Tokayev presents dombra to Pope Francis
President of Kazakhstan gifted Pope Francis the Kazakh national musical instrument – the dombra.
In memory of the stay in the hospitable Kazakh land, Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presented Pope Francis the dombra," reads the statement.
The VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions with the participation of Pope Francis took place in the Kazakh capital, Nur-Sultan.
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Austria is Deepening Interparliamentary Cooperation with Central Asia Countries
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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.
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Results of the Republican Referendum on Kazakhstan’s New Constitution Discussed in Madrid
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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.
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Berlin Embraces Kazakh Tulips as Symbols of Friendship and Spring Renewal
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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.
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Kazakhstan Presented its Key Reforms in the Capital of Cameroon
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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.
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The Outcomes of the Referendum Discussed at Balkan University
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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.
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Nauryz Celebrated in the Kingdom of Norway
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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.
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Kazakhstan Promotes Global Initiatives on Water Security and Agricultural Cooperation in Rome
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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.
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