Europe, Russia, China to build research station on Moon
Europe has joined hands with China and Russia for a joint scientific research station on the Moon, a Chinese space official said on Monday.
Europe has joined hands with China and Russia for a joint scientific research station on the Moon, a Chinese space official said on Monday, Anadolu Agency reports.
Deputy director of China National Space Administration (CNSA) Wu Yanhua told Xinhua news agency that space authorities of Europe and Russia have agreed to "jointly explore the plan to build a scientific research station on the Moon".
The news came on the day when India launched its second lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2, to explore and perform studies on the south pole region of the Moon.
The landing of the spacecraft is expected in the first week of September.
The joint exploration will focus on the scientific objectives of the station, as well as system-related or mission-based discussions," Wu said.
Speaking at an international conference on exploration of the Moon and the deep space in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai in Guangdong Province, Wu added that the three partners will "jointly plan and design the station, coordinate their implementation of the plan and ultimately share the scientific results".
Notably, Japan’s Hayabusa2 space probe also successfully touched down on an asteroid in space last week. The mission is believed to have collected the first-ever asteroid subsurface samples.
It is expected to return to Earth in winter 2020.
Another Chinese space official said that the construction plan for the station is "expected to be completed after two to three years of deliberations by an international team of scientists".
An intergovernmental coordination committee on the lunar research station will be established," said Pei Zhaoyu, who is deputy director of the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center at the CNSA.
Source: Kazinform News Agency
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
relevant news
Astana and Brazzaville Outline Key Directions for Trade and Economic Cooperation
Images | gov.kz
Within the framework of the visit of the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Jean Galiev, to the Republic of the Congo, a series of meetings were held with members of the government and business community to discuss the practical implementation of bilateral partnership, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
In particular, thee meetings with the Head of the Foreign Ministry, Constant-Serge Bounda, the Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Nguema Nze, the Minister of Finance and Budget, Christian Yoka, and the Director General for Strategic Affairs and Military Cooperation of the Ministry of National Defense, Jean Aimé Ignoumba.
The Republic of the Congo shows particular interest in Kazakhstan's experience and expertise in the fields of digitalization and artificial intelligence, telecommunications, energy, development of transport and logistics infrastructure, financial technologies, and banking. Brazzaville is studying the possibility of importing Kazakh grain and fertilizers for the entire Central African region. A desire was also expressed to send Congolese youth to study at Kazakh educational institutions.
Brazzaville supports the initiative of President K.Tokayev to establish the International Water Organization within the UN structure. Minister of Foreign Affairs K.-S. Bounda stressed that the issue of water security is a critically important matter for all countries, and especially for Africa.
The visit of the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Republic of the Congo concluded with a conversation with one of the leading representatives of Congolese business, the Director General of a diversified company, Serge Mouyi. Prospects for business cooperation in the fields of tourism and trade, particularly within the framework of public-private partnerships, were discussed.
All interlocutors shared the view that both countries possess a strategically important geographical location and serve as regional hubs. Connecting them through the Middle Corridor and the seaport of Pointe-Noire could significantly expand the opportunities for trade and economic partnership.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Current Issues of Kazakhstan-China Cooperation Discussed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan
Images | gov.kz
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev held a meeting with Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kazakhstan Han Chunlin, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues of Kazakhstan-China cooperation across various sectors and exchanged views on prospects for its further development.
Particular attention was paid to the implementation of agreements reached following the visits to Kazakhstan in late May and early June by Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Zhao Leji, Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China Chen Wenqing, Minister of Public Security of China Wang Xiaohong, and Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China John Lee.
The interlocutors also reviewed the schedule of upcoming events at the highest and high levels planned for 2026.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain regular contacts between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and the Embassy of China on issues of mutual interest concerning bilateral cooperation.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan Strengthens Business Ties with the State of Illinois
Images | gov.kz
As part of a visit to the State of Illinois, the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in New York participated in the Central Asia Business Expo Chicago 2026 (CABXPO), an international business forum that brought together representatives of the business communities of Central Asia and the United States. The forum served as an important platform for discussing trade, investment, innovation, and the development of international business cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the event, meetings were held with representatives of Kazakh businesses successfully operating in the United States in the fields of logistics, financial and legal services, digital technologies, consulting, and other industries. Kazakh entrepreneurs make a significant contribution to strengthening economic ties between Kazakhstan and the United States, fostering business contacts and promoting the implementation of joint projects.
On the sidelines of the forum, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan R.Tleulin held a series of meetings with representatives of government and business institutions of the State of Illinois, including Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Deputy Director of the Office of Trade and Investment at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Margo Markopoulos, Executive Vice President of Business Development at World Business Chicago Jessica Andujar-Redman, and other representatives of the American business community.
