11.1trln invested in Kazakhstan’s economy in 2018

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Alibek Bakaev, held a meeting with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Kazakhstan, Nauman Bashir Bhatti, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

During the meeting, the parties held an in-depth discussion on the current state and future prospects of Kazakh-Pakistani partnership, and exchanged views on key issues of the international agenda.

Special attention was given to the schedule of planned bilateral visits and events at various levels throughout the current year. The parties noted the positive dynamics of high-level contacts.

In this context, the importance of the upcoming meeting of the Kazakhstan-Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation was emphasized, as it plays a key role in advancing the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation.

Both sides highlighted the need to further develop mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of energy, trade and economic relations, as well as transit and transport connectivity.

 

A meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan to discuss the results of the Framework Cooperation Program for Sustainable Development between Kazakhstan and the United Nations for 2024, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

In addition, the main parameters of the new cooperation program for 2026-2030 were presented, also taking into account the opening of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.

The focus of the program will be on the key areas such as empowering people and strong institutions; sustainable and inclusive economy; sustainable environment; strengthening social cohesion.

The discussion was attended by the UN country team, representatives of government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.

 

The 21st meeting of the bilateral Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) on Ethnic Germans in the Republic of Kazakhstan discussed the issues of supporting ethnic Germans, strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Kazakhstan and Germany, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko and Germany’s Federal Government Commissioner for Matters Related to Ethnic German Resettlers and National Minorities, Member of the Bundestag Natalie Pawlik co-chaired the annual session in the German capital.

The agenda of the IGC covered issues of cooperation in education, culture, science, youth policies, the studying of German language, archival work, facilitating business contacts and liberalization of the visa regime, focusing on implementation of the joint projects to support the national identity of Germans in Kazakhstan.

The participants welcomed the opening of the Centre for German Language and Culture at the Eurasian National University and the branch of the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences at the Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications in 2024, noting also the important contribution of the Kazakh-German Center in Astana, the Kazakh-German University in Almaty, the Kazakh-German Institute of Sustainable Engineering in Aktau, the National Academic German Drama Theatre and other institutions in strengthening the bilateral interaction.

He noted that ensuring favourable conditions for coexistence of various people in a common socio-cultural space remains one of the key objectives of the Government of Kazakhstan. The Deputy Foreign Minister also highlighted the important role of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, in supporting and developing national cultures.

In turn, Natalie Pawlik confirmed the German Government’s plans to continue providing assistance to ethnic Germans in Kazakhstan. "I would like to highlight the dynamic development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Germany, including support for ethnic Germans in Kazakhstan that play an important role in further deepening bilateral relations", noted the Member of the Bundestag.

The parties agreed on the implementation of further measures to ensure comprehensive support to ethnic Germans in Kazakhstan that were stipulated in the Communique signed at the end of the meeting.

During his visit to Berlin, Deputy minister Vassilenko also held meetings with Member of the German Bundestag Stefan Rouenhoff and the Director for Central Asia, Eastern Europe and the Caucasus of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Konrad Arz von Straussenburg. The parties discussed the current state and prospects for further development of bilateral cooperation, as well as exchanged views on global and regional affairs.

 

The second Kurultai of Kazakhs of Asian countries took place in South Korea, bringing together over 200 participants, including members of the Kazakh community from Korea, Malaysia, Japan, China, and Mongolia, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

The event was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Korea, the Otandastar Foundation, and the Qazaq Nomad Kazakh Association in Seoul. The gathering was held at the Global Campus of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.

The main goal of the Kurultai was to strengthen cultural ties and promote economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Asian countries with ethnic Kazakh communities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nurgali Arystanov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to South Korea, highlighted the growing investment cooperation between two countries. He noted that South Korea ranked as the third-largest foreign investor in Kazakhstan in 2024, with investments totaling 1.2 billion US dollars. Today, 876 companies with Korean capital are operating in Kazakhstan, with major joint projects underway in innovation and infrastructure.

Ambassador Arystanov also emphasized the growing connectivity between the countries, with 13 direct flights operating weekly. He noted the increasing people-to-people exchanges that contribute to mutual understanding and trust. In 2024, a total of 40,180 Korean tourists visited Kazakhstan - a 12% increase from the previous year. At the same time, 53,224 Kazakh citizens traveled to South Korea, representing an 8% year-on-year growth.

