Kazakhstan and Israel Discuss Expanding Bilateral Cooperation
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Isagaliyev met with Israeli Ambassador Yoav Bistritsky, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s press service said.
The two sides discussed key issues on the regional and international agenda, as well as prospects for expanding cooperation between Kazakhstan and Israel.
Particular attention was given to political ties, trade and economic cooperation, and investment.
The two sides also reviewed the implementation of agreements reached at the highest and senior levels and agreed on a schedule of upcoming events.
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Tokayev Congratulates North Macedonian President on Independence Day
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has congratulated North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova on the country’s national holiday, Independence Day, the Akorda presidential press service said.
In his congratulatory message, Tokayev noted the steady development of relations between Kazakhstan and North Macedonia, based on friendship and mutual understanding.
Tokayev wished Siljanovska-Davkova success in her work and the people of North Macedonia well-being and prosperity.
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Japanese Food Production Technologies to Be Introduced in Kazakhstan
Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Japan Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev attended the signing ceremony of an agreement to establish a joint venture between Kazakhstan’s Shin-Line and Japan’s Shigemitsu Industry, a company specialising in food production and restaurant business development.
The ceremony was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Japan. The agreement was signed by Andrey Shin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shin-Line, on the Kazakh side, and Katsuaki Shigemitsu, President of Shigemitsu Industry, on the Japanese side.
The alliance aims to develop the well-known Japanese AJISEN RAMEN brand in Kazakhstan and subsequently expand it into the markets of other countries in the region. A key area of cooperation will be the phased localisation of Shigemitsu Industry’s production in Kazakhstan, using advanced Japanese technologies and production standards while taking Halal requirements into account.
At the initial stage, the parties plan to establish a centralised production facility at Shin-Line’s premises in the village of Baiserke, Almaty Region, and open the brand’s first flagship restaurant in Almaty.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev noted that the project represents a practical outcome of the expansion of Kazakhstan-Japan economic cooperation in non-resource sectors. According to him, the launch of the facility will contribute to attracting Japanese technologies and management expertise, developing the food industry and creating new jobs.
Going forward, the parties plan to expand the network across Central Asian countries, while in the longer term they are considering entering the markets of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Caucasus and Eastern Europe. Localising production in Kazakhstan will create opportunities to supply both the domestic market and potential network facilities in neighbouring countries.
For the Japanese side, the project offers broad opportunities to promote the brand across Central Asia and position Kazakhstan as a key production and logistics hub.
Shigemitsu Industry dates back to 1968 and has extensive experience in food production and the restaurant business. The company is engaged in international franchising, food production, personnel training and new product development.
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Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Pledge to Strengthen Allied Relations
Kazakh Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tleuberdi held a telephone conversation with his Kyrgyz counterpart, Jeenbek Kulubaev, at the initiative of the Kyrgyz side, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry said.
Kulubaev congratulated Tleuberdi on his appointment and wished him success in his new role.
The ministers noted the steady development of the allied relationship between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and expressed their readiness to strengthen political dialogue.
The two sides also agreed to further expand cooperation in trade, investment, transport and logistics, water and energy, as well as cultural and humanitarian affairs.
They also discussed key regional and international issues and the schedule of upcoming high-level meetings and events.
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Kazakhstan and Kuwait Expand Scientific and Technical Cooperation in Water Security
The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Kuwait Yerzhan Yelekeyev held a meeting with Faisal Al-Humaidan, Director General of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR).
During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for developing scientific and technical cooperation, including the establishment of direct ties between KISR and relevant research institutes and organizations of Kazakhstan in the field of water security.
The parties discussed opportunities for exchanging scientific expertise and practical experience in the rational use and management of water resources, including Kazakhstan’s accumulated experience in cooperation with neighboring countries on the management and sustainable use of transboundary water resources.
In this context, the Ambassador briefed the Kuwaiti side on Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations. The Kuwaiti side expressed interest in the initiative, noting the relevance of water security issues and the importance of joining international efforts in this area.
