Kazakhstan, France developing Lake Balkhash preservation master plan
The Kazakh Water Resources and Irrigation Ministry’s water resources information and analysis center issued on Tuesday a roadmap for the Lake Balkhash preservation master plan, Kazinform News Agency reports.
As the Ministry said, the roadmap envisages assessment of the state and quality of water resources in the Ile-Balkhash basin, including underground waters, creation of a digital platform for Lake Balkhash water level monitoring, automation and digitalization of water bodies, water control facilities.
It also provides for measures seeking more rational and efficient use of water resources in the Ile-Balkhash basin as well as joint action with China in response to preservation and sustainable water use in the Ili River basin.
Kazakhstan is set to join forces with the French Development Agency (AFD), French geological survey (BRGM) and local experts to study the Lake Balkhash basin, as France already started gathering necessary data, with BRGM planning field trips to survey wells, gauging stations and irrigated lands in the basin of Lake Balkhash.
Bolat Bekniyaz, First Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, said: "The document is to become a key step in forming an integrated, intersectoral approach towards basin water resources management balancing nature, economy and society".
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Kazakh Foreign Ministry makes a statement
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan made a statement, Kazinform News Agency learnt from the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan expresses serious concern over the dangerous military escalation in the Middle East and advocates for the prompt resolution of the conflict exclusively through political and diplomatic means in accordance with the UN Charter and the principles of international law.
We call on all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint, the statement reads.
As earlier reported, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday that Israel has launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran.
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President Tokayev: Raising status of medical workers is one of our priorities
Images | Akorda
The state will continue to support medical workers. This is what President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said addressing an awards ceremony held in Akorda on the threshold of the Day of Medical Workers, Kazinform News Agency reports.
The President reminded that since 2024, on his initiative, doctors in Kazakhstan have been awarded the Honored Doctor of Kazakhstan title for exceptional achievement in healthcare, contribution to the development of medicine and high professional achievements, the press service of Akorda says.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that salaries in healthcare sector have increased almost twofold in the past five years. Monthly allowances for the students of medical universities and colleges have been raised too.
The state creates all necessary conditions to organize mentoring with qualified doctors and further adaptation of young professionals.
According to the President, the volume of financing of the country’s healthcare sector is increased year by year, reaching 2.6 trillion tenge in 2025.
The state will continue to support medical workers. Doctors are called the guardians of the people's health. Every person should be well aware of this truth and respect their work. However, unfortunately, in our society there are still people who hinder doctors' work and sometimes even threaten their safety. Such illegal actions are absolutely unacceptable. Persons violating public order will certainly be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The Law and Order principle must be strictly observed everywhere. This is the only way we can build a Fair and Safe Kazakhstan. In this context, the medical worker has an exceptional role," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The President also said that he had signed a decree to hand over state awards to medical workers.
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Olzhas Bektenov Reviewed the Implementation of the President’s Directives on Major Transport Projects
Images | primeminister.kz
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting focused on large-scale investment projects in the transport sector. The session addressed the progress in implementing the President's directives voiced at the Security Council meeting, primeminister.kz reports.
Reports were delivered by Acting Minister of Transport Maksat Kaliakparov, Chairman of the Management Board of JSC "NC "KTZ" Nurlan Sauranbayev, and Chairman of the Management Board of JSC "NC "KazAvtoZhol" Darkhan Imanashev.
According to the Ministry of Transport, in 2025, construction and repair works are planned for 13,000 km of highways, 6,100 km of railways, modernization and construction of six airports, and implementation of two water transport projects.
In the railway sector, five major projects are being implemented with a total value of 2.3 trillion tenge: construction of second tracks on the Dostyk-Moyynty section (836 km), the bypass road at Almaty station (75 km), and the Darbaza-Maktaaral railway line (152 km). Work has begun on the Kyzylzhar-Moyynty section, which, according to KTZ, is expected to be completed in the first half of the year. The Bakhты-Ayagoz project (272 km) was also reported. The Dostyk-Moyynty and Almaty bypass projects are ahead of schedule.
Additionally, specific segments of the railway network are under construction. In line with the President’s instruction, a total of 11,000 km of railway is to be repaired by 2029. This year, 1,480 km will be modernized with a budget of 177 billion tenge. Simultaneously, reconstruction of 125 station complexes is underway, with completion expected in 2025.
