Astana, July 27, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov received the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the Republic of Kazakhstan Alenka Suhadolnik, on the occasion of the completion of her diplomatic mission in Kazakhstan.During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of Kazakhstan-Slovenia cooperation. Deputy Foreign Minister Kuantyrov expressed appreciation to Ambassador Suhadolnik for her personal contribution to strengthening bilateral partnership and developing cooperation across a wide range of areas.It was noted that during the Ambassador’s diplomatic mission, relations between Astana and Ljubljana reached a qualitatively new level. An important milestone was the official visit of President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar to Astana, which provided additional impetus to the development of political, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian ties.The Ambassador of Slovenia expressed gratitude to the Kazakh side for its support and noted the significant progress achieved in the development of bilateral relations. The parties reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation and maintaining the high momentum of political dialogue and practical engagement.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1264331?lang=ru

Omsk (Russia), 25 July 2026 – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Russian President Vladimir Putin met ahead of the XXII Kazakhstan-Russia Interregional Cooperation Forum, focused on transport, logistics and regional economic ties, in Omsk on July 25. Their talks broadened the agenda beyond the forum’s economic focus to include the war in Ukraine, strategic partnership and cooperation on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant.During the meeting, Tokayev outlined his position on prospects for resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He said that from the very beginning he saw it as an interstate conflict. He also noted that “the nature of this conflict is not fully understood by many, including ourselves.” While acknowledging that neither side currently has a clear path toward resolving the conflict, Tokayev suggested that freezing the conflict could create conditions for renewed negotiations.“Perhaps it is time to freeze this conflict and return to the Istanbul Formula 2.0, because significant results were achieved there. Then, under guarantees from the great powers, including Russia, we could move toward the long-awaited peace,” he said. Tokayev also ruled out any role for Kazakhstan as a mediator, saying Russia is “a great country” that is capable of resolving the conflict on its own without outside mediation. He added that he had decided to voice his opinion publicly because many people knew about his planned visit to Omsk and the meeting with Putin.  “There is an opportunity to freeze the conflict. This is a well-established mechanism in international practice,” he added. Tokayev also expressed concern over the continued loss of life, saying the conflict should be stopped because young people from both Russia and Ukraine continue to die.  “All of this must be stopped because, in my firm conviction, what is happening serves the interests of and brings satisfaction to the opponents of both Russia and the Ukrainian state,” he said.Tokayev also reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to its strategic partnership and allied relations with Russia during the meeting.  “As for Kazakhstan’s position toward Russia, have no doubt: we have always regarded, and continue to regard, Russia as a great state. We remain committed to strategic cooperation with Russia and allied relations, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be. Today’s forum is further confirmation of that,” he said.President Tokayev also noted progress in implementing the joint project to build Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant. He shared that he has been informed that field work at the site near Lake Balkhash is nearing completion “This project is not only about producing a new type of energy in Kazakhstan. It is a project that will bring our countries and, most importantly, our peoples closer together, particularly the younger generation. We are talking about training local Kazakh specialists with Russia’s assistance so that they will be able to work in the highly complex nuclear industry,” he said.Thanking Putin for the warm welcome in Omsk, Tokayev said the meeting provided an opportunity to continue substantive dialogue on key areas of Kazakhstan-Russia cooperation and outline further steps for its development. He noted that Russia has also become Kazakhstan’s largest investor, with accumulated investment approaching $30 billion. Trade reached almost $28 billion. The two countries have launched 177 joint industrial projects worth a combined $53 billion, 122 of which have already been completed. According to Marat Ramazanov, the head of the Department of European and American Studies at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS), the growing economic indicators reflect the maturity of bilateral relations rather than short-term political dynamics.“Today, Kazakhstan-Russia cooperation rests on a broad foundation that includes trade, investment, industrial cooperation, transport connectivity and humanitarian ties. These areas create resilience in bilateral relations even amid a rapidly changing international environment,” Ramazanov told The Astana Times.He said the expansion of joint industrial projects demonstrates that economic cooperation has become increasingly pragmatic. “What we are seeing today is a transition from political declarations to practical implementation. The emphasis is increasingly placed on projects that generate long-term economic benefits for both countries,” he said.Putin also emphasized the strength of bilateral relations, highlighting that they continue to develop “not only in words but in deeds.” Trade between the two countries reached nearly $28 billion last year and increased by more than 4% in the first five months of 2026, according to Russian statistics, Putin said.He also noted that around 70 investment projects involving Russian companies are currently underway in Kazakhstan, with a combined value of approximately $30 billion, making Russia the country’s largest investor. According to Manarbek Kabaziyev, the deputy chairman of the Foreign Policy Research Institute under Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry, the growing number of joint projects reflects a broader evolution in bilateral cooperation.“Today, Kazakhstan and Russia are moving beyond traditional trade toward deeper industrial and technological cooperation. The focus is increasingly on creating long-term value chains rather than simply expanding trade volumes,” Kabaziyev told The Astana Times. While the talks addressed complex geopolitical issues, they also reflected Tokayev’s emphasis on preserving and expanding long-term economic cooperation with Russia. With trade, investment, industrial projects and Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant high on the agenda, the meeting suggested that Astana views sustained economic cooperation with Russia as an important pillar of its long-term economic development and broader regional stability.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-ljubljana/press/news/details/1264316?lang=ru

