Kazakhstan, Oman sign agreement to accelerate bilateral investment

11.06.2026, 17:30 8311

Children Sent 167,000 Reports of Rights Violations Through QR-111 Service

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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Children's Rights Commissioner Dinara Zakieva, who reported that between October 2024 and June 2026, the QR-111 service received 167,000 messages and 4,523 phone calls from children.

According to Zakieva, the introduction of QR-111 codes in schools has helped establish direct communication with children and identify cases involving violations of their rights. The information is received through the state-run contact centre 111.

The commissioner also briefed the president on the implementation of the "Children of Kazakhstan" concept, adopted earlier this year. Based on the concept, a five-year action plan has been developed, containing 158 measures aimed at strengthening social support and legal protection for children. The document covers healthcare, education, social protection, and child safety.

Zakieva reported that regional child rights protection departments have been established under local administrations, with their functions now enshrined in legislation. Organisational procedures for launching the new units are currently underway.

In addition, monitoring was carried out in nine regions of the country in 2026 to assess the effectiveness of measures designed to promote children's psychological well-being and prevent violations of their rights.

The commissioner also outlined the work of psychological support centres and the introduction of a unified programme for assessing children's psychological well-being. According to Zakieva, this has made it possible to provide systematic support to children requiring special attention.

The meeting also addressed the development of child-related infrastructure, including in rural areas, as well as measures to support parents and strengthen their responsibility for ensuring children's safety.

President Tokayev stressed the importance of close cooperation between the Children's Rights Commissioner, the government, and local executive authorities to ensure the effective implementation of the "Children of Kazakhstan" concept.

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11.06.2026, 14:52 9966

UN Regional Centre in Kazakhstan: Criteria for Selecting Projects Revealed

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A United Nations Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan is set to begin operations in Kazakhstan. The criteria that will be used to select projects implemented by the centre were outlined by Kazakhstan's Deputy Foreign Minister Yerzhan Ashikbayev during a Senate session.

The focus will primarily be on regional projects. Through synergy and coordination of the strategic development plans of each individual state, the UN Centre will implement relevant projects in participating countries. These projects will cover economic, social, and environmental areas, and each country will develop a comprehensive cooperation plan based on these priorities," Ashikbayev said.

He stressed that all programmes would be implemented in accordance with the strict requirements of the United Nations. In addition, the centre will provide annual reports on implemented projects, as well as on its financial position and the use of allocated funds.

Earlier on Thursday, the Senate of Kazakhstan's Parliament approved the law "On the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the United Nations on the Establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan."

The centre will focus on expanding technical assistance, facilitating the exchange of expertise and analytical support, and strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan, the United Nations, and the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan.

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11.06.2026, 13:40 8971

Kazakhstan's Parliament Approves Amnesty Law Following Adoption of New Constitution

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Kazakhstan's Senate has approved the law "On Amnesty in Connection with the Adoption of the New Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan," an agency correspondent reports.

According to the explanatory note accompanying the bill, individuals who committed criminal misdemeanours and minor offences, as well as those convicted of medium-gravity crimes that did not result in damages, or where damages have been fully compensated, or where no civil claim has been filed, will be eligible for release from criminal liability or from serving their principal sentence.

For other individuals convicted of medium-gravity offences, the remaining unserved or unenforced portion of their principal sentence will be reduced by one half.

For those convicted of serious and especially serious crimes, the remaining unserved or unenforced portion of their sentences will be reduced as follows:

By one third for those convicted of serious crimes and by one quarter for those convicted of especially serious crimes, provided that all damages have been fully compensated;
By one quarter for other individuals convicted of serious crimes and by one fifth for those convicted of especially serious crimes;
By the full remaining portion of the principal sentence for individuals with no negative behavioural record who have one year or less remaining to serve at the time the amnesty is implemented.

The amnesty will not apply to persons convicted of terrorist, extremist, or corruption-related offences; crimes committed as part of organised criminal groups; torture; repeat offences; individuals serving life sentences; crimes against the sexual integrity of minors; or persons convicted in absentia," the document states.

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11.06.2026, 12:53 9191

Tokayev Signs Package of Laws on Elections and the Prosecutor's Office

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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a package of laws concerning elections and the prosecutor's office, according to the presidential press service Akorda.

In particular, the head of state signed:

The Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Constitutional Laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Bring Them into Conformity with the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan and to Improve Legislation on Elections and the Prosecutor's Office";
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Bring Them into Conformity with the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan and to Improve Legislation on Elections, the Prosecutor's Office and Social Security";
The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Amendments and Additions to the Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Criminal Executive Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Code of Administrative Offences to Bring Them into Conformity with the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan and to Improve Legislation on Elections and the Prosecutor's Office."

