Astana and Brussels Discuss New Areas of Cooperation
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Kazakhstan Strengthens Its Position as a UN Regional Hub
In the first half of June, Kazakhstan took a series of steps that could significantly strengthen its role as a regional centre for international cooperation.
Developments in recent weeks suggest that the country is gradually moving beyond participation in international initiatives towards building its own infrastructure for engagement with United Nations agencies and global development institutions.
One of the key events was the opening of the first United Nations Global Compact regional office in Central Asia, located in Almaty. The new office is intended to serve as a platform for promoting the principles of responsible business conduct, sustainable development and corporate governance across the region. Through the office, companies will gain access to international compliance standards, environmental and social responsibility practices, and tools for implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The opening carries significance beyond symbolism. The UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, bringing together thousands of companies and organisations in more than 160 countries. The decision to establish its regional representation in Almaty reflects Kazakhstan's growing importance as a centre of international economic and expert engagement in Central Asia.
This development was followed by another important step in mid-June. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law ratifying the agreement between the Government of Kazakhstan and the United Nations on the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan. At the same time, a memorandum of understanding between Kazakhstan and the UN, setting out the operational framework for the new centre, was also ratified.
In practical terms, this means the creation of a new international platform in Kazakhstan that will coordinate efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals across Central Asia and Afghanistan. The centre is expected to serve as a mechanism for cooperation among national governments, international organisations, the expert community and development institutions.
It is important to note that the decisions taken in June form part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan's role in international affairs. In recent years, the country has steadily expanded the presence of international organisations on its territory, hosted negotiations and regional dialogue platforms, and advanced initiatives within the United Nations, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and other international bodies.
A notable assessment in this context came from Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev. Responding to a question from Kazakhstan Today regarding the country's prospects following the opening of the UN Global Compact office and the establishment of the UN Regional Centre, the foreign minister said Kazakhstan was steadily emerging as a regional hub for the United Nations.
Today, more than 60 international organisations are based in Almaty. This in itself demonstrates that Kazakhstan is becoming a regional centre for international organisations. We fully support this process," Kosherbayev said.
According to the minister, strengthening Kazakhstan's position as a host country for international organisations creates additional opportunities for participation in a wide range of international programmes.
Kosherbayev also highlighted Almaty's advantages as a location for international institutions. He noted that the city's developed infrastructure, security and accessibility of essential services contribute to its attractiveness as an international centre.
From a foreign policy perspective, these developments reflect Kazakhstan's efforts to strengthen its international standing and strategic autonomy. While the country's primary objective during the early years of independence was integration into existing international structures, it is now increasingly acting as an organiser and coordinator of regional initiatives. The establishment of new UN institutions in Almaty is among the clearest examples of this shift.
At the same time, the connection between diplomacy and economic development is becoming more pronounced. The presence of international organisations contributes to attracting investment, developing expert capacity, expanding international networks and raising the country's global profile. As a result, international engagement is increasingly viewed not only as a foreign policy instrument, but also as a driver of long-term economic growth and human capital development.
Taken together, the developments of recent weeks point to the emergence of a new direction in Kazakhstan's foreign policy - one centred on strengthening the country's role as a regional platform for international cooperation and global development initiatives.
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International Influence and Digital Modernisation: New Priorities in Kazakhstan’s Policy Agenda
Kazakhstan has continued to pursue a strategy aimed at strengthening its international standing, advancing the digital economy and modernising state institutions. During the period under review, key priorities included foreign policy initiatives, the introduction of new financial instruments, the expansion of international cooperation and investment diplomacy. At the same time, the government maintained its focus on improving social infrastructure and developing human capital.
Politics: Expanding International Influence Through Institutions and Diplomacy
The most significant political development was the completion of the legal framework for the United Nations Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan. On 17 June, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed laws ratifying the agreement between Kazakhstan and the UN, as well as the memorandum governing the centre’s activities.
