Tokayev outlines key development priorities in meeting with Kyzylorda governor

21.05.2026, 21:10 12471

1.3 trillion tenge in investment attracted to Pavlodar region's economy

On May 21, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev heard a report on the socio-economic development of the Pavlodar region for 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Akorda press service.

President Tokayev was informed that the Pavlodar region achieved positive growth across all key indicators last year.

Governor Assain Baikhanov reported that approximately 1.3 trillion tenge in investment was attracted to the region's economy, representing growth by over 47 percent.

The region ranks among the country's investment leaders.

Industrial output reached KZT 4.1 trillion in 2025. The region accounts for 58% of the country's coal mining, 42% of electricity generation, and 58% of ferroalloy production.

Agricultural gross output increased by 9.6% to KZT 571.4 billion. Among the country's regions, the Pavlodar region ranks first in the use of water-saving irrigation technologies, which has enabled significant harvests of potatoes, sunflowers, and buckwheat.

The Governor also informed the President about the fulfillment of social obligations.

More than 30,000 new jobs were created in the region, along with two urban and three rural schools, and 30 healthcare facilities. This year, two more schools and five major socially significant projects are planned for construction.

By the end of 2025, 100% of the rural population had gained access to clean drinking water.

Public transport has been completely renewed in three cities of the region.

The share of roads in good condition reached 96%, with 621 km of roads and village streets repaired. Paving of access roads to all promising villages in the region is expected to be completed this year.

Assain Baikhanov also reported on the implementation of the President's directives regarding the construction of a new bridge over the River Irtysh, the reconstruction of the airport runway and Shakhter Park, the renewal of the tram fleet, the construction of the GRES-3 Power Plant, and the implementation of the Data Center Valley project.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid particular attention to the development of air connectivity with the city of Ekibastuz, instructing the governor to explore the possibility of opening a new airport.

This project will significantly improve transport accessibility and the region's investment attractiveness, further boosting socio-economic development.

Following the meeting, the Head of State instructed that work on attracting investment, developing social infrastructure, and modernizing the utility infrastructure should be continued.

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21.05.2026, 14:15 12781

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev thanks workers of culture and arts

Images | Akorda

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to workers of culture and arts during an awarding ceremony, Qazinform News Agency reports.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that culture is the foundation of national identity and spiritual uniqueness.

He noted that a state preserving its cultural and spiritual heritage will always enjoy respect and authority.

The Head of State also stressed society highly values their work.

On this professional holiday, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sincerely thanked all workers engaged in the field of culture and art of Kazakhstan.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted that the Kazakh people have always understood the sacredness of art and respected creative individuals.

He stressed that a nation with a rich spiritual world will always have progressive views and a bright future.

The President highlighted the importance of opening opportunities for talented, patriotic, energetic, and educated youth with broad horizons and active civic positions.

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20.05.2026, 17:45 28426

Kazakhstan seeks mutually beneficial cooperation and joint projects with Kenya

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during a press briefing with visiting Kenyan President William Ruto that Kenya is interested in Kazakhstan’s progress in e-government, space exploration, and IT, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing Akorda.

During the visit, President Ruto will tour the Alem.ai International Artificial Intelligence Center and the National Space Center of Kazakhstan. The talks placed particular attention to cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, education, and science. Kenya attaches great importance to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. I would like to specifically note that this position aligns with our Taza Qazaqstan (Clean Kazakhstan) ideology. Furthermore, the Kazakhstan-Kenya business forum is taking place in Astana today, with business representatives from both countries participating. This event will undoubtedly give a new impetus to the further deepening of ties between our nations. We agreed to instruct our governments to take concrete measures to expand this multifaceted partnership, stated Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Both presidents also exchanged views on the international agenda.