Separate attention was paid to cooperation in oil refining, petrochemicals and advanced technologies. The parties considered prospects for joint research and technology exchange in advanced oil processing, hydrogen technologies and advanced materials, including green hydrogen, as well as the processing of asphaltenes to produce graphene and other carbon-based materials.
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in developing direct contacts between research institutions of the two countries and agreed to continue exploring specific areas and potential joint projects.
The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) was established in 1967 and is a leading government research institution in Kuwait. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific and technical support to the public and private sectors. KISR employs approximately 1,400 people, including more than 580 researchers and engineers. The Institute’s activities cover four main areas: petroleum research, water research, energy and building research, and environment.
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Laos President Visits Almaty
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Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith visited Almaty as part of his official visit to Kazakhstan, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s representative office in the city said.
During the visit, the Lao president was briefed on Almaty’s tourism potential. The program was aimed at strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between Kazakhstan and Laos.
The Foreign Ministry said the visit would help advance bilateral cooperation and strengthen friendly relations between the two countries.
Thongloun Sisoulith arrived in Kazakhstan on an official visit on Sept. 3. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described Laos as an important partner for Kazakhstan in Southeast Asia.
During the visit, the foreign ministries of Kazakhstan and Laos signed a memorandum on political consultations.
Laos also expressed interest in importing grain and meat from Kazakhstan.
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Central Asian States Call for Faster Nuclear Disarmament
The foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have issued a joint statement marking the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry said.
The five countries called for faster progress on nuclear disarmament, the development of new arms control mechanisms and efforts to prevent a new nuclear arms race.
The treaty was signed in Semipalatinsk on September 8, 2006. Its parties reaffirmed their commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons and recalled the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of their use and testing.
The foreign ministers stressed that nuclear-weapon-free zones remain an important instrument for preventing nuclear proliferation and advancing global disarmament.
The statement also highlighted the role of the Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century. The ministers recalled that Uzbekistan first proposed the creation of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia in September 1993 at the 48th session of the UN General Assembly.
The authors of the statement described the establishment of the zone as a successful example of Central Asian states joining forces. They said it had strengthened the nuclear non-proliferation regime, regional and international security, as well as cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the rehabilitation of areas affected by radioactive contamination.
The document also marked the 35th anniversary of the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and the 30th anniversary of the opening for signature of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. The ministers paid tribute to the victims of nuclear explosions and their consequences.
The joint statement included the following points:
Central Asian States Reaffirm Commitment to Semipalatinsk Treaty
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan reaffirmed their commitment to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia, signed in Semipalatinsk on September 8, 2006.
The statement said the treaty was the result of joint efforts by the five countries to promote security, stability and peace in the region.
The Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone remains the first and only such zone located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and directly bordering two nuclear-weapon states.
The foreign ministers said the treaty continued to play an important role in strengthening the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime. Central Asia, once a region where nuclear weapons were tested and deployed, has become one of the leaders of global efforts towards nuclear disarmament.
Foreign Ministers Reaffirm Central Role of NPT
The five countries described the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as the cornerstone of international efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and achieve their complete elimination.
The ministers expressed regret that the 11th Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT ended without the adoption of a substantive final document. They said this reflected continuing divisions and a lack of trust in the fields of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
The Central Asian states called on NPT parties to continue negotiations in good faith and fulfil their commitments across all three pillars of the treaty: nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Central Asian States Call for Action to Prevent New Nuclear Arms Race
The ministers expressed serious concern over the lack of substantial progress on nuclear disarmament in accordance with Article VI of the NPT.
The statement also drew attention to the termination of key arms control agreements and the modernisation of nuclear arsenals.
The foreign ministers stressed the particular responsibility of nuclear-weapon states and called on them to engage in disarmament negotiations.
The Central Asian countries also called for the urgent development of new, verifiable arms control mechanisms to prevent a nuclear arms race.
Central Asian States Back IAEA Work
The foreign ministers reaffirmed their support for the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in implementing the provisions of the NPT.
