Tokayev held the first meeting of the Council for the Development of Artificial Intelligence
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Opening the first meeting of the Council for the Development of Artificial Intelligence, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the particular importance of this event. The Head of State emphasized that without the development of artificial intelligence, it is impossible to withstand global competition. He stated that digital systems and artificial intelligence have become essential for the country's sovereignty and a driving force for economic growth, akorda.kz reports
That's why we've set ourselves an ambitious goal: to transform Kazakhstan into a fully-fledged digital country within three years. I spoke about this in detail in my Address. Overall, a lot of work has been done in this area in the country. Today, over 92% of government services are available online. Last year, the share of cashless payments in the country exceeded 85%. In the first six months of this year alone, 26 million digital services were provided to Kazakhstani citizens, half of which were provided via smartphones. These are good results. At the same time, it should be noted that AI is developing very rapidly, and this requires constant updating of our approaches," the Head of State said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that the meeting would be devoted to the topic "Artificial Intelligence in Education: Opportunities and Challenges."
The President further emphasized that we are living in an era of profound transformation, where AI is having a decisive influence on the development of the economy, public administration, science, and, above all, education.
The way we use this technology will define our national competitiveness and sovereignty. Artificial Intelligence will be the driving force of this transformation. In this regard, it is not a question of leadership in the world or in our region. Our main goal is to turn Kazakhstan into an advanced, civilized state. Many leading countries have already recognized artificial intelligence as a strategic resource of the 21st century, directing significant investments toward its development. In China, for example, there is a state plan called "AI+," which provides for the comprehensive integration of AI technologies into the economy, science, and the social sphere. The United States is implementing a strategy to consolidate its global leadership in this field. These facts confirm that a completely new development paradigm is emerging in the world, with artificial intelligence at its core. Kazakhstan must not lag behind these trends. That is why we have created the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, which will coordinate and resolve issues related to the comprehensive implementation of AI technologies," he said.
The Head of State identified the comprehensive development of domestic technologies and the training of highly qualified IT specialists as an important task. He emphasized the need to prioritize improving the quality of education.
Universities should prepare a new generation of domestic engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs capable of creating cutting-edge technologies that meet modern global needs. Earlier this year, we launched the AI-Sana program, through which over 440,000 students have already received specialized certificates in artificial intelligence. Such programs are extremely valuable, as they are the platforms through which the best projects can develop into startups and gain access to the international market. However, we must not forget that the global demand for artificial intelligence specialists is very high and will continue to grow, outpacing the education system's capacity to train them. Therefore, every specialist in their field, in addition to their core skills, must master digital skills and be able to apply the capabilities of AI in their work," the President emphasized.
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President Tokayev lands in Washington
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Tonight President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has landed in Washington, D.C. The Head of State was greeted by the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Kazinform News Agency has learnt from the Akorda press service.
In Washington, D.C., Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will hold talks with his American counterpart President Donald Trump and will also participate in the C5+1 + summit.
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Kazakhstan adopts core principles and priorities of domestic policy
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The Head of State decreed to approve the core principles, values, and focus areas of Kazakhstan's domestic policy, Kazinform News Agency has learned from Akorda.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the decree "On approving the core principles, values, and focus areas of the domestic policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan."
At the 4th session of the Ulttyq Qurultay (National Congress), experts and public figures proposed creating a unified guiding document to systematize domestic policy activities. The idea was supported by the President, who stressed that the document should serve to coordinate the activities of state bodies.
The core principles, values, and focus areas of the domestic policy were developed by the Presidential Executive Office in cooperation with relevant government agencies, based on the President's annual State of the Nation addresses and speeches, as well as the 2029 Kazakhstan National Development Plan.
Members of the Ulttyq Qurultay, experts, and representatives of public and scientific organizations actively participated in drafting the document.
Primarily intended for government authorities, the document aims to coordinate and systematize work in the field of domestic policy.
It outlines the following principles of domestic political work: "Law and Order," "A Listening State," "Different Opinions - One Nation," "Strong President - Influential Parliament - Accountable Government," "Adal Azamat" ("Honest Citizen"), and "Taza Qazaqstan" ("Clean Kazakhstan").
