Future of Afghanistan and Regional Cooperation Discussed in Almaty
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
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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Defense Cooperation Issues Discussed in Belgrade
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Serbia Madi Atamkulov met with Serbian Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić.
The parties discussed the dynamically developing cooperation in the field of defense and military-technical partnership, with particular emphasis on the implementation of agreements reached following the official visit of Serbian President Vučić to Astana on February 26-27, 2026.
Ambassador Atamkulov emphasized Kazakhstan’s interest in exchanging experience and modernizing its defense structures. In turn, Minister Gašić reaffirmed the strong commitment of the Serbian Ministry of Defence to further developing the Kazakhstan-Serbia dialogue in this area.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Ambassador Atamkulov and Minister B.Gašić confirmed their intention to continue constructive dialogue and cooperation in order to achieve common goals in the field of security.
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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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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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