Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/903756

According to Askhat Shakharov, this year 15.5 billion tenge is provided for the support of the agricultural sector, 333 billion tenge worth of products were produced in 11 months. Also, within the framework of the Auyl Amanaty project, more than 2,900 projects were approved, loans were issued for 2,706 projects worth 15 billion tenge. In the livestock industry, the growth of livestock averaged 110%. This year, 559 thousand tons of products were received from the area of 403 thousand hectares of grain crops. This figure increased by 130 thousand tons, or 30%, compared to last year."In order to further develop the agricultural sector, 95 projects with an investment volume of 51 billion tenge are planned to be implemented in the coming years," the speaker said at a press conference in the CCS.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aktobe/press/news/details/902958

According to Askhat Shakharov, 193 projects worth 64.5 billion tenge are planned to be implemented this year to improve the quality of local roads. In general, more than 500 kilometers of road surface have been laid in the region to date. In the regional center of Aktobe, more than 200 streets, or 47 kilometers, have been brought into standard condition."A lot of work is being carried out jointly with the Ministry on the Aktobe-Khromtau route of the Samara-Shymkent international highway. At the moment, 2 sites have been allocated. Today we started construction and installation work on the 2nd site. In the near future, after the tender, work will begin on the first site. In general, there will be 4 lanes," the speaker said at a press conference in the CCS.In addition, the construction of the Aktobe-Kandyagash road has been completed.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aktobe/press/news/details/903041

According to Askhat Shakharov, 12.3 billion tenge has been allocated this year, 827 families are provided with apartments. Within the framework of the program "Bakytty otbasy" and "Shanyrak" 225 families received housing. Of these, 118 families belong to socially vulnerable segments of the population."About 4 thousand houses were damaged in the Aktobe region as a result of the flood. According to the results of the technical inspection, 1,013 houses were recognized as emergency. In order to solve this issue, 500 houses were built at the expense of representatives of large businesses for a total amount of 25 billion tenge, 513 ready-made houses were purchased. Also, compensation for 9.8 billion tenge was provided for the repair and reconstruction of 3 thousand residential buildings," the speaker said at the CCS site.In addition, thanks to the support of the state, full funds have been allocated to date for the repair and construction of 13 educational facilities, 2 sports and 1 health facility, as well as for the restoration of 47 km of highways, 23 bridges and 22 hydraulic structures.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aktobe/press/news/details/903092

"Next year, the region's economic growth is expected to reach at least 103%. At the same time, it is planned to produce products worth 2 trillion tenge in the industry. There are also grounds to attract about 1 trillion tenge of investments to the region," said Akim of Aktobe region Askhat Shakharov.According to him, the share of highways in the standard condition will be increased to 80%. It is planned to provide drinking water in 11 villages with a population of more than 5 thousand people and completely resolve the issue of clean drinking water supply."Also, by gasification of 24 villages with a population of 9.8 thousand people, we will bring the level of gasification to 96.8%. In addition, in 2025 it is planned to commission 975 thousand square meters of housing from all sources of financing," the speaker said at a press conference in the CCS.In accordance with the national project "Modernization of rural healthcare", 11 facilities will be implemented. 7 healthcare facilities are also under construction. In order to solve the problem of 3 three-shift, 2 emergency schools for educational facilities, 27 new schools for 16.4 thousand students will be built and construction of one kindergarten for 300 places has begun.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aktobe/press/news/details/903100

On the eve of Independence Day, fire station No. 25 was inaugurated in the Yeset Batyr microdistrict.The event was attended by Akim of the region Askhat Shakharov and Minister of Emergency Situations Genghis Arinov.Akim of the region Askhat Shakharov congratulated local residents on the upcoming Independence Day and stressed the importance of opening a fire station for residents of the Yeset Batyr microdistrict and nearby massifs."Independence Day is a symbol of freedom, unity and prosperity of our people. Each of us contributes to the development of the country, and projects such as the construction of a fire station are a prime example of this. The opening of the new depot will increase the level of protection of local residents and promptly respond to possible emergencies," he said.Askhat Shakharov emphasized that 1.8 billion tenge was allocated this year to strengthen the material and technical base of the emergency situations of the region. These funds were used to purchase 14 units of special equipment, 17 swimming facilities, 1,048 sets of special clothing and 346 pieces of equipment.The Minister, in turn, expressed gratitude to the local authorities for their support in the implementation of such a significant project and wished the rescuers success in their difficult but important work, and peace and prosperity to the residents of the region.At the opening of the fire station, the akim of the region and the Minister of Emergency Situations handed over to rescuers the keys to 16 pieces of equipment, including Toyota Hilux, Škoda Kodiaq cars and fire tankers. In addition, to improve the living conditions of firefighters and rescuers, they were given the keys to 26 service apartments, 6 of them are located directly on the territory of the new fire station.After the official part, the guests inspected the new depot building and highly appreciated the conditions created for the work of employees.The type II fire station is designed for four special vehicles. It occupies an area of 1.5 hectares and is conveniently located for the protection of the residential sector on the outskirts of the city. The building includes an administrative building, a control room, a security post, a recreation room, a dining room, sanitary stations, an assembly hall, storage rooms, and a special training room for gas and smoke protection services.The construction work was carried out by Babek-Kurylys LLP.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aktobe/press/news/details/903364

