Catalonia Seeks to Deepen Cooperation with Kazakhstan

The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Austria - Permanent Mission to the International Organizations took part in the "Turkic Week" held in Vienna, within the framework of introduction activities of the Organization of Turkic States, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During Turkic Week, a photo exhibition was organized at the United Nations Office in Vienna, dedicated to the historical and cultural heritage of the OTS member states (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan).

In addition, a roundtable discussion entitled "From the Silk Road to the Middle Corridor: Promoting Connectivity through Transport and Trade Facilitation" was held at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Opening remarks were delivered by Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, OSCE Secretary General, Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of OTS, and Umberto de Pretto, Secretary General of the International Road Transport Union (IRU), as well as representatives of OTS member states, Independent Director and Member of the Board of Directors of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), and Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Lower Austria, Alexander Andreas Schirhuber.

In their statements, the speakers emphasized that the Middle Corridor has become a strategically important transport route between East and West, connecting Asia and Europe through the Turkic region. They noted that the corridor represents a modern continuation of the historic Silk Road, contributing to diversification, resilience, and the establishment of reliable supply chains, as well as to the expansion of trade and economic development of the region.

The roundtable brought together members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of government authorities and the private sector of the Republic of Austria, as well as heads of diplomatic missions of OTS member and observer states, providing an inclusive platform for dialogue and exchange of views.

The series of events continued with a concert program featuring artistic groups from the OTS member states. With the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan was represented by the dombra duo Temirlan Olzhabay and Yernat Nauryz, Kazakh dancer and choreographer Anel Marabayeva, and opera singer Aigerim Altynbek.

 

The Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Strasbourg, Anel Bakytbekkyzy, delivered a lecture to graduate students of the Institute of Political Studies of the University of Strasbourg (Sciences Po), focusing on the foreign policy of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Kazakhstan’s key international initiatives, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The audience, consisting of future public servants and international professionals in law, economics, history, theory, and sociology was informed about the implementation of political reforms and the new economic course outlined by President K. K. Tokayev through a comprehensive analysis of Kazakhstan’s current position in regional and global politics.

A. Bakytbekkyzy spoke about the ongoing institutional reforms, the modernization of the public administration system, as well as the planned parliamentary reform providing for a transition to a unicameral parliament based on broad public dialogue and an upcoming referendum.

The attention of graduate students was drawn to Kazakhstan’s multi-vector foreign policy as a "middle power," with an emphasis on the country’s contribution to and promotion of international security. This includes initiatives in the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, peacekeeping activities under the auspices of the United Nations, mediation efforts aimed at resolving international conflicts, as well as active engagement within international and regional organizations. Detailed information was also provided on Kazakhstan’s bilateral and multilateral cooperation with China, Russia, the United States, and the countries of the European Union.

A separate section of the lecture focused on Kazakhstan’s socio-economic development, presenting current data on macroeconomic growth, economic diversification, investment climate, and digital technology development. Particular emphasis was placed on Kazakhstan’s efforts to reduce dependence on raw material exports, develop logistics, industry, agro-industrial complexes, and the "green" economy.

A.Bakytbekkyzy also briefed attendees on the main points of the Head of State’s message in the interview with Turkistan newspaper on January 5, as well as the declaration of 2026 in Kazakhstan as the "Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence" and elaborated on Kazakhstan’s strategic priorities in AI development.

During the lecture, an overview of Kazakhstan’s relations with France and the EU was also presented. The strategic nature of the Kazakhstan-France partnership was emphasized, along with the dynamics of political dialogue, growth in trade and investment cooperation, and the development of humanitarian, cultural, and educational ties. Special attention was given to the significance of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the EU, as well as the outcomes of the first EU - Central Asia Summit.

On year of the 35th Anniversary of Independence, the Consul General also highlighted Kazakhstan’s national profile, including its geographical location, administrative-territorial structure, demographic characteristics, ethno-religious diversity, and principles of social tolerance. It was highlighted that Kazakhstan, as the largest landlocked country in the world, plays a significant role in ensuring Eurasian transport, energy, and digital connectivity.

