16th Senior Officials Meeting of the "Central Asia + Japan" Dialogue was held in Astana

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Saudi Arabia Madiyar Menilbekov met with the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Sultan Al-Marshad, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

The parties discussed the prospects for the further development of investment and economic cooperation, Islamic finance, and the implementation of joint infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan.

Ambassador Menilbekov briefed about the key directions of the comprehensive internal political and socio-economic modernization of Kazakhstan, including the main aspects of the new political course of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, aimed at improving the investment climate in the country and the well-being of the population.

The Kazakh Ambassador presented the Head of the SFD with an invitation on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurlan Baybazarov to participate in the Round Table of the Arab Coordination Group, which will be held in September 2024 in Astana.

The Saudi Fund for Development is one of the large financial institutions of Saudi Arabia, which has previously implemented a number of important infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan, including the construction of the Astana-Karaganda highway.

 

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Thailand, Arman Issetov, met at the Thai Government Office with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Phumtham Wechayachai. The meeting was held to discuss the implementation of the agreements reached during the official visit of the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, to Thailand, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

During the meeting, the parties expressed satisfaction with the progressive development of trade and economic ties between the two countries. It was noted that 2023 showed record levels of cooperation in the field of trade and tourism in the entire history of relations. Specifically, compared to 2022, the volume of mutual trade turnover increased by 35%, and the number of tourists from Kazakhstan increased almost threefold in 2023. In view of this, the parties agreed that the agreement on a visa-free regime between the two countries, signed on April 23, 2024, as well as the provision by the Thai Government of an additional 60-day visa-free regime for citizens of Kazakhstan, would help to simplify the establishment of connections between business people of the two countries.

Phumtham Wechayachai noted the important economic role of Kazakhstan in Central Asia and its transit potential in trade between East and West. Given this, the Thai Government intends to deepen economic relations between Kazakhstan and Thailand.

In turn, Ambassador Issetov spoke about Kazakhstan’s ambitious plans for the country’s economic development and the reforms being carried out for this.

Particular attention was paid to the planned visit of Phumtham Wechayachai to Kazakhstan in August this year, as well as the signing of an agreement in the field of trade and economic cooperation between the governments of Kazakhstan and Thailand. In addition, large food production companies Thai President Foods and Sea Value are planning to visit Kazakhstan during the same period to consider investment projects, which were discussed at the meetings with Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan in April this year in Bangkok.

In conclusion, the parties agreed to coordinate joint actions to further promote trade and economic cooperation.

 

The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Timur Tlegenov presented the letter of credentials to the Secretary General of ICAO Juan Carlos Salazar at ICAO headquarters in Montreal, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

The meeting addressed a broad array of issues focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in civil aviation.

Secretary General Salazar warmly congratulated Timur Tlegenov on his new role and extended his deep appreciation to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for establishing Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representation to ICAO. Juan Carlos Salazar expressed confidence that this initiative would significantly enhance the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and ICAO.

The Secretary General also praised Kazakhstan’s achievements and influence on the global stage, recognizing its strong relationships with countries and international organizations.

He noted, "ICAO highly values and commends Kazakhstan's initiatives and its role to enhance flight safety and improve air transport accessibility, viewing them as exemplary."

Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative conveyed greetings from the country’s leadership and expressed strong support for ICAO’s initiatives in fostering multifaceted cooperation in civil aviation with Kazakhstan.

Timur Tlegenov stated, "Kazakhstan is an active participant in ICAO, and I am convinced that our first-ever permanent mission will further enhance the consistent implementation of Kazakhstan’s high standards of flight and aviation safety." He also discussed the current state of Kazakhstan’s civil aviation industry, highlighting the key priorities and objectives in this sector.

In conclusion, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to expanding practical dialogue, highlighting its importance for future cooperation between Kazakhstan and ICAO.

 

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko and Ambassador of Serbia to Kazakhstan Vladimir Jovičić compared notes on the entire spectrum of issues on the bilateral agenda, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

The parties expressed satisfaction with the dynamic development of the political dialogue between the two countries and the active exchange of delegations. They also discussed cooperation prospects in various fields such as agriculture, the food industry, artificial intelligence, and IT.

Special attention was given to preparations for the third meeting of the Kazakh-Serbian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, scheduled for September 2024 in Belgrade, as well as to expanding the legal framework (Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin the IGC co-chairs from the Kazakh side, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Internal Affairs Ivica Dačić IGC co-chairs from the Serbian side).