During the visit of the Minister of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Aktobe region, an important document was signed - the Roadmap for the development of the infrastructure of the Emergency Situations of the Aktobe region for 2025-2027. The document was signed by Akim of the region Askhat Shakharov and Minister of Emergency Situations Genghis Arinov.The roadmap includes 11 key measures aimed at improving infrastructure and improving the working conditions of employees of civil protection agencies. Among them are the overhaul and improvement of fire stations, the construction of modular fire stations, solving social and household issues of employees, strengthening the material and technical base of the units.As noted by Askhat Shakharov, the implementation of the roadmap measures will improve the social and living conditions of service personnel, strengthen the material and technical base of emergency units, increase combat readiness and responsiveness to emergency situations and ensure a higher level of security for residents of the region.The signing of the Roadmap underlines the importance of further development of the field of emergency situations in the region and becomes the next step towards creating a safe environment for citizens.Recall that on the eve of Independence Day, a new fire station was opened in Aktobe in the Yeset Batyr microdistrict. At the opening of the fire station, the akim of the region and the Minister of Emergency Situations handed over the keys to 16 units of special equipment to rescuers. In addition, 26 firefighters and rescuers were handed the keys to the service apartments.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aktobe/press/news/details/903725

Aktobe continues to update its bus fleet. New modern buses will be on the line soon. Qala Trans LLP, through the Industry Development Fund, has purchased 15 new Golden Dragon articulated buses with a length of 18 meters, which will soon begin running on route No. 46.As part of the celebration of Independence Day, Akim of the region Askhat Shakharov inspected the new public transport that entered the city's fleet and noted the importance of improving the quality of passenger transportation for residents.The new buses can accommodate 160 people, have 35 seats, are equipped with ramps for people with disabilities and are equipped with air conditioning and video surveillance systems. "To improve the quality of passenger transportation, we previously introduced electronic ticketing, which made the fare payment system transparent. This allowed local executive bodies to purchase new buses through the Industry Development Fund on preferential loans, and the state allocates subsidies to support carriers. Our goal is to make public transport more attractive. About 80% of the population uses buses, and we must create good travel conditions for them. It is necessary to equip modern bus stops in the city and lay sidewalks. Much has already been done, but more needs to be done. We allocate funds from the regional budget for this. We always listen to the opinion of the citizens and actively work with them to create public transport that will be as convenient and accessible as possible for everyone," the mayor stressed.Taking the opportunity, Askhat Shakharov appealed to all road users to behave carefully on the city's roads, and to passengers to take care of the new buses."The new buses, despite their size, are suitable for our streets. They will be tested for several days and then go on routes. I want to appeal to drivers of private transport: be careful on the roads, follow the rules and respect all road users," the mayor said.It is worth noting that the buses currently operating on route 46 will be transferred to routes 6 and 48.It should be added that by the end of the year, 25 more Yutong buses are expected to be delivered to Avtopark LLP, which will improve service on routes No. 42, No. 14 and No. 26. In October of this year, the company acquired 25 Yutong buses, which now serve routes No. 22 and No. 24.In addition, RTT Group LLP has updated the fleet on routes No. 29 and No. 44, adding 4 Isuzu buses and 10 Yutong buses.In Aktobe, passenger transportation is carried out by five companies, which are tasked to continue updating the bus fleet. The introduction of new transport will improve the comfort and safety of passengers, as well as improve transport links in the city.The Governor of the region stressed that such measures contribute to the improvement of urban infrastructure and provide a higher level of transport services for Aktobe residents.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aktobe/press/news/details/903735