      The Department of State Revenues for the City of Astana reminds taxpayers that, in accordance with Article 189 of the Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a temporary restriction on leaving the Republic of Kazakhstan may be imposed on the heads of legal entities, individual entrepreneurs, and individuals engaged in private practice. This measure may be applied if the taxpayer's tax arrears exceed the statutory threshold, remain unpaid for more than three months, and the tax authorities have already taken compulsory collection measures.Once the tax arrears have been fully settled or the tax obligation has otherwise been terminated, the travel restriction is lifted in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation.The Department of State Revenues for the City of Astana recommends that taxpayers fulfill their tax obligations in a timely manner and regularly monitor the status of their settlements with the budget in order to avoid the application of compulsory collection measures.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-astana/press/news/details/1264303?lang=ru

 Migdal HaEmek, 26 July 2026 - The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Israel, Daulet Emberdiyev, visited the city of Migdal HaEmek, where he held a meeting with the Mayor of the city, Yaki Ben Haim.During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for expanding Kazakhstan–Israel interregional cooperation, as well as opportunities to strengthen collaboration in the fields of industry, high technology, innovation, and investment promotion.Ambassador D. Emberdiyev presented the Alatau City project, a new international growth hub being developed in the Almaty Region of Kazakhstan. He noted that the project envisions the creation of a modern city with advanced innovation, scientific, educational, and business infrastructure aimed at attracting international investment, fostering high-tech industries, and providing a favorable environment for business development.The interlocutors emphasized the significant potential for establishing partnerships between Alatau City and Israeli high-tech companies with advanced expertise in microelectronics, digital technologies, innovation, and industrial park management.For his part, Mayor Yaki Ben Haim briefed the Ambassador on the city’s socio-economic development, highlighting its status as one of the leading industrial and high-tech centers in northern Israel. Migdal HaEmek is widely recognized as one of Israel’s key hubs for the semiconductor and microelectronics industries, hosting the operations of major international companies and a dynamic innovation ecosystem.At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and Israel, expanding ties between municipalities, business communities, and development institutions, and implementing joint projects in the fields of innovation, industry, and investment. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-tel-aviv/press/news/details/1264288?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/1264235?lang=ru

Astana, 27 July 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev met with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Nauman Bashir Bhatti, on the occasion of the completion of his diplomatic mission in our country.The Kazakh Foreign Minister highly commended the current level of cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing Astana’s commitment to further expanding bilateral dialogue.Minister Kosherbayev highlighted the particular significance of the outcomes of the visit by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to Pakistan in February this year, during which relations between Astana and Islamabad were elevated to the level of strategic partnership.For his part, the Ambassador of Pakistan expressed his gratitude for the support extended to him during his tenure in Kazakhstan and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to further strengthening constructive dialogue with Astana.At the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Kosherbayev presented the Pakistani Ambassador with the Honorary Certificate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in recognition of his personal contribution to strengthening the comprehensive ties between the two countries.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1264196?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-jeddah/press/news/details/1264180?lang=ru

