Tokyo, March 17, 2025 – During an official visit to Japan, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu held meetings with the Secretary General of the Cabinet of Ministers of Japan Yoshimasa Hayashi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoji Muto, as well as with the Chairman of the Japanese Parliamentary Friendship League with Kazakhstan Toshiaki Endo.During the talks with Secretary General Hayashi a wide range of topical issues of bilateral political and economic cooperation was discussed. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in transportation and logistics, energy and industry. In addition, there was an exchange of views on key aspects of the international and regional agenda.“Japan is our reliable friend and time-tested partner. Kazakhstan is committed to the further development of an expanded strategic partnership with Japan, which meets the national interests of both countries,” the Kazakh Foreign Minister emphasized.The talks with Minister Muto were focused on the prospects of trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Japan. Minister Nurtleu noted the significant potential for expanding investment, scientific and technical cooperation, as well as the implementation of joint projects in the field of decarbonization.The parties indicated a high mutual interest for cooperation in the field of critical metals, transport and logistics, as well as the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. In this context, the important coordinating role of the Joint Commission of the Intergovernmental and Private Sectors of Kazakhstan and Japan on Economic Cooperation was emphasized, the meeting of which was proposed to be held this year in Astana.During the meeting with Deputy Endo and members of the Japanese Parliamentary Friendship League with Kazakhstan key aspects of bilateral inter-parliamentary cooperation, including assistance of legislative bodies to the development of trade and economic ties, and cultural and humanitarian projects were discussed.Kazakh Foreign Minister noted the high level of trusting dialog between the two countries and expressed gratitude to the Japanese side for active support in strengthening the strategic partnership.The parties confirmed the desire to further expand cooperation in all key areas, including innovative areas of cooperation in the field of digitalization, AI, green economy and others.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/958950

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/958262

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/958588

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/957701

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/957704

A meeting of the national headquarters to coordinate flood prevention and response efforts took place today, chaired by Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. Currently, the Shardara reservoir is releasing 500 cubic meters of water per second into the lower Syrdarya River, with 200 cubic meters directed to the Koksarai water regulator, while the region is receiving 378 cubic meters per second. A comprehensive strategy to mitigate potential flooding has been established, along with a plan for managing large water flows in the Syrdarya during the winter-spring season of 2024-2025.The river's water levels are controlled by channeling it into a network of main canals and lakes. Designated agencies, equipped with specialized tools and resources, have been assigned to flood-prone areas. Essential flood management equipment and evacuation sites have been set up, with local authorities, emergency services, and water management experts on constant alert.The regional budget has allocated KZT 139 million, and two helicopters are on standby as per an agreement with JSC Kazaviakutkaru. Additionally, a contract has been signed for ice blasting operations. Last year, KZT 130 million 500 thousand was allocated for protective dam work at three locations, and 20 sites have been repaired using funds from alternative sources. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda/press/news/details/956190

Istanbul, March 12, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev participated in the 5th meeting of the Coordination Committee of Turkic Cooperation Organizations.Deputy foreign ministers of the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and heads of Turkic cooperation organizations, in particular, the International Turkic Culture Organization, the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States, the Turkic Academy, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, and the Turkic Investment Fund took part in the meeting of the Coordination Committee.The heads of organizations provided reports on their work and plans for their future activities.During the meeting, Deputy Minister Bakayev stressed the importance of timely and qualitative implementation of instructions of the heads of state given on the results of the summits held in 2024 in Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the need to increase the efficiency of organizations.At the same time, a flag-raising ceremony of the Organization was held in front of the OTG Secretariat building with the participation of the heads of delegations, which was adopted as a result of the 11th OTG Summit on November 6, 2024.In addition, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan held a bilateral meeting with his Turkish counterpart Ayşe Berris Ekinci, where they discussed topical issues of Kazakh-Turkish relations and the schedule of events at the highest and high levels.The results of the events determined the directions of activity of Turkic cooperation organizations and confirmed the mutual interest of the parties in solving topical issues on the agenda. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/957638

