Berik Uali named Chairman of Khabar News Agency
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Born in 1977, Berik Uali graduated from the Zhurgenov Kazakh State Institute of Theater and Cinema. He also holds Master’s degrees from the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and the Kazakh Humanitarian and Legal Innovative University.
Throughout his career, he worked for a number of Kazakhstani TV channels, namely Tan, NTK, 31 channel, Khabar and Qazaqstan. He also held several posts in the regional administration of South Kazakhstan and Zhambyl regions, as well as Nur Media LLP and the Ministry for Investment and Development. He was a counselor of the first deputy chairman of the Nur Otan Party.
In March 2019 he was named the Press Secretary of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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Kazakh Ambassador Meets with the Minister of Culture of Moldova
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Kazakh Ambassador to Moldova, Almat Aidarbekov, held a meeting with the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, Cristian Jardan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cultural and humanitarian cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The Ambassador congratulated the Minister on his appointment and wished him success in his responsible position, noting Kazakhstan’s commitment to further deepening friendly relations between Astana and Chișinău.
А.Aidarbekov highlighted the positive development of the opening of the Moldovan Embassy in Astana in 2025, which became an important step in strengthening bilateral relations.
The Kazakh diplomat spoke about cultural events organized by the Embassy. In 2023, the Embassy invited the ethno-folklore group Turan. He also emphasized the interest of the Moldovan audience in Kazakh music groups that regularly tour Moldova, including BN Team Orchestra, Tynda Music, Ne Prosto Orchestra, and others.
On November 18, 2025, the Embassy organized a screening of the Kazakh historical drama "Dawn of the Great Steppe" in Chișinău, with the participation of the lead actor, Berik Aitzhanov.
The Ambassador presented the main directions of Kazakhstan’s cultural policy and informed the Minister about ongoing projects aimed at promoting national cultural heritage and strengthening intercultural dialogue.
In turn, Minister Jardan emphasized the importance of strengthening partnership in the cultural sphere. He also confirmed readiness to expand joint initiatives aimed at supporting creative exchanges and organizing cultural events.
C. Jardan outlined the Ministry’s priorities, including modernization of cultural infrastructure, support for creative groups, preservation of national heritage, development of international cultural exchange, and ensuring broad public access to culture. He stressed the importance of expanding partnerships that promote the country’s cultural potential.
Both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further deepening cooperation and maintaining constructive dialogue.
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Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Holds Bilateral Meetings with OSCE Leadership
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Within the framework of the 32nd Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a series of bilateral meetings with the heads of key institutions of OSCE, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The Kazakh Foreign Minister met with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) MariaTelalian, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Jan Braathu, and OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) Christophe Kamp.
During the meeting with Secretary General Sinirlioglu, Minister Kosherbayev emphasized the strategic nature of Kazakhstan’s cooperation with the Organization, noting that the development of comprehensive interaction within the OSCE is one of the priorities of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy.
The parties discussed issues related to strengthening regional security, expanding practical cooperation, and jointly implementing initiatives across all three dimensions of the OSCE - politico-military, economic-environmental, and human dimensions.
During the meeting with HCNM Kamp, Minister addressed issues of ethnic diversity, highlighting Kazakhstan’s unique experience in promoting interethnic harmony.
We share the view that a diverse society is a strength. Kazakhstan is a clear example of peaceful coexistence and inter-ethnic cooperation among different communities. While ethnic diversity may often be regarded as a risk factor, for us it is a national asset and a strategic advantage," he stated.
The meetings with Director Telalian and Representative Braathu focused on democratic development, rule of law, freedom of the media, human rights protection, and the strengthening of civil society institutions.
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Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Central Asia and Northern Europe Countries Held in Vienna
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Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev participated in the meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs of Central Asian and Nordic countries that was held within the framework of the 32nd Ministerial Council meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Representatives of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden attended the regional meeting.
The discussions focused on a number of issues of practical engagement between Central Asian and Nordic countries in such spheres as economy, environment, transport and logistics, education, innovations and promoting regional partnership.
In his speech, Minister Kosherbayev informed about deepening of regional cooperation in Central Asia and highlighted opportunities to promote mutually beneficial engagement at both the bilateral and multilateral level with Nordic countries.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the readiness to further advance the "Central Asia - Northern Europe" dialogue was reaffirmed, while the importance of regular contacts and experience sharing on key areas of mutual interest was underscored. Kazakhstan expressed its commitment to strengthening the partnership, highlighting the importance of joint efforts to promote sustainable development and reinforce stability across the space of interregional cooperation.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and António Costa Deliver Joint Statement
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In his remarks, the President Tokayev emphasized that the talks with President António Costa were highly productive and held in an open, friendly, and constructive atmosphere, akorda.kz reports.
