Astana and Helsinki Strengthen Interregional Cooperation
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Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Finland Azamat Abdraimov met with the Mayor of Helsinki, Daniel Sazonov, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for enhancing bilateral cooperation in the context of developing interregional ties, expanding economic partnership, and implementing joint projects in the field of sustainable development.
The kazakh diplomat briefed the Mayor on the current political and economic reforms underway in Kazakhstan, as well as measures aimed at creating a favorable investment climate. He emphasized Kazakhstan’s interest in expanding cooperation with Finland in the areas of green energy, innovation, digitalization of urban governance, and environmentally friendly transport.
The Mayor of Helsinki welcomed the dynamic growth of ties between Kazakhstan and Finland, noting the significant potential for cooperation in urban infrastructure, sustainable development and educational initiatives. He expressed the municipality’s readiness to facilitate the establishment of direct contacts between relevant organizations and companies of the two countries.
Following the meeting, the sides agreed to continue a substantive dialogue and to advance concrete initiatives of mutual interest.
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Tokayev Awards President of the European Council António Costa the First-Degree "Dostyk" Order
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During the official ceremony, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized António Costa’s outstanding contribution to strengthening the partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union, akorda.kz reports.
I am delighted to note that the scope and depth of our bilateral cooperation have continued to expand over the years, bringing mutual benefits and opening new avenues for enhanced collaboration. This year marks the 10th anniversary of our Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement - a landmark document that has become a cornerstone of the Kazakh-EU relations and a testament to a decade of constructive, forward-looking engagement. President Costa, your active and personal engagement has played an essential role in advancing this mutually beneficial cooperation. You are a trusted friend of Kazakhstan and a distinguished statesman of international scale. Your wise leadership, principled approach, and unwavering commitment to constructive dialogue have been instrumental in reinforcing unity in Europe and fostering meaningful cooperation with partners across the world," - said the President of Kazakhstan.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highly praised António Costa’s contribution to strengthening the special partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
It is a privilege for me to bestow upon you, Mr. President, the first-degree Order of "Dostyk" - Friendship. I am confident that this high decoration will stand as a vivid symbol of enduring friendship between Kazakhstan and the European Union and reflect our sincere appreciation for your outstanding service and stewardship. I am confident that the partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union will continue to flourish, and that the bonds of friendship between our nations will grow even stronger," - noted Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
For his part, the President of the European Council emphasized that he regards this award as a symbol of the solid friendship and global cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
I am deeply touched by today’s gesture, which reflects the spirit of trust, dialogue, and our shared commitment to stability, prosperity, and openness. Mr. President, I look forward to continuing our joint efforts to strengthen this partnership in the years ahead for the benefit of our peoples and our common region," - said António Costa.
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Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister received Ambassador of Israel
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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev received the Ambassador of the State of Israel Yoav Bistritsky, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation, as well as the schedule of upcoming high- and top-level events.
The sides also exchanged views on current issues of the regional and international agenda.
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U.S. Congress Hosted a Briefing on the State of Religious Freedom in Kazakhstan
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The U.S. Congress hosted a briefing to present an independent report on the current state of religious freedom in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The event brought together representatives of Congress, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), media outlets, and NGOs working in the field of religious freedom.
Opening the briefing, LYN Community President Wade Kusack shared positive impressions of the report preparation process and his visit to Kazakhstan. He emphasized the general expert view that cooperation between government institutions, religious communities, and civil society in the country has been steadily strengthening.
The key findings of the report were presented by USCIRF Commissioner Mohamed Elsanousi, who highlighted Kazakhstan’s efforts in the repatriation and reintegration of citizens from areas affected by ISIS, including the "Zhusan" operation, underscoring the importance of educational and social support programs.
Speakers also noted their experience participating in the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, emphasizing the event’s contribution to building trust and fostering interfaith dialogue.
Particular attention was drawn to the remarks of a woman repatriated under the "Zhusan" operation, who shared her personal experience of adaptation and engagement with state support programs.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, during which participants discussed selected recommendations from the report and potential approaches to their practical implementation.
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Kazakhstan and Germany Strengthen Foreign Policy Dialogue
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Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov visited Berlin for political talks with Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, led by Niklas Wagner, Special Envoy for Cooperation with Eastern Europe, the Caucasusand Central Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The discussions reviewed progress in 2025 and identified priorities for closer cooperation across politics, trade, culture, humanitarian initiatives, and regional affairs. Key topics included environmental protection, climate adaptation, water management, and joint projects under the Central Asia-Germany Strategic Regional Partnership (C5+1).
Deputy Minister A.Issetov met with D.Mutter, Political Director at the German Foreign Office, to explore further collaboration within the C5+1 framework.
He also held meetings with Bundestag member Ch.Görke, Chairof the Parliamentary Friendship Group for Relations with the States of Central Asia, and M.Harms, Co-Chair of the Kazakh-German Business Council and Director of theEastern Committee of the German Economy. They discussed strengthening parliamentary ties, expanding trade and investment, and encouraging German companies to invest in key sectors of Kazakhstan’s economy. Both sides underlined their commitment to a long-term partnership.
The visit included the 45th session of the Berlin Eurasian Club, themed "Dialogue and Trust: Media and Expert Communication on Kazakhstan". Participants highlighted the importance of expert networks and media in reflecting Kazakhstan’s reforms and socio-economic progress. A. Issetov emphasized the country’s achievements in modernizing public administration and confirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness for constructive international engagement.
The visit concluded with a joint commitment to maintain regular dialogue, deepen bilateral and regional ties, and advance initiatives that strengthen the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Germany.
