Kazakhstan and Russia Continue to Deepen Cooperation

24.04.2026, 22:00 86

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry Discusses Prospects for Regional Cooperation with UNFPA Representatives

First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev held a meeting with Regional Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Florence Bauer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the Kazakh diplomat thanked UNFPA Regional Director Bauer for her participation in the Regional Ecological Summit and expressed appreciation for the active support of the Organization’s Regional Office in holding panel sessions and events the Summit involving relevant Kazakh government agencies.

He emphasized that environmental issues are directly linked to the health and well-being of children and youth, who are among the most vulnerable in the face of natural disasters and man-made emergencies caused by global climate change.

UNFPA Regional Director Bauer noted that the Summit served as a platform for discussing pressing regional issues such as demographic resilience, child and maternal mortality, the impact of climate change on mortality rates in the region, as well as strengthening the capacities of youth organizations actively engaged in the environmental agenda.

The UNFPA representative also noted that Kazakhstan’s experience in strengthening Family Support Centers in the Turkistan region is being replicated across other regions, while Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan have already expressed readiness to exchange experience in preventing gender-based violence based on Kazakhstan’s centers.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue a constructive dialogue on youth reproductive health and well-being and to expand UNFPA’s presence at the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development for the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.

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24.04.2026, 19:25 511

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry Discusses Child Rights Protection with UNICEF Deputy Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia

First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev held a meeting with Deputy Regional Director of UNICEF for Europe and Central Asia Octavian Bivol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the Kazakh diplomat thanked UNICEF Regional Director for his participation in the Regional Ecological Summit and expressed appreciation for the active support of UNICEF’s Regional Office in organizing panel sessions and events of the Summit involving relevant Kazakh government agencies.

He emphasized that environmental issues are directly linked to children’s well-being, as they are among the most vulnerable groups in the face of natural disasters and man-made emergencies caused by global climate change.

Bivol noted that the Summit platform provided an opportunity to view the regional ecological agenda from a new perspective and helped align approaches on the most pressing issues of regional environmental cooperation.

The UNICEF representative underscored that the Summit marked the launch of a unique regional project titled "Green Schools," the concept of which is based on integrating environmental education principles into school curricula, fostering responsible and conscious attitudes toward the environment, and developing skills among younger generations for the sustainable and rational use of natural resources.

He also noted that the new country programme of cooperation between the Government of Kazakhstan and UNICEF for 2026-2030 reflects Kazakhstan’s key national priorities related to children’s well-being and the protection of their rights.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue a constructive dialogue on child rights issues and expand UNICEF’s presence at the United Nations Regional Centre for Sustainable Development for the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.

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24.04.2026, 18:37 1166

Cooperation Prospects with UN Food and Agriculture Organization Discussed at Foreign Ministry

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Within the framework of the Regional Ecological Summit, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a meeting with Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for Europe and Central Asia Viorel Gutu, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the Kazakh Foreign Minister noted FAO’s significant contribution to promoting sustainable environmental practices, ensuring food security, and rational use of natural resources in the Europe and Central Asia region.

Yermek Kosherbayev emphasized that joint projects are being successfully implemented under the Partnership Programme between Kazakhstan and FAO. He expressed readiness to further expand cooperation, with a particular focus on the climate resilience of agriculture, ecosystem protection, and the development of regional initiatives.

The Kazakh side noted the importance of developing national certification standards based on the FAO recommendations. In his turn, Viorel Gutu expressed readiness to provide comprehensive methodological support, including on issues related to the development and standardization of lecithin production.

Special attention was paid to the active participation of the FAO as a key partner of the Regional Ecological Summit and as organizer of a number of high-level events on the margins of the forum.

The parties discussed prospects for deepening their interaction, including issues of efficient water resource management and sustainable land use.

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24.04.2026, 18:20 806

Kazakhstan elected to the Governing Council of the UN ESCAP Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology

Following elections among the 52 member States of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the Republic of Kazakhstan has been elected to the Governing Council of the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

As noted by Ambassador Margulan Baimukhan, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to UN ESCAP, this decision reaffirms Kazakhstan’s strengthening role as an active participant in the regional scientific and technological agenda, as well as the international recognition of its contribution to advancing sustainable and inclusive development.

Membership in the Governing Council enables Kazakhstan to participate directly in shaping regional approaches to technology transfer, including the development of mechanisms to ensure more open and equitable access to critical technologies, as well as to help bridge technological gaps across the Asia-Pacific region.

Participation in the Council’s work also creates additional opportunities to attract advanced technologies, investment and highly qualified professionals to the country, while further expanding international cooperation with leading research institutions.

At the same time, it provides a platform for promoting Kazakhstan’s domestic innovations at the regional level, thereby reinforcing the country’s role as a reliable partner and provider of modern technological solutions.

Kazakhstan’s election to the Governing Council is fully aligned with its strategic policy priorities aimed at fostering an innovation-driven economy and deeper integration into global technological processes.

