Kazakhstan and the Holy See Reaffirm Commitment to Deepening Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation

Festive events dedicated to Nauryz were held on the western coast of Norway, in the cities of Stavanger and Bergen, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

As part of the program, guests were introduced to elements of Kazakh culture and traditions, national cuisine, including the traditional dish "Nauryz kozhe," as well as information about Kazakhstan, its history, and the significance of the Nauryz holiday. The events attracted interest from both members of the Kazakh diaspora and local residents.

The celebrations were held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, bringing people together around shared values and traditions, and left participants with vivid and positive impressions of Kazakhstan’s culture.

 

A Kazakh delegation led by First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev participated in the 43rd meeting of UN-Water, held at the headquarters of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rome. During the meeting, the Kazakh delegation presented the upcoming Regional Environmental Summit in Astana, as well as plans for international consultations on the initiative of the Head of State to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During his working visit to Rome, First Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev also held meetings with senior officials from Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as well as with representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

In a meeting with Italy’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Edmondo Cirielli, the sides discussed current issues in bilateral cooperation and prospects for further strengthening relations between Kazakhstan and Italy, including within the C5 + 1 framework and through the Kazakhstan-Italy Intergovernmental Working Group on industrial and economic cooperation.

Yerzhan Ashikbayev outlined the major reforms underway in Kazakhstan as part of the President’s reform programme, including the results of the referendum on the draft new Constitution and the continued transformation of the country’s political system. He also shared Kazakhstan’s position on a number of key international issues.

For his part, Edmondo Cirielli noted the strong momentum in bilateral relations and expressed support for Kazakhstan’s initiatives both in advancing domestic reforms and in its foreign policy.

During a meeting with First Deputy Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Godfrey Magwenzi, the parties discussed cooperation between Kazakhstan and the FAO. In particular, they reviewed the Kazakhstan-FAO Partnership Programme, highlighting its work in areas such as agricultural modernisation, food security, and sustainable water management.

Yerzhan Ashikbayev noted that Kazakhstan, as a major agricultural producer in Central Asia, plays an important role in ensuring regional food security and is among the leading producers and exporters of grain and oilseeds. He highlighted that efforts to develop the sector are already delivering results, with overall agricultural output increasing by 13.6% last year.

He added that Kazakhstan aims to significantly expand its agricultural processing sector in the coming years, with the goal of increasing the share of high value-added products to 70%. To achieve this, the country plans to build new processing facilities and modernise existing ones.

Yerzhan Ashikbayev also reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s intention to strengthen its partnership with the FAO, including through the implementation of a three-year plan to launch more than 700 investment projects in the agri-food sector.

During a meeting with IFAD President and Chair of UN-Water Alvaro Lario, the parties reviewed their joint efforts to advance regional and international cooperation in water security. Yerzhan Ashikbayev noted that, through the KazAID agency, Kazakhstan provides humanitarian assistance to partner countries and contributes to socio-economic stability in regions affected by crises, natural disasters, and other emergencies.

He also emphasised the growing importance of water-related challenges globally. In this context, he highlighted the significance of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiative to establish an International Water Organisation within the United Nations framework, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s commitment to international solidarity and sustainable development.

Yerzhan Ashikbayev also noted Kazakhstan’s interest in hosting a FAO subregional office and an IFAD office for Central Asia. He stressed that this would strengthen the UN Regional SDG Centre for Central Asia and Afghanistan and contribute positively to the region’s food security agenda.

 

A large-scale and high-level celebration of Nauryz, symbolizing the renewal of spring, was held in Istanbul with the participation of the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Istanbul, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The event was aimed at promoting the shared cultural heritage of Turkic peoples and made a significant contribution to strengthening cooperation among brotherly nations.

The festive program was organized by the city municipality with the active participation of diplomatic missions and cultural organizations of Turkic states.

During the ceremony, guests were presented with a variety of cultural programs showcasing national traditions and customs. Traditional cuisine was offered, and an exhibition of handicrafts was organized. In addition, national songs were performed on stage, along with dance performances that created a vibrant festive atmosphere.

The Nauryz celebration became an important platform for promoting unity and shared values among Turkic peoples. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cultural exchange and further developing friendly ties. The event served as a vivid example of the harmonious integration of ancient traditions with modernity.

