Astana and UNESCO strengthen cooperation in the field of cultural heritage preservation
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On the sidelines of the international symposium "The Golden Horde as a Model of Steppe Civilization: History, Archaeology, Culture and Identity", Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev met with Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the World Heritage Centre and UNESCO’s Acting Assistant Director-General for Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The Minister informed his interlocutor of the great importance attached by the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the principles and practice of multilateral cooperation within the United Nations system, in which UNESCO has traditionally held a special place as a key instrument of international cooperation in the humanitarian areas.
The Foreign Minister underscored the significance of the history of the Golden Horde as a major state that played an important role in the formation of the Kazakh nation, as well as a number of other peoples of Central Asia and Eastern Europe. In this context, he expressed appreciation to UNESCO for its decision to grant patronage to the significant international symposium taking place in Astana on 19-20 May 2026.
In his turn, Lazare Eloundou Assomo thanked Kazakhstan for the invitation, noting the high level of organization and substantive quality of the scientific event. According to him, UNESCO highly values its cooperation with Kazakhstan, including in view of its ongoing membership in the World Heritage Committee, and stands ready to continue joint efforts aimed at safeguarding its cultural, natural, documentary and intangible heritage, as well as strengthening the capacities of Kazakh experts in this field.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to constructive cooperation within the UNESCO’s mandate.
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Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Visits the UN Good Offices Mission in Cyprus
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As part of his visit to the Republic of Cyprus, Alibek Bakayev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan familiarized himself with the activities of the Good Offices of the United Nations Secretary-General in Cyprus, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The Kazakh delegation was briefed on the current activities of the UN Good Offices Mission, efforts aimed at facilitating dialogue between the sides, as well as the work of the bicommunal technical committees established under the auspices of the United Nations to promote practical cooperation between the communities of the island.
Particular attention was paid to the confidence-building measures being implemented, humanitarian cooperation, and efforts aimed at maintaining stability on the island.
The importance of achieving a comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the Cyprus issue exclusively through peaceful means under the auspices of the United Nations was underscored.
The Kazakh side also expressed support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Good Offices Mission aimed at advancing dialogue, strengthening mutual trust, and creating favourable conditions for the continuation of the negotiation process.
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Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Held Talks in Cyprus
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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev, as part of his visit to Nicosia, held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Constantinos Kombos, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The parties noted the steady development of Kazakh-Cypriot relations, grounded in mutual respect, trust, and constructive political dialogue.
Particular attention was paid to the prospects for further expanding practical cooperation across a broad range of bilateral areas.
The sides also discussed preparations for upcoming events at the highest and high levels.
Deputy Minister Bakayev emphasized that Cyprus is an important partner of Kazakhstan in the European Union and the Mediterranean region, and also highlighted the successful presidency of the Republic of Cyprus in the Council of the European Union.
The parties further reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the principles of international law, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
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Tokayev urges stronger security measures amid Middle Corridor freight traffic growth
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On May 18, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan received the interior and public security ministers of Central Asia and China, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Akorda press service.
The Head of State noted that strengthening economic cooperation among the region's countries and implementing joint infrastructure projects are closely linked to security issues.
The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route is becoming a strategic element of Eurasian logistics. Its significance is growing exponentially amid the transformation of global supply chains and rising geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, the increase in cargo traffic poses certain risks. The point at issue is transnational crime: the smuggling of contraband, drugs, and weapons," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The President highlighted the need to harness the existing potential of the Central Asia-China format to build an effective regional security system.
Ministries of internal affairs, in my view, must strengthen cooperation with one another and share information on the most sensitive issues related to security and public order. This fully aligns with the needs and aspirations of our peoples. They demand that the leaders of their states take the most urgent and effective measures to establish order and create favorable conditions for a normal, safe life so that our children feel secure, and citizens can confidently say that the leaders of our countries and the ministers of internal affairs and other agencies are making efforts to ensure the necessary public order in accordance with the law," emphasized the Head of State.
According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan attaches much importance to developing cooperation with the People's Republic of China and Central Asian states based on mutual trust, good neighborliness, and shared responsibility.
The meeting participants reaffirmed their intention to expand practical cooperation, strengthen the exchange of operational information, develop professional contacts, and integrate modern technologies into law enforcement agencies' activities.
In conclusion, the President expressed confidence that the outcomes of the meeting will provide additional impetus to strengthening partnership and cooperation in ensuring security across Central Asia and China.
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Kazakh President receives interior, public security ministers of Central Asia and China
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan met on Monday with the interior and public security ministers of Central Asian countries and China, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Akorda press service.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received Wang Xiaohong, Minister of Public Security of China; Ulan Niyazbekov, Minister of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan; Ramazon Rahimzoda, Minister of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan; Muhammet Hydyrov, Minister of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan; and Aziz Tashpulatov, Minister of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan. The officials arrived in Astana to participate in the second Central Asia-China format meeting of law enforcement agencies.
At the meeting, the parties discussed measures to ensure regional security, combat transnational crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime, extremism, and other contemporary challenges.
The Head of State highlighted that strengthening cooperation between the law enforcement agencies of Central Asian countries and China is of great importance for ensuring stability and security in the region.
