Astana Hosts Discussion on Strengthening Cooperation Among Asian Regional Organizations
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A roundtable of heads of executive bodies of Asian regional organizations was held in Astana. The event was organized by the Secretariat of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) to mark its 20th anniversary, the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan reported.
Participants discussed the activities of existing Asian organizations and multilateral platforms, as well as opportunities to expand regional cooperation and coordinate joint initiatives.
Special attention was paid to the work of organizations within the United Nations system and the challenges they face in the current international environment.
Representatives of regional organizations also exchanged experiences on maintaining dialogue, building trust, and enhancing cooperation amid growing regional and global risks.
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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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Preparations for the First Summit of the Central Asia–Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum Discussed in Tashkent
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Hungarian Ambassador Received at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Upon Completion of Diplomatic Mission
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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov received the Ambassador of Hungary to Kazakhstan, Ottó Ivan Róna, on the completion of his diplomatic mission in our country.
Kazakh diplomat expressed his appreciation to his Hungarian counterpart for his active and fruitful work aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. Noting the high level of strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Hungary, Deputy Minister Issetov emphasized the importance of maintaining stable and mutually beneficial ties with Budapest.
During your diplomatic tenure, our countries marked the tenth anniversary of the establishment of strategic partnership. I am confident that we should continue to make every effort to further advance bilateral cooperation, building on the principles of open dialogue," he noted.
Ambassador Róna expressed his gratitude to the Kazakh side for the comprehensive support provided throughout his mission. The Hungarian diplomat confirmed his country’s interest in further developing constructive dialogue and expanding cooperation with Kazakhstan.
At the end of the meeting, Deputy Minister Issetov wished the Hungarian diplomat every success and the realization of all plans.
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Kazakhstan-Morocco Trade Surpasses $460 Million
Trade between Kazakhstan and Morocco has increased by 68% since the opening of Kazakhstan’s embassy in the North African country and exceeded $460 million by the end of last year, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The growth of economic ties was discussed in Casablanca during a meeting between ambassadors of Asia-Pacific countries and Mehdi Tazi, Chairman of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM). The participants highlighted significant potential for expanding trade, investment and business cooperation.
Particular attention was given to the establishment of a Kazakhstan-Morocco Business Council. Its inaugural meeting is scheduled to take place in July in Casablanca and will bring together representatives of the Kazakh business community.
The parties also discussed promising areas of cooperation and potential joint projects. The Kazakh side noted the positive impact of the visa-free regime on the development of business and tourism exchanges between the two countries.
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Future of Afghanistan and Regional Cooperation Discussed in Almaty
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The eighth meeting of Special Representatives and Envoys of the European Union and Central Asian countries on Afghanistan was held at UN Plaza, the United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan, in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.
Participants discussed the situation in Afghanistan, regional security issues, the humanitarian situation, human rights, climate change and water resource management. Particular attention was paid to the development of transport and transit corridors through Afghanistan, which could strengthen trade links between Central Asia, South Asia and the European Union.
The meeting highlighted Kazakhstan’s commitment to addressing regional challenges through political and diplomatic means, promoting good-neighbourly relations and strengthening the role of the United Nations in international affairs. Heads of delegations praised Kazakhstan’s contribution to supporting international dialogue on Afghanistan, providing humanitarian assistance, implementing educational programmes and advancing regional economic integration.
Kazakhstan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Yerkin Tukumov, said the country follows a policy of "pragmatic engagement without recognition" and continues to develop transport, energy and humanitarian ties with Afghanistan.
On the issue of official recognition, we will rely on decisions adopted by the United Nations Security Council. We have stopped viewing Afghanistan solely as a source of regional security threats. Afghanistan should also be seen in terms of the opportunities it offers for the region and for Kazakhstan. Rapid results should not be expected, particularly when it comes to implementing projects and assessing their benefits and risks," he said.
Turkmenistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Ahmet Gurbanov, stressed that Ashgabat continues to support a peaceful and economically stable Afghanistan and regards the country as an important participant in regional integration processes.
The European Union’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Gilles Bertrand, described the EU-Central Asia format as a unique platform for regular dialogue on Afghan issues. He also underlined the need for continued support for the Afghan population amid declining levels of international assistance.
Kaha Imnadze, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative, stated that long-term stability in Afghanistan can only be achieved through the country’s full integration into regional economic processes.
Participants also highlighted the importance of the UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty and noted the city’s growing role as a platform for international dialogue.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation among Central Asian countries, the European Union and United Nations institutions in support of peace, stability and sustainable development in Afghanistan.
Representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, the European Union and the United Nations took part in the meeting.
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Asia and Morocco Chart a Course for Stronger Trade and Economic Partnership
Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Morocco Saulekul Sailaukyzy took part in a meeting of Ambassadors of the Asia-Pacific countries with the President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), Mehdi Tazi, held at the organization's headquarters in Casablanca.
The event brought together the Heads of Diplomatic Missions of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines accredited to the Kingdom of Morocco.
