Kazakhstan, Russia advance cooperation with wide-ranging agreements
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The talks in Astana between Kazakh and Russian Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Vladimir Putin witnessed the signing of a number of agreements, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Among the documents signed by both sides are:
- The joint statement "On the seven pillars of friendship and good-neighborliness of the peoples of Kazakhstan and Russia"
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Russian Federation on the basic principles and conditions of cooperation for the nuclear power plant construction project in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Russian Federation on granting the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan a state export credit to finance the construction of a nuclear power plant in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Russian Federation on the establishment and operation in Kazakhstan of the international general education school "Kazakhstan - Sirius" and a center for talented children and youth;
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Russian Federation on expanding cooperation in the oil sector;
- Agreement between the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation on financing education expenses of citizens of the Russian Federation at the branch of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Omsk;
- Supplementary agreement to the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Federal Financial Monitoring Service (Russian Federation) on cooperation in combating the legalization (laundering) of criminally obtained income and the financing of terrorism;
- Bilateral agreement on a Kazakhstani tenge/Russian ruble currency swap between the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Central Bank of the Russian Federation;
- Memorandum of Cooperation between the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Central Bank of the Russian Federation;
- Action plan ("Roadmap") for interdepartmental cooperation between the Ministries of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation in the development of transport digitalization;
- Practical action plan ("Roadmap") for cooperation between the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing of the Russian Federation;
- Joint action plan of Kazakhstan Railways and Russian Railways for the development of digitalization in freight rail transportation;
- Practical action plan ("Roadmap") for cooperation between the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing of the Russian Federation.
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President Tokayev congratulates Kazakhstanis on Eid al-Adha
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Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Kazakhstanis on the occasion of Qurban Ait (Eid al-Adha) holiday, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Dear compatriots! I sincerely congratulate the Muslims of Kazakhstan on the sacred holiday of Qurban Ait! This holiday holds a special place in the spiritual life of our people and is eagerly awaited in the Islamic world. It calls for mercy, compassion, moral self-improvement, mutual respect, trust, and solidarity. The blessed days of Qurban Ait remind us of the importance of supporting one another, honoring elders, and sharing responsibility for the well-being of our country. This is a time of maturity, deep awareness, and proper understanding of Islam, which is based on justice, purity of intentions, and humanism," the President said.
In his congratulatory message, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the progressive values of Islam and other traditional religions serve as a reliable foundation for the spiritual development of the Kazakh people, continuity of generations, unity, and harmony in society.
For all of us, nothing is more important than the Sovereignty and Independence of our country. The Constitution is the mirror of our people’s daily life, the core of our identity. Therefore, strengthening national unity and ensuring interethnic and interfaith harmony are unshakable priorities of state policy and the most important constitutional task. Safeguarding stability and harmony in the country as the apple of one’s eye is the duty of every responsible citizen. Amid complex global challenges, this is the basis for further prosperity of our Motherland and the key condition for building a Just and Progressive Kazakhstan. I am convinced that our greatest strength lies in unity and creative patriotism. I wish all compatriots good health, happiness, and well-being! Happy Qurban Ait!" the Head of State said.
Eid al-Adha is one of the main Islamic holidays, celebrated on May 27 this year. It lasts three days and symbolizes mercy, charity, mutual assistance, and care for those in need.
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Completion of the Academic Year Reviewed at Government Session: Instructions Given to Ensure Safety During Examinations
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At the Government session chaired by Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, the issue of completing the academic year was reviewed, primeminister.kz reports.
Reports were delivered by Ministers of Education - Zhuldyz Suleimenova, Science and Higher Education - Sayassat Nurbek, Healthcare - Akmaral Alnazarova, Labor and Social Protection of the Population - Askarbek Yertayev, Internal Affairs - Yerzhan Sadenov, Tourism and Sports - Yerbol Myrzabosynov, as well as Deputy Minister for Emergency Situations Kegen Tursynbayev. Akims of Akmola and Atyrau regions were also heard.
According to the Ministry of Education, 3.9 million schoolchildren studied in the country this academic year. Of these, 343 thousand students are completing 9th grade, and 215 thousand - 11th grade. The number of candidates for the "Altyn Belgi" badge is 13,175 people, and for a certificate with distinction - 18,555 graduates of 11th grade and 31,181 students of 9th grade. In addition, 168 thousand students are completing their studies at 763 colleges.
The final attestation of school graduates will take place from May 29 to June 15. To ensure transparency and academic integrity, examination materials will be sent to educational organizations on the day of the examinations.
The Prime Minister noted that a responsible period of examinations and admission begins for graduates, while summer holidays begin for the rest of the students.
For more than 200 thousand graduates, this is a very important stage of growing up - the time of examinations, unified national testing, and university admission. For an even larger number of children, it is time for summer rest. The common task for all state bodies is to conduct this period as organized and safely as possible. Favorable conditions must be created for every schoolchild, graduate, and student for the successful completion of the academic year and a full summer rest," Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.
The relevant ministries and akimats were instructed to take measures to ensure safety during the examination period and graduation events. During the examination period and graduation events, the Ministries of Education, Science, Healthcare, Internal Affairs, Emergency Situations, and the akimats will take the necessary security measures. Overall coordination was assigned to Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balaeva.
