Kazakh President honors UAE SWAT Challenge-2026 winners
Images | Akorda
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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Bektenov Holds Talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Participates in India AI Impact Summit 2026
Images | primeminister.kz
On behalf of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, during a working visit to New Delhi, held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi and took part in the international India AI Impact Summit 2026, primeminister.kz reports.
Olzhas Bektenov conveyed warm greetings to the Prime Minister of India on behalf of the President of Kazakhstan. In turn, Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and confirmed his intention to continue joint efforts to elevate the strategic partnership to a new level.
At the end of 2025, trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $923.3 million. The parties discussed further development of cooperation in trade and investment, energy, the agro-industrial complex, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. Kazakhstan is ready to increase exports across 40 товарных позиций worth $150 million. Significant potential was noted for expanding cooperation in critical minerals and rare earth elements, space, and the defense industry.
The Prime Minister also participated in the India AI Impact Summit 2026, which brought together delegations from more than 50 countries, including heads of state, governments, and representatives of the expert and scientific IT community. In his speech at the plenary session, Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the economic potential of advanced technologies and their impact on the structure of global growth.
We believe that intelligence must be inclusive, sovereign, and, most importantly, transformative for key sectors of the economy. Today, Kazakhstan is becoming a regional digital hub. In the UN E-Government Development Index, we rank 24th out of 193 countries. Our country is also among the top ten globally in terms of online service quality. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set the goal of transforming Kazakhstan into a fully digital country within three years. Artificial intelligence is a strategic pillar of our national development," Olzhas Bektenov stated.
The Prime Minister invited global technology companies to cooperate in the development of advanced technologies. As part of the Year of Digitalization and AI announced by the Head of State, Kazakhstan is advancing the development of the digital economy. The Law "On Artificial Intelligence" has been adopted, ensuring a balance between regulation and the promotion of innovation. The Presidential AI Development Council has brought together leading global visionaries on a single platform. For the first time in Central Asia, two of the largest supercomputing clusters have been deployed, and in partnership with NVIDIA, a Sovereign AI Hub project is being implemented. The completion this year of the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic line, being built jointly with Azerbaijani partners, will provide the shortest alternative route for global data traffic, enabling Kazakhstan to become a digital bridge between East and West. The flagship "Data Center Valley" project in Ekibastuz will create an ecosystem for large-scale data centers. It was emphasized that the state provides full support, including infrastructure and project facilitation.
Following the forum, heads of delegations visited the international exhibition India AI Impact Expo 2026, where practical solutions, technologies, and applied developments in artificial intelligence were presented. The exhibition covered a wide range of sectors, including industry, finance, healthcare, security, and others.
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Tokayev meets Kazakh citizens in Washington, D.C.
Images | Akorda
As part of the working trip to Washington, D.C., President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has held a meeting with the Kazakh citizens living and studying in the United States, Qazinform News Agency learned from the Akorda press service.
During the meeting, the Head of State emphasized his high expectations for the younger generation, noting that the government pays special attention to youth development and creating conditions for their self-accomplishment.
Tokayev also reminded the meeting participants of the upcoming nationwide referendum in March on the draft of a new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, stressing its historic importance for the country’s future.
Students and young researchers expressed gratitude to the President for his comprehensive support of science and education.
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Kazakh President signs amendments to promote creative industries
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Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed on Wednesday a law introducing amendments and additions to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan regarding support for and promotion of creative industries, Qazinform News Agency cites Akorda.
It is worth noting that the draft law was designed to streamline the procedure for conducting creative activities. In particular, it introduces notions of a creative industries worker and a register of creative industries entities.
The Culture and Information Ministry’s competence for monitoring attraction of private investment in creative industries projects was set. Under the draft law, regional authorities are empowered to create conditions for self-realization and talent development by fostering entrepreneurship in the creative industries field. To ensure creative freedom and professional development, provisions for the protection of creative industries workers' rights are established.
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Kazakh President to pay working visit to the U.S.
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On February 18-19, the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, will pay a working visit to the United States of America at the invitation of President Donald Trump to attend the inaugural sitting of the Board of Peace, Qazinform News Agency learnt from the Akorda press service.
The summit is expected to focus on stabilizing the situation in Gaza and developing practical steps to ensure peace, security, and sustainable humanitarian support in the region.
As part of the visit, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will also hold a series of meetings with executives from major American companies.
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Kazakh President inks law ratifying EAEU-Mongolia Interim Trade Agreement
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The Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has signed the Law on the ratification of the Interim Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and its Member States, on the one part, and Mongolia, on the other part, Qazinform News Agency cites Akorda.