Religious leaders in Lebanon have expressed support for the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, which is held in Astana. Among them is His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Cilicia, who highly praised Kazakhstan’s policy of promoting peace and mutual understanding among peoples and religions.The Catholicos described the Congress as one of the world's most respected international platforms for interfaith dialogue. In his view, the Astana initiative not only brings together representatives of different faiths around shared values, but also makes a tangible contribution to promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and the search for common responses to global challenges. Aram I further stressed that the Congress should evolve beyond a forum for exchanging views into a sustainable international process capable of making a practical impact on society while strengthening trust and mutual respect among peoples.In his message, the Catholicos emphasized that the mission of religions in today's world should not be limited to dialogue alone. According to him, religious communities should work together to counter extremism and social polarization, actively promote a culture of peace, uphold human dignity, and strengthen mutual respect. He also highlighted the responsibility of religious communities in preventing conflicts, safeguarding moral values, and protecting the environment.“A genuine and meaningful interfaith dialogue contributes to strengthening mutual understanding and respect. It fosters mutual trust and acceptance of one another. Religions must stand against intolerance, fundamentalism, and all forms of extremism by promoting the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence,” concluded His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-beirut/press/news/details/1264092?lang=ru

Astana, July 27, 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev received the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman Mohammed Al-Bahrani on occasion of the completion of his diplomatic mission.The Minister highly commended the level of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Oman, expressing gratitude to Ambassador Al-Bahrani for his contribution to strengthening the mutually beneficial partnership.The Omani diplomat highlighted the valuable experience gained in Kazakhstan and expressed confidence in further development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation based on friendship and mutual understanding.Ambassador Al-Bahrani particularly highlighted the role of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in fostering relations between Astana and Muscat, as well as his peacekeeping initiatives in resolving regional conflicts. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1264054?lang=ru

As part of the 22nd Kazakhstan–Russia Forum of Interregional Cooperation taking place in Omsk, the Kazakhstan–Russia Youth Forum is being held under the theme: “Youth Cooperation: Supporting Youth Initiatives and Youth Entrepreneurship.”The forum has brought together representatives of government agencies from both countries, industry organizations, the expert community, and leaders of public associations.Representing the Aktobe Region at the forum is Alimbek Turaliyev, Head of the Aktobe Region Department for Youth Policy.    Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/aktobe-zhastar1/press/news/details/1264034?lang=ru

     Recovery of tax arrears may be enforced against funds held in the bank accounts of a taxpayer’s debtors if the taxpayer fails to settle tax arrears exceeding the established threshold amount after compulsory recovery measures have been taken against the funds held in the taxpayer’s own bank accounts.A debtor is understood to mean an individual, a legal entity, a structural subdivision of a legal entity, a non-resident carrying out activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan through a permanent establishment, an individual entrepreneur, or a person engaged in private practice that owes money to the taxpayer.The tax authority shall send the debtor a notice requesting confirmation of the accounts receivable.The debtor shall submit to the tax authority, in paper or electronic form, a reconciliation statement of mutual settlements prepared jointly with the taxpayer and/or, where it is impossible to prepare such a reconciliation statement as of the date of receipt of the notice, documents confirming the mutual settlements with the taxpayer.If the notice requesting confirmation of the amount of accounts receivable is not complied with, the tax authority shall:conduct a tax audit of the debtor; andissue an order to suspend debit transactions on the debtor’s bank accounts within one business day following the expiry of the deadline for complying with the notice.The tax authority shall issue collection orders to the debtor’s bank accounts for the amount of the taxpayer’s tax arrears within the limits of the confirmed accounts receivable, as evidenced by one of the following documents:a reconciliation statement of mutual settlements;a tax audit report confirming the amount of the accounts receivable; ora court decision that has entered into legal force.Collection orders issued against the debtor’s bank accounts shall be withdrawn once the taxpayer’s tax arrears have been settled by either the taxpayer or the debtor.   Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-astana/press/news/details/1263995?lang=ru