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/957597

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/957606

At the next meeting of the headquarters for ensuring economic growth, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, investment indicators of the TKSH industry and the most densely populated Almaty and Turkestan regions were reviewed. This year, the Ministry of Industry and Construction and the regions have the task of building at least 19 million square meters of housing in the country. At the headquarters meeting, it was reported that in the first two months of 2025, 1.9 million square meters of housing were commissioned in Kazakhstan. This is 6.8% lower than in January-February 2024. Among them, 1.2 million square meters are apartment buildings, and 713 thousand square meters are private houses. According to Kanat Mynbaev, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Construction and Construction of the Ministry of Industry and Construction, the decrease in the rate of construction is due to seasonal conditions, however, with the warming of the sun, these indicators will recover. In Almaty region, in 2024, the amount of investment in fixed capital will amount to 980 billion tenge (80% private, 20% budget), and the KPI set for 2025 is 1.35 trillion tenge. According to preliminary data, the volume of foreign direct investment in 2024 will reach $541 million, and the KPI in 2025 is $532 million. In two months of this year, 89 billion tenge were invested, which is 16% more than in the same period last year. The main share of investments is extra-budgetary funds. The most attractive investment sectors in the region are industry (32%), real estate (22%), transport and storage (16%), education (17%).Currently, the investment portfolio of the region includes 200 projects worth 6.3 trillion tenge, creating 57 thousand jobs. In 2025, 35 of these projects will be launched and 4.8 thousand new jobs will be created for 303 billion tenge. At the staff meeting, the mayor of Almaty region Marat Sultangaziev raised a number of issues that hinder the implementation of investment projects. One of them is related to the amendment of the general plan of Alatau city. Although five projects have entered the active stage of implementation, 11 projects have not yet received the necessary permits for design and construction. The vice-premier instructed the Ministry of Education and Culture to solve this problem soon.Another project - the construction of a fishery complex - hindered the further stages of expansion of production capacities due to the reduction of limits on investment subsidies. After the launch of the 1st stage with a capacity of 1,000 tons and a cost of 9.5 billion tenge, the remaining 9 stages amounting to 70 billion tenge were suspended due to uncertainty regarding the further repayment of investments by the state. The Deputy Prime Minister instructed the ASM to review the limits of the fish products project so that the investor can continue the construction of the complex.Also, at the meeting, the issues of land allocation, infrastructure development, construction of roads to a number of tourist facilities of Almaty region were discussed. Turkistan region is developing in a cluster model. At present, three large clusters have been created in the region: cotton (5 projects, 197 billion tenge), corn (to increase the volume of corn cultivation by 30% until 2030 and launch a starch molasses plant) and meat production (5 projects, 43 billion tenge). In general, the portfolio of investment projects for 2024-2027 includes 145 projects worth 2.5 trillion tenge. As part of these projects, 20,300 new jobs will be created, and additional tax revenue of 100 billion tenge is expected for the budget. In 2024, 57 projects worth 137 billion tenge were implemented and more than 2.2 thousand new jobs were created. In 2025, another 57 projects worth 322 billion tenge will be launched and 6.9 thousand new jobs will be created. Only in the field of agriculture, 68 projects will be implemented, 423.7 billion tenge will be invested, and more than 9.2 thousand new jobs will be created as a result. According to the results of the headquarters meeting, Serik Zhumangarin instructed all regions to ensure timely allocation of funds for investment projects from the local budget. And the transfers from the republican budget will be allocated within the specified period."This year, the Government sets the task of increasing economic growth indicators compared to the socio-economic growth forecasts. For this purpose, we will allocate 1 trillion tenge for lending to large businesses and SMEs in the amount of 8 trillion tenge through the "Baiterek" holding. The main focus is on recycling projects that provide PPE. The Ministry of National Economy has created a sectoral decomposition of the economic growth index for each region, and the Ministry of Finance will soon propose a similar scheme to achieve 19 million square meters of housing construction. All set indicators must be fulfilled within the specified period," Serik Zhumangarin noted.primeminister.kzSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/957014

On March 14, 2025, in Kostanay region, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Tokayev K.K., an auyzashar was held, to which veterans of labor, respected elders, founders of large families (aulet) and mothers with many children, workers in the field of healthcare, education, culture, sports, religionand labor, as well as representatives of ethnocultural associations were invited.Akim of the region K.I. Aksakalov congratulated the audience on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan and noted that auyzashar, on behalf of the Head of State, is of particular importance in educating true patriots of the country who respect the culture and history of their native country, their native language and ancestral traditions.He also noted that this year Nauryz meiramy falls on the month of Ramadan. The month of Ramadan is not only a fast for Muslims, but also a celebration of spiritual improvement, strengthening the unity of the country, solidarity, kindness and mercy. As part of the decade of Nauryznam, "Koris kuni – Amal merekesi" was held in the region today and the traditional auyzashar for fasting people continues.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/957533

