Lisbon, May 6, 2026 – At the Assembly of the Republic (the unicameral Parliament of Portugal), the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Jean Galiev, held a working meeting with the Chairperson of the «Portugal – Kazakhstan» Friendship Group, Felicidade Vital, and members of the parliamentary group.

During the conversation, the diplomat provided the Portuguese deputies with detailed information on the progress of the large-scale constitutional reforms initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Special attention was paid to the results of the national referendum, which consolidated the transition to a new political model and strengthened the role of the legislative branch through the creation of a unicameral Parliament — the Kurultai.

The Head of the diplomatic mission emphasized the strategic nature of relations between Astana and Lisbon. «Kazakhstan sees Portugal as an important and reliable partner in the European Union. We highly value our open dialogue and strive to fill bilateral cooperation with new practical content,» he noted.

An important point on the agenda was the upcoming elections to the Kurultai scheduled for August this year. It was noted that the formation of a new composition of the country's legislative body would be the logical conclusion of the constitutional reform aimed at protecting human rights and democratizing the system.

The parties discussed in detail a wide range of priority areas for cooperation, focusing on practical interaction. In particular, in the field of digital technology development and the implementation of artificial intelligence, the parties discussed the development of high-tech ecosystems. Interest was expressed in studying the operational experience of Portuguese science and technology parks, such as the «Portuguese Silicon Valley», Taguspark. Kazakhstan aims to implement similar models for the synergy of science, business, and advanced technologies.

In the field of agriculture, agro-industry, and fisheries, where Portugal possesses immense expertise, opportunities for cooperation were considered, including the establishment of joint manufacturing enterprises utilizing the potential of the two countries' regions, which aligns with the goals of developing decentralized partnerships.

Regarding water resource management and ecology, the Ambassador noted that Kazakhstan is also interested in utilizing Portugal's experience and technologies. Special attention was paid to the activities of the Águas de Portugal holding in efficient and rational water cycle management, the implementation of innovations, including artificial intelligence, in hydro-resource processing, and the adaptation of water management to climate change.

Speaking about attracting investment and expanding trade, the interlocutors discussed in a pragmatic key the possibilities for implementing joint industrial projects and developing logistical routes.

Vital and the members of the Friendship Group expressed support for the transformations taking place in Kazakhstan and confirmed their readiness to pay a working visit to Astana after the conclusion of the electoral cycle and the formation of a similar friendship group in the new Kazakh Parliament. This, according to the mutual conviction, will contribute to bringing bilateral cooperation based on trust to a new level.

Crédito da foto: Assembleia da República

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-lisbon/press/news/details/1215942?lang=kk