Anthrax is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases of animals and humans with a very high mortality rate.The causative agent of anthrax is a spore–forming bacterium that is resistant to the environment. The spore forms of the microbe tolerate cold and heat very well and survive in the soil for up to 100 years or more. Boiling kills the spores of the anthrax microbe only after 45-60 minutes.The source of the pathogen is a sick animal, excreta of sick animals (feces, urine, bloody discharge from natural openings), as well as areas of soil infected with anthrax spores and other environmental objects.In animals, anthrax occurs in the form of an intestinal form, accompanied by bloody discharge from the anus and nose, fever, decreased appetite.In humans, it manifests itself in the form of intestinal, pulmonary and cutaneous forms. Infection occurs when the pathogen enters through damaged skin or mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, nose.From the moment of infection to the manifestation of the disease, it passes  from a few hours to 8 days, usually 2-3 days. At the site of the pathogen's introduction, a red spot appears, similar to an insect bite. Then a bubble is formed, filled with a bloody fluid, in place of which a black scab quickly forms.The ways of human infection with anthrax are diverse:- contact,- alimentary (through food and water),- air-dust,But most often, infection occurs when caring for a sick animal, during forced slaughter of livestock from the carcass of fallen animals, and when eating meat products.  With insufficient heat treatment, sick animals can become infected through animal raw materials (wool, down, skin, bristles, etc.).To prevent anthrax infection, follow the following rules::- call a veterinarian immediately if the animal is sick and anthrax is suspected.;- do not carry out forced house slaughter of animals without the knowledge of the veterinarian;- when caring for sick animals, strictly observe personal hygiene;- wash your hands thoroughly after contact with animals, have special clothes for caring for sick animals.;- make sure that the cattle in the individual farm are vaccinated against anthrax in a timely manner.;- people who have a real risk of infection (veterinarians, employees of sheepskin factories) should not refuse preventive vaccinations.;- If anthrax is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.   State Institution "Mendykarinskaya district territorial Inspectorate of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan", Borovskoye village, Altynsarina St. 83, tel.: 2-40-64, 2-42-67.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanai-mendykarin-audany-akimat/press/news/details/1263997?lang=ru

       The official ethics of civil servants is based on the following principles:Integrity – professional and responsible service to the State for the benefit        of society;Honesty – a sincere and conscientious approach to the performance of official duties;Fairness – making lawful decisions independently of the influence of individuals, legal entities, public groups, and organizations, and preventing discrimination based on bias or subjective considerations under any circumstances;Openness – demonstrating a willingness to engage with the public and ensuring transparency in official actions;Courtesy – treating citizens and colleagues with respect, politeness, and professionalism;Citizen-Centric Service – taking measures to improve the quality of public services by fully focusing on the needs of the public as recipients of government services, and preventing bureaucracy and unnecessary delays in the consideration of applications and requests. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-astana/press/news/details/1263985?lang=ru

Под председательством заместителя Премьер-министра – министра национальной экономики РК Серика Жумангарина состоялось очередное заседание штаба по обеспечению экономического роста.Основное внимание участники заседания уделили развитию отраслей ненефтяного сектора, которые в условиях временного снижения объемов нефтедобычи остаются ключевыми драйверами роста экономики. Это строительство, обрабатывающая промышленность, торговля, транспорт и сельское хозяйство.Наиболее высокие темпы роста сохраняются в строительстве. По итогам семи месяцев ожидается дальнейшее увеличение объема строительных работ и сохранение высокой динамики развития отрасли. Наиболее высокие темпы роста прогнозируются в области Ұлытау, области Абай и Кызылординской области.Уверенный рост демонстрирует и обрабатывающая промышленность, где объем производства увеличился на 9,8%. Основной вклад обеспечивают машиностроение (+23,2%), химическая промышленность (+19,0%), производство продуктов питания (+14,7%) и легкая промышленность (+89,2%). По итогам семи месяцев ожидается сохранение аналогичных темпов роста.Положительная динамика сохраняется и в торговле. По итогам первого полугодия товарооборот достиг 36,2 трлн тенге, а индекс физического объема торговли составил 105,7%. Для дальнейшего роста отрасли регионам поручено обеспечить реализацию Дорожных карт развития торговли, предусматривающих запуск новых инвестиционных проектов.В транспортной отрасли отмечено, что при общем увеличении объемов перевозок темпы роста сдерживаются снижением транспортировки нефти и газа. В этой связи Серик Жумангарин поручил максимально использовать транзитный потенциал страны, прежде всего, на железнодорожном и автомобильном направлениях.По итогам семи месяцев ожидается устойчивый рост в сельском хозяйстве. Также прогнозируется увеличение объемов производства продуктов питания и напитков. Положительная динамика обеспечивается проведением уборочной кампании, развитием животноводства и рекордными объемами льготного финансирования агропромышленного комплекса. Существенный вклад в рост отрасли начинают вносить молочно-товарные фермы, строительство которых финансировалось на льготных условиях в 2024–2025 гг. и которые сегодня выходят на проектную мощность. Это уже отражается на увеличении производства молока. По итогам первого полугодия 2026 г. объем производства молока составил 1,9 млн тонн, увеличившись на 2,4% по сравнению с аналогичным периодом 2025 г. Подводя итоги заседания, Серик Жумангарин подчеркнул, что в Казахстане продолжается реализация масштабных инфраструктурных проектов, которые должны обеспечить долгосрочный экономический рост. «В этой связи необходимо уже сейчас готовить качественные проекты, обеспечивающие долгосрочный экономический эффект и предусмотренные системой региональных стандартов: объекты здравоохранения и социальной сферы, уделяя особое внимание мостам, переходам, ключевым транспортным магистралям и объектам энергетики, финансируемым за счет республиканского бюджета. Страна большая и продолжает активно развиваться, поэтому объем реализуемых проектов должен ежегодно увеличиваться»,  — отметил вице-премьер.            Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/economy/press/news/details/1263964?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl-energy/press/news/details/1263900?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1263834?lang=ru