Today, on December 17, an extraordinary twenty-eighth session of the Temir district maslikhat was held, which was attended by Akim of Aktobe region Askhat Shakharov and chairman of the district maslikhat Bolat Shaimov.At the session, the head of the region proposed the candidacy of Zhaksylykov Almas Zhaksylykovich for the post of akim of the Temir district and presented his biography. Deputies of the district maslikhat supported the proposal of the akim of the region and unanimously voted for the proposed candidate. Akim of the region Askhat Shakharov and deputies wished the new akim of the district success in the upcoming work.The information is published on the website of the Temir district maslikhat.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aktobe/press/news/details/903753

In coordination with the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and deputies of the Temir district maslikhat, Zhaksylykov Almas Zhaksylykovich was appointed to the post of akim of the Temir district.Almas Zhaksylykov was born in 1978. In 1999, he graduated from the Kazakh Academy of Public Administration with the qualification of "Economist in Human Resources Management", in 2019 - from the Kainar Academy with a degree in Law.He started his career in 2000 as an employee of the security service of the Almaty branch of JSC "Komirbank". In 2004 - 2009 he worked as a leading specialist of the Aktobe Regional Department of Transport Infrastructure Development, Temir district Construction Department. From 2009 to 2013, he worked as director of KGKP "Tazalyk", LLP "Shubar-kudyk", "Shubar kudyk-zhylu", LLP "CENTRUM KAZAKHSTAN".In 2013-2018, he worked as the chief specialist of the akim's office of the Shubarkudyk rural district, head of the Temir district Resource Center for Youth work, head of the Housing and Communal Services, passenger transport and highways department of the Temir district, in 2018-2023 – akim of the city of Khromtau and deputy akim of the Astana district of Aktobe. Since October 2023, he has been the akim of the Astana district of Aktobe.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aktobe/press/news/details/903771

Today, a meeting of the district's activists was held in the village of Shubarkudyk, at which the head of the region, Askhat Shakharov, introduced the new akim of the Temir district.Almas Zhaksylykov was appointed to this position. Askhat Shakharov wished success to the new head of the district and outlined the main tasks for the socio-economic development of the Temir district."Temir district plays an important role in the development of the region's economy. Thanks to the implementation of the tasks set by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the district demonstrates positive results in agriculture, construction, housing sales and retail trade, where indicators exceed 100%. However, problematic areas remain: a decrease in volumes in industry and investment to 96.8% and 38.4%, respectively. I instruct the new akim of the district to take measures to achieve the planned indicators and improve the situation in these areas," the head of the region stressed.Askhat Shakharov emphasized that it is necessary to focus on the preservation and development of the industrial bases of the district, attracting investments, as well as the resumption of work of stopped production facilities. Special attention should be paid to the development of the mining industry and attracting investors for the development of deposits.Poultry, crop and processing farms will also have to be actively developed, which will strengthen the agricultural sector of the Temir district. Given the presence of significant livestock, it was instructed to create a meat cluster focused on the production and supply of meat products to other regions. The governor of the region pointed out to the new head of the district the need to expand the capabilities of processing enterprises and develop a "Roadmap" for the development of eco- and cultural tourism."Temirsky district is located along the Aktobe – Astrakhan republican highway and has a high potential for the development of small and medium-sized businesses. It is necessary to strengthen work in this direction. The district also has deposits of oil, gas, coal and construction materials, but the mining industry is developing slowly. Active involvement of investors is required for the development of these fields. It is necessary to develop processing plants in the district, increase the number of greenhouses and vegetable storages in order to provide the district and the region with vegetable products. Today, there are only five greenhouses in the district, which is clearly not enough. I instruct the newly appointed akim of the district to keep these tasks under strict control and ensure their timely implementation. The priority remains improving the well-being of residents, creating jobs and improving the quality of life in the area. All efforts should be aimed at achieving these goals," the head of the region noted.Almas Zhaksylykov assured that he would do everything possible to fulfill the goals and objectives set for him. He stressed that he would work to improve the socio-economic situation in the area.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aktobe/press/news/details/903915

"Power engineers celebrate their professional holiday today! Thanks to your professional experience and knowledge, the regional heat and power systems operate steadily, especially in harsh winter conditions. Light and heat are important components of modern life. Thanks to them, the homes of our countrymen are cozy and comfortable, social institutions work smoothly in the region, industrial and agricultural products are produced, investment projects are being implemented. Being an energy engineer these days is both honorable and difficult, and it obliges a lot. Special thanks to the veterans of the industry. Your achievements are at the heart of today's energy industry, and your experience helps to raise young qualified personnel. I sincerely thank the power engineers for their high professionalism, responsibility and dedication to their work. I am sure that you will successfully cope with all the tasks set. Thank you for your hard work, for the reliable operation of the East Kazakhstan Region power system! I wish you good health, success, optimism, well-being, trouble-free work and all the best. Happy professional holiday - Energy Day!", - said the head of the region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/akimvko/press/news/details/903478

