Lithuania keen on interregional coop with Kazakhstan

Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Shanghai held an event dedicated to the celebration of "Nauryz" that is one of the most ancient and significant holidays of the Kazakh people, symbolizing the renewal of nature and the beginning of a new year, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The event, held at the state residence of the Shanghai Municipal Government, was attended by heads of foreign affairs offices of Shanghai and the provinces within the consular district (Anhui, Fujian, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang), as well as Consuls General accredited in Shanghai, representatives of Chinese business circles, members of the Kazakh diaspora, and students of Kazakhstan studying in Eastern China.

In his welcoming remarks Consul General Nurlan Akkoshkarov introduced the audience to the rich cultural heritage and traditions of celebrating Nauryz in Kazakhstan, emphasizing its significance as a holiday of peace, kindness, and mutual understanding. The Kazakh diplomat also spoke about the large-scale reforms currently underway, aimed at modernizing the political system, strengthening the economy, and improving the well-being of the citizens of Kazakhstan. Also, guests were informed that 2026 has been declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan, as well as the launch of the Cross-Cultural Year between Kazakhstan and China.

As part of the event, guests were presented with a vibrant cultural program. Attendees enjoyed works of Kazakh musical art performed by the Suyunbay Folklore and Ethnographic Ensemble of the Almaty Regional Philharmonic, and also had the opportunity to taste traditional national cuisine.

Furthermore, with the participation of official representatives of the national airline Air Astana, a presentation was held for the first direct flight between Almaty and Shanghai, launched on March 29 this year, as well as the opening ceremony of the Kazakhstan Trade Center in Shanghai under QAZTRADE.

Given that 2026 has been declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan, a particularly symbolic highlight of the event was a unique performance in which modern robots presented a dynamic dance program to the guests.

Overall, the celebration of Nauryz in Shanghai was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere and concluded with a gala concert by the popular local Kazakh rock band "Kosh" led by Aray Aidarkhan.

 

At the initiative of the Viennese diplomatic magazine "Society", a festive celebration of Nauryz, the holiday of spring and renewal, took place with the participation of 9 diplomatic missions accredited in Vienna, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan showcased their cultures and traditions.

The event became a vibrant cultural occasion uniting representatives from various countries and highlighting the rich traditions of nations celebrating Nauryz. Guests enjoyed folk music, national cuisines, and had the opportunity to explore traditional costumes and decorative arts that captured the region’s unique spirit and charm.

The festive evening was enriched by the traditional Kazakh kyuis (instrumental compositions) "Adai" and "Balbyraun", performed by talented dombra players Zhasulan Zhumazbay and Adilzhan Erzatuly. The piece "Kozimnin karasy", presented by renowned opera singer Aigul Shamshidenova, received a particularly enthusiastic response from the audience.

Kazakhstan’s stand attracted considerable interest from visitors. The Embassy offered national dishes and displayed an exhibition highlighting the symbolism of Nauryz as a celebration of renewal, harmony, and goodwill. Participants appreciated the warm atmosphere created by Kazakhstan and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with the country’s cultural heritage.

 

Kanat Tumysh, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, met with Pham Thi Thanh Nga, Director of the Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology, Environment and Marine Sciences (IMHEMS) of Vietnam, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The meeting focused on current areas of bilateral cooperation and prospects for joint work in scientific and environmental fields.

The parties noted that in 2025, marking the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations, Kazakhstan and Vietnam elevated their partnership to a strategic level, opening new opportunities for strengthening cooperation in hydrology, water security, climate adaptation, and environmental development.

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan informed the Vietnamese side about the country’s priorities in the water sector, including the President’s initiative to establish an International Water Organization, aimed at consolidating the global water mandate and enhancing the effectiveness of international water resource governance. The Vietnamese side expressed interest in participating in the upcoming Regional Environmental Summit in Astana in April 2026, as well as readiness for experience exchange and scientific cooperation.

The meeting also discussed global water challenges, including the need to reform the current UN governance structure, improve policy coherence, and consolidate the water mandate to respond effectively to international challenges, including transboundary resources and climate change impacts.