The new institution will work with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. The decision strengthens Kazakhstan’s position as one of Central Asia’s key international platforms and reflects Astana’s ambition to play a more prominent role in regional cooperation.
Diplomatic activity also remained high. Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev took part in a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Council of Foreign Ministers. At the same time, Kazakhstan continued engagement with China, Canada, the European Union and the Republic of Korea. Kazakhstan and the EU advanced to the next stage of negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission arrangements.
Notably, foreign policy is becoming increasingly focused on practical objectives, including attracting investment, expanding trade, developing transport corridors and strengthening technological cooperation. Economic diplomacy is emerging as one of the government’s principal policy instruments.
Economy: Digital Infrastructure and International Cooperation
The key economic development was the announcement that a unified interbank QR payment system will be launched on 19 July. The new infrastructure will enable customers of different banks to pay for goods and services using a single QR code, regardless of their banking provider.
The launch marks another milestone in the digitalisation of Kazakhstan’s financial sector. The process has been further reinforced by the legislative framework for the digital assets industry, which came into effect on 1 May.
International economic cooperation also continued to expand. Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Thailand reached $255.1 million in 2025. The two sides discussed prospects for cooperation in food security, digital technologies, logistics and the implementation of joint projects in third-country markets, including African states.
Another important development for the scientific and technological sector was the confirmation that Almaty will host the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International Conference on Research Reactors in 2028. The event is expected to bring together around 400 scientists and experts from across the world. Plans were also announced to extend the operational lifespan of the WWR-K research reactor until at least 2040.
Society: Investing in Human Capital
The social agenda remained focused on education, science and human capital development. President Tokayev supported the decision to grant Astana Medical University national university status. The institution will also be named after the distinguished scientist Toregeldy Sharmanov, underlining the government’s commitment to advancing medical science and specialist training.
The government’s decision to award state bonuses to medallists of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games also attracted considerable public attention. Olympic champion Mikhail Shaidorov is set to receive $250,000, while financial rewards will also be provided to Nadezhda Morozova, who finished among the top six athletes at the Games.
These decisions reflect a broader strategy centred on human capital development. Education, science, healthcare and sport are increasingly viewed as key drivers of the country’s long-term competitiveness.
Analysis and Conclusion
The defining trend of the period has been the strengthening of an institutional approach to national development. The establishment of the UN Regional Centre, the expansion of economic diplomacy, the launch of a unified QR payment system and support for scientific and educational initiatives all form part of a broader modernisation strategy.
Kazakhstan is reinforcing its role as a regional hub for international cooperation while simultaneously promoting economic digitalisation and human capital development. Increasingly, the country’s international engagement is directed towards practical objectives, including attracting investment, expanding trade and fostering technological partnerships.
As a result, diplomacy, digital transformation and investment in education and science are gradually converging into a single development model. The principal challenge remains the ability of state institutions to ensure the effective implementation of these initiatives and to translate institutional reforms into sustainable economic and social outcomes.
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Montenegro’s President Arrives in Kazakhstan on First Official Visit
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović held one-on-one talks in Astana, the Akorda presidential press service reported.
Taking the opportunity, Tokayev congratulated Montenegro on the 20th anniversary of its independence.
He also noted that the presence of business representatives within the Montenegrin delegation reflected both countries’ commitment to strengthening economic cooperation.
For his part, Milatović thanked Kazakhstan for the invitation and expressed confidence that the visit would help expand bilateral relations.
The Montenegrin president said that a business delegation had accompanied him to Kazakhstan. As part of the visit, the chambers of commerce of the two countries are expected to hold a business forum and sign a number of memorandums.
According to Milatović, Montenegro remains one of the popular tourist destinations for Kazakh citizens, and both sides are interested in further developing not only political ties but also economic cooperation.
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Kazakhstan’s International Humanitarian Law Initiative Unites More Than 110 Countries at the UN
The humanitarian segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is currently underway at UN Headquarters, where participants are discussing the coordination of humanitarian assistance, responses to global crises, and the protection of civilians in conflict zones, according to the press service of Kazakhstan’s Permanent Mission to the UN.
Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Kairat Umarov, delivered a joint statement on behalf of the six founding members of the Global Initiative on International Humanitarian Law: Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan and South Africa.
In the statement, the countries expressed concern over the protection of civilians in areas affected by armed conflict and called on all parties to comply with the norms of international humanitarian law.
During the meeting, participants also announced a high-level international conference, Humanity in War, which is scheduled to take place in Amman on 7 December 2026.
Forum participants noted that the initiative launched by the six countries has become a successful platform for cooperation among states with differing political views. To date, 113 countries have officially joined the initiative, while representatives of more than 160 nations have taken part in intergovernmental consultations.
Open debates of the UN Security Council on the theme of "Women, Peace and Security" were also held at UN Headquarters.
Kairat Umarov stated that the international community has yet to fully ensure women’s participation in peace negotiations and decision-making processes. He stressed the importance of inclusive peace processes for sustainable development and global security.
The diplomat also outlined Kazakhstan’s efforts in this area. According to Umarov, the country has successfully implemented its first National Action Plan for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which serves as a key framework for protecting women’s rights and expanding their participation in peacebuilding processes.
Kazakhstan has also begun developing a second interagency action plan aimed at further strengthening women’s role in promoting peace and stability.
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Astana Opens New Opportunities for Patients from Azerbaijan
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An international medical tourism roadshow promoting Astana was held in Baku, bringing together representatives of leading medical institutions from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, tourism industry stakeholders and professional communities from both countries.
The event was organised by Astana Tourism Development Centre, Astana Tourism, with the support of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan Health and Thermal Tourism Support Association.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Alim Bayel, said the roadshow had become an important platform for strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan in healthcare and medical tourism. Its main objectives were to promote the advanced medical services available in Kazakhstan’s capital on the international market, develop partnerships between clinics and tourism companies from both countries, and attract foreign patients to Astana for treatment.
During the event, leading medical institutions from Astana showcased their achievements, presented advanced diagnostic and treatment methods, and demonstrated the high-tech solutions currently available in the city’s healthcare sector.
Astana is steadily strengthening its position as a leading medical tourism hub in Central Asia. The city is home to nine medical institutions accredited under the international Joint Commission International (JCI) standards, confirming the high quality and safety of the healthcare services provided.
Particular interest was shown in such fields as neurosurgery, cancer treatment, paediatric rehabilitation, reproductive medicine and aesthetic surgery, which are among the most sought-after medical services for patients from Azerbaijan.
The Astana delegation included representatives of the National Children's Rehabilitation Centre, the National Centre for Neurosurgery, the National Research Oncology Centre, Ecomed Reproductive Medicine Clinic and Tulip Medicine Plastic Surgery Clinic. The delegates presented their capabilities and discussed prospects for cooperation with Azerbaijani counterparts.
The roadshow programme included presentations by Astana’s medical institutions, a series of B2B meetings between healthcare representatives from the two countries, and the signing of cooperation memorandums aimed at further developing partnerships in medical tourism.
As a continuation of the event, free initial consultations were organised on June 17 at the Citomed Clinic for residents of Baku. Leading specialists from Astana met with patients and provided professional advice on diagnostic and treatment options.
The international roadshow in Baku marked another step in Astana’s strategy to develop medical tourism and promote Kazakhstan’s capital as an international centre for high-quality, high-tech healthcare. Initiatives of this kind create new opportunities for cooperation between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan and help expand access to world-class medical technologies for people across the region.
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Measures to Support Women and Gender Equality in Kazakhstan Discussed in Slovakia
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The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Slovak Republic, Zhanna Saginova, held a meeting with the Chairwoman of the Slovak Women’s Association, Monika Ďurechová.
During the conversation, the Ambassador outlined the reforms implemented at the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to support women. In particular, emphasis was placed on measures aimed at enhancing the role of women in the socio-political life of the country, strengthening women's entrepreneurship, as well as protecting the rights of women and children.
