Direct flight may link Nur-Sultan and Tel Aviv
Talgat Lastayev, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, met with Ambassador of the State of Israel Liat Vekselman to discuss the launch of the direct flight linking Kazakhstan and Israel.
Talgat Lastayev, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, met with Ambassador of the State of Israel Liat Vekselman to discuss the launch of the direct flight linking Kazakhstan and Israel, the committee informs.
At the moment, airlines of both countries are entitled to operate seven regular passenger flights and two regular cargo flights between Kazakhstan and Israel.
In order to further develop relations and increase the tourist flow between Kazakhstan and Israel, Ambassador Vekselman proposed to launch the direct air service between the two countries by providing the fifth freedom to China’s Hainan Airlines operating direct passenger flights between Tel Aviv and Shanghai.
Wrapping up the meeting, the sides agreed to continue their work on the establishment of direct air service between the two countries.
Source: Kazinform News Agency
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Implementation of New Agreements on Kazakhstan’s Telephone Code Discussed in Geneva
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Kairat Torebayev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other International Economic Organizations in Geneva, held discussions with representatives of the GSM Association (GSMA).
During the meeting, Permanent Representative K. Torebayev informed GSMA about the completion of Kazakhstan's joint work with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on the use of the international country code +7. He noted that the relevant information was officially published in ITU Operational Bulletin No. 1341 of 1 June 2026, under which the numbering ranges +7 0, +7 6 and +7 7 have been assigned to Kazakhstan.
The Kazakhstani side emphasized the importance of ensuring the correct identification of Kazakhstan's numbering resources by international telecommunications operators, service providers, digital platforms and other participants of the global mobile ecosystem.
The parties discussed the next steps for the practical implementation of the new arrangements and agreed to maintain close cooperation on issues related to international telecommunications infrastructure and digital connectivity.
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Concept of Establishing an International Water Organization Presented in Thailand
Margulan Baimukhan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Thailand and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), met with Pinsuda Jayanama, Director-General of the Department of International Organizations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The meeting focused on multilateral cooperation and coordination within the United Nations and other international organizations. The discussion also covered sustainable development, water and food security, and climate change adaptation.
Ambassador Baimukhan briefed the Thailand side on President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiative to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations. The initiative is designed to strengthen international cooperation and coordination in the management of water resources.
The parties noted the steady progress in Kazakhstan-Thailand relations and the constructive dialogue between the foreign ministries of the two countries. The Ambassador of Kazakhstan expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand for its assistance in organizing the Kazakhstan-Thailand Business Forum held in May 2026, as well as for its support for Kazakhstan’s delegations at UN ESCAP.
The meeting reaffirmed the mutual readiness to continue dialogue across the full range of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
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Estonian Lawmakers Noted Kazakhstan’s Progress in Implementing Institutional Reforms
Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Estonia Altay Kulginov met with the members of the Estonian Parliament, Estonia–Kazakhstan Parliamentary Friendship Group, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Ambassador A. Kulginov informed the Estonian parliamentarians about the key areas of political modernization implemented by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The diplomat elaborated on the forthcoming entry into force of the updated Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which provides for further enhancement of the system of public administration, institutional reforms, and the transition to a unicameral parliamentary structure. He emphasized that these transformations are aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, improving the efficiency of the state apparatus, and expanding citizen participation in the country’s political life.
Members of the Estonian Parliament paid special attention to Kazakhstan’s transition to a unicameral parliament, viewing it as one of the central elements of the country’s renewed political architecture.
The parties discussed the current state and future prospects of bilateral relations, noting the stable and constructive nature of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Estonia. Particular attention was given to the development of interparliamentary cooperation as an important tool for strengthening mutual trust, exchanging experience, and promoting joint initiatives in the political, economic, and cultural spheres.
The Estonian side expressed interest in further expanding contacts, organizing thematic meetings, and supporting projects that contribute to deepening the partnership between the two countries.
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Astana and Brussels Discuss New Areas of Cooperation
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The parties discussed prospects for enhancing cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Brussels-Capital Region, with particular emphasis on trade and economic relations, investment, digitalization, innovation, and interregional cooperation.
Ambassador Vassilenko noted that Belgium is one of Kazakhstan’s important political and economic partners. He highlighted that bilateral trade reached USD 583 million in 2025, representing a 28% increase, while the total volume of Belgian investments in Kazakhstan’s economy exceeded USD 14.5 billion, making Belgium one of the ten largest investors in the country.
Special attention was paid to investment attraction and entrepreneurship development. In this regard, the parties discussed opportunities to expand cooperation between the business communities of Kazakhstan and the Brussels-Capital Region, as well as interaction between institutions supporting investment and small and medium-sized enterprises.
The discussions also focused on digitalization, innovation, and artificial intelligence. The parties also exchanged views on the development of smart cities, digital governance, and urban infrastructure. In this context, Kazakhstan’s intelligent public safety and traffic management system "Sergek," which has been implemented in major cities across the country, was presented.
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At the meeting, the Ambassador also informed the Minister-President of Brussels about the large-scale political reforms being implemented in Kazakhstan and the adoption of the country’s new Constitution, which will enter into force on 1 July 2026. He noted that the reforms are aimed at further improving the system of public administration, strengthening the rule of law, and expanding citizens’ participation in public and political life.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in developing practical cooperation and agreed to continue contacts on the implementation of joint initiatives in the fields of investment, innovation, and interregional cooperation.
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Central Asian Business Leaders Expand Business Ties in South Africa
Images | MFA
A working business forum was held in Johannesburg with the participation of entrepreneurs from Central Asian countries and Russia. The event was organized by the Davlatov Group of Companies in partnership with the Central Asia Group, with the support of the Embassies of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Georgia in the Republic of South Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The event brought together representatives of the business communities of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Russia, operating in various sectors of the economy, including the industrial sector, telecommunications, retail trade, agribusiness, logistics, construction, education, distribution, and the jewelry industry. The South African side was represented by delegates from the business community and expert organizations.
During the forum, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerkin Akhinzhanov, noted the consistent efforts to expand trade, economic, and investment cooperation with countries of Southern Africa, and emphasized the growing potential for interregional cooperation between Central Asian countries and states of the African continent.
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Background: The South Africa and Kazakhstan Trading and Culture Association (SAKTCA), established in 2024, is an organization aimed at promoting and strengthening bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of South Africa in the fields of trade, investment, culture, education, tourism, and public initiatives. The Association serves as a platform for interaction between businesses, institutions, and expert communities of both countries.
The Central Asia Group (CAG), established in 2003, is an international consulting company specializing in market entry, risk analysis, and strategic business advisory services in Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
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Kazakhstan’s Digital Transformation Experience Draws Kuwait’s Interest
Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Kuwait Yerzhan Yelekeyev held a meeting with Acting Director General of the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) of the State of Kuwait, Najat Hussein Ibrahim, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The Ambassador briefed the Kuwaiti side on the digital transformation reforms being implemented in Kazakhstan, highlighting the establishment of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, as well as the country's achievements in building a modern digital ecosystem for public services.
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The Ambassador also noted that, at the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, 2026 has been declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan. Within this framework, the country is implementing comprehensive measures aimed at developing artificial intelligence, strengthening digital infrastructure, training IT specialists, and introducing advanced technologies into public administration and the economy.
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The Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) is the authorized government body of the State of Kuwait responsible for the digital transformation of the public sector, the development of e-government and information technologies, and the implementation of the country's national digital strategy.
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