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1263720?lang=ru

Algiers, 25 July 2026 – Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Algeria Anuarbek Akhmetov held a meeting with Cheikh Niang, Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad of the Republic of Senegal.During the meeting, the parties noted the convergence of the positions of their countries on key international issues and expressed their readiness to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.The Senegalese Foreign Minister stated that Senegal supports the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to establish the International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations, emphasizing the timeliness of creating a single universal platform for coordinating international cooperation in the field of water resources.Minister Niang also announced Senegal's intention to send a business mission to Kazakhstan to promote promising trade and economic cooperation projects.At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in expanding Kazakhstan-Senegal cooperation and agreed to intensify interaction between their foreign ministries in order to identify promising areas of bilateral partnership, as well as to strengthen the institutional and legal framework of bilateral relations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-algeria/press/news/details/1263702?lang=ru

Jarash, July 23, 2026 – A concert by the “Arqa Sazy” Folklore Ensemble and the “Aqqu” Folk and Choreographic Ensemble of the Kali Baizhanov Karaganda Concert Association was held in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as part of the 40th Anniversary Jarash Festival of Culture and Arts.The performance was organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Embassy of Kazakhstan to Jordan, the Ministry of Culture of Jordan, and the Jarash Festival of Culture and Arts Directorate.The concert took place at the Hippodrome Theatre in Jarash City, one of the festival's main venues, which annually hosts renowned performers and artistic groups from around the world. Kazakh artists introduced Jordanian audiences to the rich musical and choreographic heritage of the Kazakh people by performing traditional music, instrumental compositions, and national dances reflecting the centuries-old traditions of the Great Steppe.Prior to the concert, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to Jordan H.E. Mr.Talgat Shaldanbay delivered welcoming remarks and read an official message from Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan H.E. Ms.Aida Balayeva. The message highlighted the important role of the Jarash Festival as a prestigious international platform promoting cultural dialogue and strengthening mutual understanding among peoples. It also emphasized that the participation of the Kazakh ensembles “Arqa Sazy” and “Aqqu” would contribute to the further development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Kazakhstan and Jordan. The message concluded by wishing all participants and guests of the Festival every success, memorable experiences, and continued creative achievements.Ambassador Talgat Shaldanbay also expressed confidence that the performances of the Kazakh artists would resonate warmly with Jordanian audiences and further strengthen friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.The concert was warmly received by the audience and rewarded with prolonged applause. The performances by “Arqa Sazy” and “Aqqu” ensembles attracted considerable interest from spectators and became one of the highlights of the Festival's concert programme.The participation of the Kazakh ensembles in the Jarash Festival will make a significant contribution to the further development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Kazakhstan and Jordan, strengthen mutual understanding between the two peoples, and promote Kazakhstan's rich cultural heritage on the international stage.For reference: The Jarash Festival of Culture and Arts is one of the largest international cultural events in the Middle East. Founded in 1981, the Festival is held annually in the ancient Roman city of Jarash and brings together renowned musicians, theatre and dance companies, as well as cultural figures from Arab countries and around the world. Over the years, the Festival has earned broad international recognition as a prestigious platform for cultural exchange, the development of humanitarian cooperation, and the promotion of intercultural dialogue.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-amman/press/news/details/1263654?lang=ru