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Astana to open 12 schools this year and continue LRT development, mayor Kassymbek reports to President
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Monday held a meeting with mayor of Astana Zhenis Kassymbek to review the socio-economic and infrastructural development of the capital, Qazinform News Agency reports via Akorda.
Zhenis Kassymbek reported that Astana’s economic indicators continue an upward trajectory. Fixed asset investments saw a 9.1 percent annual increase, totaling 588 billion tenge from January to April, with major funding allocated to manufacturing, education, health, transport, as well as trade and logistics.
Astana’s light rail transit (LRT) system is now fully operational. To further improve urban mobility, authorities are already advancing the second phase of the project.
Kassymbek also briefed the president on the construction of social facilities and the expansion of residential zones. Astana has delivered 44 new schools in recent years, with a further 12 institutions preparing to welcome students this academic term. The city is also advancing youth services through two upcoming student palaces and six kindergartens. Two perinatal hubs, a multidisciplinary medical center, and a specialized diagnostic complex are also slated for commissioning before 2028.
Mayor Kassymbek presented an update on Astana’s utility infrastructure and Smart City initiatives. For 2026, the city plans to upgrade 173 courtyards and public areas, alongside planting over 1.1 million trees and shrubs.
Commending Kassymbek's efforts, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev issued directives for the continued progress and modernization of the capital.
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Kazakhstan develops regulations for air taxis and urban air mobility
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Kazakhstan is preparing regulations for the launch of air taxis and the development of urban air mobility, along with plans to build vertiports and conduct eVTOL testing in Alatau City, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Kazakh Ministry of Transport.
Test flights of eVTOL air taxis were conducted in Alatau City, with the participation of Vice Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan Talgat Lastayev, Chief Executive Officer of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan JSC Michael Daniel, and representatives of Alatau Advance Air Group Ltd (AAAG) and AutoFlight.
The ministry noted that air taxis are an innovative and eco-friendly form of air transport powered by electric engines. These aircraft can attain speeds of up to 200 km/h and travel distances of up to 200 kilometers, making them a practical option for urban and regional air mobility.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport has been collaborating with relevant companies for a year to establish the necessary legal and regulatory framework. This effort includes drafting legislative amendments to regulate air taxi services and to advance modern air mobility.
The proposed changes have already passed the coordination stages and are currently under discussion. Their adoption and integration into Kazakhstan’s legislation are expected in the near future.
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Kazakhstan to introduce tailored visa regimes for four categories of foreigners
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Kazakhstan plans to introduce tailored visa regimes for foreign citizens arriving in the country for employment purposes, Qazinform News Agency reports.
First Vice-Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Yerbol Tuyakbayev made this announcement during a roundtable on the presidential decree, designed to create favorable conditions to attract highly qualified professionals, foreign investors, and entrepreneurs to Kazakhstan.
According to him, Kazakhstan plans to roll out an Altyn (Golden) Visa, set to become one of the key instruments of the new migration policy and aimed at drawing in strategic investors and highly skilled professionals.
In addition, digital residency and simplified entry procedures will be introduced for highly qualified specialists and investors. To achieve this, the country will implement a classification system for foreign nationals arriving for employment.
The Labor Ministry suggests identifying four main categories: Business migrants; Highly qualified professionals with unique knowledge and competencies; Mid-level skilled specialists - workforce hired by employers under the current system; Migrant workers employed by individuals for household chores.
A separate visa regime will apply for each category, taking into account the purpose of entry, skill level, and duration of stay.
A key element of the proposed model is the possibility of transitioning from this visa to long-term residency status after a specified period of employment or investment activity, said Tuyakbayev.
He added that holders of this status will be able to receive a number of incentives, including tax breaks, access to banking infrastructure, the healthcare system, educational services, and licensed activities.
Additionally, the government intends to streamline administrative processes, cut down application wait times, and adopt a single-window principle for interaction with government agencies. Furthermore, Kazakhstan plans to launch the unified QazETA digital platform, which will feature an e-Residency module and the e-Residency Invest program.
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Kazakhstan, Hong Kong sign extradition and legal assistance agreements
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During a working trip to Hong Kong, Kazakhstan's Prosecutor General Berik Assylov signed a package of interstate agreements in the criminal law sphere, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Assylov met with Hong Kong's Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, who coordinates the activities of law enforcement and special services in the region, including police, immigration, customs, prison, fire, and air rescue services.
According to the Prosecutor General, the meeting is of particular importance for strengthening cooperation between the two countries' law enforcement agencies in extradition of wanted persons and jointly combating transnational crimes.
Special attention was given to the cooperation in the search and recovery of illegally withdrawn assets and the laundering of criminally obtained proceeds.
Following the meeting, interstate agreements were signed on surrender of fugitive offenders; on mutual legal assistance in criminal cases; and on the transfer of sentenced persons.
Following the talks, the parties agreed to exchange operational and forensic information, best practices in investigating crimes using modern technology and artificial intelligence, and outlined further steps to deepen cooperation on other legal issues of mutual interest.
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