Young Kazakh Composer Captivates Geneva Audience
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Historical Conservatoire de Musique de Genève hosted a concert of renowned Kazakh composer and pianist Rakhat-Bi Abdyssagin, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
Presented as a highlight of the "Turkic Week in Geneva" organized under the chairmanship of Kazakhstan in the centre of international diplomacy, the concert attracted an audience comprising heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations, representatives of NGOs, academia, the Geneva community, and the Kazakh diaspora.
Opening the concert, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan Yerlan Alimbayev thanked Rakhat-Bi for his contributions to the world of music, highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy and the role of music in fostering international cooperation and understanding.
Rakhat-Bi Abdyssagin’s performance was a fusion of classical masterpieces by J.S. Bach, W.A. Mozart, L. van Beethoven, F. Chopin, F. Liszt, and A. Scriabin, alongside his own original compositions. His introductions to each piece enriched the concert experience, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the music and creating a connection between the artist and the audience.
The concert by Rakhat-Bi Abdyssagin displayed the artistic brilliance of Kazakhstan, highlighting the country’s commitment to promoting cultural diplomacy, enhancing international cooperation, and sharing the universal language of music with audiences worldwide.
Rakhat-Bi Abdyssagin’s composed his first piece at the age of 9, and his portfolio includes over 150 compositions, including three operas. His diverse work reflects his passion, creativity, and dedication to the art of music. His most recent opera, "The Bruce" received critical acclaim and premiered in four cities of the United Kingdom earlier this year.
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Kazakh Foreign Minister Pays First Official Visit to Morocco
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Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu arrived in Rabat with the first official visit in the history of bilateral relations at the invitation of Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
During the talks, the sides discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral interaction, including the intensification of political dialogue, strengthening trade, economic and investment ties, as well as expanding contacts in the cultural and humanitarian sphere.
Significant potential for deepening partnership in sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, digital technologies, innovations, education, and tourism was noted. In this regard, the sides expressed their readiness to further improve the legal framework and continue the practice of exchange visits at various levels.
Kazakhstan sees Morocco as an important and close partner in the Middle East and North Africa region. For more than 30 years of diplomatic relations, we have managed to build meaningful political dialogue based on common values, as well as establish constructive inter-parliamentary cooperation," - stated the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.
In turn, Minister Bourita emphasized the leading role of Kazakhstan in the Central Asian region and assured of his country's firm intention to qualitatively strengthen multifaceted interaction on a wide range of issues. The Moroccan minister noted that he considers Morocco and Kazakhstan as gateways to North Africa and Central Asia, respectively.
The interlocutors emphasized the significant growth of trade turnover between the two countries, which last year increased by 70% and reached 274 million US dollars. In this case, the Kazakh Foreign Minister noted that Kazakhstan has good opportunities to increase the supply of products with high added value in Morocco. This includes expanding exports of 25 key commodity items worth 130 million US dollars, comprising finished petrochemical products, metallurgical products, and food products.
Minister Nurtleu also noted that the Agreement on a visa-free regime will come into force soon, making Morocco the first country in Africa with which a bilateral visa-free regime is established. This will create new opportunities for the development of business ties and expansion of contacts between citizens.
Special attention was paid to the issues of food security. The head of the Kazakh delegation expressed gratitude to Morocco for its interest in the activities of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and stressed the importance of early ratification of its Charter and invited to participate at a high level in the 7th General Assembly of the IOFS, which will be held this year in Astana.
The parties also discussed the upcoming Astana International Forum, which will be held in May, which will unite the efforts of the world community in addressing current challenges. In addition, they discussed preparations for the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions scheduled for this year, where Kazakhstan expects Morocco to participate at a high level.
The topic of digitalization also took an important place in the discussions. The Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan expressed the interest of our country in cooperation with Morocco in the framework of the program "Digital Morocco 2030", aimed at the development of the digital economy, and informed about the readiness of Kazakh IT-companies to offer pilot projects in the field of e-government, innovative IT-solutions and cybersecurity.
The ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties, noting the successful concert of the Academic Philharmonic of Astana and the Grand Orchestra of Rabat, which aroused great interest among the Moroccan public.
In the sphere of tourism, significant potential was noted and in order to further develop tourism cooperation, the parties agreed to finalize the Agreement on air communication in 2025 and consider the possibility of launching direct flights.
Following the talks, the sides confirmed the mutual desire to further strengthen Kazakh-Moroccan relations in political, economic and humanitarian spheres. The ministers also adopted a Joint Communiqué, which reflects the decision to create working groups to expand cooperation in key areas.
Within the framework of the visit, the Kazakh delegation headed by Minister Nurtleu also visited the Mausoleum of Sultan and the first King Mohammed V (1909-1961). The majestic building, which houses the tomb of the monarch and his two sons, is located in the center of Rabat, not far from the famous Hassan Tower. The Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan laid a wreath and left an entry in the book of honorary guests.