Kazakhstan and the European Union are bound by comprehensive cooperation, mutual trust and understanding. We have covered a wide-ranging agenda and reaffirmed the strong commitment to elevating our partnership to new heights. As I have just mentioned, President Costa’s visit comes on the eve of the 10th anniversary of our Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Kazakhstan was the first country in Central Asia to sign and ratify this "new-generation" accord. This landmark document has become the foundation of our bilateral relations. It covers key areas of interaction, including trade, investment, infrastructure, innovation, culture, and more," - stated the Head of State.
President Tokayev noted that economic cooperation became a central theme of the discussions.
We agreed today on steps to further increase and diversify our trade and investment ties. Kazakhstan will continue to ensure stable and transparent investment climate for European businesses. We see great opportunities to venture in energy efficiency, critical minerals, digital technologies, and transport connectivity," - emphasized President Tokayev.
According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the talks also explored ways to strengthen transport and logistics connectivity, including the joint development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
We welcomed the active work of the Kazakhstan-EU Coordination Platform and the EU’s Global Gateway initiative. Kazakhstan stands ready to support the EU’s €12 billion euro investment package for Central Asia in transport, raw materials, green energy and digital projects. We are confident that together we can turn Kazakhstan into a key Eurasian transportation hub, benefiting all sides. We also discussed opportunities to ensure energy security and stability of supplies and agreed to cooperate in broadening energy partnership into new areas such as critical minerals, nuclear sector, petrochemicals, as well as renewable energy. Our aim is to integrate Kazakhstan more deeply into European supply chains not just as a supplier of raw materials, but by developing local processing, value-added production, and recycling capacities in line with EU standards," - noted the President.
President Tokayev stated that particular attention was devoted to expanding cooperation in digitalization.
By sharing expertise and investing in technology, Kazakhstan and the EU are building a more inclusive and modern digital economy. Under the Team Europe Initiative on Digital Connectivity, our countries are partnering to expand secure internet access via satellite, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach regions. We also agreed to consider the opportunity of hosting the first Central Asia - EU Innovation Campus at the Astana Hub to bring together startups, tech researchers, digital entrepreneurs. Kazakhstan appreciates the EU’s Horizon Europe and the Global Gateway vision, which supports secure and trusted digital connections worldwide and we are proud to be a part of this effort," - said the Head of State.
He highlighted the importance of people-to-people contacts as a foundation for long-term partnership.
I expressed gratitude for the EU’s continuous support in the field of education, research, and academic mobility. Thousands of young Kazakh citizens have benefited from EU programs, including Erasmus+, and we highly appreciate the EU’s readiness to further expand these exchanges. Kazakhstan is committed to strengthening cooperation in higher education, including through deeper university partnerships, joint programs, and mutual recognition of qualifications. We look forward to continuing engagement with the EU partners on ways to simplify visa procedures for our citizens. Greater mobility will directly support education cooperation, scientific collaboration, cultural exchange, and B-to-B activity," - stressed President Tokayev.
Kazakhstan and the EU reaffirmed their unwavering adherence to the UN Charter and international law.
We also placed special emphasis on the importance of further advancing cross-regional cooperation. In this context, we believe that the Central Asia - EU dialogue platform has become an effective tool for addressing regional priorities across connectivity, trade, transport, green energy, water management, and digital transformation. Today’s meeting has reaffirmed that we are entering a new stage of our partnership - one that is more strategic, dynamic, and future-oriented. I am confident that the agreements we reached today will soon translate into concrete projects and initiatives," - concluded the Head of State.
According to António Costa, the partnership between the European Union and Kazakhstan is delivering concrete results.
This week in Brussels, we just launched negotiations on a Visa Facilitation Agreement. I know very well how these talks matter deeply to both Kazakh and European citizens. When concluded, this agreement will make it easier for our people to meet, study, work, and invest - a real sign of the friendship between our peoples," - he said.
The President of the European Council recalled that the "European Union - Central Asia" Summit in Samarkand set the goal of elevating interregional cooperation to a strategic level. Priority areas identified during the summit include transport, energy, climate and water resources, critical raw materials, digitalization, and expanding people-to-people contacts.
António Costa stressed the importance of coordinating efforts amid growing global tensions and conflicts that threaten the international order.
As we know, the European Union has worked firmly with Ukraine to stop the war. And we are working closely with our partners and remain committed to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine. In this context, I want to stress my deep appreciation for Kazakhstan’s consistent defense of the United Nations Charter and the rules-based order. We also welcome Kazakhstan’s active and constructive role in regional stability, in particular your support to the Armenia-Azerbaijan settlement. A peaceful and prosperous South Caucasus is vital for stronger links between Europe and Central Asia," - said the President of the European Council.
He also commended the reform agenda pursued by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The dynamism of Kazakhstan's society, together with the economic, political, and social reforms launched by President Tokayev, are an excellent basis for the progress of our cooperation to the next level. I'm convinced that together we can turn common challenges into shared opportunities for the future of our people and our societies," - stated António Costa.
