflict and called for intensified efforts by all stakeholders in this regard. In his view, today is the time for high diplomacy of the parties involved, when summits should help advance the peace process in Syria.In his speech, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the UN Kairat Umarov informed the members of the Security Council about the outcomes of the 9th round of the Meeting on Syria and noted that the parties considered, inter alia, intensification of efforts to ensure compliance with the relevant agreements reached at the last eight rounds of negotiations in Astana. Kazakhstan's delegation agreed with Staffan de Mistura on the Idlib issue. Its resolution is of paramount importance at the present stage. On behalf of Kazakhstan, Umarov also praised the activities of the UN humanitarian personnel in Syria, namely, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC). It was emphasized that the conflict can be resolved only by revitalizing the political process through dialogue between the parties and confidence-building measures.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/26293?lang=kk

Erlan Idrissov, the non-resident Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Ireland, presented his credentials to Michael D. Higgins, the President of Ireland on May 17 and conveyed to him the greetings of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev.The Ambassador's meeting with the Irish President was held following a ceremony which focused on bilateral trade, economic and investment co-operation. It also centred on the development of bilateral relations in the areas of IT, digitisation, as well as education and innovation.The Ambassador briefed President Higgins on the broad economic and political reforms taking place within Kazakhstan's modernisation programme. These included President Nazarbayev's State of the Nation address entitled 'New Opportunities under the Fourth Industrial Revolution'; the launch of the Astana International Financial Centre, the Centre for Green Technologies and the Astana International IT Startup Hub, all of which have now opened on the the premises of the EXPO 2017.President Higgins praised Kazakhstan's development under the leadership of President Nazarbayev, as well as Kazakhstan's role in strengthening international peace and security.The Ambassador's visit included meetings with Niall Burgess, Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, F. Smith, Director, UN issues, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Irish businesses executives.Representatives of Irish political and business circles stressed that Kazakhstan has become a key driver of economic development in Central Asia and a leader of many international projects, a centre for stability and integration, as well as a venue for global political and economic events.Ambassador Idrissov once again thanked Ireland for its support for Kazakhstan's bid for membership in the UN Security Council and briefed the President on the fruitful results of Kazakhstan's work within the organisation. Ambassador Idrissov emphasised that given Ireland's experience in developing a unified governmental innovation management system, Kazakhstan is interested in cooperating on IT educational programmes and startups and innovations development. He also highlighted the need to further expand bilateral treaties.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/26288?lang=kk

Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov met on May 16 with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Paraguay Federico Alberto Gonzalez Franco, who came to Astana to participate in the Ministerial Meeting of Landlocked Developing Countries on Trade and Transport.The sides discussed opportunities of exchanging experience and cooperating on challenges Kazakhstan and Paraguay face being among countries with no access to sea. They also exchanged views on the issues of international security, including Syria, North Korea and the Middle East. Gonzalez praisedthe initiatives proposed by Kazakhstan as a non-permanent member of UN Security Council and within the Astana Process on Syria.Abdrakhmanov noted that the first round of Kazakhstan-Paraguay consultations held during the EXPO2017 in Astana between the foreign ministries laid a solid foundation for widening and strengthening bilateral relations on political, economic and humanitarian tracks. The sides agreed to continue developing the mechanism of bilateral political consultations and widening the legal basis for cooperation, including on easing the visa regime, on education and other issues.The Kazakh diplomatsaid the established positive dialogue with Paraguay will have a favorable influence on the trade and economic relations between the two countries. He also invited entrepreneurs from Paraguay to visit Kazakhstan for a more detailed investigation of business opportunities. Abdrakhmanov also pointed outthe importance of advancing cooperation between the largest regional economic blocks and noted the market potential of the Eurasian Economic Union for Latin American and Caribbean basin states and organizations, including the CARICOM, the MERCOSUR, the Andean Community and the Latin American Economic System.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/26105?lang=kk

From May 21 to 24, 2018, Astana hosted the 51st meeting of the Special Working Group on the development of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea at the level of deputy foreign ministers of the Caspian littoral states (SWG).The delegations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (headed by Khalaf Khalafov), the Islamic Republic of Iran (headed by Ebrahim Rahimpour), the Republic of Kazakhstan (headed by Zulfia Amanzholova), the Russian Federation (headed by Igor Bratchikov) and Turkmenistan (headed by Murad Atadzhanov) participated in the negotiations.The meeting, which was devoted to the preparation for the Fifth Caspian Summit, scheduled to be held this year in the Republic of Kazakhstan, was opened by the statement of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kairat Abdrakhmanov.The participants of the SWG meeting agreed on the provisional agenda and the draft political outcome document of the forthcoming Summit, as well as discussed progress in the coordination of draft five-sided sectoral documents and preparation for their signing at the Fifth Caspian Summit, along with the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea.The completion of negotiations on the following drafts of five-sided documents was noted with satisfaction: the Agreement between the Governments of the Caspian Littoral States on Transport Cooperation, the Agreement between the Governments of the Caspian Littoral States on Trade and Economic Cooperation, the Agreement on Prevention of Incidents in the Caspian Sea, the Protocol on Cooperation in Combating Terrorism in the Caspian Sea, the Protocol on Cooperation in Combating Organized Crime in the Caspian Sea, the Protocol on Cooperation and Interaction of Border Agencies to the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Security in the Caspian Sea.The participants welcomed the proposal to hold the extraordinary session of the Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea in this July in Moscow, as well as the intention to adopt and sign the Protocol on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context to the said Convention within the framework of this session.The delegations commended the outcomes of the talks and expressed their gratitude to the Republic of Kazakhstan for the high level of organization of the meeting.The next meeting of the Special Working Group will take place in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The timeframe will be coordinated through diplomatic channels.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/26090?lang=kk