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/957412

Akim of Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov visited Arkalyk on a working visit, inspected key sites where construction and modernization work is underway, and held a meeting on the socio-economic development of the city.In pursuance of the order of the Head of State on the balanced development of regions, large-scale projects are being implemented in Arkalyk aimed at developing the economy, modernizing infrastructure, improving the quality of medical services, developing education, sports and culture.Support for business and industryThe regional program "Business-Komek" is in effect for the southern regions of Kostanay region, thanks to which entrepreneurs can receive loans at 1 percent. Within the framework of the program, 12 investment projects worth 574 million tenge are already being implemented. Among them are the construction of two new asphalt concrete plants (there will be three in the region in total) and two crushed stone plants (there will be four in total). These enterprises will improve the quality of road surfaces and building materials, and create additional jobs.Modernization of transport infrastructureDevelopment of transport arteries plays a key role in the economic growth of the city.In 2023, the repair of 38 kilometers of the road from Arkalyk to the border with the Akmola region was completed. In 2024, it is planned to complete the reconstruction of an 87-kilometer section from Arkalyk to the border with the Ulytau region. In total, 125 kilometers of the road surface will be updated.Arkalyk Airport has not been in operation for more than 30 years. As part of its reconstruction program, it is planned to update the terminal, runway and apron. The resumption of the airport will improve the transport accessibility of the city and provide comfortable conditions for passengers.Development of medicineAs part of the modernization of healthcare, a major overhaul of the maternity hospital and hospital is being carried out. Medical institutions will be equipped with a modern MRI machine and angiograph, which will significantly improve the level of diagnostics and treatment. In the future, this will provide medical services to about 77 thousand residents of Arkalyk, Amangeldy and Dzhangeldy districts.New sports facilitiesThe formation of a modern sports infrastructure is an important area of development of the city. In Arkalyk, five new sports facilities are being built, including:• a sports boarding school for talented children from rural areas• two new physical education and health complexes• a wrestling hall• restoration of the former Kazakhstan cinema into a sports complexThese projects will attract more young people to sports and create conditions for training future champions.Science and cultureThe building of the former agricultural administration is being reconstructed into a new building for the pedagogical institute. By the end of the year, the overhaul of the Gornyak Culture Palace, which has not functioned for the past 15 years, will be completed. The House of Culture in the village of Ashutasty is also being renovated.These changes will create a modern educational and cultural environment for residents of the city and the region.Preparing for floodsLarge-scale work has been carried out to minimize the risks of spring floods. In the village of Severny, a 600-meter earthen embankment has been erected, three culverts have been installed, 3.1 kilometers of ditches have been dug, roads have been reinforced, and storm drains have been cleaned. In the village of Dachny, medium-term repairs have been carried out on the road on Amangeldinskaya Street, 1.8 kilometers long. Work continues on cleaning courtyards and removing snow.Arkalyk is changing for the betterA comprehensive approach to the development of Arkalyk makes the city more comfortable for living, working, and relaxing. The implementation of new projects and the modernization of infrastructure contribute to economic growth, improving the quality of life, and increasing the attractiveness of the region for investors. Work in this direction continues, and new prospects and achievements lie ahead.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/957225

The Republic of Kazakhstan welcomes the statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia regarding the conclusion of negotiations on the draft Agreement on Peace and the Establishment of Inter-State Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia.We express confidence that the agreements reached and the signing of this historic document will be an important step toward normalizing relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia, as well as ensuring stability, security, and prosperity for the entire South Caucasus region.The Republic of Kazakhstan reaffirms its strong support for efforts to continue the constructive dialogue between the two countries, with a view to establishing enduring and lasting peace.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/956993