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Kazakh Foreign Minister Holds Bilateral Meetings on Margins of OSCE Ministerial Council
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On the sidelines of the 32nd meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev met with the heads of foreign ministries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Austria, Federal Republic of Germany, the Hellenic Republic, Georgia, and Ukraine, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The talks focused on the priorities of bilateral cooperation, promoting political dialogue, broadening trade and investment partnership and engagement within the framework of the OSCE and other multilateral platforms.
The meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Netherlands, David van Weel, provided an opportunity to review opportunities for strengthening priority sectors and outlined new prospective areas of Kazakh-Dutch trade and investment partnership. The foreign ministers of the two countries affirmed shared interest in strengthening political dialogue and bilateral ties at all levels.
The current state and prospects for the further development of Kazakh-Cypriot cooperation in the political, trade and economic, investment, and cultural and humanitarian spheres were discussed with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Constantinos Kombos. The interlocutors reaffirmed their mutual commitment to continuing constructive dialogue and further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
During the talks with Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria, the current state and prospects for the development of Kazakh-Austrian relations were discussed, as well as relevant issues on the international and regional agenda. They underlined the importance of dialogue and facilitating economic cooperation within the framework of bilateral Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council.
With Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Johann Wadephul, the parties welcomed the outcomes of the latest consultations between the two countries’ foreign ministries, underlining opportunities for further comprehensive strengthening of Kazakh-German ties. The ministers expressed the interest in maintaining regular contacts, broadening inter-ministerial engagement and agreed to deepen ties between Astana and Berlin in all priority sectors.
During the talks with Georgios Gerapetritis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, the parties reviewed the current state and the potential for further deepening Kazakh-Greek relations. Particular attention was devoted to the dynamics of cooperation in the political sphere, as well as to expanding partnership in the trade, economic, investment, and cultural-humanitarian spheres.
With Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Bochorishvili, interlocutors discussed current issues on the bilateral agenda, reaffirming their commitment to deepening political dialogue and enhancing trade-economic, transport-logistics, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation. Special attention was given to the prospects for expanding cooperation within the framework of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and joint efforts to develop the region’s transit potential.
At a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the parties discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation, paying particular attention to interaction in the political, economic, and humanitarian spheres. The interlocutors confirmed their mutual interest in developing traditionally friendly relations between Kazakhstan and Ukraine and supporting constructive political dialogue. They also exchanged views on regional and international agenda issues, including the role of the OSCE in the Eurasian region.
Following the meetings, the foreign ministers expressed their intention to further advance comprehensive partnership, strengthen inter-agency ties, and promote common approaches to key issues on the international and regional agenda.
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Kazakhstan Advocates for Strengthening Dialogue and Adhering to the OSCE’s Fundamental Principles
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Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev participated in the 32nd meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The meeting’s participants reviewed the results of the Finnish Chairpersonship, exchanged views on assessments of key security challenges in the OSCE region and discussed ways to address the Organization’s institutional issues.
In his speech, the Kazakh Foreign Minister emphasized that the anniversaries of the Helsinki Final Act and the Astana Declaration clearly demonstrate the enduring relevance of the OSCE’s fundamental principles. He pointed out that the international community’s goal is not to revise these principles, but to demonstrate political will to consistently adhere to them. He also noted that the Organization has unique tools in the areas of prevention, mediation and monitoring and called for their effective use.
Minister Kosherbayev stressed the need to choose diplomacy over confrontation. He emphasized that Kazakhstan advocates diplomatic solution to crises based on international law, including the situation in Ukraine, the Middle East and other regions. In this context, he welcomed the signing of the Peace Declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as progress in resolving border issues between the Central Asian countries.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister stated that Central Asia is becoming a more united and constructive region, actively participating in global processes. He also paid special attention to the importance of stability and sustainable development in Afghanistan. In this regard, he noted the significance of the establishment of the UN Regional Center for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, which will become a practical tool for strengthening regional cooperation.
Regarding the OSCE’s economic and environmental dimension, the Kazakh Foreign Minister emphasized the need to strengthen efforts to develop connectivity, a green economy, and enhance the region’s environmental sustainability. Key challenges highlighted included the shrinking of the Aral and Caspian Seas, climate change, desertification, and water scarcity. Kazakhstan intends to actively promote solutions in these areas, including at the Regional Environmental Summit in Astana in April 2026.
Minister Kosherbayev also reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to promoting human rights, democracy, the rule of law and gender equality within the OSCE human dimension, noting the large-scale democratic reforms being implemented in the country.
In conclusion, he assured that Kazakhstan will continue to actively engage with the incoming Swiss Chairpersonship and all member states to strengthen the OSCE as a unique, inclusive platform for dialogue and cooperation in the field of security.
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