Seoul, 9 December 2025 — The “Forum on Korea’s Regional Strategies: Expanding Global Partnerships,” organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, was held in Seoul.The event brought together more than 300 participants, including Government officials, leading domestic and international experts, diplomats, scholars, public figures, and media representatives. The forum aimed to discuss Korea’s key foreign policy priorities and explore ways to strengthen international partnerships amid a rapidly evolving global environment.One of the central sessions focused on the Republic of Korea’s engagement with Central Asia. Nam Jin, Deputy Director-General of the Bureau for Northeast and Central Asian Affairs of the Korean Foreign Ministry, emphasized that Central Asia has become one of Korea’s foreign policy priorities. He noted that Seoul is currently reviewing its approach toward Central Asia and preparing for the C5+K Summit scheduled for 2026.Speaking at the forum, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Nurgali Arystanov highlighted the deepening cooperation among Central Asian states and the expansion of engagement with external partners within the C5+1 format, which in 2024–2025 evolved to meetings at the level of Heads of State. The Kazakh diplomat underscored that Kazakhstan pursues a consistent multi-vector foreign policy and positions itself as a middle power playing a constructive role in the region.Ambassador Arystanov stressed the rapid development of cooperation within the C5+K format, which encompasses parliamentary and expert exchanges, cooperation between chambers of commerce and industry, as well as active subnational diplomacy under GAROK. He also drew attention to the significant growth of economic ties, noting that 894 companies with Korean capital currently operate in Kazakhstan.According to him, humanitarian exchanges are also expanding: tourist flows are rising, and educational initiatives are growing, including the opening of a branch campus of Woosong University and the launch of the AI School SeoulTech in Kyzylorda. He also noted that the region’s increasing openness — including the visa-free regime between Kazakhstan and Korea for up to 30 days and the availability of 20 direct flights linking Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent with Seoul and Busan — creates a favorable environment for strengthening connectivity.During the discussion, experts emphasized the need for the Republic of Korea to develop a new, targeted strategy for Central Asia, taking into account the region’s transformation, its rising strategic importance, economic potential, and demand for technological development. In their view, Korea aims to adopt a future-oriented approach focused on long-term cooperation, innovation, supply chain resilience, and human capital development.Participants highly valued the growing geopolitical and economic role of Central Asia. A question-and-answer session held as part of the forum allowed for deeper dialogue and additional recommendations.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-seoul/press/news/details/1122828?lang=kk

On December 5 of the current year, as part of the activities outlined in the 2025–2027 Roadmap aimed at promoting the professional and personal qualities of civil servants in accordance with the ideals of “Adal Azamat”, an Open Day event was held to enhance the attractiveness of civil service and introduce the work of the government agency.To learn more about the work of the department, first-year “Construction” students from Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian-Technical University visited the Construction Department and became acquainted with the institution’s activities.They were able to see firsthand how the civil service is organized and recognize the responsibility and importance of this field. Such events help young people in choosing their future profession and once again demonstrate the transparency of civil service.The principles of transparency, responsibility, and serving society provided strong motivation for the students.We are always happy to support young people and encourage their professional development!Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/bko-kurylys/press/news/details/1122841?lang=kk

On the first issue, deputies heard a report from N.V. Timashova, Head of the Department of Economics and Budget Planning for the Mendykara District: "On Amending the Maslikhat Decision No. 172 of December 26, 2024, 'On the District Budget of the Mendykara District for 2025-2027.'"On the second issue, they heard a report "On Amending the Maslikhat Decision No. 87 of December 27, 2023, 'On the Election of Precinct Electoral Commissions.'"On the third issue: "On Amending the Maslikhat Decision No. 187 of October 4, 2005, 'On the Composition of the District Commission for Coordinating the Registration and Record-Keeping of Citizens Affected by Nuclear Tests at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site.'" On the fourth question: "On amending the Maslikhat decision of March 18, 2005, No. 125, 'On the special commission for confirming work experience.'"On the fifth question: "On amending the Maslikhat decision of December 26, 2024, No. 172, 'On the district budget of Mendykara district for 2025-2027.'"On the sixth question: "On amending the Maslikhat decision of December 30, 2024, No. 177, 'On the budget of villages and rural districts of Mendykara district for 2025-2027.'"The district deputies asked questions and received answers.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/maslihat-mendikara/press/news/details/1122849?lang=kk

