Ankara, 12 February 2025 – Kazakhstan and Türkiye held bilateral consultations on consular affairs in Ankara, chaired by Azamat Aubekov, Director of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Ali Murat Başçeri, Director General of the Consular Services Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. Representatives from competent authorities of both sides also participated in the discussion.The consultations, conducted in a spirit of constructive dialogue, focused on key areas of mutual interest. Delegates engaged in comprehensive discussions aimed at strengthening mechanisms for safeguarding the rights and interests of citizens of both countries, expanding the legal-treaty framework governing consular relations, and addressing other pressing bilateral matters.Participants underscored the significance of such high-level engagements in fostering deeper brotherly ties between Kazakhstan and Türkiye. They emphasized that regular consultations serve as a vital platform for enhancing interagency coordination and advancing pragmatic cooperation between consular authorities.Concluding the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their shared resolve to deepen collaboration across the full spectrum of consular affairs. Sides further agreed to maintain the momentum of bilateral dialogue by convening consular consultations on a regular basis, underscoring their commitment to exploring new avenues for partnership in service of mutual prosperity and citizen welfare.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/936926

Akim of Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov met with students of the KRU named after Akhmet Baitursynuly, students enrolled in a dual degree program implemented jointly with the University of Minnesota. This is one of the examples of government support for young people, which allows them to obtain an international diploma without going abroad.The President of the country instructed to build the educational system in such a way that young people could receive high-quality education in Kazakhstan. This reduces the financial burden on families and prevents the leakage of valuable personnel. Kostanay region has implemented this approach, opening up opportunities for world-class higher education in its native region.During the meeting, the mayor stressed that the region is actively developing in three key areas:• Mechanical engineering – launch of the KIA automobile plant, construction of a localization center for automotive components.• Ferrous metallurgy – Kamlit plant and construction of a hot briquetted iron plant in Rudny.• Processing of agricultural products – the construction of a factory for deep processing of wheat, which will create products with high added value.All of these productions are high-tech and require qualified specialists in the field of software, digitalization and automated systems. That is why students studying under the dual degree program in the field of IT will be in maximum demand at new enterprises in the region. Career prospects and decent wages are opening up for them.Kostanay region continues to work on creating favorable conditions for young people, from quality education to stable employment. Today's students are the future of the region's economy, and we are doing everything so that they can realize their potential in their native land.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/936864

"A key focus for the Government is the relationship with its citizens, particularly in terms of delivering essential services to them. With the help of digital technologies, we intend to make the daily life of citizens as easy as possible and achieve equal opportunities for everyone," said President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.During 2024, Kazakhstan realized substantial outcomes in carrying out the guidance provided by its leader. Foundations for digital transformation were laid with regulatory and methodological strategies, a pool of experts was assembled, and significant reforms commenced in various fields.One of the key tools for digital transformation was business process reengineering. Following the review of over 1,200 governmental procedures across 23 agencies, 468 business workflows were enhanced, leading to an average reduction in execution time of 45%.By reengineering 98 processes in the Ministry of Agriculture, service delivery time was reduced by 55%. In the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of National Economy, this figure was 55% and 85%, respectively.The key achievement of the year was the increase in the level of digitalization of public services. According to the UN, Kazakhstan entered the top 10 countries in the online services index and took 24th place among 193 countries in terms of digitalization. Today, more than 93% of the population has access to electronic services through the eGov portal. 90.8% of public services are available via smartphones. The introduction of biometric identification and QR signatures has simplified the process of receiving electronic services - in a year, the people of Kazakhstan signed more than 23 million documents using QR codes.The goal of digital transformation in Kazakhstan is to make public services more convenient, accessible, and efficient.Here are just a few examples of digital solutions that have already brought tangible benefits to residents:- The digital military ID has completely replaced paper documents.- The voucher financing system has made the process of enrolling in kindergarten online transparent.- The introduction of the “Europrotocol” made it possible to register road accidents without the involvement of the police, reducing the time for receiving insurance payments from 40 to 5 days.- Automation of enforcement proceedings eliminated the participation of private bailiffs, reducing the financial burden on citizens.- Digitalization has simplified admission to kindergartens, schools, universities and dormitories, and also optimized processes in healthcare, social protection and registration services.By the year 2025, there are intentions to shorten the duration of 44 public services, shift 20 public services to a more proactive approach, and revamp 35 public services entirely. Millions of people in Kazakhstan are already experiencing the concrete benefits of digital transformation. Every initiative focuses on enhancing the ease of use, clarity, and availability of government services. Increasing the level of digitalization improves access to education, healthcare and social services, making them more convenient and fairer. A variety of public services are currently offered online, allowing users to avoid lines and paperwork.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda/press/news/details/934672

