Foreign Ministry Explains Reasons Behind U.S. Visa Denials for Kazakh Citizens
Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Erlan Zhetybayev has commented on issues related to U.S. visa applications by Kazakh citizens, a correspondent reports.
First and foremost, it is related to discrepancies in the submitted documents. There is a specific list of documents that applicants are required to provide. If the documents meet the requirements, no violations have been committed by the applicant, and all paperwork is in order, the state makes a decision to issue a visa. If there are problems with the documents, applicants are usually asked additional questions or requested to provide supplementary documentation. As far as I know, once these documents are submitted, visas are approved in most cases," Zhetybayev explained.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also addressed reports circulating on social media claiming that Russian citizens applying for U.S. visas through Kazakhstan receive approvals more frequently than Kazakh applicants.
We do not have such information. To my knowledge, the U.S. Embassy has not published any official statements or statistics on this matter," he said.
Zhetybayev stressed that each visa application is reviewed individually and in accordance with established procedures, without consideration of any factors outside the official requirements.
He also noted that negotiations between Kazakhstan and the European Union on visa facilitation and readmission are progressing successfully.
According to him, the third round of negotiations was recently held in Brussels, and further details may be announced in the near future.
The spokesperson also pointed to an increase in visa applications due to the summer travel season, which has placed additional pressure on consular services. He noted that issuing visas remains the sovereign right of each state and advised Kazakh citizens to submit their applications well in advance and carefully comply with all visa requirements.
Earlier, Kazakhstan's First Deputy Foreign Minister Erzhan Ashikbayev stated that approximately 45-46% of visa applications submitted by Kazakh citizens for travel to the United States are rejected.
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Central Asian Environmental Solidarity Declaration’s Main Provisions Presented in Tokyo
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Japan Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev held a meeting with Chairman of the Institute of Energy Economics of Japan (IEEJ) Tatsuya Terazawa.
Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev presented the main provisions of the "Environmental Solidarity of Central Asia" Declaration, adopted by the heads of Central Asian states during the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana on April 22-24, 2026. He provided the overview of the region’s consolidated efforts to combat climate change, desertification, and environmental pollution.
Tatsuya Terazawa emphasized Kazakhstan’s strategic role in ensuring Japan’s energy security amid ongoing global market turbulence. He expressed Japan’s interest in expanding full-scale cooperation in key areas of the energy and climate agenda, including uranium industry development, critical minerals exploration, and renewable energy projects promotion.
The parties also discussed the implementation of the Roadmap toward Carbon Neutrality for Kazakhstan developed by the IEEJ, which serves as an important guide for Japanese businesses assessing climate investment prospects, deploying low-carbon technologies, and developing energy transition cooperation.
Furthermore, Ambassador Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev shared the current status and prospects of Kazakhstan-Japanese cooperation on decarbonization, green technology development, and joint climate initiatives followed his meeting on June 12, 2026 with Kentaro Doi, Vice-Minister for Global Environmental Affairs of the Ministry of the Environment of Japan. It is worth noting that Kentaro Doi previously attended the Regional Ecological Summit 2026 in Astana, confirming Tokyo’s interest in strengthening its climate agenda partnership with Kazakhstan.
Founded in 1966 in Tokyo, the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) is a leading global think tank specializing in research on global energy, environment, and climate policy.
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Kazakhstan and Canada’s Foreign Ministers Confirmed Commitment to Strengthening Partnership
At the initiative of the Canadian side, Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Ermek Kosherbayev held a telephone conversation with Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry's press service said.
Taking the opportunity, Kosherbayev congratulated his counterpart on the upcoming Canada Day. He highlighted the strong level of bilateral political and economic cooperation, the positive dynamics of trade turnover, and the implementation of a number of major investment projects involving Canadian companies.
For her part, Anand underscored Canada's interest in further expanding cooperation in trade and economic relations, energy, investment, innovation and education. She also expressed Canada's readiness to maintain regular political dialogue and continue exchanges of high-level visits.
The ministers also exchanged views on key international issues and discussed current aspects of cooperation within multilateral frameworks, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the Kazakhstan-Canada partnership.
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Kazakhstan Expands International Cooperation in Culture, Energy and Economy
Kazakh diplomats have held a series of international meetings and events aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fields of culture, energy and economic development. Discussions focused on preserving the heritage of the Silk Road, water security, industrial cooperation and investment promotion.