During the discussions, the parties explored prospects for expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation, opportunities to attract U.S. companies to projects in Kazakhstan, as well as further development of interregional ties between Kazakhstan and the State of Illinois.
The meetings resulted in the establishment of new business contacts, the identification of promising areas for cooperation, and reaffirmed the mutual interest of both sides in deepening partnership in trade, investment, agribusiness, manufacturing, logistics, digital technologies, and innovation.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Constitutional Reforms in Kazakhstan Discussed in Italia
Images | gov.kz
A seminar entitled "Constitutional Reforms in Kazakhstan" was held in Rome, focusing on the political and economic transformations taking place in Kazakhstan. The event, organised by the Italian Institute for Asian Studies, brought together members of the Italian Parliament, representatives of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, experts, journalists, diplomats and students, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Italy, Yerbolat Sembayev, outlined the key features of the new Constitution and the measures being undertaken to further modernise the country. The Ambassador noted that Kazakhstan’s new People’s Constitution, adopted through a nationwide referendum, will officially enter into force on 1 July this year, marking the beginning of a qualitatively new stage in the country’s development.
The new Constitution introduces fundamental changes to Kazakhstan’s political system, adapting the country to the challenges of the artificial intelligence era. One of the defining features of the constitutional reform is the transition to a unicameral Parliament. This large-scale transformation of the legislative branch is intended to remove bureaucratic barriers and accelerate decision-making processes," Ambassador Sembayev emphasised.
The Kazakh diplomat also noted that the country’s current stage of development is characterised by a transition from targeted reforms to the systematic modernisation of the economy and public administration. At the heart of this policy are the creation of a predictable business environment, the protection of investors’ rights, the development of non-resource sectors, and the deepening of international economic partnerships. In this context, Italy remains an important partner for Kazakhstan.
Italian businesses possess strong expertise in industry, engineering, logistics, processing technologies and manufacturing solutions. We see significant potential for further expanding Kazakh-Italian cooperation in areas such as petrochemicals, transport corridors, agriculture, industrial cooperation, sustainable supply chains, rare earth metals, as well as modern solutions related to the energy transition," Ambassador Sembayev added.
Other speakers sharing their views on Kazakhstan’s reforms included Italian Senator Antonio Trevisi, Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Central Asia Giusi Princi, Coordinator of the Italy - Central Asia Ministerial Meeting at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Federico Failla, President of the Italian Institute for Asian Studies Mario Morgoni, President of the CFive - Astana analytical centre Sapargali Shalgimbayev, and others.
According to the speakers, Kazakhstan’s reforms have strengthened the relationship between the state and society, increasing public trust in state institutions. In the eyes of international partners, Kazakhstan’s greatest strengths today are predictability, sustainable development and institutional stability. The presence of independent institutions and clear rules makes the country more attractive to foreign investors and international partners.
As Senator Trevisi noted, one of the most important aspects of Kazakhstan’s reform agenda is industrial and infrastructure modernisation. In this regard, "Made in Italy" technologies are highly regarded in Kazakhstan. Advanced equipment and innovative solutions can contribute to strengthening Kazakhstan’s industrial base and developing a more efficient logistics infrastructure.
For her part, Giusi Princi, Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Central Asia, noted that, given the successful partnership between the European Union and Kazakhstan in areas such as trade, investment, critical raw materials, energy security and the green economy, the EU is closely following the reforms being implemented in the country. According to her, Kazakhstan has embarked on a path of comprehensive institutional and constitutional transformation aimed at improving the effectiveness of public administration and modernising the country’s political and economic systems.
Federico Failla, Coordinator of the Italy - Central Asia Ministerial Meeting at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, stated that Kazakhstan’s constitutional reforms demonstrate the country’s ability to adapt to contemporary challenges and reflect its dynamic development.
According to Mario Morgoni, President of the Italian Institute for Asian Studies, Kazakhstan’s experience in implementing large-scale and ambitious reforms is both noteworthy and deserving of respect, particularly as these reforms are taking place in a complex multi-ethnic country that is independently developing its own model of development while gradually strengthening modern democratic institutions.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan Presented Credentials to the President of the Republic of the Congo
Images | gov.kz
The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of the Congo concurrently, Jean Galiev, was received by President Denis Sassou-N’Guesso at the Palace of the People on the occasion of the presentation of his Credentials, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The Kazakh diplomat conveyed warm words of greeting from the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, emphasizing that "Astana is resolutely determined to dynamically develop bilateral cooperation with Brazzaville in the spirit of pragmatism in areas of mutual interest and priority importance".