The lecture generated keen interest among the audience and was accompanied by an active question-and-answer session.

 

President of Kazakhstan Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev received an official invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to join the newly established Gaza Board of Peace and Kazakhstan to become one of its founding member states, President’s Assistant - Press Secretary Ruslan Zheldibay told Tengrinews.kz, Qazinform News Agency reports.

As written before, the Gaza Board of Peace is being formed by the United States, with invitations sent to world leaders. Argentina, Hungary, Turkiye, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Italy have already received invitations and expressed their intent to accept them. Invitations were also extended to France, Germany, and the UAE, though official responses from these countries have not yet been announced.

Diplomatic circles and journalists noted that the invitation reflects recognition of Kazakhstan’s contribution to global stability and security, including efforts to help resolve the situation in Gaza and the Middle East. To note, Washington also highly appreciated the Kazakh President’s decision to join the Abraham Accords.

 

By Presidential Decree, Kanysh Abubakirov has been appointed First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan, Qazinform News Agency cites the Akorda press service.

Kanysh Abubakirov succeeds Sultan Kamaletdinov, who has been relieved of the post by the respective presidential decree.

Abubakirov was born on February 12, 1977, in the Turkistan region. He is a graduate of the Military Academy of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the National Defense University.

Over the years, he has held various leadership positions, including Deputy Commander of the Airmobile Forces and Head of the Combat Training Department. He also served as Chief of Staff and First Deputy Commander of the Air Assault Forces, Commander of the Regional Command 'West,' and Commander of the Air Assault Forces of the Ground Forces.

Kanysh Abubakirov also served as the Chief of the Main Staff and First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces.

 

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov met with Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia Dace Rutka, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Kazakh-Latvian cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres.

Particular attention was paid to expanding cooperation in the transport and logistics and agricultural sectors, which are of key importance for increasing the volume of mutual trade.

The sides expressed their readiness to continue close cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, and the schedule of bilateral events for 2026 was also discussed.

Following the meeting, the diplomats reaffirmed their commitment to continuing a substantive dialogue and further deepening comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

 

As part of an initiative to develop cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and information technology between the regions of Kazakhstan and Hong Kong, a meeting was held at the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong SAR with representatives of Huazhi Future, ChinoLite, and OMIS Inc. from Pavlodar city, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

Taking into account the participating companies experience of cooperation with Hong Kong law enforcement agencies, Bauyrzhan Dosmanbetov, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong SAR, informed the Hong Kong companies of Kazakhstan’s interest in implementing AI-based solutions in security systems, facial recognition technologies, and efforts to combat cybercrime and drug trafficking in the regions of Kazakhstan.

On their part, representatives of Huazhi Future presented data centers that have been commissioned in Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen in mainland China. In light of the growing global demand for computing power, the CEO of Huazhi Future expressed interest in building data centers in Kazakhstan.

The parties emphasized the significance of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiative to declare 2026 as the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan. In this regard, the Consul General expressed interest in organizing joint events, hackathons, and startup presentations.

 

A meeting was held between Ambassador of Kazakhstan Abzal Saparbekuly and Prosecutor General of Hungary Gábor Bálint Nagy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to the expansion and deepening of cooperation between the prosecution authorities of Kazakhstan and Hungary. It was noted that both countries attach particular importance to matters of mutual legal assistance.

Ambassador Saparbekuly provided a detailed briefing on the ongoing reform of Kazakhstan’s law-enforcement system. In particular, within the framework of the principles of "A Just Kazakhstan" and "Law and Order," he emphasized the strengthening of preventive legal supervision - especially within the prosecution system - as well as measures aimed at protecting the rights of citizens and businesses, combating corruption, and introducing digital solutions. The high level of cooperation between the two countries in the field of international legal cooperation was also highlighted.

