Almaty Begins Installing Signs in Low-Emission Zone
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Authorities in Almaty have begun installing road signs and information boards as part of a pilot Low Emission Zone (LEZ) project, the municipal enterprise Almaty Parking reported.
The signs are being placed at entry points to the pilot zone, which is located within the area bounded by Bogenbai Batyr Street, Zheltoksan Street, Abai Avenue and Dostyk Avenue.
The company stressed that there are currently no traffic restrictions, entry fees or penalties associated with the zone.
The main objective of the pilot project is to test digital infrastructure, fine-tune traffic monitoring systems and collect data on the impact of vehicle traffic on air quality.
The technical pilot phase will run until December 31, 2026. Until then, vehicles will continue to operate within the zone under normal traffic conditions.
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Moldovan-Kazakh Business Council Office Opens in Chisinau: A New Impulse for Economic Partnership
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The official Opening Ceremony of the Moldovan-Kazakh Business Council Office took place in the capital of Moldova, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The solemn event was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry of the Republic of Moldova, Ludmila Catlabuga (Co-Chair of the bilateral Intergovernmental Commission), representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, leading business associations, Members of Parliament, as well as executives from Kazakhstani and Moldovan companies.
Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan H.E. Almat Aidarbekov, emphasized the significance of this event, noting that the opening of the office will create an additional institutional platform for strengthening economic cooperation, promoting joint investment projects, and expanding contacts between entrepreneurs Ambassador also expressed confidence that the Council would help build systemic cooperation and establish effective mechanisms to support business initiatives.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry of the Republic of Moldova Catlabuga, welcomed the participants and highlighted the strategic importance of the new platform for the agricultural sector. She described Kazakhstan as a promising and capacious market for Moldova, noting the immense potential for increasing mutual supplies, exchanging advanced technologies in the agro-industrial complex, and implementing joint investment projects. The Minister expressed confidence that the council would become a reliable bridge for the businesses of both countries.
Tungat Abylkasimov, Chairman of the Moldovan-Kazakh Business Council, outlined the practical objectives of the new structure. He stated that the main goal of the office is to translate the potential of cooperation into concrete contracts. He also added that the Council stands ready to provide maximum informational and organizational support to minimize barriers and accelerate the launch of joint ventures.
As part of the opening ceremony, a detailed presentation on Kazakhstan's investment and export potential was delivered to the participants. Representatives of the business community discussed prospects for cooperation, and the event concluded with the signing of several bilateral memorandums.
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Constitutional Reform: Key Laws Explained
Images | akorda.kz
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a package of constitutional laws aimed at implementing the provisions of the Constitution adopted on March 15, 2026. Explanations have been provided for five key legislative acts, a correspondent reports.
The laws concern the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Status of Its Deputies, the Kazakhstan People's Council (Qazaqstan Halyq Kenesi), the Status of the Capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Administrative-Territorial Structure of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Law on the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The constitutional law defines the powers of the president and the framework for interaction with state institutions.
The introduction of consultations with the prime minister and the speaker of the Kurultai when adopting extraordinary measures, as well as parliamentary approval mechanisms for a number of appointments, reflects Kazakhstan’s continued transition toward a balanced presidential republic.
A separate set of provisions is aimed at ensuring transparency and public trust. The president is elected for a single seven-year term.
The president may not simultaneously hold parliamentary office, engage in business activities, undertake other paid employment, or belong to a political party. Close relatives of the president are also prohibited from occupying key positions in state bodies and quasi-state entities. In essence, these measures are designed to prevent the concentration of influence and eliminate conflicts of interest, thereby strengthening public confidence in state institutions.
At the same time, a significant portion of the president’s powers is focused on ensuring the effectiveness of the state apparatus. The president participates in forming the government, oversees its strategic priorities, and reviews reports from key institutions ranging from the National Bank to law enforcement agencies. For citizens, this translates into stricter oversight of the implementation and outcomes of state policy.
Constitutional Law on the Status of the Capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan
A key provision of the law is the establishment of mandatory requirements for the architectural appearance and design code of the capital as the foundation for urban planning and construction activities.
Under the law, all architectural, urban development and construction activities within the capital must comply with the city’s master plan, urban planning documentation and state standards, ensuring a unified and comprehensive approach to the development of the urban environment.
One of the central provisions is the introduction of a mandatory design code for the capital. Its requirements will apply to buildings, road infrastructure, advertising and elements of the city’s visual appearance.
An important institutional role in implementing these approaches will be played by the Capital Architectural and Urban Planning Council, chaired by the mayor of Astana.
The council will include representatives of the city administration, architects, independent experts, civil society organisations and specialists representing the interests of people with disabilities. The body will review architectural and urban development projects and formulate recommendations on construction, urban design and the architectural appearance of the city, including monumental and artistic elements of the urban environment.
