First Kazakhstan-Afghanistan Water Resources Management Centre to Open in Kabul
Images | primeminister.kz
The first Kazakhstan-Afghanistan educational and research centre focused on water resources management, irrigation and sustainable agriculture will be established in Kabul. The cooperation agreement was signed by the Kazakh National University of Water Management and Irrigation, the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University and Kabul University, the Kazakh government’s press service said.
The centre is set to be established at Kabul University and will become the first joint Kazakhstan-Afghanistan educational and research platform dedicated to water resources and agriculture.
The facility is expected to focus on specialist training, knowledge exchange, joint research projects and the introduction of modern solutions in the water and agricultural sectors. Educational programmes and scientific support will be provided by Kazakh researchers and experts.
The centre is expected to serve as an inter-university research platform working in the fields of water security, sustainable agriculture, climate change adaptation, environmental monitoring and food security.
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Kazakhstan Accounts for Nearly 13% of EU Oil Imports and 16% of Uranium Supplies, Tokayev Says
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Kazakhstan accounts for nearly 13% of the European Union’s oil imports and 16% of its natural uranium supplies, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in an opinion article published by Euronews ahead of his visit to Brussels.
According to Tokayev, energy security is one of the clearest examples of mutual trust between Kazakhstan and the EU, and cooperation in this area helps strengthen the resilience of both sides amid growing global uncertainty.
The president said energy security has become one of the most tangible manifestations of the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union. He noted that cooperation in the sector contributes to greater stability and resilience for both parties in an increasingly volatile global environment.
Tokayev stressed that the European Union remains Kazakhstan’s largest trade and investment partner. Ten years after the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, the EU continues to play a key role in the country’s economy. Thousands of European companies operate in Kazakhstan and, according to the president, contribute to the modernisation and diversification of the national economy.
The president said the next stage of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union should focus on strengthening resilience, expanding connectivity and creating new opportunities for citizens. He noted that in a changing geopolitical landscape, countries can either divide into competing blocs or build partnerships based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Tokayev also highlighted the prospects for cooperation in food security. He noted that Kazakhstan is one of the world's leading grain producers and exporters and has significant potential to support the European market as it seeks to diversify supply sources.
The president also focused on the development of the Middle Corridor linking Europe and Asia. He stressed that Kazakhstan views transport connectivity as a key driver of economic growth and believes the route can become a vital bridge between European markets and the countries of Central Asia.
In addition, Tokayev called for expanded cooperation in critical raw materials, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, science and education. He said Kazakhstan is interested in joint innovation projects and the further development of academic mobility programmes.
In the article, Tokayev also stated that Kazakhstan is continuing political and economic reforms aimed at improving the effectiveness of state institutions, strengthening the rule of law and creating a predictable environment for investors.
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Tokayev to Visit Brussels for Talks with EU Leaders
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will pay an official visit to Brussels on 22-23 June at the invitation of European Council President António Costa, the Foreign Ministry said.
During the visit, Tokayev is scheduled to hold talks with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The discussions will focus on prospects for strengthening the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
The programme also includes a meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
In addition, Tokayev will address a Kazakhstan-EU roundtable attended by executives of major European companies and hold a number of bilateral meetings.
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Kazakhstan and Greece Discussed Prospects for Trade and Economic Cooperation
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Alibek Kuantyrov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, met with Antonia Katzourou, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hellenic Republic to the Republic of Kazakhstan.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of Kazakh-Greek cooperation, focusing on expanding trade, economic, and investment ties.
A.Katzourou noted that one of the key results of the Deputy Minister's visit to Greece in April of this year was the importance attached to convening the next meeting of the Kazakh-Greek Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Technological Cooperation.
A.Kuantyrov expressed confidence in the success of the next meeting of the Kazakh-Greek Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Technological Cooperation, scheduled for the second half of this year in Athens.
The Deputy Minister emphasized Kazakhstan's interest in further developing its partnership with Greece and attracting Greek investment in priority economic sectors such as renewable energy, transport and logistics, metallurgy, agro-industry, waste recycling, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and digital technologies. In this regard, the importance of intensifying contacts between the business communities of the two countries and implementing joint projects was noted.
Kuantyrov noted the positive results of the talks with representatives of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Greek institutions, financial organizations, and leading Greek companies.
The discussions demonstrated mutual interest in expanding cooperation across a number of priority areas and created a solid basis for advancing practical initiatives between our countries," - he added.
It is worth noting that trade turnover between the countries over the past year amounted to $2.4 billion. Trade and economic relations are based on Kazakhstan's exports of crude oil, polypropylene, ferroalloys, and lentils, while Greece's exports include pharmaceuticals, soil sorting and crushing equipment, amino-aldehyde, phenol-aldehyde resins, and polyurethanes, milk processing equipment, and other products.
