The Hague, 11 March 2026 – On the eve of the republican referendum on the draft of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Akan Rakhmetullin, held a meeting with students of SIB Amsterdam (Studentenvereniging voor Internationale Betrekkingen) — an English-speaking student association in Amsterdam that brings together students interested in international relations, global politics and culture.

Founded in 1947, SIB Amsterdam is one of the well-known student platforms in the Netherlands and unites more than 300 students from various academic fields. The association operates as a non-profit, inclusive and politically neutral community, open to both Dutch and international students aged between 18 and 35.

During the meeting, the students showed interest in a wide range of topics, including the development of Kazakhstan’s relations with the European Union and the Netherlands, the activities of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in The Hague and its various departments, as well as the country’s foreign policy priorities.

Particular attention was also given to issues related to digitalisation and international cooperation in the field of modern technologies, including the implementation of digital solutions and CRM systems. The participants were also interested in the mechanisms for organising voting for citizens of Kazakhstan residing abroad, as well as in public awareness efforts and the participation of observers in electoral processes.

During the discussion, the Ambassador presented the key directions of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, the country’s role in the regional architecture of Central Asia, and its engagement on multilateral international platforms. Special attention was devoted to the large-scale political and constitutional reforms currently being implemented in Kazakhstan, including the draft of the new Constitution submitted to the republican referendum. It was noted that these reforms are aimed at modernising the system of public administration, strengthening the rule of law, increasing the transparency and accountability of state institutions, and fostering the development of a diversified and competitive economy.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-hague/press/news/details/1179513?lang=kk