To prepare for the flood period, the branch of Kazvodkhoz in the Aktobe region discharged 80% of the water from the Aktobe reservoir, 66% from the Kargalinsky reservoir and 60% from the Sazdinsky reservoir.Today, the total free capacity at the three reservoirs is 382 million cubic meters.The discharge of water from reservoirs continues. By April 1, 2025, the Aktobe reservoir will be able to receive another 200 million cubic meters of water, the Kargalinsky reservoir - 200 million cubic meters, and the Sazdinsky reservoir - 5 million cubic meters of water.Thus, three reservoirs will be able to receive up to 405 million cubic meters of water for safe passage of floods.The complete reconstruction of the Aktobe reservoir, which has not been carried out since its commissioning in 1988, has also been completed. Despite this, this year, the reservoir was able to withstand a tremendous load during floods and pass 540 million cubic meters of water.The overhaul of the bottom of the spillway bucket has been completed in the Sazdinsky reservoir, and an ice protection wall has been installed.Lifting mechanisms and gate chains have been replaced in the Kargaly reservoir.The eroded sections of the water protection dams and the estuary irrigation system of the Martuk district have been restored."Preparations for the flood period are continuing, schedules for the operation of reservoirs have been developed for today. In addition to the preparation of free containers, installation work continues, which we plan to complete by December 15," said Rinat Shauenov, Director of the Kazvodkhoz branch in the Aktobe region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/water/press/news/details/903277

To prepare for the flood period, the branch of Kazvodkhoz in the Aktobe region discharged 80% of water from the Aktobe reservoir, 66% from the Kargalinsky reservoir and 60% from the Sazdinsky reservoir.Today, the total free capacity at the three reservoirs is 382 million cubic meters.The discharge of water from reservoirs continues. By April 1, 2025, the Aktobe reservoir will be able to receive another 200 million cubic meters of water, the Kargalinsky reservoir - 200 million cubic meters, and the Sazdinsky reservoir - 5 million cubic meters of water.Thus, three reservoirs will be able to receive up to 405 million cubic meters of water for safe passage of floods.The complete reconstruction of the Aktobe reservoir, which has not been carried out since its commissioning in 1988, has also been completed. Despite this, this year, the reservoir was able to withstand a tremendous load during floods and pass 540 million cubic meters of water.The overhaul of the bottom of the spillway bucket has been completed in the Sazdinsky reservoir, and an ice protection wall has been installed.Lifting mechanisms and gate chains have been replaced in the Kargaly reservoir.The eroded sections of the water protection dams and the estuary irrigation system of the Martuk district have been restored."Preparations for the flood period are continuing, schedules for the operation of reservoirs have been developed for today. In addition to the preparation of free containers, installation work continues, which we plan to complete by December 15," said Rinat Shauenov, Director of the Kazvodkhoz branch in the Aktobe region.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/water/press/news/details/903527

More than 200 "peers of independence" work in the water industry of Kazakhstan. In particular, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation employs 10 specialists born in 1991, 202 in the branches of Kazvodkhoz, and 3 specialists in basin inspections.Our compatriots, born in the year of independence, are now qualified specialists in the water sector, contributing to the development of the country. Some of them continue the business started by their parents."I have been working in the water sector since 2014, that is, for 10 years now. I followed in my parents' footsteps working on a drinking channel. I think that the water sector is very important not only for improving the quality of life of citizens, but also for life in general. Being the same age as independence, we try to do our work so that future generations can see its results," said Lyubov Shulga, an engineer for water use at the Pavlodar Department of Operation of the Kazvodkhoz branch "K. Satpayev Canal".Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/water/press/news/details/903535

The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has implemented a number of measures this year to increase the attractiveness of the water sector. For example, the Bolashak program includes water specialties. Thus, Kazakhstani students have the opportunity to study them abroad."Attracting new personnel to the water sector and improving the skills of water industry specialists is one of the main directions of the Ministry's work. This year, the department signed memorandums of cooperation with 9 universities. As a result, 80 students completed practical training in the branches of Kazvodkhoz. In addition, work is underway to develop joint programs of double–degree education with foreign universities," said Muslim Zhienbayev, Director of the Department of Science and Innovation of the Ministry.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/water/press/news/details/903537