A.Katsourou confirmed Greece's interest in strengthening economic cooperation with Kazakhstan and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue working together to advance the bilateral economic agenda and maintain regular dialogue on investment cooperation.
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Prospects for Expanding Kazakhstan’s Investment Cooperation with Foreign Partners Discussed in Tashkent
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As part of the visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan to participate in the 5th Tashkent International Investment Forum, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov held a series of meetings with representatives of foreign governments and business circles.
During a meeting with Lord Jason Stockwood, Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom and Minister for Investment at the Department for Business and Trade and HM Treasury, the parties discussed the current state and future prospects of trade, economic and investment cooperation.
Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, the ratification process of which was completed in June this year. The parties also discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in the fields of energy, critical minerals, transport and logistics, finance, education and healthcare.
А. Kuantyrov emphasized that the United Kingdom is one of Kazakhstan’s key investment partners and ranks among the largest foreign investors in the country’s economy. In this regard, Kazakhstan’s interest in attracting British investment and technologies to priority sectors of the national economy was reaffirmed.
As part of the visit, a meeting was also held with Bekzod Mamatkulov, Chairman of the Founders’ Council of the Uzbek holding company BMB Holding.
The parties discussed prospects for further developing trade, economic and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as well as opportunities for implementing joint projects in the agro-industrial sector, tourism, food industry, logistics and mutual trade.
The interlocutors noted the high level of Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan relations based on strategic partnership and alliance, and emphasized the importance of further strengthening cooperation between the business communities of the two countries and advancing new joint initiatives.
Following the meetings, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further expanding trade, economic, investment and business cooperation, as well as promoting joint projects aimed at sustainable development and strengthening regional economic ties.
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Astana and Brussels Discuss New Areas of Cooperation
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Kazakhstan and Montenegro Pledge to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
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Kazakhstan and Montenegro have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening and diversifying bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both countries and their peoples. The commitment was outlined in a joint statement issued by the two leaders, according to the Akorda presidential press service.
The presidents also held substantive talks covering a wide range of bilateral issues, as well as key regional and global developments. They underscored the importance of maintaining regular high-level contacts and agreed to continue a constructive dialogue on matters of mutual interest.
The parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and the fundamental principles of international law. They also expressed their readiness to coordinate efforts within international organisations and support initiatives aimed at strengthening regional and global stability," Akorda said in a statement.
The Montenegrin side also expressed its high appreciation for Kazakhstan’s consistent commitment to political transformation and economic modernisation through comprehensive constitutional and institutional reforms aimed at improving public administration and ensuring sustainable long-term development.
In addition, the two countries agreed to promote cooperation in higher education, science and research, and to explore opportunities for implementing joint academic and scientific initiatives, the press service added.
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Kazakhstan Strengthens Its Position as a UN Regional Hub
In the first half of June, Kazakhstan took a series of steps that could significantly strengthen its role as a regional centre for international cooperation.
Developments in recent weeks suggest that the country is gradually moving beyond participation in international initiatives towards building its own infrastructure for engagement with United Nations agencies and global development institutions.
One of the key events was the opening of the first United Nations Global Compact regional office in Central Asia, located in Almaty. The new office is intended to serve as a platform for promoting the principles of responsible business conduct, sustainable development and corporate governance across the region. Through the office, companies will gain access to international compliance standards, environmental and social responsibility practices, and tools for implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The opening carries significance beyond symbolism. The UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, bringing together thousands of companies and organisations in more than 160 countries. The decision to establish its regional representation in Almaty reflects Kazakhstan's growing importance as a centre of international economic and expert engagement in Central Asia.
This development was followed by another important step in mid-June. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law ratifying the agreement between the Government of Kazakhstan and the United Nations on the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan. At the same time, a memorandum of understanding between Kazakhstan and the UN, setting out the operational framework for the new centre, was also ratified.
In practical terms, this means the creation of a new international platform in Kazakhstan that will coordinate efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals across Central Asia and Afghanistan. The centre is expected to serve as a mechanism for cooperation among national governments, international organisations, the expert community and development institutions.
It is important to note that the decisions taken in June form part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan's role in international affairs. In recent years, the country has steadily expanded the presence of international organisations on its territory, hosted negotiations and regional dialogue platforms, and advanced initiatives within the United Nations, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and other international bodies.
A notable assessment in this context came from Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev. Responding to a question from Kazakhstan Today regarding the country's prospects following the opening of the UN Global Compact office and the establishment of the UN Regional Centre, the foreign minister said Kazakhstan was steadily emerging as a regional hub for the United Nations.
Today, more than 60 international organisations are based in Almaty. This in itself demonstrates that Kazakhstan is becoming a regional centre for international organisations. We fully support this process," Kosherbayev said.