The situation in Africa and the Middle East was discussed. Nairobi actively supports peace initiatives aimed at resolving regional conflicts. Kenya also makes a consistent contribution to strengthening peace and stability on the African continent. Kazakhstan highly appreciates these efforts. Kazakhstan and Kenya hold similar positions on many global issues. Both countries believe that international problems must be resolved solely through peaceful, diplomatic means, namely through negotiations. Agreement was also reached to strengthen cooperation within the United Nations and other international structures. Overall, it can be stated with confidence that the negotiations were fruitful and substantive. Kazakhstan expresses its readiness to strengthen bilateral ties, expand mutually beneficial partnership, and jointly implement projects in various fields. This serves the interests of both countries, said the Kazakh president.

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20.05.2026, 11:11 30241

Kuwait Express Interest in Investing in Kazakhstan’s Agricultural and Real Estate Sectors

Images | gov.kz

The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Kuwait Yerzhan Yelekeyev held a meeting with Sheikha Ohoud Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, during which the parties discussed prospects for the development of trade, economic and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and Kuwait, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the parties discussed opportunities for cooperation in the fields of agriculture and the agro-industrial complex. It was emphasized that Kazakhstan is one of the world’s major grain exporters, supplying agricultural products to more than 80 countries worldwide. The Ambassador of Kazakhstan also noted that the country continues to strengthen its position in the global oilseed market, having recently entered the world’s top 10 exporters of sunflower oil.

Particular attention was paid to food security issues. The Ambassador noted that Kazakhstan possesses significant potential to contribute to ensuring food security not only for the State of Kuwait, but also for the region as a whole, including through the supply of environmentally friendly and high-quality agricultural products.

In this context, the parties, together with representatives of "Al Deira" company, discussed in detail the prospects for supplying Kazakh meat products to the Kuwaiti market, including beef and lamb exports. The Kuwaiti side expressed interest in establishing cooperation with leading Kazakh producers and suppliers of meat products.

Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to organize a visit of Kuwaiti representatives to Kazakhstan in the summer of 2026 in order to further explore opportunities for cooperation, hold meetings with enterprises, and discuss prospects for importing Kazakh meat products.

The parties also exchanged views on cooperation in the fields of real estate and investment, including the participation of "Al Ahd Al Mushtarak" company in the implementation of investment and infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan, including the "Alatau City" accelerated development project. The Kazakh side presented information on the project’s potential, its special legal status and opportunities available for foreign investors.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the interlocutors confirmed their mutual interest in further expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation and developing direct contacts between the business communities of Kazakhstan and Kuwait.

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20.05.2026, 10:55 29151

Kazakh Parliament passes new law on Qurultay, expands powers

Kazakhstan's Parliament on Wednesday passed the constitutional law on the Qurultay and the status of its deputies. The document will be submitted the president for signing, Qazinform News Agency reports.

Following the approval of a new Constitution in the March 15 referendum, a new law now outlines how the Qurultay will function, including its powers and the status of its members. The body will be made up of 145 deputies serving five-year terms, and the chairperson will be assisted by three deputies.

The document also defines how the Qurultay and the Government will interact. Key provisions include consulting on Cabinet appointments, mandating ministerial reports to deputies, delivering the prime minister's address on the Government’s performance, and the process for a no-confidence vote.

Additionally, the Qurultay will have the power to confirm the president's nominees for vice president, prime minister, Constitutional Court judges, as well as members of the Central Election Commission and Supreme Audit Chamber. Furthermore, upon the president's recommendation, deputies will be empowered to elect Supreme Court judges.

The law paves the way for removing judicial immunity for Constitutional and Supreme Court judges and outlines parliamentary conduct rules. Additionally, it gives the Government a 90-day window to provide its assessment on any legislative initiatives that impact the national budget.