On December 12, 2024, Astana hosted the forum "EmpowerHER: Support for Gender Equality and Professional Opportunities for Women", organized by the Nazarbayev University Entrepreneurship Research Center (NURCE) at USAID within the framework of the Trade in Central Asia program. The event was aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs in the transport and logistics sectors, providing them with a platform to discuss unique challenges, share resources and establish professional ties.The First Vice-Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Aizhan Bizhanova, made a welcoming speech, emphasizing the importance of women in the economic development of the country. She noted that the forum focuses on strategically important topics such as transport logistics and trade and logistics centers, and expressed confidence that the discussions at the event will make a real contribution to strengthening Kazakhstan's position as a key hub of regional trade and cooperation.The Head of State, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has repeatedly stressed that the development of transport and logistics infrastructure is the key to sustainable growth and strengthening of Kazakhstan's international relations. In this regard, Aizhan Bizhanov informed that strategic goals are being actively implemented in the country: five industrial trade and logistics complexes are being created at key points, which will increase export volumes and open up new opportunities for entrepreneurs.One of the key moments of the forum was the presentation of the book "Despite the limitations: 33 stories of women entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan". The publication tells about the path of 33 women entrepreneurs from various regions and industries of Kazakhstan, emphasizing their innovative approach to leadership and their ability to overcome social constraints. The stories span sectors such as transportation, agriculture, IT, manufacturing, and healthcare, demonstrating how these women turn challenges into opportunities for growth and cultural change.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/903130

On December 12, 2024, a meeting was held in Astana, chaired by First Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aizhan Bizhanova, dedicated to summarizing and planning further steps within the framework of the Sustainable Infrastructure in Asia (SIPA) program in Kazakhstan. The event confirmed the successful cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in the field of sustainable development.The discussion was attended by Jurgen Keinhorst and Yvonne Lindenlaub, representatives of the German Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) for Central Asia; Pelin Atamer, Head of the SIPA program, and Matthew Griffiths, Senior Program Manager (Nexus) from the OECD; as well as Nurlan Kulbatyrov, First Deputy General Director of JSC "Center for Trade Policy Development "QazTrade"In her speech, First Vice Minister Aizhanbizhanova noted that the achieved results of the SIPA program were made possible thanks to the support of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, emphasizing its commitment to the principles of sustainable development. She expressed gratitude to the OECD for the effective coordination of the SIPA project and focused on the active participation of the Ministry of Trade and Integration in initiatives aimed at decarbonizing trade, diversifying exports and integrating Kazakhstani enterprises into sustainable and low-carbon global value chains.Recently, there has been a positive trend in the foreign trade balance between Kazakhstan and the European Union. By the end of last year, the trade turnover reached 41.5 billion US dollars, an increase of 3.5%. And this year, in 10 months, the growth rate has already reached 21% (41.2 billion). Moreover, it is encouraging that exports of both raw materials and non-primary goods are growing. Of the 15 main trading partners, half are EU countries. These are Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, etc.Our trade turnover with Germany has increased significantly. In terms of processed goods, Germany is among the top 5 of our main trading partners.Special attention was paid to the development of the Middle Corridor, which opens up significant prospects for strengthening economic ties with European partners. The partnership with the Federal Republic of Germany in the field of development of critical raw materials, initiated during the visit of the Federal Chancellor to Kazakhstan in September, was recognized as an important step forward.The meeting also discussed the implementation of the European Union's Border Carbon Correction Mechanism (CBAM), which represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Kazakhstan's key export industries, including steel and aluminum production. Kazakhstan has confirmed its commitment to addressing this challenge and its intention to use it to transition the economy to a sustainable development path consistent with climate goals.The Ministry of Trade and Integration will continue to actively raise awareness with exporters, especially in the context of the introduction of a Border Carbon Correction Mechanism, but this must be balanced, taking into account economic expediency.And we are waiting for proposals from Western partners on preferential loans or other incentive programs for our industrial groups switching to green technologies.First Vice Minister Aizhan Bizhanova expressed gratitude to the OECD for the guidance on best practices and international experience for industrial exporters developed jointly with QazTrade JSC.She also noted the participation of the OECD and the SIPA program in the COP29 parallel event in Baku dedicated to the decarbonization of global value chains, organized by the Ministry of Trade and Integration together with QazTrade JSC, and highly appreciated the support of the OECD in this direction.Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue close cooperation to achieve common goals in the field of sustainable development and decarbonization of the economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Background information:The Sustainable Infrastructure in Asia (SIPA) program aims to support the countries of Central and South-East Asia in ensuring investments in energy, transport and industrial infrastructure that meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/903201