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24.04.2026, 17:19 1331

Consultations on SCO Activities in the Context of the Current International Situation Held in Moscow

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Consultations on the international activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and regional security were held at the level of Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the SCO member states, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev headed the Kazakh delegation.

During the event, participants exchanged views on strengthening regional security in the context of the current international situation, as well as on expanding multifaceted cooperation within the SCO.

Particular attention was paid to the further implementation of agreements aimed at improving the SCO’s activities, as well as to the substantive preparation of upcoming high and highest level meetings in 2026, including preparations for the Summit of Heads of State in Bishkek.

Deputy Minister Bakayev expressed Kazakhstan’s support for global efforts to stabilize the situation in the region based on the principles and norms of international law and the UN Charter, and also emphasized the growing role of the SCO in ensuring peace, security, and sustainable development in Eurasia.

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24.04.2026, 14:55 2116

Initiator of the "Central Asia + Japan" Dialogue Awarded the Order of Dostyq

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Japan Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev presented the Order of Dostyq (Friendship), II degree, to former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Yoriko Kawaguchi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The high state award was conferred upon Y. Kawaguchi in accordance with a decree by the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in recognition of her outstanding merits and significant contribution to the development of friendly relations between Kazakhstan and Japan.

In his congratulatory speech, Y. Baudarbek-Kozhatayev highlighted Y. Kawaguchi’s important role in the establishment and development of the "Central Asia + Japan" Dialogue, which has since become an important mechanism for interregional cooperation.

In her remarks, Y. Kawaguchi expressed sincere gratitude for the high recognition of her work, noting that the implementation of the "Central Asia + Japan" Dialogue would have been difficult without the support of the Kazakhstan side, represented at the time by President Tokayev, who was serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

According to her, Japan and Kazakhstan are countries capable of complementing and supporting each other, which will make a significant contribution not only to strengthening bilateral relations, but also to the development of the entire region and the international community.

Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan Midori Matsushima emphasized the importance of Central Asia and, in particular, Kazakhstan for Japan, noting that cooperation between the countries is actively developing in various fields - from economy and investment to education, science, and cultural exchanges. She paid special attention to Astana, describing it as a young and dynamically developing capital that serves as a symbol of Kazakhstan’s modernization and openness to international partnership.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Alfiya Eri noted the official visit of the Head of State and his participation in the first "Central Asia + Japan" Dialogue Summit, held in Tokyo in December 2025. She emphasized that during the bilateral meeting, President Tokayev and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed a Joint Statement "On Further Synergy of the Future-Oriented Expanded Strategic Partnership," stating that Japan intends to continue strengthening relations with Kazakhstan as an important strategic partner.

The official award ceremony was attended by the Ambassadors of Central Asian countries to Japan, as well as Japan’s distinguished figures from the diplomatic service and representatives of academic community.

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24.04.2026, 13:10 2251

Kazakhstan Expands Engagement with the African Continent

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Alibek Bakayev, held a meeting with Ambassadors of African states accredited to the Russian Federation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, Deputy Minister Bakayev briefed participants on the large-scale economic and political reforms being implemented in the country. It was noted that the new Constitution, adopted following a nationwide referendum, is aimed at strengthening the principles of justice, the rule of law, and building an inclusive society.

Particular attention was given to the development of Kazakhstan-Africa cooperation. The Kazakh diplomat emphasized that Africa is regarded as one of the priority directions of Kazakhstan’s balanced foreign policy, with engagement based on the Concept for Cooperation with African States and the African Union for 2025-2030.

The sides noted the intensification of political dialogue, including exchanges of visits at the highest and high levels, the expansion of inter-ministerial consultations, as well as the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation. Special emphasis was placed on strengthening the legal and contractual framework and expanding Kazakhstan’s diplomatic presence on the African continent.

A steady positive trend in trade and economic cooperation was also highlighted. At the end of 2025, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and African countries reached a record level of 1.172 billion US dollars. The importance of further developing transport and logistics connectivity, as well as expanding direct contacts between business communities through business forums and trade missions, was underlined.

Within the multilateral agenda, the Kazakh side reaffirmed its interest in deepening coordination within the UN, the OIC, and the African Union, as well as in promoting joint initiatives on issues of mutual interest.

Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further strengthen political dialogue and trade and economic ties aimed at fostering mutually beneficial and long-term partnership between Kazakhstan and African countries.

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24.04.2026, 11:40 3211

Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia Aim to Expand Cooperation in the Agricultural Sector

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Saudi Arabia Madiyar Menilbekov held talks with Chairman of "Tal Holding Company" Mohamed Al Taleb, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the conversation, the parties discussed prospects for developing cooperation in the agricultural sector, including the implementation of joint investment projects. Particular attention was paid to promoting Kazakhstan’s exports, as well as establishing direct contacts between relevant companies of the two countries.

The parties confirmed their mutual interest in expanding partnership and expressed readiness to intensify cooperation in order to implement joint initiatives.

Following the meeting, further steps to advance mutually beneficial cooperation were agreed upon.

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Kazakhstan and Russia Continue to Deepen Cooperation

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