Kazakhstan and Israel discuss preparations for the next session of the intergovernmental Commission
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
With a view to enhancing the activities of the Kazakhstan-Israel Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, an online meeting of the Co-Chairpersons of the Commission was held on June 8 of this year between Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiyev and Minister at the Ministry of Finance of the State of Israel Ze’ev Elkin, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The main focus of the discussion was the preparation for the next session of the Intergovernmental Commission, scheduled to take place in Israel later this year, tentatively in November.
The interlocutors noted the high level of intensity and substantive nature of bilateral contacts, particularly the recent visits to Astana by Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar, accompanied by a high-level business delegation, and by President Isaac Herzog, who was accompanied by the heads of leading governmental agencies and companies in the fields of innovation, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Special attention was paid to issues related to the expansion of the bilateral legal and regulatory framework, as well as to the implementation of joint projects and initiatives, primarily in such priority areas as digitalization, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, water resources management, high-tech agriculture, healthcare, and others.
The parties concurred that the Intergovernmental Commission remains one of the key mechanisms for advancing the bilateral agenda.
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Kazakhstan and Kenya Expand Cooperation in the Space Sector
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
In order to implement the agreements reached during the state visit of the President of the Republic of Kenya, W. Ruto, to Kazakhstan (May 19-20, 2026), a delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan headed by the Chairman of the Board of JSC "NC "Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary" K. Kozhaev visited Nairobi from June 3 to 5, 2026, with the assistance of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Kenya, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
As part of the visit, a meeting was held between K. Kozhaev and the Director General of the Kenya Space Agency, Hillary Biwott Kipkosgey. During the meeting, further plans for cooperation between the parties were discussed in accordance with the "Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Earth Remote Sensing, Development of Space Systems and Application of Space Technologies" concluded between JSC "NC "Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary" and the Kenya Space Agency during the official visit of the President of Kenya to Kazakhstan.
The delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan also took part in the international forum "Global Data Festival 2026 and Kenya Space Expo & Conference 2026".
In his speech at the forum, K. Kozhaev spoke about the practical application of space technologies and analytical solutions for the development of agriculture, environmental monitoring, natural resource management, and the implementation of sustainable development goals.
Artificial intelligence is important, but it is not enough on its own. Effective decision-making requires reliable and timely data. It is the integration of artificial intelligence, space technologies, Earth observation, geospatial analytics, and digital platforms that enables the development of solutions capable of delivering tangible benefits to people and nations," K. Kozhayev noted.
The meetings of the leadership of JSC "NC "Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary" with the leadership of the Kenya Space Agency and participation in the "Global Data Festival and Kenya Space Expo & Conference 2026" contributed to the expansion of international cooperation, the promotion of Kazakhstani space technologies in foreign markets, and the development of partnership projects in the field of Earth remote sensing, geoinformation services, and data analysis.
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Kazakh President Sends Congratulatory Telegram to Jordan's King
Images | Akorda
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sent a congratulatory telegram to King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan and the Jordanian people on the occasion of the country's national holiday, the Accession to the Throne Day, the Akorda press service reported.
Tokayev expressed confidence that the multifaceted cooperation between Kazakhstan and Jordan, built on friendship and mutual support, will continue to develop dynamically for the benefit of both nations.
The Kazakh president also wished King Abdullah II success in his state duties and extended his wishes for prosperity and well-being to the people of Jordan.
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Tokayev Congratulates Pashinyan on His Party’s Election Victory in Armenia
Images | Akorda
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the victory of his Civil Contract party in Armenia’s parliamentary elections, the Akorda presidential press service reported.
Tokayev wished Pashinyan continued success in his work in pursuit of Armenia’s long-term national interests.
The president noted that Kazakhstan is ready to continue active cooperation with friendly Armenia in all areas of mutual interest.
The head of state also wished the Armenian people success in the development of their country, as well as peace and prosperity.
According to media reports, preliminary data released by the Central Election Commission showed that the Civil Contract party received 49.81% of the vote, while the Strong Armenia bloc secured 23.29% and the Armenia bloc won 9.94%.
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Kazakhstan Promotes Water Initiatives at the Bled Water Forum
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Slovenia, Altay Abibullayev, participated in the 11th Bled Water Forum (BWF) held under the theme: "Water and the Blue Economy - New Strategies in the Field of Water Resources", Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The forum, attended by Aleš Musar, spouse of the President of Slovenia and Chairman of the BWF Board of Trustees, and Diana Nausėdienė, the First Lady of Lithuania, brought together participants from over 60 countries. Attendees included experts and representatives from relevant agencies of EU member states, countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkan region, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Singapore, as well as the IAEA, other international organizations, scientific institutions, and the private sector. The forum has earned well-deserved recognition for its innovative approach, including international awards and accolades.
In his address to the participants, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan outlined the key outcomes of the Regional Environmental Summit held this April in Astana, which brought together heads of state from Central Asia and the Caucasus alongside international partners. He emphasized that water issues currently represent a critical element of regional and global security.
Altay Abibullayev paid special attention 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 UN, as well as the outcomes of the first round of international consultations held on the sidelines of the Summit. These steps are aimed at strengthening global coordination, enhancing the efficiency of international water governance, eliminating fragmentation, and promoting a more coherent and impactful water agenda in the run-up to the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi.
Participation in the forum marked a significant step forward in advancing the national and regional water agenda, promoting Kazakhstan's initiative to create a specialized water organization, and exploring opportunities for cooperation with international partners on joint water resource projects.
The Head of State’s initiative to establish the International Water Organization garnered keen interest from all forum participants. Following the event, Kazakhstan was officially invited to join the Expert Council of the Bled Water Forum.
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Smirnova: Officials Should Be Held Accountable if Summative Assessments Were a Mistake
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Mazhilis deputy Irina Smirnova has commented on the Ministry of Education’s plans to abolish Summative Assessment for a Unit (SOR) and Summative Assessment for a Term (SOCh).
In her view, any such changes should be preceded by a thorough review of the system.
They were introduced over a long period of time, and substantial public funds were allocated for their implementation. If this turned out to be the wrong decision, then the officials who introduced these measures should probably be held accountable. It should not be the case that something is introduced today and abolished tomorrow," the deputy was quoted as saying by Zakon.kz.
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