Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aidar Abildabekov met with residents and business representatives of Almaty and also held a personal reception of citizens. The Vice Minister reported to the population on the work done and spoke about the results in the trade sector.At the end of the first half of 2026, the volume of trade turnover in Almaty's domestic trade amounted to 12.3 trillion tenge. The physical volume index of trade reached 105.3%, exceeding the planned target of 103.9%. Almaty accounts for 34% of the country's domestic trade, placing the city first in terms of trade volume.In January–June 2026, the volume of retail trade amounted to 3.6 trillion tenge, with the physical volume index reaching 103.6%. The share of retail trade in the region's total trade volume is 29.5%.During the first six months of 2026, the volume of wholesale trade reached 8.6 trillion tenge, and the physical volume index amounted to 106.1%. The share of wholesale trade in the region's total trade volume is 69.9%.At the same time, investment activity in the trade sector is growing. In January–June 2026, the volume of investments attracted to trade amounted to 161.8 billion tenge.The city's trade infrastructure includes 37 trade markets, of which 31 are universal and 6 are specialized. There are also 12 retail chains operating in Almaty, including 7 large ones: Magnum, Small, MyMart, Toimart, Metro, Interfood, and Galmart.In addition, there are 4,457 convenience stores, 21 shopping and entertainment centers, 29 shopping centers, and 42 trade houses operating in the city.As part of his working trip, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Aidar Abildabekov visited a trade facility modernized in accordance with the roadmap for the modernization of the city's trade markets.Previously, the multi-container market "Tigrahaud" underwent a complete modernization and was transformed into the "Abai Plaza" trade house."We modernized the market with 4.5 billion tenge in private investment and turned it into a shopping center with an area of 7,300 square meters. Currently, 55 tenants operate in the trade house, 80% of whom are our former tenants," said Azamat Shagitov, General Director of Tigrahaud LLP.Then the Vice Minister familiarized himself with the work of the "Bakhus" plant, which has been operating since 1948 and has an almost 80-year history. The enterprise produces 12 types of products and supplies not only the domestic market but has also built a supply system to countries near and far abroad. Currently, the plant's products are exported to Russia, Mongolia, Thailand, and Uzbekistan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1288568?lang=ru

Buyers of expensive passenger cars will have to pay an excise tax of 10% of the cost of the car. The new rules are provided for by the Tax Code, The excise tax applies to passenger cars worth 18,000 MCI and above. In 2026, one MCI is 4,325 tenge, so the threshold is 77.85 million tenge. The buyer himself must pay the excise tax (an individual who purchased a car in Kazakhstan or imported it from another country). How much will you have to pay The excise tax rate is 10% of the cost of the car. For example, if the car costs 80 million tenge, the excise tax will be 8 million tenge. When buying a car in Kazakhstan, the cost is determined by a purchase and sale agreement. Separate cost calculation rules apply for imported cars. When do I need to report If the car was purchased in Kazakhstan, the excise tax declaration must be submitted by the 15th day of the month following the month of purchase. The excise tax itself must be paid before the 20th of the following month or before the state registration of the car. When importing a car from the EAEU countries, instead of a declaration, an application is submitted for the import of goods and payment of indirect taxes. It must be submitted by the 20th of the month.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-kyzylorda/press/news/details/1288557?lang=ru

Exceeding the threshold for mandatory VAT registration. Starting in 2026, for taxpayers applying the generally established taxation procedure, the threshold for mandatory VAT registration is 10,000 MCI. If the established threshold is exceeded, it is important to register for VAT in a timely manner.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-kyzylorda/press/news/details/1288523?lang=ru