An international conference titled "Heritage, Travel and Traditions of the Silk Road: A Path of Intercultural Dialogue" was held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris to mark the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations.
Kazakhstan's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Askar Abdrakhmanov, highlighted Kazakhstan's role in the development of the Silk Road and its significance as a historic corridor for economic and cultural exchange.
The conference concluded with a tasting of traditional dishes from Silk Road countries, including Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Kuwait, Erzhan Yelekeyev, met with Kuwait's Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Subaih Al-Mukhayzim.
The parties discussed cooperation in the fields of electricity, water resources and renewable energy. They also exchanged views on ensuring the sustainable operation of energy and water infrastructure.
Following the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding cooperation in energy, water resources and renewable energy development.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov met with Sweden's State Secretary for Foreign Trade, Diana Janse, who arrived in Astana to participate in the 16th Astana Mining & Metallurgy International Congress (AMM).
The parties reviewed the current state and future prospects of Kazakh-Swedish cooperation, noting the growing momentum of political dialogue, inter-parliamentary contacts and trade and economic relations.
Promising areas for future cooperation include renewable energy, environmental technologies, water management solutions, agriculture, transport and logistics, digitalisation of public administration and artificial intelligence.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides confirmed their interest in further strengthening bilateral partnership and implementing new joint projects.
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Kazakhstan’s Achievements in the Space Sector Presented at the 69th Session of COPUOS
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan participated in the 69th session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), held in Vienna from 10 to 18 June 2026, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
In its national statement, Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the peaceful use of outer space, the development of international cooperation, the strengthening of trust, and ensuring equal access for all States to the benefits of space technologies.
Particular attention was given to a historic event for the country’s space sector - the first test launch of the new-generation Soyuz-5/Sunkar launch vehicle, conducted on 30 April 2026 from the Baiterek space rocket complex. The successful flight-design tests of the launch vehicle opened new opportunities for strengthening Kazakhstan’s position in the global space services market and further developing modern launch infrastructure on the territory of the country.
Kazakhstan also presented information on the development of the Assy-Turgen Observatory, which is serving as a basis for the establishment of a regional centre for space situational awareness and an open platform for hosting international telescopes - International AstroHub.
The development of cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States, including the implementation of the OTS SAT scientific nanosatellite, was also highlighted.
In conclusion, the Republic of Kazakhstan invited COPUOS Member States, international organizations and partners to participate in the international forum "Space Days Kazakhstan - 2026", which will be held in Astana from 7 to 9 September 2026.
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Kazakhstan and Sweden are Taking Economic Cooperation to a New Practical Level
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov met with State Secretary for Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Diana Janse, who arrived in Astana to participate in the 16th International Mining and Metallurgy Congress "Astana Mining & Metallurgy."
Parties discussed the current state and prospects for further development of Kazakh-Swedish cooperation. They noted the progressive momentum in bilateral relations, accompanied by intensified political dialogue, interparliamentary contacts, and expanded trade and economic cooperation.
Particular attention was paid to the implementation of joint projects and the development of industrial cooperation. Specifically, the parties discussed prospects for collaboration between Väderstad and AgromashHolding KZ JSC on localizing the production of high-tech agricultural machinery in Kazakhstan, cooperation with Volvo Trucks on a project to assemble trucks jointly with Astana Motors JSC, and further developing their partnership with SKF.
The contributions of Swedish companies successfully operating in the Kazakhstan market, including Ericsson, Epiroc, Sandvik, Scania, and AstraZeneca, were particularly noted.
The parties emphasized the importance of establishing a Kazakh-Swedish Bilateral Commission on Trade, Economic, and Investment Cooperation, which will serve as a permanent platform for promoting joint initiatives, supporting investment projects, and expanding business ties.
Promising areas for further cooperation include renewable energy, clean technologies, water solutions, agriculture, transport and logistics, digital public administration, and artificial intelligence. Following the meeting, mutual interest in further strengthening the multifaceted partnership and implementing new joint projects was confirmed.
From 2005 to 2025, gross direct investment from Sweden to Kazakhstan amounted to $705.6 million. Approximately 60 companies with Swedish capital operate in the republic, working in the fields of healthcare, technology, energy, environmental protection, transport, agriculture, industry, and education.