In road construction, 13,000 km are scheduled for development this year, including 2,200 km for reconstruction, 6,600 km for repair, and 4,200 km for local network repairs. Currently, 9,000 km are undergoing modernization. Reconstruction continues on ongoing projects totaling 1,083 km, with 847 km scheduled for completion by year-end. Among new initiatives is the construction of the Center-West highway, which will reduce the transit route from Astana to the port of Aktau by 889 km. Other active projects include Aktobe-Ulgaysyn (234 km), Karaganda-Zhezkazgan (572 km), and more.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister addressed the quality of road works. Chairman of the Management Board of JSC "NC "KazAvtoZhol" Darkhan Imanashev reported on the operation of automated measurement systems (AMS). Currently, 27 AMS units are functioning on national roads. An additional 25 AMS units are planned for 2025, and by 2026, the total will reach 126. These systems use special sensors to transmit vehicle dimension data in real time to detect overloads and prevent road surface damage.
In the aviation sector, construction projects are underway for three new airports - Katon-Karagay, Zaysan, and Kenderli - as well as the restoration of the airport in the city of Arkalyk. Infrastructure modernization is ongoing at airports in Pavlodar and Balkhash.
In water transport, dredging at the port of Aktau is set to begin in July this year. As part of the development of the merchant fleet, eight vessels will be acquired in 2025, including six dry cargo ships and two ferries.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of a comprehensive and systematic approach to the implementation of all planned projects:
The transport sector has shown a 24% increase over five months. Transport, along with energy and other infrastructure, is the foundation for any economic development. This is why the President and the Government are focused on this issue: if we don’t invest now, there will be no long-term economic growth. All necessary resources will be allocated. The task for all relevant agencies is to use these funds efficiently and complete all projects on time. All facilities are included in the Economic Growth Plan for this year. That’s the short-term impact; overall, this lays the groundwork for sustainable economic growth for decades to come," Olzhas Bektenov noted.
Following the meeting, a number of instructions were issued to the Ministry of Transport, the Samruk-Kazyna Fund, and other responsible organizations.
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Science, Technology, and Patient Care: Deputy Prime Minister Visits National Center for Neurosurgery
Images | primeminister.kz
Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kosherbayev visited the National Center for Neurosurgery. During the visit, he reviewed the institution's operations, toured clinical departments and the Gamma Knife complex, met with medical staff and patients, and discussed the development prospects of high-tech medicine in the country, primeminister.kz reports.
Established in 2008, the National Center for Neurosurgery is the only specialized institution in Kazakhstan that provides a full cycle of neurosurgical services-from diagnostics to early rehabilitation. The center integrates clinical, scientific, and educational activities, enabling the implementation of advanced technologies and ensuring high-quality medical care.
Yermek Kosherbayev expressed gratitude to the doctors and medical staff for their dedication and high professionalism, highlighting the trust patients place in the center and their positive evaluations of the care received.
The National Center for Neurosurgery is more than just a clinic-it’s a scientific and technological platform shaping the standards of future medicine. It’s very important that a cohesive and competent team is working here. Such teams are the backbone of our national healthcare system," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
The clinic has a capacity of 160 beds, includes 6 clinical and 9 paraclinical departments, and is equipped with modern, high-tech medical equipment. Over the years, the center has treated more than 70,000 patients and performed over 50,000 surgeries. Its arsenal includes 73 innovative neurosurgical technologies previously unused in Kazakhstan or Central Asia. In 2021, the region’s first stereotactic radiosurgery Gamma Knife complex was launched here, with more than 2,000 procedures performed to date.
Chairman of the Board of JSC National Center for Neurosurgery, Serik Aksholakov, reported on the institution’s current achievements and future development directions.
Today the center continues to introduce new neurosurgical techniques and strengthen its scientific and educational functions. Our goal is not only to treat but to form the intellectual foundation of Kazakhstani medicine. We have the potential and are ready to scale it across the country’s healthcare system," the chief physician said.
In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the strategic importance of developing high-tech medicine:
Ensuring equal access to quality medical care is a direct mandate of the Head of State. We must create conditions where all Kazakhstanis receive modern treatment regardless of their region of residence. The Center’s experience must be scaled nationwide," Yerzhan Kosherbayev added.
The National Center for Neurosurgery is a vivid example of how integrating science, technology, and human capital enables the achievement of high standards in medical care. Developing such institutions is a vital part of the national healthcare policy. The Government will continue to support the implementation of innovative solutions and the expansion of successful practices to ensure that every citizen has access to cutting-edge medical services, no matter where they live.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev meets with EEC Board Chairman
Images | Akorda
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met today with Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), Akorda reports.
The meeting discussed the ongoing activities and issues of further development of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
President Tokayev was informed about the preparation for the 4th Eurasian Economic Forum and a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, which are set to take place on June 26-27 in Minsk, Belarus.
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