Today, a seminar-training among young villagers on the topic "Taza audan ozinnen bastalady" was held in the Shieli district. According to the director of the district youth resource center, Yerzhan Abdeshov, local young men and women are actively participating in the significant environmental campaign "Taza Kazakhstan".“Emphasis was placed during the seminar on instructing young individuals about maintaining cleanliness, protecting the ecosystem, and caring for the nature,” said E. Abdeshov. - After all, the expression is known: " Cleanliness is where there is no litter". And each person should begin their contribution to this common cause with themselves.A lot of educational work is being carried out among schoolchildren. On this day, all educational institutions held in school class hours and exhibitions on the topic "Taza Kazakhstan - Taza Tabigat". The kids gained valuable insights regarding the Taza Kazakhstan initiative, including proper waste sorting, nurturing of plants, and the importance of environmental conservation. Conducting open lessons and class sessions focused on ecological education is a crucial aspect of our engagement with the youth.“These types of activities instill in children’s vital principles, including respect for nature, dedication to hard work, and a proactive attitude towards environmental issues”, says the director of school No. 244 Zheniskul Ryspanbetova.Events were also held today in Zhanakorgan district. A seminar on the topic "Environmental protection in society and environmental culture" was organized for young people, as well as debates on the topic "EcoZhastar: The future of the country in our hands".“Young people are the future of our country. Today, Zhanakorgan boys and girls are the main driving force of the environmental program initiated by the Head of State. The issues of cleanliness and improvement of settlements in the district are under our special control”,noted the head of the district youth resource center Nauryzbay Orynbasarov.Since the launch of the "Taza Kazakhstan" initiative, approximately 730,000 individuals from the region have participated in environmental activities. Over 27,000 tons of waste have been collected, and cleanup efforts have been carried out in 505 parks and squares, 225 historical and cultural sites, 791 social institutions, 4,596 industrial and commercial properties, 322 bodies of water, and 47,451 streets and courtyards.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda/press/news/details/935544

The Chairman of the regional maslikhat, Murat Tleumbetov, along with deputies Zhankeldy Yskak, Erlan Kaliyev, and Orynbasar Tolepov, visited the Karmakshinsky district for a working visit and met with residents of the village. The meetings, which addressed current issues in the settlements, took place in the village of Zhosaly and the villages of III International, Dur Ongar, and Irkol.The Chairman of the regional maslikhat, Murat Tleumbetov, reported on the key issues initiated by the head of the region and the upcoming projects. He also highlighted the plans of the regional maslikhat and the work done in collaboration with deputies and local executive bodies. He emphasized the measures aimed at improving the quality of life for the population and the socio-economic situation in the region.The residents who attended the meeting raised issues such as gasification, the opening of kindergartens, library services, asphalting rural streets, pasture lands, rising food prices, and the development of tourism and education.It is important to note that the meeting included the chairman of the district maslikhat, Adil Koshalakov, maslikhat deputies, the chairman of the district council of veterans, Askar Merekov, the chairman of the Public Council, Abdrakhman Kulduisenov, as well as village akims and specialists in relevant fields.During the visit, the chairman of the regional maslikhat and deputies learned about the operations of the new kindergarten "Dostyk" in the village of III International.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda/press/news/details/935550