Kazakhstan and India signed framework agreements totaling USD 122 million following the Kazakhstan-India Business Forum on Trade and Investment held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.One of the agreements provides for cooperation between SP BKM LLP and International Tractors Limited on the phased assembly and localization of Sonalika/Solis tractor production in Kazakhstan. The document creates a foundation for long-term cooperation in the supply, assembly, phased localization, distribution, and after-sales service of tractors and related agricultural machinery. The agreement is valued at USD 120 million.The second framework agreement was concluded between SP BKM LLP and Big Bang Boom Solutions Private Limited in the field of defense technologies, internal security, and dual-use solutions. The agreement envisages interaction between the parties in identifying, evaluating, and implementing mutually beneficial projects in these areas within the territory of Kazakhstan.The Kazakh business delegation was headed by Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Aidar Abildabekov. As part of his working visit, he held meetings with the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Investment Promotion of the Government of Tamil Nadu, Selvi S. Kirthana, and the Executive Director of International Tractors Limited (Sonalika Group Company), Rahul Mittal.The business forum brought together over 110 participants from the Kazakh side, representing a wide geographical range of regions and key sectors of the country's economy. The delegation included about 65 companies representing mechanical engineering, the agro-industrial complex and food industry, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, construction, the oil and gas sector, light industry, information technology, and logistics. The main focus was on expanding direct business ties between companies from Kazakhstan and the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, developing trade, attracting investment, and implementing joint projects. Special attention during the forum was given to the development of interregional cooperation. The delegation included representatives from Akmola, Atyrau, Mangystau, and Turkestan regions, as well as the city of Shymkent, who presented the export and investment potential of the regions and opportunities for implementing joint projects with Indian partners.«Kazakhstan attaches great importance to the development of trade, economic, and investment cooperation with India. At the same time, further unlocking the potential of our relations is impossible without more active interaction at the level of regions and business circles. That is why special attention is paid to the development of direct ties between the regions of Kazakhstan and Indian states», noted Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Aidar Abildabekov.India is one of Kazakhstan's key trade and economic partners in South Asia. In the first half of 2026, bilateral trade turnover amounted to USD 315.4 million.Kazakhstan is exploring opportunities to expand mutual trade and increase the range of supplies. Approximately 95 commodity items have been identified with the potential to increase exports to India worth around USD 313 million. The list includes goods from the metallurgical, chemical, food, construction, and mechanical engineering industries.During the forum, issues of developing transport and logistics cooperation were also discussed. Kazakhstan has a developed network of international transport routes and is considering opportunities to expand the transit of Indian goods through its territory to the countries of Central Asia, China, and Europe.Promising areas for joint projects have also been identified, including the agro-industrial complex, processing of agricultural raw materials, critical minerals, industrial cooperation, pharmaceuticals, digitalization, artificial intelligence, information technology, and energy.Kazakhstan is interested in attracting Indian investments and technologies to create high-value-added production facilities and localize products within the country. In particular, Indian companies are invited to consider locating production facilities in Kazakhstan's special economic zones. There are 17 SEZs operating in 14 regions of the country, providing investors with access to necessary infrastructure, as well as tax and customs preferences.As part of the working visit, the Kazakh delegation also visited industrial and innovative facilities in Chennai, including Allison Transmission India Private Limited - a manufacturer of fully automatic transmissions for freight, passenger, construction, mining, and special-purpose vehicles, as well as Caplin Point Laboratories Limited - an Indian pharmaceutical company specializing in the production and supply of medicinal products.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1288477?lang=ru

By state revenue authorities, accounting for taxes, payments to the budget, social payments, as well as penalties and fines is maintained in personal accounts of the tax administration information system (hereinafter – the TAIS).A penalty is a monetary amount accrued for the untimely execution of a tax obligation, meaning it is a measure of liability for delay in paying a tax or another mandatory payment to the budget.The procedure for calculating penalties in personal accounts was approved by Order of the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 637 dated October 28, 2025, "On certain issues of maintaining the personal account of a taxpayer (tax agent)."According to the Order, penalties are accrued in personal accounts daily for failure to fulfill a tax obligation within the established timeframes and are accrued automatically in TAIS.In personal accounts, the accrual of penalties is performed:1) after each accounting transaction that changes the balance of overdue tax arrears;2) at the end of each month for the period from the day following the due date, or from the day of the last penalty accrual;3) upon issuing information on the absence and (or) presence of arrears.Also, penalties are accrued to banks or organizations conducting certain types of banking operations for failure to comply with the sequence of deducting tax and payment amounts, penalties, and fines from bank accounts; failure to transfer (credit) them to the budget; or untimely transfer of deducted amounts from taxpayers' bank accounts and cash deposited into the cash desks of banks or organizations conducting certain types of banking operations toward the payment of taxes, payments, penalties, fines, and accrued bank remuneration into the budget, in the amount of 1.25 times - the base rate of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan for each day of delay.The accrual of penalties is suspended in the case of appealing a notification on the results of a tax audit to the authorized body until a decision is issued by the authorized body based on the results of reviewing the complaint; in the case of appealing a notification on the results of a tax audit to court – until the entry into legal force of a judicial act based on the results of reviewing the complaint.Based on the foregoing, in order to avoid the accrual of penalties on taxes and other mandatory payments to the budget, it is necessary to make payments of tax obligations in a timely manner within the timeframes established by legislation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-vko/press/news/details/1288463?lang=ru