Islamabad, 10 December 2025 — The Embassy of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, in cooperation with Dr. Farhat Asif and Mr. Muhammad Asif Noor, Chairpersons of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies and the Diplomatic Insight group, held a traditional annual seminar for participants of the 6th International Young Diplomats School (IYDS).The event brought together young professionals and students from various educational institutions across Pakistan studying international relations, law, public administration, and public policy.During the seminar, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the current state and future prospects of Kazakhstan-Pakistan relations. In his remarks, the Ambassador highlighted the high level of political dialogue between the two countries and placed particular emphasis on the development of trade and economic cooperation, transport and logistics connectivity, and collaboration in the field of education.The Ambassador underscored the importance of the academic dimension of bilateral relations, including cooperation between universities, expert communities, as well as youth and sports organizations.Participants demonstrated strong interest in Kazakhstan’s foreign policy priorities, regional cooperation, and the country’s role in strengthening connectivity between Central and South Asia.The Embassy of Kazakhstan expresses its sincere appreciation to Dr. Farhat Asif and Mr. Muhammad Asif Noor for organizing the event for young professionals.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-islamabad/press/news/details/1122860?lang=kk

       The State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan announces improvements to the mechanism for deferring the payment of value-added tax (VAT) on imported goods, as provided by Article 134 of the Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.      The updated approach aims to increase transparency, predictability and convenience for bona fide manufacturers who import raw materials and inputs used directly in their production processes.     Key updates:      Clear criteria for eligible goods. VAT deferral applies only to imported raw materials and inputs directly used in production.      Mandatory targeted use of goods. Failure to comply leads to cancellation of the deferral.     VAT payment deadline may be adjusted, provided that the assessed amount is reflected in the taxpayer's account no later than the 20th day of the month following the deferral period.     Restrictions on repeated use. If requirements are violated, the taxpayer is barred from using the deferral mechanism for 24 months.     Security is required if the total amount of granted deferrals exceeds 50 million tenge.     Ultimate objective:      To ensure precise support for the manufacturing sector, exclude non-production goods from the VAT deferral mechanism, and enhance transparency and efficiency in the implementation of Article 134 of the Tax Code. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd/press/news/details/1122863?lang=kk

During the meeting, the deputies discussed relevant issues related to aligning the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan with modern tasks in the development of local self-governance.Special attention was given to strengthening the role of maslikhats, increasing the effectiveness of work at the local level, and improving legal mechanisms for interaction with the population.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/altay-maslihat/press/news/details/1122812?lang=kk

The topic of the meeting was “On pilot projects for establishing local self-government councils in the constituencies of deputies at all levels.”In her report, Larisa Aleksandrovna presented a number of concrete proposals aimed at eliminating legislative gaps that currently complicate the work of the local community and the deputy corps.Her initiative has become an important step toward making the activities of local self-government bodies more effective, transparent, and responsive to the real needs of residents.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/altay-maslihat/press/news/details/1122816?lang=kk

       To develop customer-focused customs administration, improve control efficiency, and strengthen civil service standards, the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan summarized the results of the annual "Best Customs Post" campaign.The evaluation was conducted according to the criteria approved by Order No. 1059 of the State Revenue Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated October 28, 2025. Key performance indicators were taken into account during the selection process: compliance with customs control deadlines, average declaration processing time, average customs value dynamics, and other parameters reflecting the quality, transparency, and effectiveness of operations.        The 2025 winners were:• Best Air Customs Post – Zhetysu;• Best Rail Customs Post – Altynkol;• Best Road Customs Post – Alakol;• Best Domestic Customs Post – Oskemen Customs Office.       These nominations reflect the specifics of various areas of customs administration and encourage further improvement in the quality of work in each of them. In addition to the main categories, the State Revenue Committee presented special nominations for digital initiatives, innovative approaches, service solutions, and contributions to socially significant projects. Both entire teams and individual employees who demonstrated outstanding professional skills were recognized.Special recognition was given to specialists from the Temir-Baba and Nur Zholy customs posts for their significant contribution to economic security, including preventing the illegal export of excisable goods, rare metals, and cultural valuables.       Also recognized were internal customs posts contributing to the positive image of state revenue agencies, and the specialized Aktobe post for its active development of international cooperation within the EAEU.A separate nomination, "Women – the Pride of Customs," was dedicated to female customs officers, recognizing their long-standing professionalism and significant personal contributions.       This awards format highlights both the individual achievements of specialists and the overall progress of the customs administration system. It should be noted that in 2025, thanks to measures implemented by the State Revenue Committee, the number of processed goods declarations increased by 10%, cargo flow by 13%, and transit by 22%. Total customs duties and taxes increased by 566 billion tenge. External border throughput capacity increased by 2.5 times, and the overall flow of vehicles through checkpoints increased by another 18%. Average vehicle transit time was reduced from 9 hours to 30 minutes.       The results of the "Best Customs Post" campaign confirm the commitment of the State Revenue Committee's territorial divisions to development, innovation, and continuous improvement. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd/press/news/details/1122818?lang=kk