Busan, 25 July 2026 – Today, at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, ongoing in Busan, Republic of Korea, a decision was adopted to inscribe the “Rock Mosques and Associated Sacred Sites of Mangystau” on the UNESCO World Heritage List.The newly inscribed UNESCO World Heritage property comprises five rock-cut mosques: Beket Ata, Shopan Ata, Qaraman Ata, Shaqpaq Ata and Sultan Epe.The decision represents international recognition of the Outstanding Universal Value of this complex of historical and cultural monuments in western Kazakhstan, which developed over many centuries and demonstrates how spiritual traditions and practices were adapted, through local architecture, to the region’s distinctive natural environment and geological features.In March 2024, at the National Constituent Assembly meeting in Atyrau, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the competent bodies, together with the National Commission for UNESCO and ISESCO Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to work on the inscription of the Mangystau Rock Mosques on the World Heritage ListThe delegation of Kazakhstan to the Committee session is headed by Erlan Karin, Chairperson of the National Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan for UNESCO and ICESCO and First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The delegation also included representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as leading experts in the field of cultural and natural heritage conservation.Speaking following the adoption of the decision, Erlan Karin thanked the members of the Committee, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) for their professional assessment, constructive dialogue and support throughout the preparation of the nomination.He emphasized that the inscription of the sacred monuments of Mangystau on the World Heritage List was not only a recognition of their significance for humanity as a whole, but also a tribute to the rich history, spiritual heritage and cultural identity of the Kazakh people.According to him, the decision places a special responsibility on Kazakhstan to preserve this exceptional heritage for future generations and reaffirms the country’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling the provisions of the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.Following the adoption of the historic decision, a symbolic ceremony dedicated to the inscription of the sacred sites of Mangystau on the World Heritage List was held at the Busan Convention Centre. During the ceremony, delegates attending the session congratulated the people of Kazakhstan on this joyful occasion. Dombra player Meirban Seyitbay and zhetygen performer Sabina Bauyrzhanova presented musical works inspired by the history of the Great Steppe, the spiritual traditions of Mangystau and the cultural heritage of the Kazakh people.The inscription of the property on the World Heritage List was the result of many years of joint efforts by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Akimat of Mangystau Region, as well as national research institutions and experts who ensured the preparation of the nomination dossier in accordance with the international standards of the 1972 UNESCO Convention.The best known of the five rock-cut mosques included in the newly inscribed UNESCO World Heritage property is Beket Ata, associated with the life and legacy of the prominent Sufi figure of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Today, it remains one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Kazakhstan, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors from different countries every year.According to tradition, Beket Ata received his spiritual guidance at the burial place of Shopan Ata, a distinguished Sufi figure of the late medieval period and a disciple of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Another major rock-cut mosque in Mangystau bears his name. For this reason, many pilgrims also make a point of visiting this mosque, together with the surrounding necropolis and wells.The Qaraman Ata complex is one of the largest sacred centres in the region and includes an underground mosque and an extensive historic necropolis. For centuries, it has remained an important centre of religious life and spiritual guidance. Carved into chalk rock, the Shaqpaq Ata Mosque is one of the oldest in Kazakhstan. Its unique cruciform layout, rich decorative features and numerous epigraphic monuments bear witness to the rich spiritual and artistic culture of medieval Mangystau. Sultan Epe has long been venerated as the patron of travellers and sailors. Located near the coast of the Caspian Sea, the mosque bearing his name served for centuries as a place of pilgrimage and spiritual support for local communities and merchants travelling along overland and maritime trade routes.With the inscription of the sacred sites of Mangystau, Kazakhstan now has seven properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These include the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, the Petroglyphs within the Archaeological Landscape of Tamgaly, Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan, the Silk Roads: the Routes Network of the Chang’an–Tianshan Corridor, the Western Tien-Shan, and the Cold Winter Deserts of Turan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-unesco/press/news/details/1263662?lang=ru