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Astana and Minsk Sign a Series of Cooperation Agreements
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Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov and Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin, who is on an official visit to Kazakhstan, discussed issues of further development of trade and economic cooperation. The parties reviewed plans to increase bilateral trade turnover, deepen cooperation in investment, industry, agriculture, the digital industry and artificial intelligence, as well as in transport and logistics, healthcare, tourism, and other areas, primeminister.kz reports.
Thanks to the political will and regular contacts between the leaders of our countries - President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev and President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko - relations between our countries are steadily developing and have a strategic character with a trust-based dialogue at all levels. The Government of Kazakhstan is ready to make every effort to ensure that our trade, economic, and other relations develop intensively on a mutually beneficial basis," Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov noted.
For us, the Republic of Kazakhstan is a priority partner in trade and economic relations. Therefore, we are committed to developing these ties in every possible way. I am confident that our meeting today will give additional impetus to the process of strengthening and expanding the dialogue between Belarus and Kazakhstan and will fill it with new substance," Prime Minister of Belarus Alexander Turchin said.
The parties discussed further development of industrial cooperation and the implementation of joint projects. In the digital sphere, the exchange of experience in introducing elements of artificial intelligence is considered promising. In agriculture, attention was focused on projects related to processing and the production of agricultural products. Emphasis was placed on cooperation in agricultural science to increase the efficiency of the sector. Kazakhstani farmers this year have harvested a high yield of agricultural crops, in part due to the application of advanced agrotechnologies.
The participants of the meeting noted the importance of cooperation in the field of transport and logistics. Coordinated efforts of the relevant departments ensure uninterrupted railway and road transportation between the two states. At the same time, there is potential for developing transport corridors to access new export markets. In addition, the parties discussed interregional cooperation and interaction in the cultural and humanitarian sphere.
Following the meeting, in the presence of the Prime Ministers of Kazakhstan and Belarus, a number of bilateral documents were signed:
- Roadmap between the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Belarus on the development of cooperation in the field of industrial cooperation for 2026-2028;
- Roadmap between the Akimat of the city of Astana and the Minsk City Executive Committee on trade, economic, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation for 2026-2028;
- Memorandum of Cooperation in trade, economic, scientific, technical, cultural, and humanitarian fields between the Akimat of the Almaty region and the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.
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New sports complex is being built in Kokshetau using funds from returned assets
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As part of the implementation of the Head of State’s instructions on developing social infrastructure, construction of a multifunctional sports and cultural complex in Kokshetau is nearing completion. The Government has allocated 12.6 billion tenge from the Special State Fund for this purpose, primeminister.kz reports.
The complex will include halls for boxing, wrestling, weightlifting, and crossfit, all equipped with Olympic-standard certified equipment, which will allow Kokshetau to host national and international IBA-level competitions.
The facility’s territory will feature two football fields, areas for shot put and javelin throw, multipurpose sports and training zones, and a track and field area. The complex will also be equipped with special facilities for people with limited mobility.
In addition, a multipurpose sports hall with a climbing wall and a tower for fire-applied sports will be opened. Students of the Civil Protection Academy of the Ministry for Emergency Situations, which trains professional rescuers, will also be able to improve their practical skills there.
The complex will also include a 650-seat auditorium with modern multimedia systems for cultural and public events.
The main construction work has already been completed, and interior finishing, landscaping, and utility connections are underway. Overall completion of the project currently stands at 85%, with commissioning scheduled by the end of this year.
The implementation of this project will improve year-round access to sports facilities for the public and promote greater engagement of citizens of all ages in sports and healthy lifestyles.
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Active Construction of Sports Facilities Underway in Kazakhstan
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At the Government session chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, the issue of developing sports infrastructure and supporting mass sports was discussed. Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabosynov reported on the work being carried out in this direction. Also speaking were General Secretary of the Kazakhstan Football Federation David Loria, Olympic champion and General Secretary of the Kazakhstan Swimming Federation Dmitry Balandin, and founder of the family sports center "Sana Sport" Ruslan Akhmetov, primeminister.kz reports.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the main goal is to increase public participation in physical culture and to create the necessary conditions for training professional athletes.