On December 13, Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliev and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan Alyosha Simkich met.During the meeting, the parties discussed a wide range of issues of multilateral cooperation of mutual interest: trade and investment, technical regulation, certification, women's participation in business, the implementation of the trade section of the SRPS; the implementation of the Ready4Trade Central Asia project and other issues.The parties expressed their readiness to carry out further work on increasing trade and economic cooperation and to continue cooperation in new projects in order to develop intraregional and international trade.The parties also noted the successful holding of the 7th meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Committee in the trade configuration, which was held on April 9 this year in Brussels.Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to hold the 8th meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Committee in the trade configuration in the first half of 2025.A. Simkich also expressed gratitude to the Kazakh side on the implementation of a joint investment project for the construction of a verification (calibration) and testing laboratory "KROHNE SA" and the subsequent production of flow meters and level meters.It should be noted that the European Union has historically been the main investment and trade partner of Kazakhstan. Today, the European Union accounts for more than 40% of attracted investments and about 30% of foreign trade.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/903220

Abu Dhabi, December 16, 2024 – Kazakhstan’s contributions to addressing global challenges and its emerging role as a growing middle power were in the focus of discussions at the 17th annual World Policy Conference (WPC), organized by the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) in Abu Dhabi on December 13-15.Thierry de Montbrial, founder and long-standing president of IFRI – one of Europe’s leading think tanks – moderated a conference session titled “Multivector Foreign Policies?”. He highlighted Kazakhstan’s diplomatic course as a model for multivector diplomacy, which has earned the country recognition as a responsible partner in the international community. According to the distinguished French scholar, Kazakhstan has not only refined its approach to foreign policy but is also increasingly active in addressing global challenges as a middle power.De Montbrial noted that this raises pertinent questions: What are the foundations of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy? How does it manage to maintain positive relations with various geopolitical power centers in an era of heightened tensions? And what can the country achieve in its newly acquired status, particularly, in conflict resolution efforts?During the subsequent discussion, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Roman Vassilenko used the metaphor of the traditional Kazakh round felt house, the yurt, to explain the country’s balanced and pragmatic foreign policy. “In the traditional Kazakh home, there are no corners,” he said. “Therefore, the need to take sides or choose a corner, as one might in a boxing ring, runs contrary to our national mentality.”.He further emphasized that “Kazakhstan rejects dividing nations into blocs. We believe that if states must indeed take a side, it should be the side of cooperation rather than rivalry, engagement rather than isolation, the rule of law rather than lawlessness, mutual benefit and the concept of a win-win outcome, rather than mutual exclusion and zero-sum games. Thanks to this approach, Kazakhstan has built mutually respectful and beneficial relationships with all its partners and enjoys amicable relations with all countries,” he added.Addressing what middle powers can do amid a crisis in the international security system, the Deputy Minister underscored Astana’s commitment to strengthening the United Nations as the sole global organization tasked with addressing issues of global development and security.“To this end, as President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has noted, the long-overdue reform of the UN Security Council must become a priority. For many years, the Security Council has been deadlocked on critical issues of war and peace. Kazakhstan believes the Security Council must become more representative and ensure fairer representation, reflecting today’s realities.”According to Roman Vassilenko, “what we can do as a middle power – and we take this designation very seriously – is to collaborate with like-minded nations, in a network of such countries in searching for collective solutions and in persuading global superpowers to prioritize the interests of humanity as a whole and urgently address critical global issues, such as climate change, inequality, poverty, etc.”.Responding to the moderator’s question on Kazakhstan’s stance toward the conflict in Ukraine, Vassilenko reiterated that “President Tokayev has consistently emphasized that the resolution of this problem can only be achieved through diplomacy. We advocate for the swift cessation of the conflict and the resolution of differences at the negotiating table. Kazakhstan is ready to fully support efforts in this direction.”.The panel discussion also featured Serbia’s Speaker of Parliament Ana Brnabić and Georgia’s First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lasha Darsalia, who shared their countries’ approaches to the topic.The conference explored issues of global geopolitics and economics, bringing together politicians, diplomats, experts, business leaders, and journalists from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Representatives of international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development also participated. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/903821