Kazakhstan accounts for 80% of Austria's trade with Central Asia - President Tokayev
Images | Akorda
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan met on Wednesday with Austria's Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, and Federal Minister of the Interior, Gerhard Karner, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Akorda press service.
Welcoming the high-ranking guests, the Head of State highlighted the importance of the Austrian business delegation accompanying the ministers.
I believe that the joint visit of two key ministers of the Austrian Government is of exceptional importance in giving additional momentum to bilateral cooperation. Austria is a reliable and long-standing strategic partner of Kazakhstan. It has invested more than $3 billion in our economy, and mutual trade is also showing growth. This is a very positive trend.
We are in close contact with your missions at the United Nations and the OSCE, and it is my view that such ties will continue to develop. Austria is, without a doubt, a highly developed country in many respects. That is why we greatly value the achieved level of contacts and are confident that Kazakhstan will continue to play a vital role for you in the region. As of today, Kazakhstan accounts for over 80% of Austria's trade with Central Asian countries," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
The Kazakh President welcomed the active cooperation between the relevant ministries and agencies of the two countries. In particular, visa-free agreements for diplomatic passport holders and on readmission came into force on May 1, 2026.
The Head of State also noted the growing cross-border nature of modern challenges and emphasized the need to deepen cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
In turn, Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Gerhard Karner thanked Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the meeting and conveyed greetings from the President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen.
The Austrian foreign minister said that their visit is taking place at a very timely moment, noting that Kazakhstan is Austria's crucial partner in Central Asia, not only economically but also politically. She added that the two countries cooperate closely on security, migration, and multilateral platforms. Beate Meinl-Reisinger also expressed her pleasure at having hosted the Kazakh Foreign Minister in Vienna for the OSCE ministerial meeting, as Austria highly values Kazakhstan's leadership in that organization.
During the meeting, the parties discussed expanding economic cooperation as well as current aspects of the regional and international agenda.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev conveyed warm wishes to President Alexander Van der Bellen, reaffirming his invitation for the Austrian leader to visit Kazakhstan at a convenient time.
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Tokayev: Our country can fully rely on its Armed Forces
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At a state ceremony for awarding national honors and military ranks, devoted to May 7 Fatherland Defender's Day, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the strength and dedication of Kazakhstan’s Armed Forces, Qazinform News Agency reports.
In his speech, the President described the army as "a reliable shield of our sacred Independence," highlighting its role in safeguarding peace and territorial integrity.
The Head of State emphasized that law enforcement agencies ensure the rule of law, public order, and national security, while rescue services tirelessly work for the safety of citizens despite risks. He reminded that Kazakhstan is the only CIS country to receive the UN mandate to carry out independent peacekeeping missions, which reflects the high international authority of its Armed Forces.
Tokayev highlighted the achievements of Kazakh special forces in international competitions, including victories in Dubai where the women’s team "Tomiris" impressed the world with their skill and determination.
It is clear that all of this is the result of the persistent work of our soldiers, distinguished by strong spirit, inexhaustible energy, and loyalty to their oath. The state will always support such valiant fighters. And this is our foremost task in the interests of the country and the future of the nation," Tokayev stressed.
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New 1st Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan named
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The Head of State decreed to appoint Nurlybek Nalibayev as the First Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, relieving him of his previous post, Qazinform News Agency cites the Akorda press service.
He was born in 1976 in Kyzylorda region.
Graduated from the Kazakh State Agrarian University and the Kazakh Law and Humanities University.
He started his career in 1997 in Kazakhoil-commerce company.
Throughout the years, he acted as the governor of Shieli district of Kyzylorda region and Mayor of Kyzylorda city.
Since April 7, 2022, up to the present, has been serving as the Governor of Kyzylorda region.
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The President received Zhang Qihai, Chairman of Xinjiang Lihua Co., Ltd
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The discussion focused on the development of a vertically integrated cotton-textile cluster with full-cycle production in Kazakhstan, akorda.kz reports.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was informed that the project would significantly reduce import dependence and supply the domestic market with competitive products.
The Chairman of Xinjiang Lihua told Kassym-Jomart Tokayev that a number of facilities had already been commissioned, including two cotton-processing plants. In the upcoming years, the company plans to launch the production of nonwoven fabric, home textiles, and clothing.
The implementation of the project will enable the expansion of cotton plantations up to 52,000 hectares utilizing innovative digital technologies and drip irrigation.
The first stage of the project will see a $360 million investment in the cotton cluster, which is expected to create over 4,000 jobs.
The Head of State emphasized the cluster’s importance for the development of the agricultural industry and manufacturing in the south of the country. In his opinion, the company should focus on training local staff.
The President also highlighted the need for the widespread use of water-saving technologies and supported the implementation of smart digital solutions and artificial intelligence, given the high resource consumption of cotton farming.