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London, February 11, 2025 – Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom continue to steadily expand their bilateral strategic dialogue and cooperation. Having marked a symbolic anniversary on January 19 – the 33rd year since the establishment of diplomatic relations – the two countries held the 8th meeting of the Kazakhstan-UK Strategic Dialogue in London on February 11. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko and UK Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Stephen Doughty chaired the meeting.The delegations discussed key issues of cooperation in politics, economy, investment, energy, environment, culture, education, and security. They also reviewed the ratification process of the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which was signed in April last year. Additionally, they held an in-depth exchange of views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.Roman Vassilenko welcomed the high level of political dialogue and effective communication between the two countries’ foreign ministries, which contribute to the steady deepening of multifaceted cooperation. He highlighted that the outcomes of events held in 2024 – including the meeting between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the COP29 climate conference in Baku – reflect a shared commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships. In this regard, the Strategic Dialogue placed a special emphasis on further expanding trade and investment ties, business cooperation, and maintaining productive cultural and people-to-people contacts.As part of the meeting, a MoU on Cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Kazakhstan and the UK’s Gangmasters and Labor Abuse Authority (GLAA). This agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between the relevant agencies of both countries in protecting the labor rights of Kazakh citizens temporarily working in the UK, as well as facilitating the exchange of information, expertise, and best practices in labor rights protection.During his visit to London, Deputy Minister Vassilenko also met with Nusrat Ghani, First Deputy Speaker of the UK House of Commons, to discuss the prospects for developing inter-parliamentary dialogue. Additionally, he held a series of working meetings with representatives of the British expert community, including the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).For reference: The Kazakhstan-UK Strategic Dialogue is an institutional mechanism for bilateral cooperation. Since 2013, its meetings have served as an effective platform for reviewing key areas of the bilateral relationship and exchanging views on regional and international agendas.The United Kingdom is one of Kazakhstan’s largest investors, with total investments exceeding 18 billion US dollars. Around 550 companies with British participation currently operate in Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/936221

Tashkent, February 10, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Alibek Kuantyrov, and Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kairat Torebaev, held a meeting with Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov.During the meeting, the issues of expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation, industrial cooperation, logistics, as well as creating conditions for simplifying trade procedures and increasing the volume of product supplies to the markets of the two countries were discussed. A special attention to mechanisms for attracting investment, including an exchange of views on improving the investment climate and creating favorable conditions for business was paid.The parties reviewed the progress in implementing the agreements reached following the state visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Astana in August 2024. In this context, measures to develop joint projects in industry and trade, as well as strengthen interaction in the field of investment cooperation were discussed. The parties also paid attention to the upcoming bilateral and multilateral high-level events scheduled for the year 2025.The Kazakh delegation visited several manufacturing plants, including Technopark LLC, Tashkent Plast Polimer and BMB Holding. These plants are focused on the production of high-tech and competitive products for supply to the domestic and foreign markets.Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their intention to continue cooperation in the designated areas.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/936252

Astana, February 11, 2025 – Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu received Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Kazakhstan Nauman Bashir Bhatti.During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of Kazakh-Pakistani cooperation, noting with satisfaction the positive dynamics of high-level contacts last year.The Kazakh Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of implementation of previously reached agreements aimed at further development of bilateral cooperation in trade-economic and transit-transport spheres.Special attention was paid to priority sectors such as agriculture, health care and pharmaceuticals. In this regard, the importance of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade-Economic, Scientific-Technical and Cultural Cooperation was emphasized, contributing to the strengthening of interaction between the countries.The two sides also reviewed the schedule of upcoming events on the highest and high levels.For his part, the Pakistani diplomat reaffirmed readiness for close cooperation with the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan to deepen bilateral ties.Following the talks, an agreement was reached on the continuation of joint work and expansion of areas of cooperation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/935974

Астана, 10 февраля 2025 года – Первый заместитель министра иностранных дел Республики Казахстан Акан Рахметуллин встретился с новым представителем Фонда ООН в области народонаселения (ЮНФПА) в Казахстане Чинве Огбонна, которая была назначена на эту должность в январе 2025 года.В ходе встречи стороны обсудили ключевые аспекты сотрудничества, связанные с вопросами гендерного равенства, улучшения услуг здравоохранения и социальных услуг в Казахстане.Приветствуя представителя фонда ООН, А.Рахметуллин отметил, что благодаря активным усилиям ЮНФПА Казахстан добился значительных успехов во внедрении лучших мировых практик в защите репродуктивного здоровья, перинатального ухода и планирования семьи, а также активного долголетия.Со своей стороны, Ч.Огбонна выразила готовность оказывать дальнейшую поддержку и содействие Казахстану в реализации национальных стратегий и программ в вопросах демографии и здравоохранения.По итогам встречи стороны договорились укреплять партнёрство и развивать сотрудничество по приоритетным направлениям в рамках международной и национальной повестки.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/935992