Pham Thi Thanh Nga, Director of IMHEMS, presented IMHEMS activities and highlighted Viet Nam’s active participation in UNESCO programs, including the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme, focused on scientific collaboration, water resource monitoring, flood and drought risk management, and capacity building.

Special attention was given to the 32nd session of the Regional Steering Committee (RSC) of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme for the Asia-Pacific region held in October 2025 under Vietnam’s chairmanship, and the upcoming 33rd session in China in September 2026. The Institute Director invited Kazakhstan to consider participating in the international events under Vietnam’s chairmanship, including the international workshop on the application of emerging technology and innovation in meteorology, hydrology, environment and marine sciences: strengthening government-academia-industry collaboration, to be held on May 15, 2026.

Following the meeting, the parties expressed interest in further strengthening bilateral cooperation, expanding scientific exchange, and developing joint projects on water security, hydrology, and sustainable development.

 

As part of Austria’s intensified engagement with the Central Asian region, as well as efforts to develop interparliamentary cooperation formats, a meeting was held between the Ambassadors of Central Asian countries and Mongolia and members of the Austria-Central Asia Parliamentary Friendship Group, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the dialogue, the head of the Austrian Parliamentary Friendship Group, Member of the National Council Martin Hofer, noted the growing importance of Central Asia in global politics and emphasized the strategic interest of the European Union in the region. According to him, Austria attaches great importance to expanding partnerships with Central Asian states and seeks constructive cooperation across a wide range of areas. Particular attention was paid to interparliamentary engagement. He also noted that Austria and the countries of Central Asia share common aspirations, including strengthening democracy.

In turn, the Ambassador of the Kazakhstan to the Republic of Austria, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to international organizations in Vienna Mukhtar Tileuberdi briefed participants on the current state and future prospects of Kazakhstan-Austria relations. He also provided Austrian parliamentarians-members of the friendship group-with detailed information on the political reforms being implemented by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as well as the country’s domestic and foreign policy priorities.

Special attention was given to the progress of preparatory measures and the results of the referendum on the adoption of the new Constitution. Comprehensive information was presented on the key constitutional innovations introduced by the Head of State, including the establishment of the new "Kurultai" institution, strengthening mechanisms for the protection of human rights and freedoms, redistribution of powers among branches of government, and the development of local self-government institutions.

Ambassador Tileuberdi also underscored the importance of interparliamentary cooperation within the broader framework of bilateral engagement, highlighting the growing intensity of contacts between parliamentarians of the two countries.

Ambassadors of Central Asian countries and Mongolia also informed participants about ongoing reforms in their respective states and their bilateral relations with Austria. They expressed interest in further developing interparliamentary contacts with the Alpine republic, including within multilateral frameworks such as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Austrian parliamentarians welcomed the implementation of reforms in Kazakhstan. In this context, the head of the Austrian friendship group shared plans to visit Kazakhstan in September this year, with the aim of giving additional impetus to interparliamentary dialogue.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Martin Hofer, on behalf of his colleagues, expressed readiness to strengthen contacts with Central Asian countries and Mongolia and reaffirmed his intention to support initiatives of mutual interest.

 

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Spain, Danat Mussayev, held a meeting with a Member of the Congress of Deputies of Spain, María Luz Martínez, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the talks, the interlocutors discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Kazakh-Spanish relations, as well as ways to intensify interparliamentary diplomacy both bilaterally and within multilateral platforms.

The Ambassador presented the key provisions of the recently adopted Constitution, emphasizing that the updated Basic Law creates a solid foundation for further strengthening the Independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State, as well as ensuring the rights and freedoms of its citizens.

For her part, the Spanish parliamentarian gave a positive assessment of the transformations undertaken, noting their importance for the further development of institutional foundations and modernization of the country’s political system.

Special attention was paid to cooperation in the fields of education, science and culture. The Kazakh diplomat highlighted the country’s potential as a regional center for education and research. Both sides confirmed their mutual interest in expanding academic exchanges and developing interuniversity cooperation.

Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to maintain regular dialogue and continue coordination within the framework of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

 

A tulip planting ceremony was held in Berlin using bulbs transferred by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity of Germany, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The event was attended by the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Germany, Nurlan Onzhanov, and Markus Schick, State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity.

