Astana and Ulaanbaatar Aim to Expand their Strategic Partnership

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Thailand Margulan Baimukhan attended the official inauguration ceremony of the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U Min Aung Hlaing. During the ceremony, the Vice-Presidents and the newly appointed members of the Government also took the oath of office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

This event marked the beginning of a new stage in Myanmar’s history. In his address, Min Aung Hlaing noted that, having been elected by Members of Parliament representing the entire nation, he is committed to respecting the will of the people and to fulfilling his state duties conscientiously and responsibly, with a deep sense of pride and honor. The new Government will continue its efforts to preserve national unity, strengthen the multiparty democratic and federal system, and enhance the economic and social well-being of the population. The President identified as key priorities the improvement of the education and healthcare systems, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, the development of agriculture, and the expansion of electricity generation from renewable energy sources.

In the field of international relations, the President reaffirmed that the Government will pursue a balanced foreign policy and continue to strengthen friendly ties with neighboring countries and regional partners.

During meetings with officials, the current state and prospects for further expanding bilateral relations were discussed, including the development of the legal and contractual framework between the two countries. The sides noted progress achieved through bilateral consultations in transport, logistics, and digitalization, and also reviewed preparations for a Kazakh business mission to Yangon, scheduled for May-June 2026.

 

Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Qatar Arman Issagaliyev met with Member of the Shura Council of the State of Qatar and Chairman of the Qatari-Asian Parliamentary Friendship Group Ahmad Al-Hitmi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The parties discussed the development of interparliamentary cooperation in the context of implementing the agreements reached during the state visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Qatar in 2024.

The parties noted that Kazakh-Qatari relations have reached the level of a strategic partnership, supported by a trusting dialogue at the highest level and an active exchange of visits.

During the meeting, the Ambassador provided an overview of political reforms in Kazakhstan, including the results of the referendum on a new Constitution and the transition to a unicameral Parliament.

The Qatari side highly commended the reforms underway in Kazakhstan, noting progress in socioeconomic development and the country’s growing role on the international stage under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining regular exchanges at the level of parliamentary speakers and expanding interparliamentary contacts.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to hold the second meeting of the interparliamentary friendship group this year and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening cooperation in support of the implementation of agreements reached at the highest level.

 

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Singapore Askar Kuttykadam, held a working meeting with the Director-General of the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs for International Organization Ng Boon Yian, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The Kazakh diplomat emphasized that, in accordance with the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan adopted at the National Referendum on 15 March 2026, the country respects the principles and norms of international law, pursues a foreign policy of peace and cooperation with interested states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

In this regard, the sides expressed satisfaction with the strong commitment of both Kazakhstan and Singapore to the ideals of multilateralism and international law, as well as the need to consolidate the efforts of middle and small states in the face of global challenges.

The Kazakh diplomat outlined Astana’s key approaches to the issue of United Nations reform, including the modernization of the Security Council with due regard to the interests of countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, as stated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his address to the General Debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2025.

It was emphasized that the Kazakh side seeks to make a practical contribution to the transformation and strengthening of the UN system by advancing various international initiatives. Among them are the establishment in 2025 in Almaty of a UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan, proposals to create an Asia-Pacific Centre for Digital Solutions for Sustainable Development within the framework of the UN ESCAP, and the International Agency for Biological Safety.

Particular attention during the talks was given to the initiative of Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the establishment of an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations. The Singaporean side was once again invited to participate in the discussion of this important idea within the upcoming consultations scheduled for April 23, 2026 in Astana on the margins of the Regional Ecological Summit.

During the meeting, the sides positively assessed the state of Kazakh-Singaporean cooperation on the international arena, including mutual support for each other’s initiatives and candidacies. In light of the upcoming fifth round of inter-ministerial political consultations in Astana at the end of April 2026 and other high-level planned events, the sides aligned their positions on current priorities and the candidacies of the two countries in the governing bodies of a number of UN system institutions.

 

The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Washington, D.C. hosted an award ceremony honoring U.S. Senator Steve Daines with the Order of Dostyk (Friendship), I degree, on behalf of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in recognition of his significant contribution to strengthening friendship and advancing cooperation between the two countries, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

Presenting the award, the Representative of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for negotiations with the United States on key issues of bilateral cooperation, Erzhan Kazykhan, emphasized: "Thanks to the efforts of Senator Daines, bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and the United States have reached their highest point in the history of bilateral engagement".

Ambassador Kazykhan particularly highlighted the Senator’s contribution to strengthening interparliamentary ties, including his initiative to establish the Central Asia Caucus, his consistent efforts to advance legislative initiatives toward the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, and his support for the adoption by the U.S. Senate of a resolution recognizing the strategic importance of the C5+1 platform. The Kazakh diplomat also highlighted his contribution to deepening Kazakhstan-U.S. bilateral cooperation, as well as engagement with other Central Asian countries.

Senator Daines, in turn, expressed his appreciation for the honor, noting that he highly values the award, and reaffirmed his readiness to take proactive steps toward institutionalizing and further advancing bilateral relations, including at the level of the legislative bodies of both countries.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed key issues on the bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

 

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov received copies of letters of credence from the newly appointed Ambassador of Mongolia to the Republic of Kazakhstan Batjargal Gunaajavin, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, various aspects of Kazakh-Mongolian cooperation in political, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres were discussed.

Focusing primarily on the schedule of upcoming high- and highest-level events this year, the interlocutors noted the necessity to maintain the positive momentum of political dialogue.

An exchange of views took place on current issues of the international and regional agenda, including the cooperation within multilateral platforms.

At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain regular contacts and continue interaction across the entire spectrum of areas of mutual interest.

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a meeting with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water Retno Marsudi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, Minister Kosherbayev noted the importance of the Special Envoy’s mandate in the context of growing global challenges in water security, the deterioration of which may become a catalyst for economic, environmental and social crises.

The Kazakh Foreign Minister emphasized the significance of Marsudi’s visit ahead of the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, noting that particular attention will be given to water security issues within the framework of the event.

In this regard, Minister Kosherbayev briefed on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the UN, which is gaining particular relevance amid growing threats to global peace and security related to risks of conflicts over access to water resources.

Following the meeting, the sides agreed to continue constructive dialogue on global and regional water agenda issues, including on the basis of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development in Almaty.

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev received the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Kazakhstan Ali Akbar Jowkar, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The diplomats reviewed the current state and prospects of the bilateral cooperation, reaffirming their mutual interest in further developing the ties in political, trade-economic, investment, and cultural-humanitarian spheres.

During the meeting, key issues on the international agenda were also discussed. The importance of de-escalation and ensuring sustainable stability in the Middle East was underscored. The Kazakh side noted its commitment to resolving differences exclusively through political and diplomatic means in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, as well as its readiness to contribute to relevant international efforts, including by offering a platform for negotiations in the city of Turkestan at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

 

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan on Wednesday sent a message to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Qazinform News Agency cites Akorda.

In his message, the Kazakhstani leader expressed support and solidarity with the United Arab Emirates regarding the current difficult situation in the Middle East".

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed confidence that under the strong, wise, and farsighted leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, his country will overcome challenges and continue its strategic course of dynamic development.

President Tokayev reiterated that diplomacy and constructive dialogue remain the only reliable tool for achieving long-term peace and stability.

The content of this message from the Kazakhstani leader reflects a high level of mutual trust, the strategic nature of cooperation, and confirms sincerely fraternal relations between the peoples of Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates.