Astana, August 25, 2025 – Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Takeshi Iwaya, who has arrived in Astana on his first official visit.The parties reaffirmed the high level of the expanded strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Japan and discussed political dialogue, international and regional issues, as well as cooperation within the “Central Asia +” format.Astana and Tokyo reiterated their adherence to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, underlining the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation and upholding international law.Minister Nurtleu emphasized the significance of advancing cooperation within the framework of the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue, particularly in the context of preparations for the inaugural summit of this format. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining regular high-level contacts.Minister Iwaya, for his part, noted that Kazakhstan is a key partner of Japan in Central Asia, with the two countries sharing common values and aspirations. He commended the current state of bilateral relations, underpinned by a solid foundation for deepening multifaceted cooperation.Special attention was given to trade and economic cooperation. Kazakhstan expressed its readiness to increase exports, including coal (with mining of over 115 billion tons – among the largest globally), as well as metallurgical, petrochemical, and food products.The Kazakh Foreign Minister underscored that Japan is among the top ten largest investors in Kazakhstan’s economy, with total accumulated direct investments amounting to approximately 9 billion US dollars. Japanese companies are actively participating in projects in the mining and metallurgical industries, as well as in the energy and infrastructure sectors.Bilateral trade turnover reached approximately 2 billion US dollars in 2024 and totaled nearly 800 million dollars in the first half of 2025.“Kazakhstan already accounts for about 80% of overland freight traffic between Asia and Europe. We are ready to cooperate on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the introduction of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, with the involvement of Japanese investors,” said Minister Nurtleu.In the field of civil aviation, the sides welcomed the planned launch of direct flights between Almaty and Tokyo in March 2026, to be operated jointly by Air Astana and Japan Airlines. The potential for servicing Japanese transit flights at Kazakh airports and the establishment of logistics terminals was also discussed.In the humanitarian sphere, the parties emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in nuclear medicine, healthcare, and disaster risk reduction. In the context of advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, Kazakhstan invited Japan to participate in the 2026 Regional Environmental Summit.The Kazakh side expressed interest in attracting advanced Japanese technologies to enhance the qualifications of medical personnel, and in exchanging best practices in early warning systems and risk monitoring.The interlocutors reaffirmed their commitment to global efforts in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and emphasized the importance of advancing the disarmament agenda. Both sides confirmed their intention to continue close cooperation and mutual support in the international arena, including within the UN, IAEA, and under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).Following the meeting, the ministers signed an Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of Japan on the provision of a grant for the implementation of the Economic and Social Development Program.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1056518?lang=kk

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On August 21, 2025, a forum dedicated to the Day of Languages, entitled "Language is the Wealth of Every Nation", was held in the Beimbet Maylin district.This event was organized with the aim of strengthening friendship, mutual understanding and respect between representatives of various ethnic groups of our country, popularizing the state language, and promoting national values.The forum was attended by members of the Kostanay regional branch of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, representatives of ethnocultural associations, public figures, employees of local executive bodies, teachers and schoolchildren, as well as representatives of culture and art.During the event, the participants noted the importance of language in society and emphasized its unifying role in maintaining peace and harmony in Kazakhstan. The forum featured reports on achievements in the development of the state language, work to preserve the languages ​​and culture of various ethnic groups, and discussions and an exchange of opinions were organized. In addition, within the framework of the forum, a number of citizens who actively participate in the cultural life of the Beimbet Maylin district, making a significant contribution to strengthening the unity and harmony of the people of Kazakhstan, maintaining interethnic harmony and promoting ideas of peace, were presented with letters of gratitude on behalf of the regional Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1056326?lang=kk

