Head of State dismisses troop commander of ‘West’ Regional Command
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The Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on Monday signed a decree removing Baurzhan Artykov from the post as Troop Commander of the ‘West’ (Zapad) Regional Command, Qazinform News Agency reports via Akorda.
Born in 1973 in Shymkent region, Artykov graduated from the Kazakh Armed Forces junior officers’ training (motorized rifle troops officer) in 1993, Alma-Ata Higher Combined Arms Command School in 1994, Kainar University in 2006, National Defense University named after the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan - Elbasy twice in 2008 and 2019.
In 1991 and 1993, Artykov completed compulsory military service.
He held posts from commander of the platoon to first deputy commander of the Airborne Forces - chief of staff.
From 2023 to 2024, he headed the organization and mobilization department of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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Kazakhstan's Constitutional Reforms Discussed in Canada
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An expert roundtable dedicated to the adoption of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the prospects for the development of Kazakhstan-Canada relations was held at the Senate of the Parliament of Canada. The event brought together representatives of Canada’s political, parliamentary, and analytical communities, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Opening the roundtable, Senator Clement Gignac emphasized the importance of strengthening interparliamentary dialogue between Kazakhstan and Canada, reaffirming Canada’s interest in expanding comprehensive cooperation with Astana in both political and economic spheres.
Ambassador of the Kazakhstan to Canada Duletbek Kusainov briefed participants on the current state of bilateral economic cooperation, as well as on the ongoing reforms in the country.
Special attention was given to the discussion of the constitutional reform and the results of the constitutional referendum held on March 15 of this year. An expert specially invited by the Embassy - Associate Professor at Maqsut Narikbayev University and Visiting Scholar at Harvard University, Muslim Khassenov provided a detailed overview of the significance of the new Constitution and its role in the further political development of Kazakhstan.
It was emphasized that the constitutional vote once again demonstrated a high level of public engagement and participation in key political processes.
Overall, the event and the discussions held within its framework highlighted a strong interest in Kazakhstan’s domestic political reforms. Canadian participants noted the consistency of the reforms being implemented and expressed interest in further studying the country’s ongoing transformation processes.
Following the event, both sides expressed their readiness to continue such expert-level meetings and to further develop Kazakhstan-Canada dialogue.
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Kazakh Volunteers in Qatar Recognized for Their Contribution to Evacuation Efforts
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The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the State of Qatar held a meeting with Kazakh volunteers residing in Qatar who assisted the Embassy in organizing the evacuation of Kazakh citizens amid the escalation of regional tensions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the event, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Qatar Arman Issagaliyev commended the volunteers for their dedication, high sense of responsibility, and ability to act effectively and in close coordination under challenging circumstances.
In his remarks, the Ambassador quoted the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: "To be a volunteer means to do good deeds, to spread kindness, to set an example for others, and to faithfully serve and care for the Motherland," noting that these values were clearly reflected in the volunteers’ actions.
He further emphasized that their efforts are a vivid example of genuine patriotism and civic solidarity. Despite the risks and challenges, the volunteers demonstrated courage, cohesion, and compassion, working in close coordination with the Embassy to assist Kazakh citizens, including children, women, and persons with disabilities.
Overall, Kazakh volunteers in Qatar provided significant support to the Embassy at all stages of organizing evacuation measures during the period of regional escalation.
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The Arab Republic of Egypt Has Been Removed From the List of Countries Not Recommended for Travel
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan announces the removal of the Arab Republic of Egypt from the list of countries not recommended for travel. This decision has been made taking into account the current situation, as well as the functioning conditions of civil infrastructure, including international airports and tourist areas in the country, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
At the same time, due to the ongoing tense situation in the Middle East, as well as the periodic closure of airspace by a number of countries in the region, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan maintains its recommendation to refrain from all types of travel until the situation fully normalized to the following countries: Bahrain, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan currently in the region are once again urged to exercise heightened personal safety measures, refrain from visiting potentially dangerous areas, strictly follow the instructions of local authorities, including immediately proceeding to shelters in the event of a missile threat, and maintain constant contact with Kazakhstan’s foreign missions, tour operators, and air carriers.
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Bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and China hits $48.7 billion
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Han Chunlin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kazakhstan, has announced an 11% increase in bilateral trade, highlighting the importance of the next five years for the development of Kazakh-Chinese relations, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The head of the Chinese diplomatic mission summarized the results of cooperation in 2025 during a press briefing titled "The Spirit of China’s ‘Two Sessions’ in 2026." He especially noted the strengthening of political mutual trust between the two countries.
Bilateral trade turnover reached $48.7 billion, increasing 11% year on year. Cooperation is steadily strengthening in such areas as energy and mineral extraction, petrochemicals, transport and logistics, as well as infrastructure. Meanwhile, cooperation is expanding in new sectors such as automotive manufacturing, modern agriculture, green energy, and the production of construction materials," the diplomat said.
The ambassador noted that in 2025, the two sides also signed a series of agreements in the fields of education, science and technology, sports, and tourism.
He specifically mentioned the Year of Chinese Tourism held in Kazakhstan. According to him, spontaneous trips by citizens of both countries are becoming a new trend in Chinese-Kazakh tourism.
The introduction of the reciprocal visa-free regime continues to yield a positive effect. The flow of people between the two countries has increased significantly. The average daily passenger traffic at the Khorgos International Border Cooperation Center has approached 30,000 people," said Han Chunlin.
In addition, the diplomat congratulated Kazakhstan on the adoption of the new Constitution and emphasized its significance for further reinforcement of political reforms.
The year 2026 is of great significance for both China and Kazakhstan. For China, this year marks the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan, and for Kazakhstan, the beginning of adopting the new Constitution, and the continued strengthening of political reforms. The 15th Five-Year Plan period is becoming a key period for consolidating the foundation and exerting efforts in all directions to carry out socialist modernization. We are undoubtedly facing a new round of vigorous development. At the same time, guided by the strategy of a Just Kazakhstan, the nation is confidently moving toward accomplishing its national development goals. As President Xi Jinping noted, China and Kazakhstan are undergoing a pivotal period of their own development and revival," the ambassador stated.
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