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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Knowledge Economy - a New Driver of Partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union
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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.
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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 Opens Embassy in Cyprus Capital
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Kazakhstan has opened its embassy in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during talks with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, according to the presidential press service Akorda.
We are interested in developing a multifaceted partnership with Cyprus. Relations between our countries are steadily advancing, supported by regular contacts at the political level and between our diplomatic services. The mutual opening of embassies in Astana and Nicosia has created a solid institutional foundation for more systematic and practical cooperation," Tokayev said.
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Tokayev stressed the importance of coordinating government efforts to achieve a productive economic agenda. In this regard, he proposed developing a Roadmap for Economic Cooperation through 2028. He also initiated the establishment of an Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation and a Business Council, as well as regular exchanges of trade delegations.
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1. A memorandum of understanding between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy on cooperation in ICT, e-government, space activities and cybersecurity;
2. A memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information and Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Culture;
3. A memorandum of understanding between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Cyprus’ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth on cooperation in education and science;
4. A memorandum of understanding on sports cooperation between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Cyprus’ Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth;
5. A cooperation agreement between the Foreign Trade Chamber of Kazakhstan and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry aimed at strengthening investment and business opportunities between the two institutions.
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Kazakhstan Appoints New Deputy Head of Presidential Administration
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Erzhan Zhiyenbayev has been appointed Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Kazakhstan, the presidential press service said.
By decree of the Head of State, Erzhan Nurlanovich Zhiyenbayev has been appointed Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan," the statement said.
The presidential administration also reported that he has been relieved of his previous position.
Born on December 20, 1981, in Almaty, Zhiyenbayev graduated from Turan University in 2002. Over the course of his career, he has held various positions at the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister’s Office.
From October 23, 2019, to September 1, 2023, he served as Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration. Since September 2023, he has been serving as Assistant to the President for Legal Affairs.
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Kazakhstan to Introduce Administrative Amnesty for the First Time
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Kazakhstan is set to introduce an administrative amnesty mechanism for the first time. The initiative will be regulated under a new Article 889-1 of the country's Code of Administrative Offences. A draft law and related amendments were approved by the Mazhilis on Wednesday, a correspondent reports.
As this mechanism is being introduced for the first time, the most transparent and secure implementation format has been chosen. At this stage, the amnesty applies exclusively to administrative fines. It does not cover repeat offences or cases under judicial consideration," the Mazhilis said.
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Around 400,000 Vehicles Enter Almaty Daily from the Region, Tokayev Orders Review of Skytrain Project
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the administrations of Almaty and the Almaty Region, together with the Samruk-Kazyna sovereign wealth fund, to develop proposals for the construction of Skytrain lines extending eastward and westward from the boundaries of the city.
According to the head of state, around 400,000 vehicles enter Almaty from the surrounding region every day, underscoring the need to improve transport connectivity within the Almaty agglomeration and accelerate the development of public transportation.
To address this issue, I instruct the akims of Almaty and the Almaty Region, together with Samruk-Kazyna, to examine all aspects of implementing the project for the construction of Skytrain lines extending east and west from the city limits by August 1 of this year," Tokayev said at a meeting on the development of the city of Alatau.
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He added that the council, together with the city administration, must also develop an effective financial and economic model to ensure Alatau’s long-term sustainable development.
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Tokayev Arrives in Almaty Region on Working Visit
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has arrived in the Almaty Region on a working visit, the presidential press service Akorda reported.
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