As part of the celebration of the City Day, the grand opening of two modern sports and recreation complexes "Sokol" and "Sarybai", as well as new city fountains, took place in Rudny, Kostanay region.The implementation of these projects is carried out on behalf of the Head of State within the framework of the Taza Kazakhstan program, aimed at landscaping, beautification and creation of modern public spaces in the settlements of the region. These initiatives contribute to improving the quality of life of the population, developing social infrastructure and creating a healthy and active environment.Sports and recreation complexes were built in the 11th microdistrict. The total cost of the project amounted to 1 billion 266 million tenge. The area of the Sokol complex is 1,536 square meters, Sarybai is 1,872 square meters. Each of the facilities is designed for 470 people. The sports complexes have halls for playing sports and martial arts: volleyball, mini-football, basketball, handball and wrestling. As part of the project, 23 jobs have been created.The opening of new facilities will expand the sports infrastructure of the region, create additional conditions for the development of mass sports and active leisure activities of the population, especially young people.On the same day, two fountains were put into operation in Rudny — one in the area of the new sports complexes, the second at the intersection of Gagarin and Lenin streets. Their launch became part of the program of improvement and formation of a comfortable urban environment.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1055840?lang=kk

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On August 21–22, Kostanay hosted the Qostanai Investment Forum 2025, which became the largest regional platform dedicated to digitalization, the implementation of artificial intelligence, and attracting investment in high-tech projects. The forum brought together representatives of government agencies, international organizations, the business community, and the IT industry.On the eve of the forum, on August 21, the region hosted important events that set the tone for the entire program. On this day, the second stage of the project to expand mobile coverage was launched. The first stage was launched in December last year and provided stable communications in 15 villages of the region. Continuing the implementation of the initiative, the Akim of the Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov and the management of Beeline Kazakhstan Rauan Kabdrakhimov signed a memorandum of cooperation, securing plans for the further development of telecommunications infrastructure. As the head of the region noted, the project is the result of a partnership between the state and business and is aimed at ensuring that every resident of the region feels part of a single digital space.Also on August 21, Qostanai Hub hosted events for the startup community. The traditional Pizza Pitch became a platform where young entrepreneurs presented their projects to an expert jury and investors. On the same day, a meeting was held with the heroes of the Forbes "30 under 30" rating, including the founder of the EasyTap platform Mazgum Tolesh, the Secretary General of the Federation of Sports Programming Adina Magavina and the co-founder of IGPS Tech Miras Bayzhigit. These initiatives emphasized the importance of the regional technology park as a center for supporting innovation and the IT community.The main part of the forum took place on August 22 at the KIA Qazaqstan plant. A technology exhibition was held there, where developments of regional enterprises in the field of digital solutions and artificial intelligence were presented.The plenary session of the forum was opened by Kazakhstani expert Rakhim Oshakpayev. During the discussions, key issues of the development of artificial intelligence and digitalization were considered. Akim of the region Kumar Aksakalov emphasized that the region is already actively using artificial intelligence in a number of areas. The work is carried out in accordance with the tasks set by the Head of State at a recent extended meeting of the Government - on the active implementation of AI in the regions of the country. He also outlined priority areas for the implementation of AI in the agro-industrial complex, where the concept of "smart farms" is already being implemented, and in the housing and communal services sector, where it is planned to use in-pipe diagnostics systems. He emphasized that the Kostanay region attracts the attention of investors and IT companies and has the potential to become one of the leaders in the field of innovation.International and national experts also made presentations. EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan Aleshko Simkich presented an overview of the new EU Law on Artificial Intelligence, which entered into force on August 1, 2025, establishing regulatory rules for facial recognition systems, predictive analytics and generative technologies. Vice Minister of Digital Development Dmitry Mun spoke about the importance of the Astana Hub technology park and its Kostanay branch Qostanai Hub, which took third place in the country in terms of the number of applications under the Startup Garage program. Renat Bekturov, Manager of the Astana International Financial Center, emphasized the role of the AIFC in attracting foreign investment in digital, green and technology projects. Bagdat Musin, Chairman of the Board of Kazakhtelecom JSC, spoke about the prospects of telecommunications, presenting initiatives to create a national video monitoring system, launch the AI-Mektep educational platform, and use drones and AI technologies for early detection of forest fires. Kim Dae Ki, CEO of KIA Qazaqstan, announced the introduction of about 70 industrial robots that will ensure a high level of automation and stable product quality. Sergiu Smocinschi, Head of METOS, noted the importance of digital data for modern agriculture and its role in predicting plant diseases and using autonomous equipment. Irina Sulimenko, President of the Association of IT Companies of Kazakhstan, shared her experience of using AI in livestock farming, citing an example of a "digital veterinarian" system that helps prevent diseases in animals. Mazgum Tolesh also presented his development, presenting the EasyTap startup - an online service for finding hourly employees in the retail and HoReCa sectors.Qostanai Investment Forum 2025 became a significant stage in the implementation of the region's digital transformation program. The event showed that Kostanay region is not only actively implementing digital solutions, but also forming a full-fledged ecosystem for startups and investors, striving to take leading positions in the field of innovation and technology in accordance with national development priorities.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1055661?lang=kk