President of the Otandastar Foundation Daniyar Kadyrov emphasized the special significance of holding the second Kurultai of Kazakhs of Asia. According to him, the event served not only as a symbol of unity among Kazakhs living in different Asian countries but also as an important platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the preservation of the Kazakh language, traditions, and cultural values. He noted that such gatherings help foster a common cultural space where ethnic Kazakhs can feel connected to their historical homeland and actively engage in the development of interethnic and interstate relations.

The first day of the Kurultai featured a conference, including a plenary cultural session and an economic session. Honored Artist of Kazakhstan Svetlana Aitbayeva introduced the audience to the rich traditions of Kazakh jewelry art. Ethnographer Aygerim Musagazhinova delivered a presentation on the nutritional value of traditional Kazakh cuisine. In the cultural segment, renowned Kazakh artist Zhubanysh Zheksenuly performed iconic songs alongside the audience.

Another highlight of the first day was the first-ever public speaking competition in the Kazakh language held in South Korea. Organized by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Seoul, the contest featured students from the Department of Central Asian Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies who are currently studying Kazakh language. Seven finalists competed before a jury chaired by Kanat Aitbayev, People's Artist of Kazakhstan.

Sophomore student Lee Seo Yeon took the first place, impressing the judges with her fluency and eloquence in Kazakh. "To build closer cultural ties, we need to meet and communicate more often. I want to master the Kazakh language and contribute to the cooperation between our two countries", said the winner. She was awarded a round-trip flight from Seoul to Almaty or Astana and a two-day stay at a Pana hotel - her first trip to Kazakhstan.

Second place went to senior Son Won Jin, who received a commemorative gold bar as a prize. Third place was awarded to junior Jeon Jae Hon, who was presented with a traditional Kazakh musical instrument - the dombra.

On the second day, participants celebrated Nauryz with concerts, traditional dances and games, as well as exhibitions of Kazakh national clothing, crafts, and cuisine.

The Kurultai served as a vibrant platform to deepen cultural understanding, strengthen community ties, and foster long-term cooperation between Kazakhstan and its Asian neighbors.

 

Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Timothy Musa Kabba, who arrived in Astana for his first official visit, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

During the conversation, the ministers discussed a wide range of issues, including political, economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation with a focus on expanding bilateral contacts.

In this context, the sides confirmed their readiness to intensify efforts to improve the legal framework and to advance the practice of mutual visits at various levels.

It was noted that Kazakhstan ranks among the top ten largest grain producers in the world and is interested in using the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route for the delivery of grains, cereals, oilseeds, high-quality meat and organic products to African countries.

Additionally, the ministers discussed cooperation in the field of information technology and digitalization, particularly based on the Central Asia’s largest IT startup park, Astana Hub. A memorandum of understanding was signed in this regard last year, and Kazakhstan, through its KazAID development agency, has transferred e-Gov component elements to Sierra Leone.

The Kazakh Foreign Minister expressed sincere gratitude to his colleague for the support and co-sponsoring of the UN General Assembly resolution regarding the establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty. He also emphasized Astana’s readiness to further strengthen cooperation in the field of sustainable development and continue active participation in international initiatives.

The interlocutors also exchanged views on current issues on the international agenda and agreed to continue active coordination of efforts at various levels.

Following the negotiations, the parties signed the Roadmap for Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

 

Abzal Saparbekuly, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Hungary participated in the official opening ceremony of the Honorary Consulate of Kazakhstan in the city of Veszprém, covering the counties of Veszprém, Vas, and Fejér, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

The solemn ceremony was attended by representatives of business and public circles, as well as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Veszprém and the counties of Veszprém, Vas, and Fejér.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Saparbekuly emphasized that Hungary is a reliable strategic partner of Kazakhstan within the European Union, and today’s strong political cooperation and close economic ties are a clear testament to this fact.

Additionally, the Kazakh diplomat noted that, given the shared historical roots of Kazakhstan and Hungary, the Honorary Consulate had been entrusted with important tasks, including the protection of the interests of Kazakh citizens, the development of trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation, and assistance with consular matters in the Veszprém, Vas, and Fejér.

For his part, Gábor Sági, who has been appointed as the Honorary Consul responsible for the consular district covering the counties of Veszprém, Vas, and Fejér, expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him. He assured that, as the Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan, he is committed to making every effort to deepen and expand interregional cooperation between Hungary and Kazakhstan. He also aims to enhance the depth and significance of comprehensive engagement with regional institutions.

During the opening ceremony, guests were introduced to a corner of Kazakh culture and a photography exhibition about Kazakhstan. At the same time, the event’s highlight was a masterful performance of traditional Kazakh compositions on the dombra.

