Addis Ababa, February 26, 2026 - The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Ethiopia hosted a meeting of the "Club of Friends of Kazakhstan," dedicated to discussing large-scale political transformations and the upcoming national referendum on amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The event was attended by the representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, leading experts, members of political parties, heads of public organizations and businesspeople.

H.E. Mr. Zhalgas Adilbayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the African Union, introduced participants to a new state structure approach: "A Strong President – an Influential Parliament – an Accountable Government." The expert discussion focused on several key innovations, including the ongoing transformation of Kazakhstan’s Parliament, the enhanced role of civil society, the establishment of the "Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi" (People’s Council) comprising 130 citizens with legislative initiative rights, and the importance of political continuity.

Participants agreed that shifting to a unicameral system is crucial for efficient lawmaking and improves communication between citizens and authorities. The new Vice President role, approved by Parliament, ensures legal continuity during power transitions.

Event guests were interested in constitutional provisions for special legal regimes. The Ambassador stated that “predictable legal zones” would be established for sectors like IT and rare earth mining, offering high-level investment protection.

"We are building a system where authority is accountable, and the legislative process is transparent. This is our clear signal to global business: in Kazakhstan, your interests are protected not just by law, but by the Constitution itself," the Kazakh diplomat stated.

During the meeting, Ambassador Zh.Adilbayev also announced two key initiatives: the water diplomacy reform and the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. He expressed the need to create a full-fledged International Water Resources Organization within the UN system to overcome the industry's funding deficit. Members of the “Club of Friends noted that Kazakhstan's role as a mediator within the framework of the Abraham Accords and as an organizer of interreligious congresses is a significant contribution to global de-escalation.

Closing the meeting, the parties discussed further work plans for the "Club of Friends of Kazakhstan."

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-addis-ababa/press/news/details/1170899?lang=kk