On 8 December of this year, a meeting was held with Mr. Saleh Zahir Al Mazrouei, Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Humanitarian and Charity Establishment.During the meeting, potential areas of cooperation and ways to enhance mutual engagement in humanitarian and charitable projects were discussed.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-dubai/press/news/details/1122792?lang=kk

Seoul, 8 December 2025 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan Nurgali Arystanov met with the Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Ms. Mafalda Duarte, on the margins of the regular meeting of the GCF Friends Group.During the meeting, the interlocutors exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation in the field of environment. They also discussed the outcomes of Ms. Duarte’s visit to Kazakhstan last May, during which the Executive Director was received by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and visited the solar power plant in the city of Saran.In this context, the Kazakh diplomat handed over to Ms. Duarte an official invitation from the Head of State to participate in the Regional Climate Summit, which will take place in April 2026 in Astana with the support of United Nations agencies.Mafalda Duarte emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation with Kazakhstan to achieve common goals in environmental protection and climate change mitigation.The sides agreed to continue their dialogue to further strengthen cooperation. It is worth noting that Kazakhstan’s engagement with the GCF covers five projects amounting to 216.5 million US dollars.The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was established in 2010 under the Cancun Agreements to support developing countries in adapting to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It serves as the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.  Since the approval of its first project in 2015, the GCF has built a robust portfolio comprising more than 100 projects.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-seoul/press/news/details/1122800?lang=kk

The meeting is attended by the Chairperson of the Altai District Maslikhat, L. A. Grechushnikova.The participants are discussing key issues related to the development of regional self-governance, improving the work of representative bodies, and strengthening cooperation between maslikhats and central government institutions.The Council’s work is aimed at developing practical recommendations and solutions that will contribute to the further development of the regions and to improving the performance of representative bodies.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/altay-maslihat/press/news/details/1122806?lang=kk

Ankara, December 9, 2025 - During his working visit to Konya province, Ambassador Yerkebulan Sapiyev held a series of meetings aimed at expanding Kazakhstan’s investment cooperation.During the visit, the Ambassador met with Mr. Mustafa Büyükeğen, Chairman of the Konya Chamber of Industry, and discussed the current state of bilateral economic relations, the potential for increasing mutual investments, as well as the prospects for industrial cooperation between the regions of Kazakhstan and Konya. Particular attention was paid to cooperation opportunities in the processing of agricultural products, food and chemical production, machinery manufacturing, and the textile industry.Additionally, the delegation visited several major enterprises in Konya and held talks with company management on establishing production in Kazakhstan, utilizing the advantages of industrial zones, as well as investor support mechanisms – tax incentives, export-oriented production development programs, and the opportunities of the Astana International Financial Center.The Kazakh side presented information on the country’s favorable investment climate and transport-logistical capabilities, and proposed considering the possibility of opening joint ventures.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-ankara/press/news/details/1122787?lang=kk

On 6 September of this year, the inauguration ceremony of FlyArystan’s new route between Dubai and Aktau took place.This marks an important step in strengthening air connectivity between the two countries.We congratulate the airline on the successful launch and wish them safe and steady journeys ahead!Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-dubai/press/news/details/1122788?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/1122713?lang=kk