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Kazakhstan Consistently Supports Strengthening the Role of the SCO - Foreign Ministry
Kazakhstan consistently advocates strengthening the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as an effective platform for multilateral cooperation, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Erlan Zhetybayev said at a briefing, a correspondent reports.
As a founding member of the SCO, Kazakhstan consistently supports enhancing the organization's role as an effective platform for multilateral cooperation based on the principles of mutual trust, equality, mutual benefit, respect for cultural diversity and a commitment to shared development," Zhetybayev said.
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President of Kazakhstan's Initiative to Establish an International Water Organization Presented in Kuwait
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Kuwait Yerzhan Yelekeyev held a meeting with the Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy of the State of Kuwait, Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem.
During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of electricity, water resources management, and renewable energy, and exchanged views on ensuring the sustainability of energy and water infrastructure. It was emphasized that, under current conditions, energy and water security have acquired particular strategic importance.
Special attention was paid to the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations. The Ambassador of Kazakhstan briefed the Kuwaiti side on the objectives of the initiative, which is aimed at strengthening international cooperation in the rational use and preservation of water resources.
Minister Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem stressed that water security is of paramount importance to the State of Kuwait. He noted that the Kuwaiti side would carefully study Kazakhstan's initiative and expressed support for international initiatives in the field of water resources, reaffirming the importance of consolidating global efforts to address water-related challenges.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation in the fields of energy, water resources, and renewable energy.
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Outcomes of International Symposium on Heritage of Golden Horde Presented at UNESCO
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The outcomes of the symposium on the history of the Golden Horde held in Astana were among the topics discussed at the international conference "Heritage, Travel and Traditions of the Silk Roads: A Journey of Intercultural Dialogue," organized at UNESCO Headquarters on the occasion of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.
UNESCO’s senior leadership, ambassadors of countries situated along the historic overland and maritime Silk Roads, as well as prominent scholars and experts in history and cultural heritage, took part in the event.
In his remarks, Kazakhstan’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Askar Abdrakhmanov, highlighted his country’s role in the development of the Silk Roads and their contemporary manifestations as a vehicle not only for economic exchange but also for intercultural dialogue and interaction.
In this context, the Ambassador informed participants of the meeting in Paris about the outcomes of the international symposium "The Golden Horde as a Model of Steppe Civilization: History, Archaeology, Culture and Identity," held in Astana on 19-20 May 2026.
According to him, the participation of more than 300 delegates from over 20 countries across Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East, representing various research schools specializing in the history of the Golden Horde and the Great Steppe, reflected the high international importance of a systematic study of the political, socio-economic and cultural heritage of this large medieval state and the continued relevance of further in-depth research on the broad range of related topics.
As the Ambassador recalled, during the era of the Golden Horde, which controlled the northern branch of the Silk Roads and ensured the security of trade routes across the Great Steppe, tons of goods regularly passed through its territory, including silk from China, spices from India, furs from Russia, horses from Central Asia, and handicraft products from Europe and the Middle East. He noted that the minting of a vast number of coins in the name of the rulers of the Ulus of Jochi (Golden Horde) was evidence of its economic power, while discoveries of these coins across various regions of Eurasia help us today to trace more accurately the history of trade and other exchanges along this section of the Silk Roads.
The grand symposium on the heritage of the Golden Horde, held in Kazakhstan under the patronage of UNESCO, clearly demonstrated the strong interest of the international scholarly community in rethinking the interconnected histories of Eurasia and the Great Steppe through a broader and more inclusive perspective," the diplomat emphasized.
In this regard, he thanked the leadership of this reputable intergovernmental organization for its valuable support for the Kazakh initiative, its high-level participation in the symposium, and its substantive contribution to the academic discussions held in Astana.
For his part, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, who headed the Organization’s delegation to the symposium in Astana, praised the event’s high organizational and substantive quality. He underscored the importance of such initiatives for a comprehensive study of the contribution made by the peoples of Eurasia to the common cultural heritage of humanity and expressed appreciation to Kazakhstan for its long-standing support of UNESCO’s Silk Roads Program.
At the conclusion of the day’s program, conference participants were able to sample national cuisines reflecting the culinary heritage of the countries of the Silk Roads, including one from Kazakhstan.
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