We, the participants of the International Conference “Astana: The City of Peace", congratulate President Nursultan Nazarbayev and the people of Kazakhstan on the 20th anniversary of the capital city of Astana.Over the last twenty years, Astana has become not only a political, economic and cultural center of the independent Kazakhstan, but also a major center of diplomacy, peacemaking and international development.It was here in 2010 at the historic Summit of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe that the heads of state and government put forward a vision of “a free, democratic, common and indivisible Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian security community stretching from Vancouver to Vladivostok, rooted in agreed principles, shared commitments and common goals”. We call on all OSCE participating States to work steadfastly to achieve this goal.The Congresses of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions held in Astana contribute greatly to the promotion of inter-religious and international dialogue for the sake of peace, justice and security in the 21st century. The young capital of Kazakhstan has also hosted summits important for regional security and cooperation, including the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States, as well as the First Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. It also hosts large inter-parliamentary forums.Astana serves as a negotiating platform to end violence in Syria,and we hope that international efforts will lead to a nearly restoration of peace on the Syriansoil. Astana's peace buildin gefforts are reflected in the work of the UN Security Council, where Kazakhstan is represented as a non-permanent member.The number of foreign diplomatic missions and representative offices of international organizations is increasing in the capital every year, which indicates the transformation of Astana into a leading political center of the region.The capital of Kazakhstan has become a rostrum from where large-scale initiatives of economic cooperation, such as the Silk Road Economic Belt, are announced. The treaty establishing the Eurasian Economic Union was also signed here. Astana hosted the first Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Science and Technology and adopted a forward-looking document - Astana Declaration on Science, Technology, Innovation and Modernization in the Islamic World. On June 28-30, 2011, Astana hosted the 38th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Thus, Kazakhstan took over the chairmanship of respected international organisation. The meeting became a historic milestone as it was decided to rename the Organization of the Islamic Conference into the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. In addition, a Special Commission on Human Rights was established and the OIC Plan of Action for Cooperation with Central Asia was adopted for the first time in the history of the organization.Furthermore, the Astana Economic Forum, the Eurasian Media Forum and the Astana Club discuss the most important global problems and put forward ideas to address them.We congratulate the government and people of Kazakhstan on the success of the International Specialized Exhibition EXPO 2017, which focused the attention of the world community on future of energy and sustainable development. We welcome the creation of the Astana International Financial Center, the International Center for Green Technologies and Investment Projects, and the International Technopark of IT Startups on the territory of the EXPO 2017 infrastructure, and we wish them successful work for the benefit of Kazakhstan, the Central Asia region and the world.A presentation of the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium Bank facility took place last year in Astana and Ust-Kamenogorsk. We believe that Kazakhstan, as the country most affected by nuclear tests, and which voluntarily renounced the world's fourth largest nuclear arsenal, makes a worthy contribution to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons.The consistent policy of President Nursultan Nazarbayev towards confidence-building, security and collaboration at the regional and global levels is the basis of these developments. This policy was elaborated in the “The World. The 21st century" Manifesto, which calls for humankind to get rid of the scourge of war forever.Peaceful dialogue and meaningful talks based on the principles of equal responsibility for peace and security, mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs should be a key pillar for the resolution of all disputes between states.We are confident that Astana, as a modern, beautiful and dynamic city in the heart of Eurasia, will continue to play an important role in strengthening international peace, security and prosperity.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25879?lang=kk

Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko met with State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia Iztok Mirosic on June 6, 2018.The sides discussed at length the state and prospects for the development of Kazakh-Slovenian relations, noting the absence of any problems and the need to further develop trade and economic cooperation. An agreement was reached to continue expanding the legal framework of bilateral cooperation.Pharmaceuticals, transport infrastructure, logistics, tourism, rehabilitation healthcare, green technologies and other spheres are considered aspromising sectors of cooperation.The sides commended the Slovenian companies' work in Kazakhstan, which are leaders in their domains and have representative offices around the world – KRKA (medicines), Iskratel Group (IT solutions), Gorenje (home appliances), Bisol Group (solar batteries).The meeting participants discussed extensively the prospects and opportunities within the Belt and RoadInitiative. In this regard, State Secretary Mirosic briefed the Kazakh side about Slovenia's work as a coordinator for economic cooperation with China in the 16+1 format (Central and Eastern Europe).The meeting allowed for an exchange of views on a wide range of topical issues on the international and regional agenda, including the processes taking place in Central Asia and the Balkan region.As co-chairman of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, the Slovenian diplomat also reported the outcome of the 4th meeting of the Commission held on June 5 in Astana. Minister of Healthcare Elzhan Birtanov co-chairs the IGC from the Kazakh side.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25854?lang=kk

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

Түркістан облысы Мақтаарал ауданында «Весна» шаруа қожалығы гектарына 400 центнерден өнім алуда. Қазіргі таңда аудандағы рекордтық көрсеткіш осы. Ол мұндай жетістікке тамшылатып суғару технологиясы арқылы қол жеткізген. Бұл туралы қожалық басшысы Батыр Хайдаров аудан әкімдігінің ұйымдастыруымен өткен семинар-кеңесте мәлімдеді.«Весна» шаруа қожалығының тәжірибесін басқаларға үйрету мақсатында өткен семинар-кеңеске аудандық ауыл шаруашылығы бөлімінің басшысы мен мамандары, ауылдық округ әкімдері мен орынбасарлары, ауылдық округ әкімдіктерінің ауыл шаруашылығы бойынша мамандары және шаруа қожалықтары қатысты.Б.Хайдаров 6,6 гектар жерге қырыққабат дақылының бірнеше сортын еккен. Оның ішінде «Пекин» сорты ерте пісіп шыққан. Қазргі таңда 2 гектардан 85 тонна өнім алып, барлығын да Ресей Федерациясына экспорттаған. Тамшылатып суғару технологиясын пайдаланған қожалық басшысы үлкен пайдаға кенеліп отыр.«Тамшылатып суғару технологиясын ендіру үшін гектарына 1 млн. теңгеге жуық шығын жұмсадым. Соның арқасында еккен егінім бітік әрі өнімді болып, ерте пісіп жетілді. Қазір қырыққабаттың келісін 120 теңгеден теңгеден саудалап жатырмын», – деді Б.Хайдаров.Айта кетейік, биыл Мақтаарал ауданында 281 гектар жерге қырыққабат дақылы егілген. Қазіргі таңда ерте пісіп жетілетін дақылдан 260 тонна өнім жиналған.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ontustik/press/news/details/25848?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

During the meeting on the development of Almaty, the issues of building affordable housing and social facilities, providing employment, development of transport and road infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and the realization of tourism potential were discussed.The prime minister emphasized that the First President – Elbasy Nursultan Nazarbayev pays great attention to the development of Almaty. The Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gave specific instructions to improve the quality of urban infrastructure, strengthen public safety, and develop the transport system, medicine and education.Almaty Akim Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Deputy Akim of Almaty Ilyas Userov reported on the city development projects.The prime minister instructed state bodies to keep the development of Almaty under control, noting the importance of the city in the economy of Kazakhstan.On the same day, the Head of the Government held a meeting on the development of the outskirts of Almaty and the adjacent territory of the Almaty region.In 2019, on behalf of the First President – Elbasy Nursultan Nazarbayev, 30 billion tenge was allocated annually to solve the problems of the outskirts of large cities, including 10 billion tenge to the outskirts of Almaty.“The implementation of measures to improve the quality of life in the agglomeration will provide more than 730 thousand residents of the city and region with the appropriate infrastructure,” said Mamin.Following the meeting, the prime minister ordered the ministries of finance and national economy, together with interested state bodies, akimats of Almaty and Almaty region, to take the necessary measures to timely implement measures to develop the outskirts, adjacent territories and work out financing issues.“We need to get a synergistic effect from the implementation of joint projects in Almaty and Almaty region. To do this, it is necessary to develop a program for the development of the Almaty agglomeration,” said Mamin, noting that a list of joint projects in various areas has already been formed — the development of energy, transport, housing, health care.The Head of the Government emphasized that in connection with the high dynamics of population growth in the city and the region, it is necessary to solve pressing development issues, thereby increasing the investment attractiveness of the region.Askar Mamin instructed to create a project office in Almaty and Almaty region for the implementation and promotion of joint projects.The Head of the Government visited the Urbanistics Center, aircraft repair plant No. 405, got acquainted with the new development project in Almaty, plans for the development of the construction industry of the city, and also took part in the solemn meeting dedicated to the Day of the Builder. During a working trip to Almaty, the prime minister took part in an environmental clean-up to clean the Ayusay gorge.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almaty/press/news/details/25648?lang=kk