Law on the Administrative-Territorial Structure
The law is based on three fundamental principles: legality, stability and territorial integrity.
The stability of the administrative-territorial system will be ensured through mechanisms requiring that any changes to territorial boundaries or status be based exclusively on objective data and long-term development plans. This eliminates the possibility of unjustified territorial changes and guarantees the stable functioning of local executive and representative bodies, which is critical for socio-economic planning and the implementation of state programmes.
The constitutional law addresses fundamental issues that directly affect people’s lives in the regions, ranging from the status of settlements to the allocation of resources and infrastructure development.
In practical terms, the law’s primary objective is to bring order to the country’s territorial governance system and enshrine it at the constitutional level. This means that any changes to borders, territorial status or administrative subordination can no longer be made on an ad hoc basis but must be supported by clear justification, calculations and consideration of long-term development objectives. For residents, this primarily means greater stability, with clearer and more predictable rules.
Constitutional Law on the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Status of Its Deputies
The Kurultai operates through regular sessions held from September to June, with extraordinary sessions convened when necessary at the initiative of the president, the speaker of the chamber or the deputies themselves.
Sessions constitute the principal form of the Kurultai’s work. They are conducted with a quorum and are generally open to the public, allowing participation by senior state officials.
The legislative process within the Kurultai regulates the submission, consideration and adoption of laws, as well as interaction among key state institutions. The right of legislative initiative belongs to the president, Kurultai deputies, the government and the Kazakhstan People's Council. All draft laws must undergo mandatory review by профиль committees before being submitted for consideration at a plenary session.
The constitutional law establishes the legal status of a deputy as a professional public office based on an oath to the people of Kazakhstan. Powers commence upon registration by the Central Election Commission and are accompanied by strict restrictions. Deputies are prohibited from engaging in business activities or holding other paid positions, except in scientific, educational or creative fields. Violation of these rules, as well as withdrawal from the political party through which the deputy was elected, results in the immediate loss of the parliamentary mandate.
Constitutional Law on the Kazakhstan People's Council
The primary mission of the Kazakhstan People's Council is to institutionalise public participation in the development and implementation of state policy. It is intended not merely as a discussion platform but as a practical mechanism ensuring the representation of civil society interests in decision-making processes. This is expected to contribute to a more balanced and socially oriented state policy.
The council is granted clearly defined and extensive powers enabling it to influence public policy and issues affecting citizens’ daily lives.
The Kazakhstan People's Council may develop and formally submit proposals on key areas of domestic policy, public harmony, national unity and the promotion of Kazakhstan’s core values. Most importantly, it is empowered to directly submit draft laws and major policy proposals to the Kurultai, as well as initiate nationwide referendums.
In addition, the council will participate in discussions and monitoring of state policy implementation while facilitating ongoing dialogue between the authorities, the public and civil society.
In essence, the mechanism envisages a process whereby society raises pressing issues, the council conducts in-depth analysis and advances them through the decision-making system - from recommendations and assessments to draft legislation or nationwide referendums.
As a result, the Kazakhstan People's Council is positioned as a genuine bridge between society and the state, providing citizens with a direct instrument to influence decisions that affect their everyday lives.
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Kazakhstan Leads Central Asia in Attracting Foreign Investment, Tokayev Says
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Kazakhstan leads the Central Asian region in attracting foreign investment, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the international forum "Administrative Justice and Its Role in Ensuring the Rule of Law," according to the Akorda presidential press service.
There is another important factor that attracts investment. Within the Astana International Financial Centre, we operate a court and an arbitration centre based on the principles of English law. An Investment Headquarters also operates under the government. In recent years, it has demonstrated its effectiveness by promptly resolving issues related to investment projects. In addition, by presidential decree, a Committee for the Protection of Investors' Rights was established under the Prosecutor General’s Office," the head of state said.
He stressed that Kazakhstan is highly committed to improving its business and investment climate.
The president also noted that the new Constitution includes specific provisions aimed at strengthening the country’s investment potential.
In particular, a decision was made to introduce a special legal regime for the financial sector and for accelerated development cities. As you know, I recently signed the constitutional law ‘On the Special Legal Regime of Alatau City’. This important document establishes the legal framework for the creation of a smart city ecosystem," Tokayev said.
According to the president, the special legal regime expands the scope of public administration, including provisions for a distinct framework governing the operation of the judicial system.
Progressive regulatory instruments will make it possible to introduce global best practices, test advanced innovative solutions and create all the necessary conditions for the implementation of this unique project. Our main goal is to transform Alatau into a digital agglomeration of the future and a hub for new technologies. The state is ready for open and mutually beneficial cooperation with the business community," he added.
The president also presented state awards to a group of citizens who have made a significant contribution to Kazakhstan’s socio-economic development and the improvement of national legislation.