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11.06.2026, 11:53 9331

Kazakhstan to Allocate $3 Million Annually to UN Regional Centre Through 2029

The Senate of Kazakhstan's Parliament has approved the law "On the Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the United Nations on the Establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan," an agency correspondent reports.

The document provides the legal framework for the establishment and operation of the Regional Centre in Kazakhstan, which is intended to coordinate efforts by countries across the region to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The centre will focus on expanding technical assistance, facilitating the exchange of expertise and analytical support, and strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan, the United Nations, and the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan.

The agreement defines the legal status of the future centre, the procedures governing its establishment and activities in Kazakhstan, and mechanisms for cooperation with national authorities. It also sets out provisions regarding the status of personnel and the financial and organisational foundations of cooperation between the Kazakh government and the United Nations.

The centre is expected to implement joint programmes in areas including sustainable development, climate resilience, inclusive economic growth, social policy, and humanitarian cooperation.

Senators also approved the ratification of a memorandum of understanding concerning the operation of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan.

The Centre will develop and implement an annual work programme. Subject to its applicable laws, regulations, and annual budget procedures, the Government will provide the United Nations with $3 million annually from 2025 through 2029 for the implementation of the Centre’s annual work programme," the Senate said.

According to the Senate, two governing bodies will be established within the Centre: an Advisory Council and an International Advisory Committee. The Advisory Council will provide recommendations on the Centre’s annual work programme and operational budget, while the International Advisory Committee will offer strategic guidance on regional programme priorities.

In addition, senators approved a bill withdrawing Kazakhstan’s reservation and declaration to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Specialized Agencies of the United Nations.

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11.06.2026, 10:10 9491

Kazakhstan Seeks to Strengthen Position in Critical Minerals Market, PM Bektenov Says

Critical materials are becoming a key resource of the new industrial era, and Kazakhstan intends to strengthen its position in the global critical minerals market by leveraging the country's substantial mineral resource base, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said at the 16th Astana Mining & Metallurgy Congress 2026.

Possession of advanced technologies, processing capabilities, and participation in global value chains are gaining particular importance. The market for critical minerals represents a distinct and strategically important segment. Today, these materials already form the foundation for the production of batteries, semiconductors, energy storage systems, digital infrastructure, and many other advanced technologies. In effect, critical minerals are becoming one of the key resources of the new industrial era," Bektenov said.

The prime minister noted that Kazakhstan possesses significant mineral and raw material potential and is well positioned to play an important role in these global processes.

Our country is among the world leaders in reserves of a number of mineral resources, while products from Kazakhstan’s mining and metallurgical sector are in demand across major international markets. We view the development of this industry as one of the strategic priorities of the country’s new industrial policy," Bektenov stressed.

He added that the mining and metallurgical sector is becoming one of the key determinants of countries’ global competitiveness.

The world is entering a new industrial era in which the development of the energy sector, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, microelectronics, and the aerospace industry depends directly on reliable access to metals and mineral resources," Bektenov said.

According to assessments by international experts, global demand for many types of metals is expected to grow steadily over the coming decades, driven by the energy transition and the technological transformation of the global economy.

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10.06.2026, 19:52 9611

Oral and China's Jinzhou Establish Sister-City Relations

The city of Oral in Kazakhstan and the Chinese city of Jinzhou have signed a memorandum of intent to establish sister-city relations. The document is aimed at developing long-term cooperation between West Kazakhstan Region and Liaoning Province, according to the press service of the Akim of West Kazakhstan Region.

The agreement was signed during an international conference in Shenyang that brought together representatives from 50 countries. As part of the event, a delegation from West Kazakhstan Region, led by Akim Nariman Turegaliyev, presented the region's investment and industrial potential.

According to Turegaliyev, West Kazakhstan Region is an important transit hub within the Belt and Road Initiative. He noted that, with the participation of Chinese companies, a number of projects in the energy and industrial sectors are being implemented in the region, including the construction of industrial facilities and power generation infrastructure.

Turegaliyev also reported growth in trade turnover between the region and China, which increased by 50% last year to reach $175 million. He said the region is interested in further expanding cooperation with Liaoning Province in the fields of innovation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing.

The memorandum provides for enhanced cooperation in trade and economic relations, science and technology, culture, and sports.

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10.06.2026, 19:25 17046

Tokayev Congratulates Louise Arbour on Assuming Office as Governor General of Canada

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sent a congratulatory telegram to Canada's Governor General Louise Arbour, the Akorda presidential press service reported.

The president congratulated Canada's new Governor General Louise Arbour on officially assuming office and wished her success in her responsible public duties, as well as prosperity and well-being to the people of Canada," the statement said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening its multifaceted partnership with Canada and expressed readiness to maintain close cooperation in the interests of the peoples of both countries.

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Kazakhstan, Oman sign agreement to accelerate bilateral investment

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