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Issues of Strengthening the Strategic Partnership Between Kazakhstan and Qatar were Discussed in Doha
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Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov met with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan Al-Muraikhi during his visit to Doha, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
During the talks, the parties confirmed their readiness to further strengthen high-level political dialogue, noting the importance of strengthening trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties.
The progress of the implementation of the agreements reached following the talks between the heads of the two states in Doha and Astana last year was discussed, including agreements aimed at implementing joint investment projects.
As part of the visit, the Kazakh delegation also held talks with Qatari Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry Mohammed Hassan Al-Malki.
The interlocutors exchanged views on intensifying joint actions to increase mutual trade turnover and strengthen economic partnership in accordance with the instructions of the leaders of the two countries.
Particular attention was paid to the issues of preparation for the next meeting of the joint high-level intergovernmental commission this year in Astana and the intensification of the work of the Business Council.
At a meeting with the Executive Director for Projects of the Qatari holding UCC Holding Mehmed Ozozan, issues of implementing investment projects were discussed within the framework of the Agreement on the establishment of a long-term strategic partnership for the development of projects in key industries, signed by the governments of the two countries on March 20, 2024.
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Panel Discussion on "80 Years of the UN and Kazakhstan’s Role: the Future of Multilateralism" was Held in Astana
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A panel discussion dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the United Nations was held at the Presidential Center. The event was attended by the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Akan Rakhmetullin, and the Acting UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, Steven O'Malley. The panelists included the Ambassador of Brazil to Kazakhstan, Marcel Fortuna Biato, Director of the Research Institute "Public Opinion," Botagoz Rakisheva, the Ambassador of Turkiye to Kazakhstan, Mustafa Kapudji, and the Head of the International Security Department of the KISI, Dauren Aben. Among the attendees were heads of diplomatic missions, international organizations, and media representatives, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
During the discussion, participants addressed relevant issues on the international agenda, which are in focus for the UN’s anniversary year, as well as Kazakhstan’s contribution to the development of multilateral diplomacy and the country’s efforts to promote peacebuilding initiatives, including nuclear disarmament, strengthening regional security, and supporting an inclusive global order.
In his speech, Rakhmetullin emphasized the strategic role of the UN in addressing global challenges and noted that, in this context, Kazakhstan continues to actively contribute to international cooperation and supports a multipolar approach in solving the problems faced by the global community.
As President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has stated, ‘there is no alternative to this universal organization.’ The 80th anniversary of the UN is not just a celebration, but also an important milestone for reflecting on the role of multilateralism in today’s world. We are confident that only through joint efforts and international cooperation can we effectively address global challenges," said the Kazakh diplomat.
As we mark the UN’s 80th anniversary, we must reaffirm our shared commitment to international cooperation and ensure that global governance structures remain effective and adaptable. Kazakhstan has consistently demonstrated leadership in fostering peace and stability, and this discussion provides an opportunity to shape a collective vision for the future," noted O'Malley.
The event allowed participants to discuss pressing issues related to global security and sustainable development in the context of a multipolar world. During the discussion, participants explored changes in the international system, driven by the accelerating pace of globalization and the development of new technologies. The issue of adapting the UN to new challenges and the importance of further strengthening the role of the organization in maintaining peace and global security was also addressed.
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Kazakhstan and Oman: New Horizons of Cooperation
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Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi, who arrived in Astana on an official visit, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
This marks the first official visit by Oman’s top diplomat to Kazakhstan, opening new opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation.
During the meeting, the ministers engaged in discussions on a broad range of issues pertaining to political, economic, and cultural cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on the prospects for collaboration in key sectors such as energy, transport, logistics, finance, and agriculture.
Both sides highlighted the importance of enhancing transit routes, acknowledging the strategic potential of Kazakhstan and Oman as regional logistics hubs. In this context, the important coordinating role of the Kazakhstan-Oman Intergovernmental Commission, the first meeting of which is scheduled for the second half of 2025, was noted.
Oman is a key partner for Kazakhstan in the Middle East. Our nations share significant opportunities to deepen and expand cooperation," stated Minister Nurtleu.
In turn, Minister Al-Busaidi, emphasizing the role of Astana as a leading economic partner of Oman in Central Asia, confirmed the firm commitment to bring the bilateral cooperation to a new level and proposed to consider the possibility of establishing direct flights between the countries.
In this vein, Oman’s initiative to establish a Private Equity Fund for Kazakhstan and neighboring countries to realize the potential of trade and economic interaction was noted and supported.
Ministers agreed that strengthening economic ties also creates opportunities for expanding cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Thus, last year the number of Kazakh citizens who visited Oman increased by 37% and reached 21 thousand people.
In this regard, the Kazakh side welcomed the decision of the Government of Oman to extend visa-free regime for the citizens of Kazakhstan up to 30 days, which will contribute to the increase of tourist flow and simplification of mutual travel, opening additional prospects for cooperation in various areas.
The two sides also exchanged views on pressing regional and global issues and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening engagement between foreign ministries.
Following the meeting, a Roadmap for Cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and Oman was signed, defining promising areas for further collaboration.
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