Astana, March 14, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko met with Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Kazakhstan Robert Kirnág to discuss key issues on the bilateral agenda and plans for the current year.During the meeting, the diplomats exchanged views on the prospects for further development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Slovakia, with a particular focus on expanding trade, economic and investment ties, as well as strengthening partnerships in the energy sector. In particular, the parties discussed cooperation in oil and gas supplies, while also exploring possible cooperation in the development of nuclear energy, given Slovakia’s extensive experience in this field. In addition, both sides recognized the traditionally high potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in the defense industry, agriculture and the IT sector.Special attention was paid to the implementation of the agreements reached after the 10th meeting of the Kazakhstan-Slovak Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, held in Astana in 2024 (Commission’s co-chairs: from the Kazakh side – First Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Nurken Sharbiev, from the Slovak side – State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy Vladimír Šimoňák).Both sides emphasized the importance of giving additional impetus to cooperation by intensifying mutual high-level visits within the current year.Concluding the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining working contacts in order to realize the full potential of the bilateral relationship.For reference: According to the Kazakh statistics, in 2024, the volume of mutual trade between Kazakhstan and Slovakia reached 140.3 million US dollars (+1.3%), (exports – 2.9 million, imports – 137.4 million). From 2005 to September 2024, Kazakhstan attracted 22 million dollars in direct investment from Slovakia. Currently, 34 companies with Slovak capital participation are registered in Kazakhstan. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/957304

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/956526

Astana, March 12, 2025 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted consular consultations between Kazakhstan and Great Britain.During the meeting, the Director of the Department of Consular Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Azamat Aubekov, and the newly appointed Regional Consular Director for Europe and Central Asia of the British Foreign Office, Louise Ellis, discussed a wide range of issues, including the protection of the rights of the interests of citizens of both countries, the improvement of visa and migration procedures.Particular attention was paid to ensuring the rights of Kazakh citizens temporarily working in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.Aubekov informed the British colleague about the measures of Kazakhstan to develop conditions for attracting highly qualified specialists and digital nomads. In this context, information was presented on Neo Nomad Visa and Digital Nomad Visa, which provide foreign citizens with new opportunities for long-term stay and work in Kazakhstan.The parties noted the high level of bilateral cooperation in the consular sphere and expressed readiness to further strengthen the partnership. Following the consultations, agreements were reached to continue joint work on current and topical issues on the agenda.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/956378

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/955983

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/955904

Astana, March 13, 2025 – Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu held negotiations with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela. The discussions focused on the practical implementation of specific projects in key areas of bilateral and regional cooperation, including transport and logistics, critical raw materials, green energy, digitalization, climate change, space and other sectors.Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further developing multifaceted cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union under the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which covers 29 areas of interaction, as well as implementing the EU Strategy for Central Asia.The negotiations were held in a roundtable format with the participation of senior officials from various state bodies and agencies of Kazakhstan. The meeting, chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, aimed at a substantive discussion of mutually beneficial projects within the framework of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which focuses on promoting infrastructure projects aligned with sustainability and connectivity goals, with a total budget of 300 billion euro.“Kazakhstan remains committed to further developing its partnership with the EU. Over the years of independence, Astana and Brussels have built a strong political dialogue, established dynamic cooperation between executive bodies, and fostered productive cultural and humanitarian ties between our peoples,” the Kazakh Minister emphasized.Representatives of Kazakhstan’s state institutions presented to the European delegation potential sectors and projects whose implementation would further strengthen trade, economic, and investment cooperation between the two parties, as well as joint efforts to promote digital transformation and green economy initiatives.During the talks, particular attention was given to modernizing transport corridors aimed at enhancing connectivity between Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and the EU. Special emphasis was placed on the further development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.“Kazakhstan’s role as a strategic partner is of great significance to us. We seek mutually beneficial outcomes that will open new opportunities, ensure sustainable growth, economic security, and a stable future for both regions,” noted the European Commissioner.Both sides expressed their mutual interest in continuing a constructive dialogue and building long-term cooperation to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, innovative development, and joint solutions to global challenges.One of the key outcomes of the negotiations was the signing of two agreements – Agreement on guarantees for a 200-million-euro loan from the European Investment Bank to the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, and Agreement between the European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the development of projects in the critical raw materials sector in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, with funding of 3 million euro.Additionally, Jozef Sikela held a meeting with representatives of the business community, where he confirmed the European Union’s readiness to further strengthen economic cooperation and expand investment partnerships.The European Union is Kazakhstan’s primary trade and investment partner. In 2024, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the EU amounted to 49.7 billion US dollars (+16.9%), with Kazakhstan’s exports reaching 38.6 billion dollars and imports totaling 11.1 billion dollars. The total gross inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) from EU countries between 2005 and the first nine months of 2024 reached 200.7 billion dollars, representing 47.8% of Kazakhstan’s total FDI inflows (419.5 billion dollars). In the first nine months of 2024 alone, FDI from EU countries amounted to 6.4 billion dollars, or 50.4% of the total inflows. More than 3.000 companies with European participation are currently operating in Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/956104