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Kazakhstan names new Head of Presidential Administration
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The Head of State decreed to appoint Roman Sklyar as the Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, relieving him of his previous post, Qazinform News Agency cites the Akorda press service.
He graduated from the Pavlodar State University, Moscow Institute of Modern Business and Kazakh Institute of Legal Studies and International Relations.
Roman Sklyar graduated from the Pavlodar State University, the Moscow Institute of Modern Business and the Kazakh Institute of Legal Studies and International Relations.
He began his career in 1989 at Ekibastuzugleavtomatika.
Held various roles in Pavlodar companies (1990-2002).
He also served in akimats of Pavlodar city and Pavlodar region in 2003-2006, and worked in Astana akimat in 2006.
He was appointed as the Vice Minister of Transport and Communications in 2011, Vice Minister of National Economy in 2016, Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development in 2019, Deputy Prime Minister in September 2019 and First Deputy Prime Minister in January 2022.
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Tokayev briefed on preparations for Supreme Eurasian Economic Council's meeting in Astana
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Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has met with Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission, Qazinform News Agency learned from the Akorda press service.
The Head of State was reported on the key areas of the EEC’s activities, as well as on the implementation of the priorities of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the Eurasian Economic Union bodies in 2026.
The President was also briefed on the completion of work on the Joint Statement on the Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence within the EAEU.
The document will define the main areas of cooperation among the member states of the integration bloc on the development of artificial intelligence technologies across the sectors of economy," the President’s press service stated.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was also briefed on preparations for the next meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council and the 5th Eurasian Economic Forum, scheduled for 28-29 May in Astana.
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Government Reserves Allocate 25 Billion Tenge for Heating Season Preparation
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Under the instructions of the President on the modernization of energy infrastructure, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired the Government session to review the results of the past heating season and the progress of preparations for the upcoming heating season, primeminister.kz reports.
Reports were delivered by Vice Minister of Energy Sungat Yesimkhanov, Chairmen of the Boards of KEGOC Nabi Aitzhanov and Samruk-Energo Kairat Maksutov, as well as the akims of Karaganda, Mangystau, West Kazakhstan, and Zhambyl regions.
The Prime Minister noted that the past heating season was completed without critical emergencies. The number of technological disruptions at power plants decreased by 15% compared to last year. At the same time, a historical maximum electricity generation of about 17,000 MW was achieved, which is 7% higher than the previous heating season.
These facts confirm a sufficiently high level of preparation for the past winter. In his Address to the Nation, the Head of State set the task of modernizing energy infrastructure and utilities. Under the program ‘Tariff in Exchange for Investments’, almost 384 billion tenge has been allocated this year for the repair and modernization of power plants, which is 9% more than last year. The implementation of the National Project for the Modernization of the Country’s Energy Infrastructure is in the active phase. This year alone, it is planned to modernize 130 km of heat networks and 10,500 km of power supply networks. The implementation of these measures will reduce the wear rate of these networks to 48% and 62%, respectively," Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.
At the same time, the Head of Government drew the attention of ministries and akimats to the inadmissibility of reducing the volume of repair works and their financing. Measures will be taken against both owners and management companies in case of any such instances. In this regard, KEGOC, together with the Ministry of Energy, was instructed to approve the operating modes of equipment for nationally significant stations by May 25.
It was noted that the key task for the regions is to ensure high-quality and timely preparation for the upcoming heating season. Repair and modernization works on power equipment and engineering networks must be carried out according to plan and within the established deadlines. Special attention must be paid to conducting pressure tests of heat networks - they must be performed on time and with proper quality.
The Government is providing all necessary support. More than 25 billion tenge has been approved from the Government reserve for the repair and construction of heat sources and networks. These funds are directed toward the modernization of facilities in Zhetisu, Abay, Akmola, and East Kazakhstan regions, as well as the repair of about 30 km of heat networks in four regions.
Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the need for strict control over the effective use of allocated funds and preventing any delays in work schedules. In case of failure to obtain readiness passports for energy facilities for the heating season, regional akims will bear personal responsibility. Akimats were instructed to complete all tender procedures and begin repair works within two weeks.
There should be no unnecessary bureaucracy here. Repair works on heat supply facilities must be completed no later than the end of August. The Ministry of Industry and Construction and regional akimats must ensure full readiness of education and healthcare facilities by September 1. For northern, central, and eastern regions, all engineering infrastructure and housing and utilities facilities must be fully prepared for launch by September 15, and in other regions - by October 15. I instruct the akims to personally control the situation with regular visits to the sites," the Prime Minister emphasized.
The Ministry of Energy, together with the Ministry of Transport and akimats, was instructed to ensure the timely accumulation of fuel reserves at heat sources and dead-ends by September 1. Coordination and control over the implementation of the instructions were assigned to First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar.
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