The Head of State always highlights the importance of developing sports as an integral part of every Kazakh citizen’s life. Systematic work is being carried out in all regions of the country to develop sports infrastructure and mass sports. The main objective is to expand public participation in physical activities while creating the necessary conditions for training professional athletes. It is necessary to ensure the balanced development of sports infrastructure in all regions, establish a network of accessible sports grounds, and open clubs and sections," Olzhas Bektenov stressed.
He also focused attention on the importance of not only constructing new facilities but also ensuring the effective operation of existing sports complexes. The Prime Minister noted that residents of the city of Talgar in the Almaty region have complained about the neglected condition of the "Zhastar" stadium, which is not being used for mass sports events or training sessions. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports and regional akimats must ensure strict control over the targeted and efficient use of sports facilities.
Overall, Kazakhstan is actively building sports facilities. Last year alone, 90 facilities were built, including 61 in rural areas. This year, 102 more facilities have been completed or are nearing completion. At the same time, to optimize public spending, akimats need to attract extra-budgetary funds and more actively use standard design projects.
The Prime Minister noted that the government supports businesses and expects reciprocal efforts in developing social and sports infrastructure. Entrepreneurs across the country have already responded to the President’s call for the privatization of football clubs. It is necessary to build a strong reserve for professional sports.
Special attention was paid to the development of sports boarding schools. Such institutions are still lacking in several regions - including Ulytau, Abai, Almaty, and Kostanay regions. In this regard, the Atyrau region serves as a positive example, where a sports boarding school is being built through a public-private partnership mechanism.
In turn, Astana has accumulated successful experience in developing a network of innovative children’s centers funded by private investments - an approach that should be replicated in other regions while maintaining the momentum of sports infrastructure development.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to accelerate digitalization processes in the field of sports, particularly through the activation of efforts to launch the "E-Sport" information system.
Following the Government meeting, the Prime Minister instructed:
- Regional akimats and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to develop and approve by December 20, 2025, roadmaps for 2026-2028 on the development of sports infrastructure and mass sports;
- Akims of Aktobe, Karaganda, Turkistan, Zhambyl, Mangystau, and Atyrau regions, as well as the cities of Shymkent and Astana, to intensify efforts to attract investors for the privatization of football clubs;
- Regional akimats to ensure the implementation of the "Accessible Sport" project and address the shortage of coaches and instructors, particularly in rural areas.
Coordination of this work was assigned to First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar.
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Almaty Airport eyes 55 million passengers annually by 2050
Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting on the development of Almaty International Airport, held as part of the President’s directive to establish a major international air hub, Kazinform News Agency cites the Government’s press service.
Serkan Kaptan, CEO of TAV Airports Holding, and Gökhan Köse, President of Almaty International Airport, reported on the progress of the Horizon 2050 strategic development program.
Reconstruction work is currently underway on the domestic terminal, as well as the construction of a modern de-icing platform, soundproofing of nearby residential areas, and other key upgrades. The concept also envisions the creation of three runways, with the main one to be completely rebuilt, as well as construction of a cargo apron, logistics and storage facilities, and state-of-the-art passenger facilities and related infrastructure.
The modernization will expand the airport’s annual capacity to 55 million passengers and 500,000 tons of cargo by 2050. As of today, the airport serves over 12 million passengers annually and handles approximately 70% of Kazakhstan’s total air traffic.
TAV Airports Holding reported that $260 million has already been invested in the project and confirmed its readiness to reinvest airport profits to ensure the timely completion of all stages.
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Head of State receives CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with the Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Imangali Tasmagambetov, Kazinform News Agency cites the Akorda press service.
During the meeting, the Head of State was briefed on preparations for the upcoming session of the CSTO Collective Security Council, scheduled to be held at the end of November in the Kyrgyz Republic.
The interlocutors also discussed several issues related to the key areas of the Organization’s activities.
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