Nauryz was highly appreciated not only as a cultural event, but also as a meaningful initiative aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation among peoples. The celebration in Istanbul once again highlighted the spiritual unity of the Turkic world.

 

For the first time, the Nauryz celebration with the participation of the Kazakh community was held at San Francisco City Hall. The event was organized by the Kazakh American Association of Silicon Valley, with the support of the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in San Francisco, in cooperation with cultural associations of the Iranian, Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Uzbek communities, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, in his welcoming remarks, highlighted the significance of Nauryz as a celebration of spring renewal and a symbol of peace, harmony, and mutual understanding. He also expressed his appreciation to the communities for building such cultural bridges. In particular, a certificate of recognition was presented to Zhuldyz Trimova, President of the Kazakh American Association of Silicon Valley, for her significant contribution to organizing the event at a high level.

In her remarks, Nazira Nurbayeva, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in San Francisco, emphasized the unique role of Nauryz in strengthening cultural ties between nations and preserving spiritual traditions. She also presented certificates of honors to several individuals for their significant contributions to the development and prosperity of the Kazakh community.

For the first time in the history of San Francisco City Hall, a traditional Kazakh yurt — a symbol of the nomadic civilization of the Kazakh people — was installed inside the building. The yurt attracted great interest from local residents and the broader American public. The festive program featured national music and dance performances from participating countries, as well as traditional cuisine.

Representing Kazakhstan, Anel Murzagulova performed a traditional Kazakh dance, while Zhanibek Rysbek performed the kuis “Koroglu” and “Saryarka,” and Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, opera singer Azamat Zhyltirkozov, delivered a vocal performance.

The event was attended by around 500 representatives of U.S. official, business, and public circles, members of the foreign diplomatic corps, and Turkic diaspora communities.

 

As part of the "Nauryznama" decade celebrations, a cultural event dedicated to the Nauryz holiday was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Armenia. The event brought together students of Yerevan State University - participants of the Abai Center for Kazakh Language, History and Culture, members of the academic staff, as well as representatives of the media, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

Guests were introduced to Kazakh national traditions and customs associated with the spring holiday of Nauryz, and were shown video materials highlighting its cultural and historical significance. Participants had the opportunity to taste traditional Kazakh cuisine prepared by the Embassy staff, including Nauryz kozhe, beshbarmak, baursaks, and shelpeks. Musical performances by children featured the song "Kozimnin Karasy" as well as traditional kui compositions "Konil Tolqyny," "Erke Sylkym," and "Alash Urany." Special interest was drawn to the traditional ceremonies of "Tusau Kesu" and "Shapan Syylaу," symbolizing one’s life journey and the expression of respect and honor.

Professor Alexander Safaryan, Head of the Department of Turkology at Yerevan State University, highlighted the importance of Nauryz as a vital part of Kazakhstan’s spiritual heritage and identity, and emphasized the shared historical and cultural ties between the Armenian and Kazakh peoples as a foundation for friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Guests also showed great interest in the traditional national game "Asyk Atu," an important element of intangible cultural heritage passed down from generation to generation.

 

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Kenya, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the UN Office in Nairobi Barlybay Sadykov held a meeting with the Director-General of Political Affairs Josphat Maikara, Chief of Protocol of the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kenya Severin Luyali, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the Kazakhstani diplomat informed the Kenyan side of constitutional changes in the context of the national referendum held on March 15, 2026, which resulted in the adoption of a new constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This constitution provides for the further modernization of Kazakhstan's political system and the formation of a more effective and balanced model of public administration, contributing to the strengthening of socio-political stability and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development.

In addition, current issues on the bilateral agenda, plans for developing cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, upcoming bilateral visits at the highest and high levels, and the formation of a bilateral legal framework were discussed.

The parties exchanged views on current issues on the international agenda, reaffirming their commitment to close cooperation within multilateral structures and mutual exchanges.

An agreement was reached to strengthen cooperation across the entire spectrum of bilateral interaction, including in the areas of trade and investment development, transit and transport routes, including the use of Kenyan ports, information and financial technologies, space, mining, medicine, sports, agriculture, tourism, and scientific and cultural exchanges.