On 10 December 2025, Ambassador-at-Large – Head of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty Zhanibek Abdrashov participated and delivered welcoming remarks at the presentation of the «Strategic Vision for the Sustainability of the HIV Response for the period 2030+ in the Republic of Kazakhstan», organized by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in Kazakhstan. During the event, participants discussed measures for timely HIV response, the implementation of modern prevention programmes, as well as ensuring access to quality medical and social services in partnership with the international scientific community. In his speech, Zh. Abdrashov reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to protecting public health and enhancing citizens’ well-being for a safe, inclusive, and sustainable future.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-almaty/press/news/details/1122743?lang=kk

Acting Akim of the Baskuduk rural district, A. Zhangeldin, presented the state award "Kumis Alka" (Silver Pendant) to mothers of large families, in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.During the award ceremony, A. Zhangeldin warmly congratulated the mothers, emphasizing their invaluable contribution to the country’s demographic development, the strengthening of family values, and their vital role in raising the younger generation.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-munaily-basqudyq/press/news/details/1122685?lang=kk

On December 5, as part of a meeting with 11th grade students of the Abai secondary school and senior police lieutenant Samar Tokushev O.K., a round table on "Law and Order" was held in the Bastaushinsky rural library, organized by the librarian and the head of the club, in order to improve legal literacy among young people and prevent offenses in society. During the meeting, issues of crime prevention, work with minors, and the formation of a legal culture among young people were discussed.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/vko-samar-bastaushy/press/news/details/1128047?lang=kk

The State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan has developed a new order in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 169 of the Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated July 18, 2025. The document is aimed at implementing the provisions of the Tax Code and clarifies the procedure for interaction between state revenue authorities and taxpayers during tax audits.     The new rules, which come into force on January 1, 2026, make tax audit procedures more transparent and convenient for businesses. They define the conditions for issuing preliminary tax audit reports, the procedure for submission written objections, and their consideration.    Key changes to tax audits:A preliminary report will be issued for all audits that result in the assessment of taxes and other mandatory payments to the budget or social funds, as well as the reduction of losses. Previously, a preliminary report was only issued for assessments exceeding 20,000 MCI.Taxpayer objections will be reviewed by State Revenue Departments, regardless of which unit conducted the audit – the department or the State Revenue Subdivision. This enhances uniformity of approach and quality control over the review of appeals.Objections of taxpayers subject to large-taxpayer monitoring under paragraph 3 of Article 144 of the Tax Code and who have entered into investment contracts shall be reviewed by the Committee.The fixed deadline of «at least 5 working days» for issuing a preliminary report is being removed. The deadline is now determined by the state revenue body, based on the audit duration limits.     As a reminder, according to the Tax Code, the audit duration cannot exceed 180 calendar days for certain categories of taxpayers.Written objections can be submitted either in person or electronically. This speeds up the process and makes it more convenient.The taxpayer may also submit a written agreement with the results of the preliminary report if they have no comments.      The ultimate goal of the changes is to make the audit procedure more understandable, flexible, and focused on open dialogue between the state and taxpayers.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-akmola/press/news/details/1122650?lang=kk

In the Samara region, municipal services are actively clearing snow following heavy rainfall. Specialized equipment is working on central and inner-city streets, with special attention paid to access roads to public facilities.Snow removal is ongoing around the clock: road crews are clearing roads, sidewalks, and bus stops, ensuring safe and comfortable travel conditions for residents.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/vko-samar/press/news/details/1122658?lang=kk

A training seminar on "Professional and emotional burnout" was held at the Department of State Revenue in Pavlodar region. The event was held on the initiative of the Department of Human Resources of the DGD. The training was conducted by a psychologist of the highest category Lyazzat Baktybayeva.DGD specialists discussed what professional burnout is, why it occurs, who develops most often, and how to identify its first signs. Special attention was paid to recovery methods, stress reduction methods, as well as the principles of building healthy and productive relationships in the team.Zhanara Ulukbekova, Chief Specialist of the Risk Analysis Department, noted that the training turned out to be particularly useful: "Lyazzat Baynazarovna captured our attention from the very first minutes of the meeting. She spoke very interestingly about the importance of relationships in the team. After all, we spend most of our time at work and often communicate with colleagues more than with our relatives. I would like such events to be held more often."The training was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The participants shared their positive emotions and thanked them for their valuable knowledge. There were many questions, and none remained unanswered.Department of Explanatory Work and Contact Center State Duma of the Pavlodar regionSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-pavlodar/press/news/details/1122629?lang=kk