Aliya Adambayeva tapped to lead Dara Presidential Initiatives Foundation
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Aliya Adambayeva has been appointed President of the Dara Presidential Initiatives Foundation as per the decision of the Board of Trustees, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Aliya Adambayeva brings over 25 years of professional experience across the media, public, and financial sectors.
Throughout her career, she has held several high-level leadership roles, including Deputy Chairperson and Member of the Management Board of the Almaty Development Center, and Director of the Information and Communications Department within the press service of the National Bank of Kazakhstan.
The newly-appointed head of the Foundation holds a degree in Journalism and a Master’s degree in Economics and Business. Her academic credentials also include an MBA and an Executive MBA.
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Kazakh President honors UAE SWAT Challenge-2026 winners
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded Kazakhstan’s elite special forces at the Akorda Residence on Monday, celebrating their victory at the UAE SWAT Challenge-2026, Qazinform News Agency cites the Akorda press service.
The present-day complicated and unstable geopolitical situation requires the development of new approaches to ensuring state security, including the military-technical equipment of our Army. Therefore, the state prioritizes the comprehensive modernization and full-scale technological re-equipment of the military and security sector. Your success in these competitions is the result of the systemic development of Kazakhstan's law enforcement agencies and the high moral and physical training of our servicemen. I am confident that your selfless service to our Motherland and your loyalty to the oath will contribute to strengthening Kazakhstan's defense capabilities," President Tokayev said.
The Head of State emphasized that the country stands on the threshold of historic changes, reminding those present that on March 15, citizens will decide the future of the new Constitution in a nationwide referendum.
This will be a critical decision directly influencing the fate of the country. The draft of the Basic Law enshrines inviolable spiritual and legal values that strengthen our sovereignty and statehood. The territorial integrity of the Republic of Kazakhstan, sovereignty, independence, alongside the human, their life, rights, and freedoms, are proclaimed as the highest values. The notion of responsible and constructive patriotism has been affirmed. The idea of a 'Just Kazakhstan' and the principle of 'Law and Order' have found their rightful place in the new draft Constitution. Implementing this in practice is our shared civic duty. The new Basic Law must pave the way to the long-term prosperity of the country. Security agencies and special units must be the pillars of independence and the unity of the people. We have a common goal - to pass on a Strong and Leading state to our descendants. Through our united efforts, we will undoubtedly fulfill this historic mission. Service to the Motherland is the highest honor. This path is chosen only by true patriots and responsible citizens. I am confident that you will continue to stand flawlessly on guard of national interests," the President concluded.
By the Head of State's decree, a group of officers and servicemen returning victorious from the UAE SWAT Challenge-2026 international competition was awarded the Order of 'Aibyn' (Valor), II Degree, named after Bauyrzhan Momyshuly, the 'Jauyngerlık Erlıgı üşın' (For Military Valor) Medal, and the Letter of Commendation from the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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President Tokayev congratulates sumo wrestler Ersin Baltagul on success in Japan
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has received well-known Kazakhstani sumo wrestler Ersin Baltagul, Qazinform News Agency cites Akorda.
The President congratulated the athlete on winning the title of maegashira - a high rank in sumo wrestling - at the Emperor’s Cup 2025, as well as on receiving the special Kantō-shō (Fighting Spirit) prize following the competition.
The Head of State named this award the result of the athlete’s perseverance and diligence.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the growing number of young Kazakhstani citizens, representing the country abroad.
According to him, the state gives special attention to the support of talents and creation of conditions for the development of sport.
During my visit to Japan, I noticed that you are known and respected by many - from the Emperor to ordinary people. This is a great honor. Living in Japan, you bring glory to the Kazakh people and strengthen the authority of our country. I extend to you my special gratitude," the Head of State said.
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President Tokayev Congratulates President Aleksandar Vučić on Serbia’s Statehood Day
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that this holiday reflects the unity of the Serbian people and their steadfast commitment to national unity, sovereignty and progressive development, akorda.kz reports.
The telegram notes that Kazakhstan highly values its enduring relations with Serbia, based on sincere friendship and shared aspirations.