The population of the Abai region as of July 1, 2025 amounted to 599.5 thousand people, including urban – 374.3 thousand (62.4%), rural – 225.2 thousand (37.6%) people. Compared to the beginning of 2025, the population decreased by 3.3 thousand people or 0.5%.Natural population movementIn general, in the Abai region in January-June 2025, the natural population growth amounted to 1286 people compared to January- June 2024 (2086 people) decreased by 38.4%. The total natural growth rate per 1000 population was 4.33 people.According to the information contained in the civil status records submitted by the RAGS bodies, the number of births in January- June 2025 amounted to 3956 people, which is 17.0% less than in the corresponding period of 2024 (4767 people). The total fertility rate per 1000 people was 13.31 births.In the period under review, the number of deaths amounted to 2670 people, which is 0.4% less than in January- June 2024 (2681 people). The overall mortality rate was 8.98 deaths per 1000 people.In January- June 2025, 28 deceased infants under the age of 1 year were registered in the region and compared to the corresponding period of 2024 (47 deceased infants) decreased by 40,4%. The infant mortality rate was 7.08 cases per 1000 births.Population migrationAs a result of processing the information provided by the migration service authorities, in January- June 2025, the number of arrivals in the region amounted to - 6326 people, the number of departures from the region – 10995 people. As a result of external and internal migrations, there was a decrease of -4669 people.The main external   migration exchange  takes place with the CIS  countries. The share of arrivals from the CIS countries was 31 people or 64,6%,  77 people or 87,5 % of the total number of migrants left.  The main part of arrivals and departures from the region falls on the Russian.There was a positive balance with foreign countries, with 17 people arriving in the region and 11 people leaving.The number of migrants by interregional movements, 6278 people arrived, 10907 left, the negative balance is 4629 people._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Methodological explanationsThe natural growth rate is the difference between the total fertility and mortality rates.The total fertility rate is an indicator that determines the intensity of childbearing in relation to the entire population. Represents the ratio of the total number of live births during the period to the average population. As a rule, it is calculated per 1000 population.The total mortality rate is an indicator that determines the intensity of mortality of the population. Represents the ratio of the total number of deaths during the period to the average population. As a rule, it is calculated per 1000 population.The infant mortality rate is an indicator that determines the mortality rate of children under the age of one year. It is calculated by the ratio of the number of deaths under the age of 1 to the number of live births. The infant mortality rate is calculated per 1,000 live births.Population migration -   the   movement  of people (migrants) across the borders of certain regions with a change of residence.Migrant - a person who commits a migration with change of residence.Number of arrivals -    the   number of people who have entered into the region because of its limits during the reporting period.Number of departures - the number of people who left the region outside of its boundaries during the reporting period.www.stat.gov.kz / Official statistics / By industry / Demographic statisticsHead of the  Division of social and demographic statistics:S.KondratyevaТеl. +7 (7222) 36 25 49 Address:180000, c.Semeyst.Mangilik el, 25 © Agency for Strategic planning and reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan Bureau of National statisticsSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/abay/press/news/details/1055679?lang=kk