In accordance with the Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, refunds of excessively (erroneously) paid amounts of taxes and payments to the budget are carried out by the state revenue authorities on the basis of a taxpayer’s tax application by transferring the funds to the bank account specified in the application.The form of the tax application for the offset and/or refund of taxes, payments to the budget, customs payments, penalties, interest and fines was approved by Order No. 637 of the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated October 28, 2025.Refunds of taxes and payments to the budget for which taxpayer’s personal accounts are maintained are carried out by the state revenue authority at the place where the personal accounts are maintained. Refunds of payments to the budget for which personal accounts are not maintained (state duty, registration fee) are carried out by the state revenue authority at the place where such payments were made.Please note that the public service “Offsetting and Refunds of Taxes, Payments to the Budget, Penalties and Fines” is not provided through the Unified Platform for Receiving and Processing All Citizens’ Appeals, e-Otinish.In order to ensure the timely refund of excessively (erroneously) paid amounts of taxes and payments to the budget, tax applications in the prescribed form must be submitted in one of the following ways:in paper form — through the Non-Profit Joint-Stock Company “State Corporation ‘Government for Citizens’”;electronically — through the eGov.kz digital government web portal or the “Taxpayer’s Cabinet” web application.Please take the above information into account when applying for a refund of excessively (erroneously) paid amounts of taxes and payments to the budget.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-kyzylorda/press/news/details/1288459?lang=ru

Athens, 9 September 2026 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Greece Timur Sultangozhin held a meeting with Eleni Triantafyllou, Director of the A5 Political Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece.The sides discussed the current state and prospects of Kazakh-Greek relations, with particular attention to further strengthening political dialogue and upcoming contacts at the highest and high levels. They exchanged views on substantive issues of cooperation within international organizations, topical matters on the regional and international agenda, as well as further improvement of the bilateral legal framework.The Ambassador briefed his counterpart on the latest constitutional reforms and the results of the first elections to the Kurultai held on 23 August. It was noted that representatives of five political parties entered the new composition of the Kurultai, while voter turnout reached 74.08%. The elections marked an important stage in the implementation of democratic reforms and Kazakhstan’s transition to a new unicameral model of Parliament.In addition, the Ambassador spoke about the formation of the new Government, the establishment of the position of Vice President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as the activities of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and its role in promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue.Following the meeting, the sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in continuing constructive dialogue and consistently developing cooperation between Kazakhstan and Greece.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-athens/press/news/details/1288447?lang=ru

Astana, 9 September 2026 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issagaliyev received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Akbar Jowkar on the occasion of the completion of his diplomatic mission.During the meeting, the parties discussed the results of the Ambassador’s three-year tenure in Kazakhstan, achievements in the development of the bilateral cooperation, as well as prospects for further Kazakh-Iranian engagement in areas of mutual interest. There was emphasized the importance of the consistent implementation of agreements reached at the highest and high levels, as well as maintaining regular political dialogue.Deputy Minister Issagaliyev highly commended A.Jowkar’s contribution to strengthening friendly relations and expanding cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, noting the Iranian Ambassador’s active efforts during his tenure in Kazakhstan.In turn, Ambassador Jowkar expressed his gratitude to the Kazakh side for its hospitality and support throughout his diplomatic mission and expressed hope for the continuation of the course set by the Heads of State towards further development of Kazakh-Iranian relations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1288437?lang=ru

