Kazakhstan and the European Union Officially Launch Negotiations on a Visa Facilitation Agreement

Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Madiyar Menilbekov held negotiations with the Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization Deemah Al Yahya, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the conversation, the parties exchanged views on current global trends in digital transformation and also considered the possibilities of implementing joint initiatives in the field of digitalization.

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan emphasized the importance of further strengthening international cooperation aimed at accelerating technological progress and innovation, and expressed readiness for active engagement with the Digital Cooperation Organization.

In turn, the Secretary-General of the Organization expressed interest in developing cooperation with Kazakhstan, noting the country’s active role in advancing the digital agenda.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue the dialogue and to explore promising areas of cooperation.

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Kazakhstan Viktor Maiko, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of Kazakh-Ukrainian cooperation, and exchanged views on topical issues of the bilateral and regional agenda.

Both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further developing cooperation in priority areas of shared interest.

 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev received the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria Beate Meinl-Reisinger and the Federal Minister of the Interior of Austria Gerhard Karner during their official visit to Kazakhstan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The parties confirmed the high level of Kazakh-Austrian relations based on mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation. "Today, we discussed key areas of Kazakh-Austrian cooperation and outlined new horizons for interaction. Austria is an important partner of Kazakhstan in the European Union, and we intend to further deepen our cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally," the Kazakh Foreign Minister emphasized.

During the talks, particular attention was paid to the progress in the implementation of agreements on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports and on readmission, which opens up additional opportunities for further strengthening bilateral cooperation. In addition, the Austrian side within the framework of cooperation with the OSCE will hand over 25 passport readers to Astana International Airport.

Special attention was paid to the development of trade, economic and investment ties, including the holding of a business roundtable. In this context, the role of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council, as well as Austrian companies operating in Kazakhstan, was highlighted.

The interlocutors noted significant potential for cooperation in such sectors as mining industry, transport and infrastructure, energy, tourism and education. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding transport and logistics cooperation, including the development of the Middle Corridor and participation in the "Global Gateway" initiative, opening up new opportunities for Austrian businesses in Kazakhstan.

In the context of economic cooperation, the parties discussed issues of energy collaboration. The role of Kazakhstan as one of the key suppliers of oil to Austria, as well as its contribution to ensuring energy security and stable supplies, was underlined.

The parties also exchanged views on current international and regional security issues, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation and resolving contemporary challenges exclusively through peaceful means in accordance with the UN Charter.

Following the meeting, the parties expressed confidence that joint efforts would give a new impetus to Kazakh-Austrian partnership and contribute to the further expansion of cooperation.

 

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev held a meeting with members of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Japan, including Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Arfiya Eri and Chairperson of the International Bureau of the Liberal Democratic Party Taro Kono, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the talks, the parties discussed priority areas for further strengthening Kazakh-Japanese cooperation, including interaction in the trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres.

Particular attention was paid to the development of cooperation in transport and logistics, environmental issues, as well as the implementation of joint projects in the fields of rare earth metals, digitalization, and advanced technologies.

The parties also exchanged views on current issues on the international and regional agenda, including coordination of efforts on multilateral platforms.

Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in maintaining regular dialogue and further expanding cooperation across a broad range of areas of mutual interest.

 

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Thailand, Margulan Baimukhan, took part in the official opening ceremony of the Central Asia Studies Center at Chulalongkorn University, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

On the occasion of the opening, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, jointly with Chulalongkorn University, organized an international symposium titled "Thailand and Central Asia: Building Sustainable Connections and New Technologies. Partnership in a Dynamically Developing Eurasia."

During the event, Ambassador Margulan Baimukhan spoke at the panel session "Diplomatic Perspectives: Thailand-Central Asia Relations in a Changing Eurasia," where he highlighted the steady development of bilateral and regional cooperation. He noted that in 2025, the volume of mutual trade between Kazakhstan and Thailand reached approximately USD 260 million, accounting for more than 70% of Thailand’s total trade with Central Asian countries, thus confirming Kazakhstan’s role as a key economic partner in the region.

In his remarks, the Ambassador also emphasized Kazakhstan’s strong investment potential, noting that over the past three decades the country has attracted more than USD 400 billion in foreign direct investment. He outlined promising areas for Thai businesses, including agriculture, food processing, energy, logistics, tourism, and high technologies.

It was also noted that on April 22, President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, spoke at the Regional Environmental Summit in Astana, where he emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation and sustainable partnerships. In this context, he reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations, aimed at consolidating global efforts in water security, and highlighted the key role of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea as an important regional platform for coordinating cooperation among Central Asian states in addressing water and environmental challenges.

In addition, an exhibition of Central Asian countries was organized as part of the event, where Kazakhstan presented its national pavilion showcasing the rich historical and cultural heritage of the country and the region.

The symposium confirmed the mutual interest of the parties in further deepening cooperation between Thailand and the countries of Central Asia, including the development of educational, technological, and economic ties.

 

U.S. President Donald Trump said he will review a 14-point proposal submitted by Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, while warning that Washington could resume military action if Tehran fails to meet expectations, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing Al Jazeera.

Speaking to reporters before departing Florida aboard Air Force One, Trump confirmed he had been briefed on the "concept of the deal" but expressed doubts about its viability.

In a later post on Truth Social, he said it was difficult to imagine accepting the proposal, arguing that Iran had "not yet paid a big enough price" for its actions over the last 47 years.

The Iranian initiative, reported by Tasnim news agency, was drafted in response to a previous nine-point U.S. proposal. Tehran’s plan calls for a comprehensive end to the conflict within 30 days, rejecting Washington’s reported preference for a two-month ceasefire extension.

According to details cited by multiple outlets, the proposal includes demands for guarantees against future attacks, the withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas surrounding Iran, the lifting of sanctions, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. It also calls for war reparations, an end to hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon, and the establishment of a new mechanism governing the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S.-based Axios reported that Iran set a one-month deadline for negotiations to reopen the strategic waterway and lift the U.S. naval blockade, followed by an additional month of talks focused on Tehran’s nuclear program.

The diplomatic effort comes amid a fragile ceasefire that has held since April 7, pausing months of fighting between U.S. and Israeli forces and Iran that began in late February. Despite the pause, Trump indicated that renewed strikes remain an option.

Tehran, however, has signaled deep mistrust. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it remains on "full standby" for a return to hostilities, warning that a resumption of conflict is likely due to what it described as Washington’s failure to honor past commitments.

 

Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Madiyar Menilbekov held negotiations with the Interim President and CEO of the Saudi Center for International Strategic Partnerships Raad Al Barakati, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the conversation, the parties discussed the current state and future prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on expanding collaboration in the political, trade, economic, and investment spheres.

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan noted that Saudi Arabia is an important partner of Kazakhstan in the Arab world, emphasizing the interest in further deepening dialogue and advancing mutually beneficial initiatives.

In turn, the Center’s leadership confirmed readiness to intensify cooperation with the Kazakh side, including through the development of institutional engagement and support for joint projects.

Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to further strengthen Kazakh-Saudi ties.

 

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arman Issetov held a meeting with activists of the "Assembly Jastary" Republican Public Association at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The event, dedicated to the celebration of the Day of Unity of the People of Kazakhstan, focused on the issues related to engaging youth people in foreign policy initiatives and strengthening interethnic harmony.

During the meeting, the Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized that a consistent state youth policy is a strategic priority of the Head of State.

Young Kazakhstanis shared information about their activities both in the country and abroad, and also presented initiatives aimed at strengthening public harmony.