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Kazakhstan and the IAEA Reaffirm Commitment to Further Strengthening Multifaceted Cooperation
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During his visit to Vienna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a meeting with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The Kazakh Foreign Minister briefed his interlocutor on Kazakhstan’s plans for the development of the national nuclear industry and the construction of nuclear power plants, highlighting the importance of fulfilling the strategic task of achieving carbon neutrality. He emphasized that partnership with the IAEA, including the expansion of the contractual and legal framework, is one of the priorities of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, and underscored the Agency’s key role in maintaining the global security architecture and strengthening the international non-proliferation regime.
Minister Kosherbayev expressed gratitude to the IAEA Director General for the Agency’s continuous support across all areas of cooperation with Kazakhstan, drawing attention to the importance of further work on developing human capital and ensuring the presence of Kazakh citizens in key positions within the Agency. The Kazakh diplomat stressed Kazakhstan’s significant role in initiating and promoting the agenda aimed at restoring the sovereign equality of member states in the IAEA.
Director General Grossi highlighted Kazakhstan’s particular contribution and important initiatives in the peaceful use of nuclear energy - from plans to build nuclear power plants and develop nuclear medicine to the successful operation of the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium Bank in Ust-Kamenogorsk. He expressed the Agency’s readiness to provide comprehensive support to Kazakhstan at all stages of the NPP construction project and proposed developing and signing a Cooperation Roadmap covering other key areas of interaction.
The implementation of IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme projects in Kazakhstan received high praise, including those aimed at developing innovative nuclear technologies for cancer treatment, enhancing agricultural efficiency, and rehabilitating the territory of the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site.
Following the meeting, Kazakhstan and the IAEA reaffirmed their mutual interest and readiness to further expand and deepen multifaceted cooperation.
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Kazakhstan and the European Union Officially Launch Negotiations on a Visa Facilitation Agreement
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The Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union held the first round of official negotiations on concluding a Visa Facilitation Agreement and a Readmission Agreement between Kazakhstan and the EU, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev and Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs Johannes Luchner.
The launch of the negotiations became a significant and symbolic event, coinciding with an important milestone: December marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the EU. The start of this new negotiation track demonstrates the maturity, depth, and strategic orientation of the relationship, which has been steadily developing over the past decade.
Participants noted that the opening of negotiations reflects growing trust and the commitment of both sides to enhance mobility, expand opportunities for citizens, and strengthen humanitarian and people-to-people ties. It was emphasized that these negotiations are the first process of this kind between the European Union and a Central Asian country, giving this step a historic dimension.
The discussions proceeded in a constructive manner. The parties exchanged approaches, agreed on initial benchmarks, and outlined directions for further work. The negotiations confirmed the readiness of both sides to move forward gradually, shaping a modern legal framework that will facilitate travel, strengthen interpersonal contacts, and further expand cooperation.
The launch of the official negotiations was announced during the 22nd meeting of the Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Council, held on December 1 in Brussels under the chairmanship of Kazakhstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Yermek Kosherbayev and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
Kazakhstan and the European Union agreed to continue the negotiation process and hold the next round of consultations in Astana in 2026.
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Ambassador of Kazakhstan Discussed with Thai Foreign Minister the State and Prospects of Bilateral Cooperation
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Margulan Baimukhan, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Thailand, took part in a meeting of the heads of diplomatic missions of South and Central Asian countries with Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The Thai Foreign Minister briefed participants on the current priorities of Thailand’s foreign policy and reaffirmed the country’s readiness to advance constructive cooperation with all accredited states. He emphasized that Thailand’s key focus areas include economic diplomacy, interregional cooperation, enhanced connectivity, and active engagement within ASEAN, which collectively represents the world’s fifth-largest economy. The Minister also outlined national priorities such as the development of a regional food security hub, expansion of medical tourism, strengthening of the electrical and electronics industry, deployment of energy-efficient technologies, and improvement of regional connectivity.
Special attention was given to security issues and efforts to combat modern transnational challenges, including online fraud, drug trafficking, labour exploitation, and irregular migration.
In his remarks, Ambassador Baimukhan highlighted the stable and trusting nature of the political dialogue between Astana and Bangkok, affirming Kazakhstan’s interest in further strengthening the multifaceted partnership. He discussed the possibility of arranging an official visit by the Thai Foreign Minister to Kazakhstan in the near future and proposed holding inter-ministerial consultations at the level of deputy foreign ministers in the first quarter of 2026.
The Ambassador underlined that Kazakhstan is Thailand’s principal partner in Central Asia, accounting for around 70% of Thailand’s trade with the region. In this context, both sides expressed mutual interest in expanding cooperation in the fields of subsoil use and rare and rare-earth metals, as well as in high-tech sectors such as electronics, energy, and industrial production. Ambassador Baimukhan also noted that Kazakhstan harvested 27 million tonnes of grain in 2025 and stands ready to expand agricultural exports to the ASEAN market, in line with Thailand’s initiative to develop a regional food hub.
He further outlined broad prospects for enhancing digital cooperation, including digital trade, fintech, cybersecurity, and smart logistics, supported by the memorandum on digitalization signed earlier this year.
Transport connectivity remains an essential component of bilateral cooperation. Discussions covered the development of the Middle Corridor, participation in prospective regional railway projects, and the expansion of direct air services to strengthen business and people-to-people exchanges. The Ambassador noted that 23 regular weekly flights currently operate between Kazakhstan and Thailand and proposed exploring opportunities for a joint cargo-transportation project.
Attention was also given to improving the bilateral legal framework, including finalizing agreements on the protection of investments, avoidance of double taxation, and preparing new documents on veterinary control and plant quarantine. The importance of activating the work of joint working groups on trade and agriculture was emphasized.
In conclusion, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation within multilateral frameworks, including the United Nations, ESCAP, CICA, ASEAN and others. It was noted that such coordination contributes to regional stability, interregional connectivity, and the advancement of shared approaches to sustainable development and the international agenda.
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