On September 8, 2026, Deputy Chairman of the Board of KazAID Zhandos Asanov held an online meeting with Ms. Jia Qian Ho, Deputy Director of the Development Partnerships Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore.During the conversation, the parties discussed opportunities for organizing the second joint training program in accordance with the agreements reached during the official visit of Senior Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong to the Republic of Kazakhstan on August 24–27 this year. For reference: From April 1 to April 5, 2024, the first joint seminar was conducted with the Technical Cooperation Directorate of the MFA of Singapore within the "Dostyk: Digitalization" program on "Digital Governance and E-Government Development" for civil servants and quasi-public sector representatives from Central Asian countries.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kazaid/press/news/details/1288421?lang=ru

Tax return (TR) is an official document submitted by a taxpayer with information on taxable items, assets and liabilities, calculated tax liabilities and social payments.The tax return forms, explanations on their completion and the rules for their submission are approved by Order No. 695 of the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated November 12, 2025.Tax returns are submitted to the state revenue authorities (the SRA) at the taxpayer’s choice:in paper form — in person through state revenue service centers/state corporation centers or by mail;electronically — through the taxpayer’s personal office of ITAS, the eGov portal, eGov mobile, e-Salyq Azamat, e-Salyq Business mobile applications, as well as mobile applications of second-tier banks.The date of submission of a tax return is considered to be:for the personal presentation — the date when the document is registered by the SRA or the State Corporation;for submitting by mail — the date indicated by the postal or other communications organization confirming receipt of the registered letter;for electronic submitting — the date when  the TR is accepted by the central node of the information system, as indicated in the electronic notification sent to the taxpayer.Tax returns, except for the application for the importation of goods and payment of indirect taxes, are divided into initial, regular, additional, notification-based and liquidation tax returns.A liquidation tax return is submitted when terminating activities, liquidating or reorganizating of a taxpayer (tax agent), as well as upon deregistration as a value-added tax payer.When accepting a tax return, the state revenue authorities conduct format and logical control (FLC), which involves checking the completeness and correctness of the tax return. A tax return is considered accepted only after it has been assigned the status “Document accepted.”A tax return is not accepted if:it does not comply with the prescribed form;mandatory identification details are missing or incorrectly specified;it is not signed or, where required by law, is not certified with a seal;in the cases established by law, a VAT return is submitted without the required registers of invoices;the individual income tax and social tax return does not reflect the calculated amounts of taxes and social payments for each individual.After the deadline for submitting an initial or regular tax return expires, the tax authority’s information system automatically generates a tax return with zero values for the relevant tax period, provided that the applicable tax return forms have been specified in advance in the taxpayer’s personal office.This provision does not apply to individuals submitting tax returns in respect of activities unrelated to individual entrepreneurship.After a tax return has been automatically generated, a taxpayer is required to submit an additional tax return if taxable items or items related to taxation are present and are subject to reporting.If an initial or regular tax return is submitted in paper form and assigned the status “Document accepted,” the automatically generated tax return for the relevant tax period is cancelled.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-vko/press/news/details/1288415?lang=ru

Astana, 7 October 2026 - The XXIV Meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions will be held at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.The international dialogue platform will bring together leaders and representatives of world and traditional religions - Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shinto and the Bahá’í Faith – as well as heads of international organizations, government officials and leading experts from 20 countries.A key item on the agenda will be the consideration and adoption of two international documents: the “Code of Ethics for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Religious Sphere” and “The Role of Religions in Combating Climate Change”.The development of these documents was initiated by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and received the support of Congress participants.The Charter of the Rights of the Incurable Child will be presented as a separate item on the agenda. The document emphasizes the protection of the child’s dignity and humane treatment, the child’s right to necessary medical and psychological care and, upon request, support that takes into account the child’s religious and spiritual needs.Media AccreditationKazakhstani and international media representatives wishing to cover the XXIV Meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress are invited to complete accreditation no later than September 30, 2026, by contacting: communications@iciid.org.Date: October 7, 2026Venue: Press Center, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, 57 Tauelsizdik Avenue, AstanaStart time: 10:00 a.m.  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-podgorica/press/news/details/1288543?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1288345?lang=ru