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President Signs Key Laws as Part of Constitutional Reform
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a package of constitutional laws aimed at implementing the provisions of the Constitution adopted on March 15, 2026, the Akorda presidential press service reported.
Among them is the Constitutional Law "On the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan", which defines the legal status, powers and operational framework of the president, as well as the legal status of the vice president.
The law’s key innovation is the establishment of the institution of the vice president. Acting on the instructions of the head of state, the vice president will represent the president’s interests in interactions with government bodies and perform functions assigned by the president.
The Constitutional Law "On the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Status of Its Deputies" sets out the organisation and functioning of the Kurultai, the legislative process and other forms through which the body exercises its powers, as well as the legal status of its deputies.
The Kurultai is defined as the supreme representative body exercising legislative authority. It consists of 145 deputies elected through party lists. Deputies serve five-year terms. The body is headed by a chairperson elected from among deputies who are fluent in the state language, through a secret ballot and by majority vote.
The law grants the Kurultai a broad range of powers, including approving the appointments of the vice president, the prime minister, judges of the Constitutional Court, members of the Central Election Commission and the Supreme Audit Chamber. It is also empowered to elect and dismiss Supreme Court judges upon the nomination of the president, revoke the immunity of Constitutional Court and Supreme Court judges, call presidential elections, and approve reports submitted by the government and the Supreme Audit Chamber on the execution of the national budget.
The Constitutional Law "On the Kazakhstan People's Council" defines the legal status, powers, formation procedures, composition and organisational framework of the Kazakhstan People's Council.
The Kazakhstan People's Council serves as the country’s highest consultative body. It is established to ensure nationwide dialogue and civil society participation in shaping domestic policy. The council is vested with a broad range of powers, including the right of legislative initiative and the authority to initiate a nationwide referendum.
Its membership is formed on a parity basis from citizens of Kazakhstan, with 42 representatives each from ethnocultural associations, public organisations, as well as maslikhats and public councils of the capital, regions and cities of republican significance. The composition is approved by the president.
The Kazakhstan People's Council is headed by a chairperson, while its term of office is set at four years.
The Constitutional Law "On the Status of the Capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan" regulates public relations related to the functioning of the capital and defines the legal, economic and organisational foundations of its operation.
The document clearly delineates the powers of the maslikhat, local self-government bodies and the local executive authority headed by the city’s akim.
The law establishes mandatory requirements for the city’s unified architectural appearance and design code, while also defining the powers of subordinate organisations responsible for public utilities and infrastructure development in the capital.
The Constitutional Law "On the Administrative-Territorial Structure" sets out the procedures for the establishment and abolition of administrative-territorial units, the determination and modification of their boundaries, registration and record-keeping, as well as the naming and renaming of administrative-territorial entities.
The objective of state regulation in the sphere of administrative-territorial organisation is to ensure the rational territorial structure of Kazakhstan for effective public administration.
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Tokayev Discusses Security and Transport Connectivity with Senior Adviser to the Abrahamic Business Circle's Peace Council
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received Aryeh Lightstone, Senior Adviser to the Peace Council, the presidential press service Akorda reported.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed Kazakhstan's initiatives aimed at supporting stabilisation efforts in the Gaza Strip. Talks focused on the country's participation in restoring social infrastructure, as well as projects in the fields of education, healthcare and food security.
Lightstone congratulated Tokayev and the people of Kazakhstan on the Day of State Symbols, wishing the country peace and prosperity. He also conveyed warm greetings to the Kazakh president from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Particular attention was paid to the development of transport and logistics cooperation. The parties discussed the TRIPP initiative and collaboration within the framework of the Middle Corridor. Kazakhstan reaffirmed its interest in expanding international transport connectivity and diversifying trade routes.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed their readiness to further strengthen cooperation on a broad range of bilateral and international issues.
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President Announces Changes to Rules Governing Use of State Symbols
Images | Akorda
Kazakhstan’s government will soon introduce amendments to regulations governing the use of the country's state symbols, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced during a national flag-raising ceremony, according to the Akorda presidential press service.
Strengthening the authority and prestige of our national symbols is a matter of state importance. In the near future, the government will amend the resolution regulating the use of state symbols. Respect for our national symbols is a shared responsibility and the duty of every citizen, ultimately reflecting respect for the state itself," Tokayev said.
The president noted that Kazakhstan’s new Constitution clearly affirms the inseparable link between the Kazakh people and the millennia-old history of the Great Steppe.
A monumental structure dedicated to the achievements of the Great Steppe civilisation will soon begin to be built in the capital. Recently, with UNESCO’s support, we hosted an international symposium in Astana devoted to the study of the legacy of the Golden Horde. Undoubtedly, all of these initiatives will make a significant contribution to strengthening the foundations of our statehood," he said.