Roman Vassilenko emphasized that the upcoming session of the intergovernmental commission will contribute to further expansion of trade and economic and investment ties, laying a solid foundation for the exchange of high-level visits.

According to the State Revenue Committee of Kazakhstan, the volume of bilateral trade in January-May 2024 amounted to $31.7 million.

In 2023 the trade volume amounted to $91.2 million (23.3% growth), including Kazakh exports - $11.4 million (+38.7%), imports from Serbia - $79.8 million (+21.3%).

 

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Bulgaria Viktor Temirbayev held a meeting with the Rector of the University of Mining and Geology "St.Ivan Rilski" Ivaylo Koprev, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

During the conversation, the parties discussed the prospects for expanding ties between higher educational institutions of the two countries in the mining and geological field in order to exchange experience and best practices, as well as the implementation of joint projects on academic mobility.

Ambassador Viktor Temirbayev familiarized the interlocutor with the ongoing work of the Government on the development of the scientific system and the introduction of world advanced technologies, in particular in the field of natural resource extraction. He stressed the importance of the development of geological science in the presence of rich mineral resources in Kazakhstan.

In addition, the Kazakh diplomat informed about the celebration this year in our country of the 125th anniversary of academician, outstanding geologist Kanysh Satpayev, who made a serious contribution to the development of industry in Kazakhstan.

In turn, Ivaylo Koprev spoke about the best practices and methods used in teaching at the University of Mining and Geology "St. Ivan Rilski", expressing interest in deepening cooperation with Kazakhstani universities in order to share advanced solutions and students within the framework of academic mobility. According to him, the University "St.Ivan Rilski" is the only state educational and scientific institution in Bulgaria providing scientific services and training of highly qualified specialists for the needs of the mineral resources industry.

In conclusion, the parties agreed to maintain working contacts on all issues identified during the meeting.

University of Mining and Geology "St.Ivan Rilski" was founded in 1953. During this time, the University has trained more than 30,000 specialists with higher education - Bulgarian and foreign citizens from almost 40 countries from all over the world - Europe, Asia, Africa, South and Central America.

On the basis of the concluded Cooperation Agreement between the Rudny Industrial Institute and the University of Mining and Geology "St.Ivan Rilski" in 2020, 2 academic mobility programs for students were implemented. In September 2024, the 3rd group of students from a Kazakh university is expected.

 

The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Qatar, Arman Issagaliyev, met with the Secretary General of the National Archives of Qatar, Ahmed Al Buainain, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

During the conversation, the sides discussed the ways of interaction between government agencies in the field of archival affairs, including the exchange of experience in the implementation and use of digital technologies and electronic archive systems.

The parties emphasized the importance of cooperation in identifying documents and manuscripts on the history of Kazakhstan and Qatar from public and private archives, collections, libraries and scientific organizations of foreign countries.

In this regard, the meeting confirmed the mutual readiness of the parties to expand the legal framework for the implementation of joint projects, including the organization of exhibitions dedicated to the history and development of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Following the meeting, the parties reviewed a plan for mutual visits and joint events at a high level to further strengthen Kazakh-Qatari strategic cooperation.

 

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Israel Daulet Yemberdiyev met with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem in preparation for the upcoming Secretariat meeting of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

During the meeting, the Kazakh diplomat expressed gratitude to the spiritual leader for his significant contribution to promoting global interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Discussions centered on the implementation of the Congress Development Concept for 2023-2033 and the Agenda for the upcoming XXII meeting of the Congress Secretariat.

Ambassador Yemberdiyev briefed Theophilos III on the large-scale political and socio-economic reforms being implemented in Kazakhstan under the auspices of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

His Beatitude commended the socio-political transformations in Kazakhstan, highlighting the uniqueness of the Astana platform, and expressed readiness to collaborate on noble causes.

 

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the United Arab Emirates Najmedin Mukhametaliuly met with Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri, the Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities. During the meeting, issues of cooperation in the field of higher education were discussed, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

The Kazakh diplomat emphasized the special importance of developing cooperation in higher education, including strengthening ties between educational institutions. He highlighted the significance of quality education and the crucial role of the young generation in the further development of the country.

In turn, Khalifa Al Dhaheri elaborated on the key directions and current activities of the university, as well as its achievements. He confirmed his interest in collaborating with Kazakh higher education institutions through student exchange and internship programs, underscoring the university’s openness to international cooperation.

As a result of the meeting, the parties agreed to further develop their cooperation and continue their close interaction.