On October 2-3, 2026, the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue will host the II Joint Colloquium between the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the International Center in Astana. The main theme of the Colloquium will be the protection of the rights and dignity of vulnerable children.The Colloquium will continue the dialogue between Kazakhstan and the Holy See, which began in April 2024 with the first joint meeting held during the visit of the Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions to the Vatican.The Colloquium will convene official representatives of Kazakhstan and the Holy See, religious leaders, specialists in the fields of pediatrics, bioethics and theology, representatives of international organizations, as well as members of the expert community. The event will be co-chaired by the Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.The program will focus on three key areas: the ethical foundations of child care and interfaith solidarity; the protection of children’s rights and dignity in the context of illness; and the development of medical, scientific and institutional cooperation. The potential of artificial intelligence in pediatrics and the ethical principles governing its use will also be given special attention.The Charter of the rights of the Incurable Child, based on the principles of respect for human dignity, comprehensive care for the child, and support for the family, will serve as a key reference point for discussions. The Kazakh side will also highlight the «Zhusan» humanitarian operation an example of practical support for children in difficult circumstances.To cover the Colloquium, Kazakhstani and international media are kindly requested to complete accreditation no later than September 20, 2026. For accreditation, please contact us by email: communications@iciid.org.Date: October 2–3, 2026Venue: National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 1st floorStart time: 10:30 a.m. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-addis-ababa/press/news/details/1288347?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1288279?lang=ru

In the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, cash payments shall be made with the mandatory use of a cash register equipped with a function for recording and/or transmitting data, provided that the models of such cash registers are included in the register of cash registers, unless otherwise provided below.The following persons are exempt from the use of cash registers:individuals;private bailiffs, advocates, and professional mediators;persons providing passenger transportation services to the public by public urban transport with the issuance of tickets.The form of public urban transport tickets shall be approved by the authorized state body responsible for implementing state policy in the field of transport, in coordination with the authorized body;the National Bank;second-tier banks;religious associations;the National Postal Operator, except for cash payments made in areas where there is no public telecommunications network;persons making payments through a special mobile application.A taxpayer whose activities are carried out in areas where there is no public telecommunications network shall, when making cash payments, use cash registers without data transmission.Vending machines and service payment terminals that make cash payments for trading operations or the provision of services using cash shall be equipped with cash registers with a function for recording and/or transmitting data.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-astana/press/news/details/1288272?lang=ru

Key projects include the completed reconstruction of the N. Sats Theatre for Young Audiences, the construction of a 45,000-seat stadium, the modernization of the Medeu Sports Complex, the development of polycentric urban districts, as well as the renovation and upgrading of educational and healthcare facilities.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almaty-us/press/news/details/1288199?lang=ru

This was announced by Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan Alim Bayel. According to the diplomat, the Kazakh side had proposed to Azerbaijan resuming passenger ferry services on the Kuryk Port – Baku Port – Kuryk Port route. The service operated until 2020, when it was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Alim Bayel noted that before the service was suspended, approximately 1,500 passengers per year used the ferry connection across the Caspian Sea. He expressed confidence that even more people would be interested in travelling along this route in the coming period. The resumption of the ferry service will give impetus to the development of passenger connectivity between the two countries, increase tourism exchanges, and expand the opportunities offered by the Middle Corridor.The Ambassador said that the Azerbaijani side has supported Kazakhstan’s proposal. The transport authorities of the two countries have now begun work aimed at restoring passenger services as soon as possible.Today, 37 air flights are carried out between Baku and Kazakh cities of Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Aktau and Atyrau.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-baku/press/news/details/1288171?lang=ru