In his remarks, the State Secretary noted that tulips, which have become one of the most recognizable symbols of spring in Europe, historically originate from the territory of present-day Kazakhstan. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Kazakhstan, emphasizing that such initiatives strengthen trust and contribute to the development of bilateral cooperation.

In his speech, the Head of Kazakhstan’s diplomatic mission highlighted that holding the ceremony during the celebration of Nauryz gives the event special significance, reflecting the ideas of renewal, harmony, and friendship between nations.

Following the official part of the program, traditional Kazakh music was performed, creating an atmosphere of spring festivity and cultural closeness.

The culmination of the ceremony was the joint planting of tulip bulbs, symbolizing partnership, unity, and the shared aspiration of both countries for a prosperous future.

The planted tulips have become a vivid symbol of friendship between Kazakhstan and Germany, reminding us of the values of renewal, mutual respect, and cooperation that lie at the heart of the Nauryz holiday.

 

On the eve of the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (MC14) in Yaoundé (Republic of Cameroon), Kairat Torebayev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the WTO, participated as a speaker in the 14th China Round Table on WTO Accessions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The Round Table brought together countries at various stages of the accession process, WTO Members, as well as international partners to exchange experiences on accession, economic reforms, and integration into the global trading system.

In his statement, the Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan noted that the accession process requires a high level of institutional readiness and coherence of public policy. He emphasized that successful accession depends on effective coordination among government agencies, clear identification of national priorities, and active engagement with the business community.

Drawing on Kazakhstan’s experience, it was noted that a consistent and balanced approach to reforms contributes to a more predictable and stable trading environment. Since joining the WTO in 2015, Kazakhstan’s external trade turnover has nearly doubled and exceeded USD 140 billion, while foreign direct investment inflows have surpassed USD 200 billion, including a significant share directed to non-resource sectors.

It was also noted during the intervention that there is a need to move towards full participation in WTO activities, including engagement in committees, participation in negotiations, and the regular use of the Organization’s instruments.

It was further highlighted that accession processes, including in the Central Asian region, contribute to strengthening regional economic cooperation, which is particularly important for landlocked countries.

Participants of the event underlined that interest in WTO accession remains high across different regions, including Africa, which reflects continued confidence in the multilateral trading system as a platform for economic integration and reforms.

Kazakhstan reaffirmed its readiness to share practical experience and provide support to countries at all stages of the WTO accession process.

The official opening of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference will take place on 26 March 2026 in Yaoundé and will run for four days, until 29 March 2026.

 

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan in North Macedonia, Satybaldy Burshakov, following the invitation of the leadership of the Balkan Research Center at the International Balkan University in Skopje, in collaboration with International Center "Alliance of Civilizations", participated in the debates "Dynamic Kazakhstan with New Strategy and New Constitution", Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the discussions with experts, professors and students, the Kazakh diplomat informed them about the key aspects of the domestic political course and socio-economic dynamics of Kazakhstan, outlining the main vectors of its foreign policy strategy and achievements in the field of digital transformation. Special attention was paid to the prospects of bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and North Macedonia.

Ambassador Burshakov thoroughly covered the progress of the large-scale political reforms initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. A crucial milestone in these processes was the national referendum held on March 15, which solidified the provisions of the country's new Constitution.

The audience's focus was centered on the key constitutional innovations that are of primary importance for the further development of the state.

In particular, the conference participants were provided with detailed explanations of such fundamental changes as unicameral parliament Kurultai, establishment of Halyk Kenesi (Peopl’s Council), the highest consultative body representing the interests of the people of Kazakhstan, introducing the post of Vice President, designed to ensure a more efficient functioning of the executive vertical. An important segment consisted of clarifications regarding the significant strengthening of the Parliament's role and the expansion of its oversight functions over the government's activities.

Furthermore, it was emphasized that the constitutional enshrinement of unwavering guarantees of human and civil rights and freedoms marks a new stage in the development of the legal system, establishing these values as the highest priority of the state.

The participants also watched videos and photo slides talking about Kazakhstan, its traditions, and its people. During the debates Ambassador Burshakov answered numerous questions from the conference participants.