Tokayev congratulates Kazakhstanis on Defender of the Fatherland Day
President-Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Kazakhstanis, officers, and soldiers on Defender of the Fatherland Day, Qazinform News Agency learnt from the Akorda press service.
The Head of State emphasized this holiday has special state and social significance, symbolizing the courage, incredible strength of spirit, and selflessness of our warriors. It unites all who have served and continue to serve for the good of the Motherland, guarding our peaceful skies, territorial integrity, stability, and security day and night.
The Head of State emphasized this holiday has special state and social significance, symbolizing the courage, incredible strength of spirit, and selflessness of our warriors. It unites all who have served and continue to serve for the good of the Motherland, guarding our peaceful skies, territorial integrity, stability, and security day and night.
In peacekeeping missions, special exercises, and various international competitions, soldiers and officers, as well as employees of the country's security structures, consistently demonstrate a high level of professionalism, discipline, and combat training, confirming their readiness to fulfill the most difficult tasks. The state will always give priority to strengthening defense capability and providing comprehensive support to servicemen, the congratulatory message reads.
The new Constitution clearly states: "The defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the sacred duty and responsibility of each of its citizens."
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that these words carry deep meaning, reflecting the inseparable bond between the country and its people, and the responsibility of each citizen for the fate of the Motherland. He expressed confidence that relying on noble ideals of service to the Motherland and progressive constitutional values, kazakhstan will strengthen the foundations of the centuries-old statehood and achieve the high goal of building a Just, Strong, and Safe Kazakhstan.
The President expressed gratitude to the defenders of the Fatherland for their resilience, exemplary service, and loyalty to the oath. He wished all citizens good health, prosperity, and success in creative endeavors.
May the unbreakable unity of the army and the people grow stronger! May our sacred Independence remain inviolable!, the Persident said.
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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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Kazakhstan and China to enhance investment cooperation
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The Majilis of the Kazakh Parliament has ratified the Agreement between the governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the People’s Republic of China on encouragement and mutual protection of investments, Qazinform News Agency reports.
According to Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov, the agreement was signed on June 16, 2025, during the Chinese leader’s visit to Astana.
The document updates the existing international treaty between Kazakhstan and China as of August 10, 1992, expands the two countries’ investment capabilities, offers new mechanisms of protection and guarantee and elevates the bilateral cooperation to a new level.
The international treaty not only provides legal guarantees to investors of both parties but also ensures open and clear conditions for investment activities. It enshrines provisions for protection against expropriation, access to international arbitration, and fair and equitable attitude to investors," Kuantyrov noted.
According to him, relations between Kazakhstan and China have reached a comprehensive strategic partnership since independence.
In 2025, foreign direct investment from China reached $2.8 billion, a 135% increase compared to the same period a year earlier. Total Chinese investment between 2005 and 2025 amounted to $29.3 billion.
FDI outflow from Kazakhstani investors to China totaled $54.8 million in 2025, bringing cumulative investment from Kazakhstan over 2005-2025 to $926.9 million.
From January to December 2025, bilateral trade turnover reached $34.1 billion, up 13.2% year-on-year.
As a reminder, Kazakhstan and the Sultanate of Oman signed an Investment Cooperation Agreement.
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Tokayev: Our country can fully rely on its Armed Forces
Images | Akorda
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
Images | gov.kz
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
Images | akorda.kz
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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