Ďurechová highly commended the state policy pursued by Kazakhstan to provide comprehensive support for women and promote them to leadership positions within public administration.
The Head of the Association emphasized the importance of the laws adopted in the country to ensure gender equality, prevent domestic violence, and tighten accountability for domestic and family abuse. She also praised the 18% representation of women in the Parliament of Kazakhstan, stressing that this stands as a significant achievement in increasing the political activity of women.
In turn, M. Ďurechová briefed the Ambassador on the priority areas of activity of her organization, which actively promotes women's influence in Slovak society and carries out charitable and humanitarian initiatives to assist families in need, women, and children.
The parties underscored the importance of exchanging experience and best practices in advancing women's rights, expressing mutual interest in the further development of bilateral contacts.
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Kazakhstan Emerging as a Regional UN Hub
Kazakhstan is steadily establishing itself as a regional hub for the United Nations, Foreign Minister Yerzhan Kosherbayev said in response to a question from a Kazakhstan Today journalist regarding the country's prospects following the opening of the UN Global Hub in Almaty and the upcoming launch of the UN Regional Centre.
Today, more than 60 international organisations are based in Almaty. This in itself demonstrates that Kazakhstan is becoming a regional centre for international organisations. We fully support this process," Kosherbayev said.
According to the minister, strengthening Kazakhstan’s position as a host country for international organisations creates additional opportunities for the nation to participate in a wide range of international programmes.
Every international programme is aimed at supporting participating countries in one way or another," he noted.
Kosherbayev also highlighted Almaty’s advantages as a location for international institutions. He said the city’s well-developed infrastructure, security and availability of essential services contribute to its growing role as an international centre.
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Kazakhstan Showcases Rich Cultural Heritage in Slovenia
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A series of national cultural events featuring Kazakhstan’s ethnographic folklore and dance ensembles Qaghan and Yassy was held in the Slovenian capital, organized by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Slovenia with the support of the Shymkent Akimat and Slovenian partners, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry's press service reported.
One of the highlights of the start of the summer season was an open-air concert on Ljubljana’s central square. The performance marked the first appearance by Kazakh artistic groups in Slovenia since the opening of Kazakhstan’s embassy in the country. The concert attracted significant interest from Slovenian audiences, foreign tourists and members of the Kazakh diaspora, providing many with their first introduction to Kazakhstan’s musical traditions and culture.
On the same day, the traditional international charity event Midsummer Night (Kresna noč) was held at the historic Križanke architectural complex. Organized by the Lions Club Ljubljana Iliria, the event featured Kazakhstan as its national cultural partner for the first time in its more than 25-year history.
The gathering brought together more than 300 guests, including Aleš Musar, spouse of the President of Slovenia, representatives of the diplomatic corps, government and public organizations, Slovenia’s business, financial and industrial communities, cultural and arts figures, members of the Kazakh diaspora, as well as residents and visitors of Ljubljana. Speaking on behalf of the Slovenian head of state, Musar expressed satisfaction with the high level of relations between Slovenia and Kazakhstan and noted the positive momentum in cooperation across the fields of economy, trade, education and tourism.
The centerpiece of the cultural programme was a performance by the Qaghan and Yassy ensembles, which showcased Kazakhstan’s unique musical heritage, blending traditional Kazakh music with ancient Turkic motifs.
Guests were also presented with a video highlighting the tourism potential of modern Kazakhstan, the distinctive features of its national cuisine, and the richness of its culture and traditions.
The event also recognized the contribution of prominent Slovenian entrepreneur and philanthropist Janez Škrabec, who serves as the Honorary Adviser to the Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Slovenia on economic affairs. The evening’s charity initiative was dedicated to supporting children under the care of the children’s hospital in Šentvid pri Stični.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the events made an important contribution to the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Kazakhstan and Slovenia, helping to promote awareness of the culture and traditions of the Great Steppe and further strengthen friendly ties between the two countries.
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