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On August 21, the XII Civil Forum was held in Kostanay, which brought together representatives of civil society, government agencies, experts, journalists and active residents. The main topic of the meeting was the role of civil activism and public control in the development of the country. Participants discussed budget transparency, monitoring of national projects, human rights and new forms of citizen participation in decision-making.Particular attention was paid to the importance of the law "On Public Control", adopted last year. The document opens up new opportunities for citizens to participate in decision-making processes and helps strengthen the dialogue between the state and society. At the same time, the effectiveness of the law largely depends on the activity of regional initiatives and the work of the civil sector.The president of the Kazakhstan Civil Alliance Banu Nurgaziyeva arrived at the forum and shared her experience of involving society in decision-making processes. Chairperson of the Board of the Public Foundation "Kazakhstan Halkyna" Lyazzat Chinkisbayeva spoke about social projects being implemented in the region: re-equipping a children's rehabilitation center, equipping medical institutions with modern equipment, reconstructing the Gornyak Culture Palace in Arkalyk and strengthening the base of dozens of educational organizations.The active work of non-governmental organizations was noted: today, about 1,500 NGOs operate in the region, and the volume of state social orders has grown by 34% over three years, reaching 1 billion tenge in 2025. Organizations such as "Umit-Nadezhda", "Mama Pro", "Perekrestok" provide targeted assistance to the population, and volunteer rescue teams ("Region 10", "Bars", "Dos") help in emergency situations.Special attention is paid to the work of the "House of NGOs", which has been operating for 14 years. The center holds social idea fairs and supports initiatives through small grants. Over the past two years, dozens of projects have been implemented: a podcast studio for young people in Rudny, improvement of a park in the Zhangeldinsky district, an inclusive gym in Kostanay, and social startups.The topic of youth initiatives occupied an important place in the discussions. As part of the Generation of Independence competition, six projects received grants of 1 million tenge, and three more Kostanay projects became winners at the republican level, each of which received 3 million tenge. The project to create an inclusive eco-greenhouse "Osip Kelemiz" was among the 30 best in the country.The activities of public councils were also discussed: there are 21 councils in the region, almost 17% of which are young people. For the first time, maslikhat deputies were not included in the councils, which gave them a more public character.Following the forum, experts emphasized that civil society institutions make a real contribution to the socio-economic development of the region, and the initiatives of Kostanay NGOs are a striking example of strengthening society and improving the quality of life of the population.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1055498?lang=kk

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Today, under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, a Government meeting was held to consider the quality of roads. The Akim of the region Nurlybek Nalibayev took part in the conference call.The length of roads in the region is 3,545 km, of which 1,024.5 km are of national significance, 555 km are of regional significance, and 1,965.5 km are of district significance.Last year, 44 billion 700 million tenge were allocated, and more than 300 km of roads and bridges in the region were repaired. As a result, the share of regional and district roads in the good and satisfactory indicator reached 92.5%.This year, 42 billion 142 million tenge have been allocated from the republican, regional and district budgets for the development of road infrastructure, and 320 km of roads, streets and bridges have been repaired. The results of this work will allow the indicator to be increased to 95%.123 million tenge were allocated for the activities of the National Center for «Quality of Road Assets» this year, the quality of construction is covered by 100% of the examination. During instrumental and laboratory studies, 1201 samples were selected and tested.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda/press/news/details/1055404?lang=kk

In the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic — the city of Bishkek — a creative evening “Alqissa” was held to mark the 100th anniversary of the outstanding Kazakh composer, kuishi, and conductor Nurgisa Tlendiyev. The event was organized as part of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Kyrgyzstan.The gala concert took place at the Abdylas Maldybayev Kyrgyz National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. The cultural program was organized by the Akimat of Almaty Region. Leading creative ensembles and performers of the region presented their art to the residents and guests of Bishkek.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1055185?lang=kk