The text of the Law is set to be published in the press.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that the Kazakh Senate ratified the EAEU-Mongolia Interim Trade Agreement. It provides for establishing a joint committee to monitor, settle disputes, and ensure the protection of the interests of Kazakhstani entrepreneurs in Mongolia’s market.
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Olzhas Bektenov Instructs Expansion of Support Measures to Develop the Manufacturing Industry
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At the Government session chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, further measures to diversify the economy were reviewed, primeminister.kz reports.
Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, Minister of Industry and Construction Yersayin Nagaspayev, Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov, Vice Minister of Energy Kairkhan Tutkyshbayev, Chairman of the Management Board of Baiterek National Managing Holding Rustam Karagoyshin, CEO of KazFoodProducts Alikhan Talgatbek, and representative of the glass manufacturing company OrdaGlass Galymzhan Kuatov reported on key approaches to increasing productivity and technological modernization of industrial facilities.
One of the immediate tasks set by the Head of State for the Government is to ensure growth through higher productivity and technological renewal. This will allow us to reorient economic policy toward tangible results - increasing citizens’ incomes and strengthening economic sovereignty. Diversification and the active development of processing industries play a crucial role in this process," Olzhas Bektenov noted.
At the expanded Government session, the Head of State emphasized the need to form a modern industrial framework and further develop the manufacturing sector.
In the country’s GDP structure, the share of manufacturing now exceeds that of the extractive sector. This year, manufacturing output increased by 4.4%, exceeding the figure for the same period last year (3.7% in January 2025).
The Prime Minister stressed that this momentum must not only be maintained but accelerated. The creation of new clusters will enable a shift from low value-added production to higher value-added segments. Achieving diversification and economic growth targets requires practical measures to expand production capacity and deepen processing in non-resource sectors.
In this regard, Olzhas Bektenov instructed relevant government agencies to identify the most promising industry niches and implement high-productivity, export-oriented investment projects within them. This will enhance economic resilience to external shocks, increase export potential, create new jobs, and build a modern industrial base aligned with long-term national interests.
As part of fulfilling the tasks set by the Head of State, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to take all necessary measures to support real-sector production, attract investors, and introduce advanced digital technologies. The Ministry of Industry was instructed to transform the structure of the manufacturing sector.
It was noted that in several areas, a large share of low value-added products still remains, meaning that the main added value is generated outside Kazakhstan’s economy.
The Prime Minister instructed to ensure a sustainable transition to the production of more complex and technologically advanced goods. This includes developing component manufacturing, increasing localization levels, introducing modern technologies, automating production processes, and raising labor productivity.
In addition, the Ministries of Industry, Energy, Agriculture, National Economy, and the Baiterek Holding were instructed to submit within one month a specific list of new industrial processing projects that will ensure the production of high value-added goods with export potential.
Each project must be assessed not in isolation, but in terms of its multiplier effect on the economy. Sectoral government agencies and local administrations must provide promising investment projects with the necessary infrastructure, resources, and state support measures.
In the field of digitalization, Kazakh Invest, together with government agencies, local authorities, Samruk-Kazyna Fund, and Baiterek Holding, was instructed to form by April 1 an updated project pool within the National Digital Investment Platform, ensuring completeness and accuracy of information.
This will allow for prompt decision-making in providing support to ongoing projects.
At the expanded Government session, the Head of State rightly noted the insufficient level of petrochemical processing in the country. The sector should be viewed as a foundation for developing new directions in manufacturing. The Ministries of Energy and Industry, together with the Samruk-Kazyna Fund, must ensure transparent and stable conditions for supplying affordable polymer raw materials to the domestic market for further processing by local companies. The Ministry of Industry must present a specific pool of projects for further processing of polymer products," Olzhas Bektenov instructed.
It was emphasized that the construction sector traditionally makes a significant contribution to industrial development, but currently a high share of imported construction materials is used, particularly in privately financed projects. The Ministry of Industry, together with regional administrations, must ensure continuous monitoring of the share of domestically produced materials used in major construction projects, including those financed through private investment.
In the agro-industrial complex, raw materials such as grain and meat continue to dominate export structure. This issue has been repeatedly highlighted by the Head of State. Olzhas Bektenov stressed the need to focus on deep processing production. Kazakhstan already has such projects, and they demonstrate high profitability. The Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Agriculture, together with local administrations and Baiterek Holding, to expand support instruments for businesses producing high value-added goods.
The Ministries of Finance and Agriculture must address the issue of extending working capital loan terms to two years. It was noted that the share of agricultural processing should reach 70% this year.
Overall, these measures will help reduce dependence on raw material exports, while new growth points will serve as the foundation for long-term sustainable economic development.
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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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