President congratulates Kazakhstanis on Day of Gratitude
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev extended warm wishes to the people of Kazakhstan on the occasion of the Day of Gratitude, Qazinform News Agency learned from the Akorda press service.
In his message of congratulation, the President emphasized the values of mutual respect, compassion, and solidarity as the foundation of the nation’s unity.
To be grateful to the people around you means being ready to help them in difficult times and to offer them spiritual support. In these troubled times, such a tradition is especially important," the Head of State emphasized.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the importance of expressing appreciation to the older generation for preserving the country during years of hardship, as well as to teachers, doctors, cultural workers, entrepreneurs, police officers, firefighters, and all citizens contributing to Kazakhstan’s development through honest labor. The President expressed special gratitude to youth and volunteers, noting their active civic engagement and readiness to help those in need as examples of responsible patriotism.
He also underlined that Kazakhstan is undergoing a historic transformation, with the new draft Constitution, submitted for the referendum, and aimed at strengthening human rights protections, enhancing government accountability, and reinforcing independence and sovereignty.
The new Constitution is a solid foundation for our future, which we are building together," he noted.
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Kazakhstan's Air Astana announces changes to Middle East flights
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Air Astana has announced changes to flights to the Middle East following the closure of Iranian airspace and instability of situation in the region, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Flights KC263 Almaty-Medina, KC897 Almaty-Dubai, KC653 Almaty-Doha, KC205 and KC207 Astana-Dubai have returned to their departure airports.
Flight KC899 Almaty-Dubai was diverted to Delhi.
FlyArystan’s flight FS7617 Aktau-Dubai landed at an alternate airport.
All other flights to the Middle East scheduled for February 28 have been canceled. The Air Astana Group is closely monitoring the situation and working on passenger repatriation.
Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights, in view of possible changes to departure and arrival times at destination airports. Free rebooking and ticket refunds for Jeddah, Medina, and Dubai are allowed at the place of purchase through March 6.
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President Tokayev sets several tasks amid escalating situation in Middle East
President Tokayev ordered Secretary of the Security Council Gizat Nurdauletov, together with the heads of law enforcement agencies and relevant ministries, to submit an emergency measures plan in light of the escalating situation around Iran and the possible emergence of threats to stability within the country, Qazinform News Agency learned from the President's Advisor and Press Secretary Aibek Smadyarov.
In line with the President’s order, all law enforcement agencies have already been placed on round-the-clock duty.
A special monitoring group has begun operating within the Government under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Regional governors have been instructed to take measures in consideration of the situation in the Middle East.
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Tokayev calls for openness and legality during upcoming referendum
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Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received chairman of the Central Referendum Commission Nurlan Abdirov, Qazinform News Agency cites Akorda press service.
The latter reported on preparations for the upcoming national referendum. The President emphasized the need to ensure openness, legality, and equal conditions for all citizens during the referendum.
Recall that on February 12, 2026, the final draft of Kazakhstan’s new Constitution was published. The referendum on the new Constitution will be held on March 15, 2026.
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Academic Dialogue Between Kazakhstan and Ghent University Reaches a New Level
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Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium Roman Vassilenko held a meeting with the Rector of Ghent University (UGhent), Petra De Sutter. The parties discussed the current state and prospects for expanding cooperation in higher education, scientific research, and academic mobility, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Ambassador noted that Kazakhstan is consistently developing an open and internationally integrated educational ecosystem, positioning itself as a regional academic hub in Central Asia. Around 40 branches of foreign universities currently operate in the country, including dual-degree programs. More than 35,000 international students are studying at Kazakhstani universities, and this number is planned to increase to 150,000 by 2029.
Particular attention was paid to the large-scale political and institutional reforms underway in Kazakhstan. A comprehensive constitutional reform is currently being implemented, aimed at strengthening the rule of law, modernizing the public administration system, and expanding citizens’ participation in socio-political life. The final decision on the draft updated Constitution will be adopted through a nationwide referendum scheduled for 15 March 2026.
The Kazakh diplomat emphasized that the development of science, technology, and human capital is viewed by Kazakhstan as a key element of sustainable development and international cooperation, creating additional opportunities for engagement with leading European universities.
A practical foundation for cooperation between Kazakhstan and UGhent has already been established. M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University collaborates with UGhent’s Faculty of Bioscience Engineering in research and specialist training. Six Kazakhstani researchers have completed research internships at Ghent University, while two PhD specialists continue their academic and teaching activities at L.Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Ghent University also actively cooperates with Nazarbayev University, Suleyman Demirel University, and the Institute of Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling of the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Both sides expressed mutual interest in expanding cooperation beyond academic exchanges toward joint research projects, co-supervision of PhD programs, and the implementation of innovative initiatives in biotechnology, agricultural sciences, artificial intelligence, and digitalization.
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to intensify joint efforts to develop academic mobility, launch new educational programs, and expand research collaboration. They also discussed Ghent University’s participation in academic events within the framework of upcoming bilateral visits and initiatives.
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