Transnational organized crime is becoming increasingly agile and integrated. Cybercrime has turned into a highly profitable global industry, causing billions of dollars in damage. With ever-increasing frequency, criminal groups are using the digital environment to coordinate their activities, launder money, and carry out attacks that know no state borders. Located at the crossroads of major transport and trade routes, Central Asia objectively remains in the spotlight of transnational criminal networks. In this regard, countering transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking is becoming particularly acute. I am convinced that only by joining efforts, sharing information, strengthening institutional cooperation, and integrating state-of-the-art technologies will we be able to counter these threats effectively. Kazakhstan consistently advocates for deepening regional and international security cooperation. We are ready for open dialogue, exchanging best practices, and jointly developing solutions to protect our citizens and ensure the sustainable development of our respective states," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
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Informal Meeting of the OTS Council of Foreign Ministers Held in Turkistan
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The heads of foreign ministries of the Organization’s member states gathered in the city sacred to the entire Turkic world to discuss strategic directions for the further development of Turkic integration amid global geopolitical and technological transformations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The meeting focused on strengthening political coordination, expanding trade and economic cooperation, developing transport and logistics connectivity, as well as creating a common digital and innovation space among the Turkic states.
In his remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev emphasized that the OTS is evolving not only into an important mechanism of interstate cooperation, but also into one of the promising centres of global development capable of uniting the vast human, intellectual and technological potential of the Turkic world.
Special attention was paid to issues related to artificial intelligence, digitalization, cybersecurity, the development of space and satellite technologies, as well as the introduction of modern digital solutions in the economy, public administration and humanitarian cooperation.
It was noted that the OTS Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development represents an important stage in shaping a common technological agenda for the Turkic states and reflects the determination of member countries to transform the Turkic space into a dynamic centre of innovation, high technologies, science and digital transformation.
Kazakhstan presented a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening the technological leadership and institutional capacity of the Organization, including the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence University for students from Turkic states, the expansion of cooperation in cybersecurity, and the promotion of international digital initiatives under the auspices of the UN.
The participants also emphasized the need for further improvement of the OTS Secretariat’s activities, expansion of its institutional capabilities, and strengthening of its coordinating role in the implementation of joint projects and initiatives.
The ministers also exchanged views on current international and regional issues, the sustainability of global transport routes, the development of the Middle Corridor, as well as the further strengthening of cultural and humanitarian ties among Turkic peoples.
Following the meeting, the participants agreed on the draft Turkistan Declaration, draft decisions of the OTS Council of Heads of State, and signed a decision on strengthening the institutional and digital capacity of the Organization’s Secretariat.
The holding of the meeting in Turkistan became a symbol of the inseparable connection between the shared historical heritage of the Turkic peoples and their common future -a future based on unity, innovation, digital progress and strategic partnership.
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Kazakhstan Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Cooperation within BRICS
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First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev participated in the BRICS Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in New Delhi on May 14-15, 2026, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the meeting, the participants discussed a wide range of pressing international and regional issues, including prospects for reforming the global governance system, strengthening multilateral cooperation, ensuring stable economic growth, enhancing trade and economic ties, as well as cooperation in the fields of digital transformation, energy, and climate change mitigation.
In his remarks, First Deputy Minister Ashikbayev emphasized the importance of further strengthening multilateral cooperation, developing international transport and logistics corridors and connectivity, promoting digital transformation and artificial intelligence, as well as expanding industrial cooperation, technological exchange, and energy interaction, including the development of green energy and critical minerals. He also underscored the growing role of BRICS as one of the key mechanisms for shaping a more equitable, inclusive, and balanced architecture of global governance.
Reaffirming Kazakhstan’s commitment, as a BRICS partner country, to practical and results-oriented engagement within the association, he highlighted the priority of deepening cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, transport connectivity, and innovation-driven development.
Particular attention was paid to sustainable development issues, including ensuring energy and food security, as well as advancing the climate agenda while taking into account the interests of developing countries. In this context, Ashikbayev highlighted the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish a UN-backed International Water Organization aimed at consolidating fragmented international efforts in the water sector.
On the sidelines of the event, First Deputy Minister Ashikbayev also held a number of bilateral meetings, including with India’s Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, as well as with the heads of foreign ministries of BRICS member and partner states. The discussions focused on current issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Following the meeting, the participants reaffirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation within the BRICS framework and advancing joint initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable development and enhancing the stability of the global economy.
The Republic of Kazakhstan has been a BRICS partner country since January 1, 2025. In 2026, the Republic of India holds the BRICS Chairmanship under the motto "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability."
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Tokayev rejects idea of military alliance of Turkic states
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has stated that Kazakhstan does not support the idea of turning the Organization of Turkic States into a military alliance or a geopolitical project, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The Head of State made this statement amid discussions about a possible military union.
Recently, some have expressed opinions about a military alliance. Their negative intentions are clear to us. It is also known that their goals have nothing to do with reconciliation. Kazakhstan believes that such a stance should be rejected. For us, strengthening the unity of the Turkic world is a critically important and urgent priority. The Organization of Turkic States is not a geopolitical project or a military organization. It is a unique platform that strengthens trade, economic, high-tech, digital, cultural, and people-to-people cooperation among brotherly countries," said Tokayev.
According to him, the Turkic world should "live in peace and develop together without straying from its goals."
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