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20.05.2026, 10:00 30541

Kazakhstan and Egypt Strengthen Cooperation in the Fields of Interfaith Dialogue and Theological Education

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Egypt Askar Zhengis held a meeting with Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb. During the meeting, the parties discussed the outcomes of the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions held in Astana on September 17-18, 2025, and emphasized that the leadership of Kazakhstan attaches particular importance to further strengthening cooperation with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar noted that the results of the 8th Congress, held in Astana under the theme "Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future", demonstrated Kazakhstan’s significant role in promoting and strengthening global interreligious dialogue. He also stated that he has always supported the holding of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and that they will continue their regular participation in its activities in order to promote interreligious dialogue and harmony.

Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb particularly noted that, within the framework of the Congress, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received the Egyptian delegation, and emphasized with satisfaction that this meeting had given an additional strong impetus to cooperation between Al-Azhar and Kazakhstan.

Askar Zhengis spoke about the large-scale political reforms currently taking place in Kazakhstan. In particular, he noted that the new Constitution had been adopted through a nationwide republican referendum held on March 15, 2026. He also informed that, in accordance with the new constitutional reforms, elections of Kurultai deputies would be held in the country, the position of Vice President would be introduced into the state system, a People’s Council would be established, and other important political developments were underway in the country.

The Sheikh of Al-Azhar noted that he holds fraternal Kazakhstan in special warmth and expressed his sincere wishes that the large-scale political reforms in the country would serve the well-being of the people and become an important step toward Kazakhstan’s further prosperity and the strengthening of its competitiveness on the global stage. He also stated his readiness to pay a working visit to Astana at a convenient time for him.

On behalf of Kazakhstan’s leadership, the Ambassador congratulated Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb, on his 80th anniversary and, following Kazakh tradition, draped a chapan over his shoulders.

Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue jointly developing cooperation within the framework of the Congress, as well as in the field of theological education.

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19.05.2026, 18:23 50706

President enacts amendments to responsible animal treatment legislation

On May 19, 2026, the Head of State signed the Law On amendments to certain legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on responsible animal treatment, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Akorda press service.

The text of the Law will be officially published in the press.

The Law on Responsible Animal Treatment strengthens the liability of owners for keeping and walking animals, imposes a duty to prevent harm to other people and their property, and provides for compensation of damages in cases where established requirements are violated.

The law introduces clarifying amendments. In particular:

Regulation of the population of stray animals, including procedures and timelines, is transferred to the competence of akimats (local executive bodies);
The definition of "stray animals" is clarified;
Provisions regarding decisions on animal euthanasia based on veterinary certificates are supplemented, along with other clarifying amendments.

The core concept of the law remains unchanged. The model of non-recoverable trapping of free-ranging dogs remains in place and was supported by the Senate.

Earlier, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of responsible treatment of animals, preventing cruelty, and strengthening the liability of animal owners.

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19.05.2026, 17:52 47496

Golden Horde era crucial to Kazakhstan's history, says President Tokayev

Images | akorda.kz

The Golden Horde era is an essential part of Kazakhstan's national history and a period of civilizational evolution, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated at The Golden Horde as a Model of Steppe Civilization: History, Archaeology, Culture and Identity international symposium, Qazinform News Agency reports.

As I have already noted, the conquests of rulers and talented commanders are etched more deeply in the historical memory of most peoples than the painstaking work of reformers and outstanding thinkers. Indeed, legendary military victories stir a much deeper emotional response than institutional innovations or progressive ideas - whose fateful significance only reveals itself and is properly appreciated with the passage of time," the President said.

A clear example of this is the distorted perception of the history of the Great Steppe, which to this day is often viewed as a never-ending string of battles and clashes.

Such a one-dimensional approach considerably oversimplifies and distorts historical reality, forcing the complex, multi-layered existence of the Great Steppe, especially the Golden Horde, onto the 'Procrustean bed' of a banal military chronicle. I believe that the high interdisciplinary level of modern science will nonetheless allow us to improve the process of objective study of the Golden Horde's history," the Head of State pointed out.

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Tokayev outlines key development priorities in meeting with Kyzylorda governor

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