The President of Kazakhstan wished Aleksandar Vučić continued success in his state activities, and the people of Serbia prosperity and well-being.
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Abzhanov named as new head of Kazakh National Defense University
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Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Saturday signed a degree appointing Baurzhan Abzhanov as the new Head of the National Defense University of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Qazinform News Agency reports via Akorda.
Born in 1968, Abzhanov graduated from the Novosibirsk Higher Military Command School of the Soviet Ministry of Internal Affairs, Frunze Military Academy, Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia.
Throughout his career, Baurzhan Abzhanov served as the regional command force commander, inspection and analytical department head and secretary of the Military Council in the Kazakh National Guard, head of the Military Institute of the National Guard, as well as deputy commander-in-chief of the National Guard.
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Kazakhstan seeks to align border checkpoints’ operating hours with China to tackle rising cargo traffic
Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin held a meeting on improving the efficiency of road border checkpoints, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Government’s press service.
The meeting highlighted that in 2022, 639,600 vehicles crossed the border with China, then in 2025 the figure reached 1.68 million, increasing by more than 2.5 times.
Rising pressure on border infrastructure is expected, as Kazakhstan and China eye raising bilateral trade to 100 billion US dollars per year.
The Finance Ministry has proposed a set of measures to increase checkpoint capacity, with the key one being the synchronization of operating hours with the Chinese side. According to preliminary estimates, increasing overlapping working hours on both sides could raise capacity by at least 20%.
Additionally, a model is being implemented to relocate related operations outside checkpoint territories. Cargo processing, brokerage, and other procedures are being transferred to trade and logistics centers and temporary storage warehouses, usually located within 1-10 km from the state border. This allows checkpoints to focus exclusively on control functions and reduces the time vehicles spend in the border and customs control zone.
To date, this model has been fully implemented on the Kazakhstan-China route at the Nur Zholy, Alakol, Bakhty, and Kalzhat checkpoints, as well as on the border with Uzbekistan at the Konysbayev, Kazygurt, and Atameken checkpoints. Phased implementation continues at other road checkpoints along the external border of the EAEU.
Currently, three transport and logistics centers operate on the border with China - in the directions of the Nur Zholy, Alakol, and Kalzhat checkpoints. A specialized temporary storage warehouse for oversized vehicles has been commissioned near the Nur Zholy checkpoint. New facilities (temporary storage warehouses and transport and logistics centers) have also been launched in the directions of the Konysbayev, Bakhty, Kazygurt, and Atameken checkpoints.
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Up to 12 million people to vote in Kazakh constitutional referendum
12,416,759 people are eligible to vote on the draft new Constitution in Kazakhstan, member of the Central Election Commission Azamat Aimanakumov said Thursday, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Aimanakumov said the Central Election Commission has drawn up eight key documents for the March 15 referendum on the adoption of the new Constitution.
A total of 10,413 polling locations will be set up nationwide during the referendum. They are 9,779 polling sites for citizens with permanent place of residence, 634 for temporary-registered citizens, including 82 in 64 countries.
According to the Commission’s voter list, 12,416,759 people are eligible to cast their ballots.
The Central Election Commission and lower-level commissions will ensure that the legality, transparency and correctness of the referendum process," he added.
The Commission’s another member Mikhail Bortnik revealed the estimated cost for the republican referendum on March 15, 2026.
According to preliminary estimates, the Kazakh constitutional referendum will cost 20.8 billion tenge, which the country will seek from the Government reserve.
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Tokayev Holds Meeting with Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders and the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Mohamed Abdelsalam
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During the meeting, the Head of State expressed support for the important initiatives and projects being implemented in Kazakhstan under the auspices of the Muslim Council of Elders - a respected and influential institution recognized internationally, akorda.kz reports.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of promoting the principles of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and the humanistic values of Islam. He noted that this approach is fully aligned with Kazakhstan’s political course.
The President welcomed the opening of the Council’s first representative office in Central Asia in Kazakhstan.
The Head of State highlighted that the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is regarded as one of the most prestigious international distinctions aimed at promoting the ideals of unity and shared responsibility. He also noted its contribution to advancing global dialogue and cooperation.
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