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Astana, February 10, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev held a meeting with Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia Mochamad Fadjroel Rachman.During the conversation, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas of mutual interest and reviewed the schedule of highest- and high-level events planned for the current year.“Indonesia is one of Kazakhstan’s key partners in Southeast Asia. Astana seeks to further strengthen political dialogue as well as trade and economic relations with Jakarta. Last year, the volume of bilateral trade increased by 5% to 300.5 million US dollars, and we firmly believe that both sides will jointly use the existing potential to further expand mutual trade through diversification,” Deputy Minister Bakayev noted.For his part, the Indonesian diplomat agreed on the importance of continuing to deepen cooperation in various areas on the bilateral and multilateral track.In addition, the diplomats exchanged views on current issues on the global and regional agenda, and discussed interaction within the framework of multilateral structures.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/935556

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On February 9, 2025, the Kazakhstan national short track team made history by winning the first gold medal in this sport at the Asian Games in Harbin. In the 5000-meter relay, the national team of Kazakhstan demonstrated a high level of training, tactical skill and team spirit.Pride of the Kostanay regionOne of the key participants in this triumph was Gleb Ivchenko, a graduate of the Kostanay short track school, a master of sports of international class, originally from the city of Rudny. A young, but already titled athlete, he showed a brilliant result as part of the national team, proving that Kazakhstan is capable of competing with the strongest teams in Asia.The athlete's coach is Nikolay Nikolaevich Fedorenko, under whose leadership Gleb has achieved outstanding results and continues to improve his skills.Development of winter sports in the regionAkim of Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov congratulated Gleb Ivchenko and the entire team on this historic achievement on his Instagram page, noting that the region pays special attention to the development of winter sports. Today, the region has 3 ice palaces, a speed skating stadium, 36 ski resorts and 77 hockey rinks. The immediate plans include the construction of indoor hockey rinks in rural areas and the provision of all district centers with modern sports infrastructure.Kazakhstan on the way to new heightsAt the 2025 Asian Games, 10 athletes from Kostanay region defend the honor of Kazakhstan, demonstrating a high level of training. Gleb Ivchenko's victory is not only his personal success, but also the merit of the entire team, the coaching staff and the athletes' training system.This triumph is further confirmation that Kazakhstani sports are moving forward. We are proud of our athletes and are confident that new victories on the world stage await them!Photo: Sali Sabirov, press service of the NOC of KazakhstanSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/934446

Updating the bus fleet and improving the quality of passenger transportation is an important task for creating a comfortable urban environment. Today, Akim of Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov inspected a new batch of buses delivered to the region.To date, there are 289 buses in the regional center, 85 of which have been in operation for more than 7 years. To upgrade the fleet, 113 new buses have been leased in recent years, and 4 more units (2 Yutong buses and 2 double–decker buses) were purchased for cash last year.The work on updating the transport continues. This year, contracts have been signed and payments have been made for the purchase of 28 new buses. Of these, 15 have already been received and were presented today, 10 more are expected on February 14, and the remaining 3 – in June this year.In addition, 18 more new buses are planned to be purchased this year with 100% subsidization. 2.1 billion tenge has been allocated from the budget for these purposes to subsidize socially significant routes.It is important to note that when updating the fleet, the wishes of the residents were taken into account – large-capacity buses were purchased. This will reduce travel intervals and make trips more comfortable.As a result of the measures taken, the share of public transport with a service life of less than 7 years will increase by 14% to 71%. This will significantly improve the quality of passenger transportation in Kostanay and its suburbs.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/933032