Gábor Sági is the General Director of Globalia Kft., a company engaged in strategic and corporate consulting and project financing since 2011. Since 2022, he has been the owner of Kazglobal LLP, registered at the Astana International Financial Centre. Kazglobal LLP attracts Hungarian companies to Kazakhstan and implements several large-scale investment projects.

 

A meeting was held in Athens between the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Greece, Timur Sultangozhin, and the Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Ambassador Constantine Economides, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

During the conversation, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of interparliamentary cooperation between Kazakhstan and Greece. Particular attention was paid to the upcoming visit of the Greek parliamentary delegation to Kazakhstan, scheduled for June of this year.

Ambassador Sultangozhin provided the Greek counterpart with a detailed briefing on the reforms being implemented in Kazakhstan as part of the country’s course toward political modernization, strengthening of democratic institutions, and improvement of its socio-economic policy.

Ambassador Economides highly praised the reforms carried out in Kazakhstan, emphasizing the importance of interparliamentary dialogue for strengthening bilateral relations and exchanging experiences.

Both sides expressed their interest in further intensifying interaction between the legislative bodies of the two countries.

 

A meeting of the "Human Dimension Dialogue Platform" Consultative and Advisory Body was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan under the chairmanship of Ambassador-at-Large Alua Nadirkulova. The meeting focused on two key agenda items: ensuring gender equality and equal opportunities for men and women, as well as combating violence against women, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

The event was attended by members of the Mazhilis of Parliament, representatives of the Human Rights Commission under the President, the National Human Rights Center (Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights), relevant government agencies (the Ministry of Culture and Information, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the Ministry of National Economy, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Health, etc.), Kazakhstani non-governmental organizations working in the field of women’s rights, as well as observers from international organizations, including UNDP and UN Women.

The meeting opened with a report by Lira Raisova, Deputy Chair of the Youth and Family Affairs Committee of the Ministry of Culture and Information. She emphasized Kazakhstan’s commitment to justice and inclusivity, as well as its active promotion of global initiatives to ensure gender equality. It was noted that Kazakhstan’s international partners recognize its significant contribution to the implementation of the Generation Equality Forum’s Action Coalitions and the Beijing+30 Process.

Participants were informed that Kazakhstan has undertaken significant efforts to improve national legislation in the interests of women. It was highlighted that on June 16, 2024, the Law on "Ensuring Women’s Rights and Children’s Safety" came into force, making Kazakhstan the first country in the CIS who introduced advanced measures to combat violence against women and children.

During the discussion of the first agenda item, Sayat Kenebayev, Director of the Department for Social Sector Development, Law Enforcement, and Special Agencies at the Ministry of National Economy, presented key measures to expand women’s economic rights and opportunities. These included the gradual increase of women’s representation in the governing bodies of state-owned companies to 30%. Target indicators were set to enhance female representation at decision-making levels - both in executive positions and in boards of directors. It was noted that by the end of 2024, women accounted for 48.1% of small and medium-sized business owners, demonstrating their growing contribution to the economy.

Azhary Suleimenova, a representative of the National Human Rights Center, briefed participants on a Special Report prepared by the Ombudsman’s Office on combating domestic violence. She highlighted the issue of insufficient crisis center coverage in remote regions. Strengthening interagency coordination was proposed to enable timely identification of at-risk families and provide targeted assistance. Additionally, the importance of working with offenders was emphasized - expanding and continuing correctional programs for aggressors.

During the meeting, Aselgul Alibayeva, a representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, provided details on the implementation of new legislative measures. It was noted that the April 2024 law significantly strengthened mechanisms for protection against domestic violence. The Criminal Code was amended to reinstate liability for battery and intentional infliction of minor harm to individuals in a helpless or financially dependent situation - provisions most frequently applied in cases of domestic violence. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, at the President’s instruction, special police units for the protection of women and children from violence have been reinstated, and a new institution of female investigators for handling sexual crime cases is being introduced.

Among the new legislative measures discussed at the meeting, particular interest was drawn to the President’s initiative to introduce a separate article in the Criminal Code establishing liability for the abduction of individuals for the purpose of forced marriage (commonly known as "bride kidnapping"). The proposal to introduce this separate article was supported by the General Prosecutor’s Office, and work is currently underway with relevant government agencies to draft the necessary amendments.

Overall, the discussion took place in an open and constructive atmosphere. Representatives of government agencies and NGOs engaged in a candid exchange of views, identified existing problems, and proposed specific recommendations for their systematic resolution.