Today, a meeting chaired by District Akim Zhandos Yerkinbek was held to discuss the introduction of new approaches to training personnel in skilled trades.During the meeting, the participants considered the need for skilled workers in agriculture, construction and small business in line with the district’s development priorities. The issue of conducting an analysis and compiling a list of occupations experiencing a shortage of personnel was also discussed. In this regard, the District Department of Employment and Social Programs and the District Career Center were instructed to strengthen efforts to study demand in the labour market.In addition, the District Department of Education was instructed to intensify career guidance among school students aimed at increasing the prestige of skilled trades. Zhandos Yerkinbek noted the importance of providing students with career guidance from an early age and systematically organizing open days.The district head paid particular attention to strengthening information and awareness activities:— Creating a comfortable environment for residents is our primary task. Therefore, the responsible departments must carry out systematic work in this area, — said Zhandos Yerkinbek.During the meeting, along with the main agenda items, a number of issues concerning the district’s priority areas for the upcoming period were discussed. Particular attention was drawn to the need to prevent identified violations and take appropriate measures regarding violations of the rules for landscaping and maintaining the territories of cities and settlements (Article 505), violations of the rules for grazing agricultural animals (Article 408), and littering of public places (Article 434-2).Overall, the district fulfilled the military recruitment target by 100 percent during the spring conscription campaign. Currently, work is underway to ensure the timely fulfilment of the approved target for the autumn conscription campaign as well. This issue remains under the constant control of the district head. Therefore, the meeting emphasized the need to ensure that the relevant work is carried out at the proper level.Following the meeting, a number of instructions were given to the heads of the responsible sectors, with their implementation to be kept under constant control.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda-karmakshy/press/news/details/1288153?lang=ru

Registration for the first national book marathon "Reading Nation" has begun in the East Kazakhstan region. The project will bring together participants from all regions of the country and will become one of the largest national initiatives aimed at popularizing reading and developing a reading culture.The marathon will take place from September 2026 to April 2027 in Kazakh and Russian languages within two leagues.The project includes 7 categories:"Reading School" — students of grades 6–10;"Reading College" — college students;"Reading University" — students of higher educational institutions;"Reading Educator" — school teachers and college instructors;"Reading Dynasty" — family teams;"Reading Civil Servant" — civil servants;"Reading Intellectual" — all citizens without age or professional restrictions.Each participant must read 15 books from a specially curated collection comprising 330 works in the relevant category. Of these, 165 books are available in Kazakh and 165 in Russian.The list includes works by domestic authors, world classics, and contemporary literary works. The selection also took into account works included in the "100 Books" list based on the results of a nationwide vote, as well as global bestsellers, including works by Nobel Prize in Literature laureates.The main stage of the marathon will begin in September 2026 and will last until March 2027. During this period, participants will read books and publish their reviews in their personal accounts.In March–April 2027, final testing and intellectual quizzes will take place.Winners and prize-winners of the regional stage will be awarded cash prizes:1st place — 600,000 tenge; 2nd place — 450,000 tenge; 3rd place — 300,000 tenge.All finalists will be awarded diplomas and electronic certificates. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/vko-bilim/press/news/details/1288094?lang=ru

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov during his working visit to Switzerland held a meeting with Director of the Peace and Human Rights Division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland Ambassador Tim Enderlin.During the talks, the two sides exchanged views on mediation and preventive diplomacy, as well as on practical aspects of mediation efforts. Particular attention was paid to opportunities for further cooperation and the exchange of experience.Deputy Minister Issetov underscored the importance of the peaceful settlement of conflicts and highlighted the role of dialogue, mediation and preventive mechanisms in strengthening confidence-building measures, preventing crises and maintaining international peace and security.For his part, Ambassador Enderlin presented Swiss approaches to developing mediation expertise, including the training of specialists. Switzerland has been systematically developing its expert capacity in this field for decades and has extensive experience in the professional training of specialists involved in peacekeeping and mediation processes.Following the meeting, the two countries reaffirmed their interest in continuing expert exchanges and expanding cooperation on mediation and preventive diplomacy.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1288095?lang=ru