Today, the board of departments of construction, architecture and urban planning, passenger transport and highways, as well as energy and housing and communal services was held under the chairmanship of Akim of Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov. During the meeting, the results of 2024 were summed up and priority areas for 2025 were outlined.Construction industry: volume growth and new approachesThe construction industry remains one of the key sectors in the region's economy. In 2024, the volume of construction work increased by 25% and amounted to 315.3 billion tenge. 500 thousand square meters of housing were commissioned, which allowed 5,000 families to get new apartments.The development of the construction industry is closely linked to the use of local materials. The production of building materials in the region amounted to 51.6 billion tenge, showing an increase of 3.6%.New architectural and design solutions are being introduced in the construction of budget housing, aimed at improving the comfort of residents at minimal cost. Special attention will be paid to the improvement of courtyard areas. Landscaping standards have already been developed, which will become mandatory for developers.Affordable housing for residents of the region• Kostanay Zhastary program – 250 young families have been provided with housing for three years, the program will continue in 2025.• Mortgage lending – the volume of loans issued increased by 17%, the number of depositors of Otbasy Bank reached 85.4 thousand people.• Rental housing – in 2024, 18 billion tenge was allocated for its purchase, which allowed the purchase of 940 apartments. In 2025, 20 billion tenge is planned for these purposes, which will provide housing for 1,000 waiting lists and will allow the sale of 250 loan apartments.Development of road infrastructureIn 2024, the budget of the road industry increased by 27% and amounted to 93.5 billion tenge. At the expense of these funds:• 1,300 km of highways and 382 streets in 103 settlements have been repaired.• Work has been completed on 80 access roads to villages for 38 billion tenge.For comparison, three years ago, only 20 access roads were repaired in the region, and today this figure has almost quadrupled.Special attention was paid to the villages:• Ashutasty village (Arkalyk) – 11 out of 13 streets were repaired (85%).• Bolshaya Churakovka village (Altynsarinsky district) – 8 out of 18 streets were renovated (44%) in two years.• Fedorovka village (Uzunkol district) – 8 out of 13 streets were put in order (47%), the rest are included in the plans.Reconstruction of republican highways• The repair of the highway from Arkalyk to the border with Ulytau region is being completed, which will shorten the route from Uzbekistan and the southern regions of Kazakhstan to Russia by 400 km.• Reconstruction of the Sarykol–SKR border road and the Uzunkol–Troebratnoye section is being completed.• In 2024, the repair of the Bestobe road – the border of the Aktobe region - will begin, which residents of the Kamystinsky district have been waiting for for a long time.Design and estimate documentation is being developed for the reconstruction of Arkalyk Airport. After the upgrade, its capacity will be 70 passengers per hour, and flights to Kostanay and Astana are scheduled to resume.Housing and communal services: modernization of networks and new projectsThe following projects are planned for 2025:• 39 projects for the modernization of utility networks for 6 billion tenge.• Applications have been submitted for 55 billion tenge for the implementation of 76 projects.• By 2029, the wear of heating systems should decrease to 40% (currently 45.4%), which has already reduced emergency situations by 20%.Water supply• In 2024, 7.7 billion tenge was allocated for 40 water supply projects.• 42 billion tenge is expected to be financed for 59 projects, which is twice the volume of the previous year.• The share of villagers with centralized water supply increased from 61.5% to 68.9%.• The state subsidizes 96% of the cost of water, due to which the tariff for residents is 55 tenge per 1 cubic meter instead of the real 1,342 tenge.Gasification• The design of the Kostanay –Borovskoye gas pipeline has begun, which will provide natural gas to 24 thousand people.• In 2024, 5 projects worth 1.2 billion tenge are being implemented, as a result, the gasification level of the region will increase to 60.4%.LightingThis year, 15,000 lamps and 4.3 thousand poles will be installed on the streets of settlements, which will provide lighting for 992 km of roads.Renewable energy5 large renewable energy projects worth 580 billion tenge with a total capacity of 1 GW are being implemented in the region. This:• 1 solar power plant• 1 gas piston station• 3 wind farmsAfter their launch, the volume of electricity production in the region will increase 10 times and will fully cover the needs of the region.In 2024, 14.7 billion tenge was allocated for the improvement of towns and villages (+34% by 2023). The funds will be used for parks, playgrounds, lighting, renovation of facades and demolition of dilapidated housing.The course towards sustainable developmentThe Head of State set the task of full self-sufficiency in electricity, infrastructure development and improving the quality of life of citizens. Kostanay region is already addressing these issues by allocating resources to modernize housing and communal services, improve the road network, build affordable housing and introduce renewable energy sources.Work in these areas will continue in 2025 with increased funding and investment.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/934034