For his part, the Prosecutor General of Hungary highly praised Kazakhstan’s domestic reforms, especially in the legislative and legal spheres. He noted that he had been thoroughly informed about the progress of these reforms during the visit of the Chairman of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan, Aslambek Mergaliyev, to Budapest on November 4, 2025. In this context, the importance of further strengthening cooperation between the prosecution authorities of the two countries was emphasized, including through the exchange of experience in the legal and humanitarian fields.

In addition, Gábor Bálint Nagy noted that cooperation between the prosecution authorities of Kazakhstan and Hungary is effective and constructive. He informed the Kazakh side about the introduction of digital technologies in the activities of the Hungarian prosecution service and expressed interest in exchanging experience with Kazakhstan in the field of digitalization, including the application of artificial intelligence technologies.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties expressed mutual interest in continuing and further developing close cooperation between the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Office of the Prosecutor General of Hungary.

 

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Thailand, Margulan Baimukhan, held a meeting with the Minister of Commerce of Thailand, Suphajee Suthumpun, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in further developing trade, economic and investment cooperation, noting the high level of bilateral relations based on 33 years of diplomatic ties between Kazakhstan and Thailand.

The Kazakh diplomat informed the interlocutor that the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has declared the current year the Year of Digitalization. Kazakhstan is consistently advancing its digital economy, with the international IT Astana Hub in operation, and has adopted a Digital Code that establishes a modern and transparent regulatory framework for the development of the digital sector. It was noted that the recently signed Kazakhstan-Thailand Memorandum on cooperation in the digital sphere provides a solid basis for practical engagement in digital trade, fintech, cybersecurity and smart logistics. In addition, Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish a UN ESCAP Digital Solutions Center was presented.

The Ambassador underlined that Thailand is one of Kazakhstan’s key partners in Southeast Asia, noting that approximately 70 percent of Thailand’s trade with Central Asian countries is conducted with Kazakhstan. He also expressed hope that Thailand’s parliamentary elections scheduled for 8 February 2026 would take place in a constructive atmosphere and contribute to the country’s continued stability and sustainable development.

The discussion highlighted the intensification of political contacts in 2024-2025, as well as the steady positive dynamics of bilateral trade. In the first eleven months of 2025, trade turnover increased by 7.5 percent, reaching 235.5 million US dollars. The parties agreed that the existing potential for trade and economic cooperation significantly exceeds current figures.

Particular attention was paid to the launch of the Joint Trade Committee and the Working Group on Agriculture, consideration of opening a Thai Trade Representative Office in Astana or Almaty, as well as prospects for advancing agreements on mutual investment protection and the avoidance of double taxation.

Kazakhstan confirmed its readiness to expand cooperation in the agro-industrial sector, citing the Sea Value project in the Almaty region as a successful example of investment partnership. The parties also exchanged views on transit and logistics cooperation, including the use of the Middle Corridor, and the development of tourism following the launch of direct flights between Almaty, Shymkent and Bangkok.

For her part, Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun emphasized the importance Thailand attaches to strengthening comprehensive trade and economic cooperation with Kazakhstan, viewing it as a key partner in Central Asia.

The Minister also expressed interest in considering an invitation to visit Kazakhstan, during which meetings of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the Joint Trade Committee, as well as business missions involving representatives of the business communities of both countries, could be organized.

The Thai side expressed interest in deepening cooperation in digital solutions, including the use of digitalization to enhance productivity, efficiency and competitiveness in industrial and agro-industrial sectors, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and develop modern value-added chains.

In addition, readiness was confirmed to facilitate the advancement of the draft bilateral agreements currently under consideration and to continue a substantive dialogue on issues related to critical materials and rare earth resources of mutual interest.

The role of Kazakhstan as a reliable transit and logistics hub was underscored, as well as its potential to serve as a gateway for Thai companies seeking greater access to the markets of Central Asia and the CIS, using existing infrastructure and international transport corridors.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to continued constructive dialogue and expressed confidence that the progressive development of cooperation would further strengthen Kazakhstan-Thailand relations and elevate them to a new qualitative level.