Director-General J. Maikara, noting the warm relations between Kazakhstan and Kenya, praised Kazakhstan's progressive development and emphasized Nairobi's deep interest in expanding and further developing bilateral cooperation with Astana.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue interaction on issues of mutual interest and agreed on further joint measures to expand cooperation, including within the framework of four expert groups established by Kazakhstan and Kenya in the areas of trade and investment, transport, information technology, and tourism.

 

The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Indonesia hosted a press conference to present the results of the national referendum on Kazakhstan’s new Constitution, held on March 15, 2026. The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, government bodies, and members of the Indonesian media, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

In his remarks, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Indonesia, Serzhan Abdykarimov, provided a detailed overview of the history and process of the nationwide discussion, the positive results of the referendum, and the key novellas to the Constitution of Kazakhstan.

The Ambassador noted that the country’s Basic Law has become a progressive social contract aimed at shaping a renewed national identity and serving as a bright symbol of national unity and solidarity. He emphasized that the provisions of the Constitution reflect the long-term goals of modernizing Kazakhstan’s society and state, with a focus on advancing sustainable development, democracy, human rights protection, and world civilization.

After answering numerous questions from attendees, the Ambassador introduced them with the traditions of Nauryz Meyramy and its ten-day celebration within the framework of the Nauryznama concept in Kazakhstan. Guests were shown a special video and enjoyed traditional musical pieces performed on the dombra.

Participants congratulated the Embassy and the people of Kazakhstan on the successful referendum and on the occasion of the spring equinox.

At the end of the event, guests were given the opportunity to try traditional Kazakh cuisine.

 

As part of the "Nauryznama" decade, a discussion event entitled "Nauryz Talks" was held in Rabat. The event was dedicated to the Nauryz holiday, major political and socioeconomic reforms in Kazakhstan, including the outcomes of the recent constitutional referendum, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The meeting was attended by member of the House of Councillors of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Morocco Fatima Zougah, heads of leading Moroccan media - Younes Al Hadj, Editor-in-Chief of Maghribona24, Adnan Bennis, Editor-in-Chief of MoroccoWorldNews, Nasrallah Belkhayat, Editor-in-Chief of Journal de l’Afrique Atlantique, as well as renowned Moroccan traveler Abdelghani Aboufiraz, who undertook a motorcycle journey to Kazakhstan in 2025.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Morocco Saulekul Saylaukyzy spoke about the new format for celebrating Nauryz in Kazakhstan and abroad - the "Nauryznama" decade, and elaborating on the significance of each of its days, emphasized that this year’s holiday has taken on a particularly symbolic character.

The Ambassador underscored that the people of Kazakhstan’s support for the reforms is a clear testament to the country’s commitment to justice and the building of an inclusive society.

The Moroccan participants emphasized that the political process attests to the Kazakh people’s conscious choice in favor of progress, openness, and renewal.

According to the Moroccan experts, the referendum is not merely a legislative act but a manifestation of the people’s will to shape their own future. They praised Kazakhstan’s steps toward strengthening democratic institutions as modern and timely, and stated that the country’s perseverance and openness on the path of reform can serve as an example for the entire region.

In addition, during the discussion Ambassador Saulekul Saylaukyzy shared Kazakhstan’s priority areas on the international agenda. In particular, she informed the participants about the Regional Ecological Summit to be held in Astana on April 22-24, 2026, and presented the initiative to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations. She also spoke about the nationwide environmental campaign "Taza Kazakhstan" (Clean Kazakhstan), launched at the initiative of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the "Middle Corridor" international transport route, the outcomes of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, and the historical significance of the forthcoming "Golden Horde" international symposium in Astana.

An important part of the event was devoted to introducing the Moroccan guests to Kazakh cultural heritage. A traditional dastarkhan (table) with national dishes was laid out for the participants, and traditional Kazakh costumes and handicrafts were showcased.

The guests highly commended the "Nauryz Talks" format, created at the initiative of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Morocco, noting that it has become a platform for dialogue that lends new momentum to strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries. They proposed holding this open discussion event annually on the eve of the Nauryz holiday.