The President of the Republic of the Congo extended his best wishes to the Head of Kazakhstan, noting that he treasures the friendly and trusting relationship with K. Tokayev and highly appreciates his active performance on the international stage.
I recall our meetings with warmth and express my immense gratitude to my esteemed colleague and friend for the attention he pays to the development of promising cooperation with our country, " said D.Sassou-N’Guesso, emphasizing the "foresight and wisdom of President Tokayev's decision to strengthen and expand Kazakhstan's diplomatic presence on the African continent".
For the Republic of the Congo, the experience and expertise of Kazakhstan in the fields of digitalization and artificial intelligence, telecommunications, energy, transport and logistics infrastructure development, financial technologies, and banking are of particular interest. Brazzaville is exploring options to import Kazakh grain and fertilizers for the entire Central African region. A wish was also expressed to send Congolese youth to study at Kazakh educational institutions.
Interlocutors shared the view that both countries possess a strategically important geographical location and serve as regional hubs, the connection of which through the Middle Corridor and the seaport of Pointe-Noire can significantly expand the opportunities for trade and economic partnership.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Official Opening Ceremony of the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus Held in Astana
Images | gov.kz
As part of the first official visit of the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides to the Republic of Kazakhstan, a solemn opening ceremony of the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus was held in Astana. The event represents an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Cyprus, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The Embassy of Cyprus in Kazakhstan has become Nicosia’s first diplomatic mission in Central Asia. This step reflects Kazakhstan’s growing role as a key partner of Cyprus in the region and creates additional opportunities for expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev underscored that Cyprus is an important partner of Kazakhstan within the European Union, and emphasized that the opening of the Embassy would contribute to the further strengthening of political dialogue and the development of interaction between Central Asia and the Mediterranean region.
For his part, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus Constantinos Kombos noted the significance of opening Cyprus’s first diplomatic mission in the region and expressed confidence in the steady advancement of bilateral cooperation with Kazakhstan.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan Opens Consulate General in Guangzhou
Images | gov.kz
A ceremonial opening of the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan took place in Guangzhou, the administrative center of China’s Guangdong Province, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The event was attended by Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to China, Shakhrat Nuryshev, Assistant Foreign Minister of China Liu Bin, Chen Liangxian, a member of the Party Leadership Group of the Guangdong Provincial People’s Government, officials from the Guangzhou municipal administration, as well as representatives of Chinese government agencies and the business community.
Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Nuryshev noted that Kazakhstan-China relations have reached an unprecedented level and continue to develop steadily within the framework of an everlasting comprehensive strategic partnership. He stated that the opening of the Consulate General in Guangzhou reflects the growing importance of interregional cooperation and creates new opportunities for expanding Kazakhstan’s engagement with southern regions of China.
The ambassador emphasized that Guangdong Province is one of China’s leading economic, innovation and industrial hubs, offering significant potential for cooperation with Kazakhstan in trade, investment, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, logistics, innovation, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
In his remarks, Liu Bin noted that the Consulate General in Guangzhou has become Kazakhstan’s fourth diplomatic and consular mission in China and will play an important role in further strengthening ties between Kazakhstan and the southern regions of the country. He reaffirmed China’s readiness to provide comprehensive support to the activities of the new diplomatic mission.
Chen Liangxian highlighted that Kazakhstan is Guangdong Province’s largest trading partner in Central Asia, underscoring the steady growth of cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, education, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
The opening of the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Guangzhou marks an important milestone in the history of Kazakhstan-China relations. The new diplomatic mission is expected to contribute to the further strengthening of political dialogue, expansion of interregional cooperation, promotion of trade and investment ties, and deepening of cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan and Cyprus Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation During the First Official Visit of the President of Cyprus to Astana
Images | gov.kz
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus Constantinos Kombos within the framework of the first official visit of President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides to Kazakhstan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The sides highlighted historic significance of the visit, which marks a new stage in Kazakh-Cypriot relations and reaffirm the mutual interest in further strengthening political dialogue.
During the meeting, the parties reviewed the current state and prospects of cooperation in trade, economic and investment spheres. Particular attention was paid to enhancing business ties, as well as expanding cooperation in digitalization, tourism and education.
The foreign ministers also exchanged views on current international issues, reaffirming their commitment to the principles of international law and the UN Charter.
The interlocutors welcomed the launch of the first direct flights on the Astana - Larnaca and Almaty - Larnaca routes, noting that this development would contribute to the expansion of tourism, business and people-to-people ties.
Following the meeting, the ministers expressed confidence that the implementation of the agreements reached during the talks between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, would provide additional impetus to the further development of friendly relations between the two states.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.