According to the minister, strengthening Kazakhstan's position as a host country for international organisations creates additional opportunities for participation in a wide range of international programmes.
Kosherbayev also highlighted Almaty's advantages as a location for international institutions. He noted that the city's developed infrastructure, security and accessibility of essential services contribute to its attractiveness as an international centre.
From a foreign policy perspective, these developments reflect Kazakhstan's efforts to strengthen its international standing and strategic autonomy. While the country's primary objective during the early years of independence was integration into existing international structures, it is now increasingly acting as an organiser and coordinator of regional initiatives. The establishment of new UN institutions in Almaty is among the clearest examples of this shift.
At the same time, the connection between diplomacy and economic development is becoming more pronounced. The presence of international organisations contributes to attracting investment, developing expert capacity, expanding international networks and raising the country's global profile. As a result, international engagement is increasingly viewed not only as a foreign policy instrument, but also as a driver of long-term economic growth and human capital development.
Taken together, the developments of recent weeks point to the emergence of a new direction in Kazakhstan's foreign policy - one centred on strengthening the country's role as a regional platform for international cooperation and global development initiatives.
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International Influence and Digital Modernisation: New Priorities in Kazakhstan’s Policy Agenda
Kazakhstan has continued to pursue a strategy aimed at strengthening its international standing, advancing the digital economy and modernising state institutions. During the period under review, key priorities included foreign policy initiatives, the introduction of new financial instruments, the expansion of international cooperation and investment diplomacy. At the same time, the government maintained its focus on improving social infrastructure and developing human capital.
Politics: Expanding International Influence Through Institutions and Diplomacy
The most significant political development was the completion of the legal framework for the United Nations Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan. On 17 June, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed laws ratifying the agreement between Kazakhstan and the UN, as well as the memorandum governing the centre’s activities.
The new institution will work with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. The decision strengthens Kazakhstan’s position as one of Central Asia’s key international platforms and reflects Astana’s ambition to play a more prominent role in regional cooperation.
Diplomatic activity also remained high. Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev took part in a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Council of Foreign Ministers. At the same time, Kazakhstan continued engagement with China, Canada, the European Union and the Republic of Korea. Kazakhstan and the EU advanced to the next stage of negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission arrangements.
Notably, foreign policy is becoming increasingly focused on practical objectives, including attracting investment, expanding trade, developing transport corridors and strengthening technological cooperation. Economic diplomacy is emerging as one of the government’s principal policy instruments.
Economy: Digital Infrastructure and International Cooperation
The key economic development was the announcement that a unified interbank QR payment system will be launched on 19 July. The new infrastructure will enable customers of different banks to pay for goods and services using a single QR code, regardless of their banking provider.
The launch marks another milestone in the digitalisation of Kazakhstan’s financial sector. The process has been further reinforced by the legislative framework for the digital assets industry, which came into effect on 1 May.
International economic cooperation also continued to expand. Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Thailand reached $255.1 million in 2025. The two sides discussed prospects for cooperation in food security, digital technologies, logistics and the implementation of joint projects in third-country markets, including African states.
Another important development for the scientific and technological sector was the confirmation that Almaty will host the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International Conference on Research Reactors in 2028. The event is expected to bring together around 400 scientists and experts from across the world. Plans were also announced to extend the operational lifespan of the WWR-K research reactor until at least 2040.
Society: Investing in Human Capital
The social agenda remained focused on education, science and human capital development. President Tokayev supported the decision to grant Astana Medical University national university status. The institution will also be named after the distinguished scientist Toregeldy Sharmanov, underlining the government’s commitment to advancing medical science and specialist training.
The government’s decision to award state bonuses to medallists of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games also attracted considerable public attention. Olympic champion Mikhail Shaidorov is set to receive $250,000, while financial rewards will also be provided to Nadezhda Morozova, who finished among the top six athletes at the Games.
These decisions reflect a broader strategy centred on human capital development. Education, science, healthcare and sport are increasingly viewed as key drivers of the country’s long-term competitiveness.
Analysis and Conclusion
The defining trend of the period has been the strengthening of an institutional approach to national development. The establishment of the UN Regional Centre, the expansion of economic diplomacy, the launch of a unified QR payment system and support for scientific and educational initiatives all form part of a broader modernisation strategy.
Kazakhstan is reinforcing its role as a regional hub for international cooperation while simultaneously promoting economic digitalisation and human capital development. Increasingly, the country’s international engagement is directed towards practical objectives, including attracting investment, expanding trade and fostering technological partnerships.
As a result, diplomacy, digital transformation and investment in education and science are gradually converging into a single development model. The principal challenge remains the ability of state institutions to ensure the effective implementation of these initiatives and to translate institutional reforms into sustainable economic and social outcomes.
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