According to Tokayev, the Golden Horde was a major medieval power with its own institutions of governance, diplomatic service, communications and customs systems, a widely recognised currency and advanced technologies for its time.
The modern presidential model of governance firmly established in Kazakhstan has its roots in the political system created during the era of the Golden Horde. The Golden Horde’s greatest legacy lies in its enduring values, which, within a common legal framework, united people of different religions, languages, cultures and traditions across a vast state. The glorious path of our ancestors will always serve as an example and a strategic guide for us," the head of state said.
As part of the ceremony, the military rank of Senior Lieutenant was awarded to outstanding graduates of the Sagadat Nurmagambetov Military Institute of the Ground Forces, the National Security Committee Academy, the Border Academy of the National Security Committee, the Barimbek Beisenov Karaganda Academy of the Interior Ministry, the National Guard Academy and the Malik Gabdullin Academy of Civil Protection.
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Knowledge Economy - a New Driver of Partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union
As part of the "Shanyraq Dialogue" discussion platform, the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Belgium hosted a roundtable entitled "Kazakhstan’s Knowledge Economy: New Horizons for Partnership with the European Union". The event brought together Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek, representatives of Belgian universities and research centres, members of the expert and diplomatic communities, and representatives of the European External Action Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The discussion was moderated by Karina Anguelieva, Executive Director of the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC). In her opening remarks, she highlighted the dynamic development of Kazakhstan’s solid scientific and technological potential, which was one of the key factors behind the ISTC’s decision to relocate its headquarters to Astana in 2015. She emphasized that Kazakhstan currently occupies a leading position in the implementation of several flagship ISTC projects.
Welcoming participants, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Belgium Roman Vassilenko noted the significant qualitative progress in Kazakhstan - EU relations over the 33 years since diplomatic relations were established between Astana and Brussels, and 10 years since the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
The Ambassador recalled that the European Union remains Kazakhstan’s largest trade and investment partner. Cooperation between the two sides continues expanding in the strategic areas such as transport connectivity, critical raw materials, green transformation, digitalization, and innovation.
Ambassador Vassilenko particularly emphasized the cooperation in education, science, and technology. He noted that investment in human capital is one of Kazakhstan’s key priorities, and that deeper engagement with European universities and research centres creates new opportunities for joint research, academic exchanges, and the training of specialists for the economy of the future.
As the keynote speaker, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek presented the main priorities of Kazakhstan’s state policy in science and higher education. These include the modernization of research infrastructure, the development of research universities, the internationalization of higher education, support for young scientists, the commercialization of scientific research, and expanded participation in international research programs.
Particular attention was paid to Kazakhstan’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with the European scientific and educational community, including participation in international initiatives such as the European Union’s "Horizon Europe" program, which supports research and innovation.
In particular, Minister Nurbek stated: "The knowledge economy is built on trust, open universities, strong science, and international cooperation. Kazakhstan is interested in ensuring that cooperation with European universities is systematic and long-term, based on joint research, the exchange of experience, and the training of specialists for the economy of the future".
Roundtable served as an effective platform for open dialogue among government officials, academic institutions, experts, and members of the diplomatic corps on the future development of scientific and educational cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
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Kazakhstan Marks State Symbols Day
Kazakhstan is celebrating State Symbols Day on June 4, commemorating the adoption of the country's national symbols.
Kazakhstan's state symbols were approved on June 4, 1992. The Constitutional Law "On the State Symbols of the Republic of Kazakhstan" was adopted on June 4, 2007. In accordance with the law, State Symbols Day has been celebrated annually on June 4.
Kazakhstan's official state symbols are the national flag, the national emblem and the national anthem.
The national flag is a rectangular sky-blue banner featuring a golden sun with 32 rays at its center and a soaring golden eagle beneath it. Along the flagpole side runs a vertical strip with a traditional national ornament. The sun, its rays, the eagle and the ornamental pattern are all depicted in gold. The flag was designed by Shaken Niyazbekov, an Honoured Artist of Kazakhstan.
The national emblem is circular in shape and features a shanyrak - the upper dome of a traditional Kazakh yurt - set against a blue background. Radiating outward from the shanyrak are uyks, the supporting poles of the yurt, resembling sunbeams. Images of mythical winged horses are positioned on either side of the shanyrak. A three-dimensional five-pointed star appears at the top, while the inscription "Qazaqstan" is placed at the bottom. The star, shanyrak, uyks, winged horses and inscription are all rendered in gold. The emblem was designed by renowned architects Zhandarbek Malibekov and Shot-Aman Ualikhanov.
The national anthem, previously known as the song "Menin Qazaqstanym" ("My Kazakhstan"), was officially adopted by the country's parliament on January 6, 2006. The music was composed by Shamshi Kaldayakov, while the lyrics were written by Zhumeken Nazhimedenov and Nursultan Nazarbayev.
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