This includes cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, the application of safeguards and the monitoring of the nuclear programmes of IAEA member states.
Ministers Call for Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty to Enter into Force
The Central Asian states called for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) to enter into force as soon as possible. September 24, 2026, marks 30 years since the treaty was opened for signature.
The ministers stressed the need to preserve and strengthen the international prohibition on nuclear testing and called on states to refrain from actions that could undermine it.
The statement also placed particular emphasis on disarmament and non-proliferation education, as well as greater youth involvement in discussions on international security.
The countries expressed support for further promoting the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, established at the initiative of Kyrgyzstan. It is observed annually on March 5, the anniversary of the NPT’s entry into force.
The ministers also highlighted the continued relevance of the recommendations contained in the UN study on disarmament and non-proliferation education and the UN Secretary-General’s agenda, “Securing Our Common Future: An Agenda for Disarmament”.
United States Urged to Complete Ratification of Treaty Protocol
The foreign ministers welcomed the signing on May 6, 2014, by nuclear-weapon states of the Protocol on negative security assurances to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia.
The protocol has so far been ratified by four nuclear-weapon states.
The Central Asian countries expressed hope that the United States would complete its ratification process in the near future.
Central Asia Seeks Closer Cooperation with Other Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones
The five countries expressed interest in further institutional development of the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty and in expanding partnerships with other nuclear-weapon-free zones.
They said such cooperation was aimed at strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and bringing together international efforts to promote peace and security.
The statement welcomed the signing of memorandums of understanding with the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) and the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL).
It also noted the second meeting of representatives of all existing nuclear-weapon-free zones, held in Astana on August 28-29, 2024, under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship.
Five States Pledge Continued Cooperation on Security Threats
The ministers described stronger regional security as one of the key conditions for the sustainable development and stability of Central Asia.
The five countries reaffirmed their intention to continue close cooperation in addressing common challenges and threats.
Central Asian States Back Creation of New Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan expressed support for establishing new nuclear-weapon-free zones in regions where none currently exist.
The statement specifically referred to the possibility of establishing such a zone in the Middle East.
Foreign Ministers Highlight UN Resolution and Ashgabat Meeting
The ministers welcomed the adoption at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly of the resolution entitled “Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia”.
They also highlighted the anniversary meeting of the states parties to the treaty, held in Ashgabat on December 5, 2024, under Turkmenistan’s chairmanship. The meeting was attended by representatives of other existing nuclear-weapon-free zones and international organisations.
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Kazakh Foreign Minister Discusses Cooperation with Central Asian and South Caucasus Counterparts
Kazakh Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi held telephone talks with his counterparts from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry said.
The foreign ministers congratulated Tileuberdi on his appointment and wished him success in his new role, expressing confidence that active bilateral engagement and constructive cooperation would continue.
During the talks, the ministers discussed key regional and international issues, the current state and prospects of bilateral relations, as well as cooperation within multilateral frameworks.
Particular attention was given to further strengthening political dialogue, expanding trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation, and implementing agreements already reached.
The sides also reviewed the schedule of upcoming bilateral and multilateral events.
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Japanese Experts to Study Kazakhstan’s Reform Experience
Representatives of Japan’s Konosuke Matsushita Institute of Government and Management will visit Kazakhstan to study the reforms being carried out in the country. The visit was discussed during a meeting between Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Japan, Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev, and the institute’s director, Kenji Ozeki, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry said.
"The visit will include meetings with representatives of Kazakhstan’s government agencies, businesses, academic community and civil society organizations," the ministry said.
The two sides also discussed prospects for expanding academic, intellectual and expert exchanges between Kazakhstan and Japan, including in public policy and international relations.
They highlighted the important role of such contacts in further strengthening the two countries’ enhanced strategic partnership. Particular attention was given to Kazakhstan’s initiatives as a "middle power" capable of providing a platform for dialogue and the search for mutually acceptable solutions to international issues.
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