Speaking in her capacity as Dean of the Asia-Pacific diplomatic group, Ambassador Sailaukyzy highlighted the significant potential for trade and economic cooperation between Asian countries and Morocco and stressed the importance of making fuller use of existing opportunities to expand trade, investment and business ties.
Referring to the dynamic development of Kazakh-Moroccan relations, the Ambassador noted that since the opening of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Morocco in 2021, bilateral trade has increased by 68%, exceeding USD 460 million last year. She also emphasized the positive impact of the visa-free regime on the expansion of business and tourism exchanges between the two countries.
Particular attention was given to the establishment of the Kazakhstan-Morocco Business Council, whose inaugural meeting will take place in Casablanca in July this year. A high-level delegation of Kazakh business representatives is expected to participate, marking an important step toward strengthening direct contacts between the business communities of the two countries.
Opening the meeting, CGEM President Mehdi Tazi briefed participants on the key trends in Morocco’s socio-economic development, highlighting the resilience of the national economy and the Kingdom’s strategic position at the crossroads of Africa, Europe and the Arab world. He also underscored the importance of establishing bilateral business councils as an effective mechanism for translating political dialogue into practical joint projects.
During the discussion, the Ambassadors noted the positive dynamics of their countries’ relations with Morocco and exchanged views on further expanding trade and economic cooperation.
On the sidelines of the event, Ambassador Sailaukyzy held a separate meeting with CGEM President Mehdi Tazi. The parties reviewed preparations for the first meeting of the Kazakhstan-Morocco Business Council, discussed prospects for expanding investment cooperation, and considered a number of projects of mutual interest to the business communities of both countries.
The meeting confirmed the growing interest of the Asian business community in the Moroccan market and opened new opportunities for strengthening economic ties between Asia and Morocco.
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Kazakhstan Strengthens Ties with Japan and Serbia
Kazakh diplomats have held talks in Japan and Serbia aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation. Discussions in Tokyo focused on energy and climate issues, while meetings in Belgrade addressed defence and security cooperation, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Japan, Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev, and Tatsuya Terazawa, Chairman of Japan’s Institute of Energy Economics, discussed cooperation in the fields of energy and climate policy. The Kazakh diplomat outlined the "Central Asian Environmental Solidarity" declaration adopted by the heads of state of Central Asia at the Regional Environmental Summit held in Astana in April this year. He also briefed his counterpart on the region’s joint efforts to combat climate change, desertification and environmental pollution.
Terazawa highlighted Kazakhstan’s strategic role in ensuring Japan’s energy security and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in uranium production, the development of critical minerals and renewable energy projects.
The parties also reviewed Kazakhstan’s carbon neutrality roadmap, developed by the Institute of Energy Economics of Japan. The document serves as a tool for Japanese companies to assess opportunities for climate-related investments and the deployment of low-carbon technologies.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Serbia, Madi Atamkulov, met with Serbian Defence Minister Bratislav Gašić. The talks focused on strengthening cooperation in the defence and military-technical sectors. Particular attention was given to the implementation of agreements reached during Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s official visit to Astana on February 26-27, 2026.
Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining constructive dialogue and cooperation in the field of security.
In addition, Kazakhstan and Spain expressed their readiness to further develop their strategic partnership. During the eighth round of political consultations in Astana, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Isetov and Spain’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Diego Martínez, discussed prospects for cooperation in the political, trade, economic, investment, cultural, humanitarian and educational spheres. The officials also exchanged views on current international issues.
Particular attention was paid to expanding trade and investment cooperation. It was noted that Spain remains one of Kazakhstan’s key partners within the European Union, with bilateral trade reaching $1.93 billion in 2025. The two sides expressed interest in implementing joint projects in transport and logistics, renewable energy, agriculture, digitalisation, tourism and education.
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Kazakhstan and Spain Reaffirmed their Commitment to Further Deepening Strategic Partnership
The 8th round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kingdom of Spain was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The Kazakh delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov, while the Spanish delegation was led by State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain Diego Martínez.
During the consultations, the parties discussed a wide range of issues related to the Kazakhstan-Spain strategic partnership in the political, trade, economic, investment, cultural, humanitarian and educational spheres. The sides exchanged views on current regional and international developments, as well as cooperation within international organizations.
Particular attention was paid to the further strengthening of trade and investment cooperation. It was noted that Spain is one of Kazakhstan’s key economic partners among the member states of the European Union. This is evidenced by stable bilateral trade indicators, which reached 1.93 billion US dollars in 2025. The sides expressed interest in further expanding cooperation in the fields of transport and logistics, renewable energy, agro-industrial complex, digitalization, tourism, and education.
A. Issetov emphasized that Kazakhstan regards Spain as one of its key partners in Europe and remains interested in further deepening the strategic partnership based on the principles of mutual respect, trust and pragmatic cooperation.
In his turn D.Martínez reaffirmed Spain’s readiness in expanding multifaceted cooperation with Kazakhstan, noting the considerable potential for the implementation of joint projects in the economic and humanitarian spheres.
Following the consultations, the parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and maintaining an active political dialogue.
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