Kazakhstan Discusses Use of Syr Darya and Amu Darya Waters with Neighbouring Countries
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Yeraly Tugzhanov, took part in the 94th meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia (ICWC), held in the city of Turkistan.
The meeting brought together heads of water management agencies from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Kyrgyzstan participated as an observer.
The parties discussed the use of water withdrawal quotas and reservoir operating regimes in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya river basins, the introduction of an automated water resources accounting system, as well as the implementation of regional initiatives under the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
Particular attention was given to the CAWEC project, which aims to improve water-use efficiency in Central Asia. World Bank representative Dmitry Petrin outlined the key priorities for the project’s further implementation.
Following the meeting, the parties signed the protocol of the 94th ICWC meeting. The Commission’s next meeting will be held in Turkmenistan.
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Kazakhstan proposes international water organisation at BRICS forum
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Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to India, Azamat Yeskarayev, presented President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s proposal to establish an international water organisation under the auspices of the United Nations at a BRICS forum, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry said.
The initiative was presented during the diplomatic dialogue "BRICS Energy Partnerships for Progress and Prosperity", which focused on energy security and sustainable development.
Participants discussed prospects for energy cooperation, the development of renewable energy, critical minerals and advanced technologies, as well as infrastructure and investment projects.
Yeskarayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s potential in conventional and renewable energy, critical minerals and the development of transport and energy links across Eurasia.
Water security was also discussed separately. Participants stressed that energy, food and water security are closely interconnected, while growing pressure on water resources requires stronger international coordination.
The Foreign Ministry said Kazakhstan’s participation in the event provided an opportunity to outline the country’s priorities ahead of the Kazakh delegation’s participation in the BRICS Summit, scheduled to take place in New Delhi on 12-13 September, and to contribute to shaping the group’s substantive agenda.
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Kazakhstan expands international ties and advances digital projects
Kazakhstan is continuing to expand international cooperation in political, trade, economic, agricultural and digital sectors. These issues were discussed during meetings between Kazakh officials and partners from Türkiye and Latvia, as well as within the framework of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Isagaliyev met with Turkish Ambassador Mustafa Kapucu. The two sides discussed the current state and prospects for their countries’ enhanced strategic partnership, focusing on further developing political and diplomatic ties, trade and economic cooperation, as well as cultural, humanitarian and educational links.
In Latvia, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Dauren Karipov met with Agriculture Minister Uldis Augulis. The two sides discussed trade, investment and cooperation in the agricultural sector. Bilateral trade rose by 4.2% in the first half of 2026 to $85.5 million.
The two sides also explored opportunities to establish joint ventures in dairy and livestock farming, food production, as well as food storage and transportation. They also discussed the development of logistics infrastructure, the introduction of innovative technologies and the exchange of expertise in agriculture.
Kazakhstan also presented progress on a project to establish the Asia-Pacific Centre for Digital Solutions for Sustainable Development in Almaty at a session of ESCAP’s Committee on Information and Communications Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation.
Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to ESCAP, Margulan Baimukhan, confirmed plans to open the centre in 2027 and called on countries across the region to participate in its work, including by sharing digital solutions and expertise.
A number of ESCAP member states expressed support for Kazakhstan’s initiative.
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Kazakhstan proposes international fund for nuclear test victims
Kazakhstan and Kiribati have proposed establishing an international trust fund to support people and countries affected by nuclear testing. The initiative was presented at an international meeting at UN headquarters in New York, Kazakhstan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations said.
The meeting, co-chaired by Kazakhstan and Kiribati, was held to mark the International Day against Nuclear Tests. Participants discussed assistance for victims, the rehabilitation of contaminated areas and international cooperation.
Arsen Omarov, Director of the Department of International Security at Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, outlined the country’s experience in addressing the consequences of nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. He highlighted medical and social support for affected communities, research into the consequences of nuclear testing, radiation monitoring and the rehabilitation of contaminated areas.
Kazakhstan and Kiribati also presented their proposal for an international trust fund. The fund is intended to help mobilise financial, technical and scientific support for affected countries and communities.
Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Kairat Umarov, stressed that affected people and communities should remain at the centre of international efforts.
Kazakh artist and anti-nuclear activist Karipbek Kuyukov spoke about the consequences of nuclear testing at the Semipalatinsk site and the role of the international Nevada-Semipalatinsk anti-nuclear movement. Participants were also shown a short film about his life and activism.
Following the meeting, Kazakhstan and Kiribati will compile the proposals and recommendations for further implementation within the mandate of the UN General Assembly.
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Women make up 34% of new Kurultai
Women account for 34% of the first-term Kurultai, Kazakhstan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Kairat Umarov, said at a high-level forum on the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, held under the theme "Women’s Leadership in Advancing a Culture of Peace", according to Kazakhstan’s Permanent Mission to the UN.
Umarov also said that a new National Action Plan for 2026-2028 had been approved to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
According to the mission, 20 Kazakh women serving in the military have taken part in UN peacekeeping missions since 2018. Kazakhstan also promotes a culture of peace through the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
"The Astana Peace Declaration, adopted following the 2025 forum, serves as an important instrument for strengthening inter-civilisational dialogue and social cohesion within the UN agenda," the press service added.
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Switzerland appoints new ambassador to Kazakhstan
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Kristina Honegger has been appointed Switzerland’s new ambassador to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, the Swiss Embassy in Kazakhstan said.
Honegger has more than 20 years of experience in the Swiss diplomatic service. During her career, she has held senior positions at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and served at Swiss diplomatic missions abroad.
Her areas of expertise include Eastern Europe and Central Asia. She previously headed the relevant division at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, gaining extensive knowledge of the region.
Prior to her appointment as ambassador to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, Honegger served as Switzerland’s ambassador to Belarus.
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Kazakhstan Offers Laos New Transport Route to Europe
Kazakhstan has invited Laos to use its transport corridors to ship goods to Central Asia and Europe, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during talks with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, according to the Akorda presidential press service.
Tokayev said Kazakhstan could increase exports to the Lao market in sectors including metals, food, petrochemicals, agriculture, chemicals, mechanical engineering and pharmaceuticals.
The two sides placed particular emphasis on transportation and logistics.
"Our country handles about 85% of overland freight traffic between China and Europe. Kazakhstan operates terminals at the ports of Batumi in Georgia and Lianyungang in China. We have also opened a Kazakh logistics hub in the Chinese city of Xi’an, which Lao freight carriers can use. We see an opportunity for Lao products to reach markets in Central Asia and Europe through our transport corridors," Tokayev said.
The president proposed that the two governments sign agreements on transportation and logistics. Kazakhstan, for its part, is interested in using Laos as a gateway for its products to Southeast Asian markets.
Tokayev also invited Lao companies to use the Astana International Financial Centre. More than 6,300 companies from over 90 countries are currently registered at the AIFC, which has helped attract $27 billion in investment to Kazakhstan.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in education, culture and tourism, including academic exchanges, partnerships between universities and opportunities for Lao specialists to study in Kazakhstan.
Sisoulith highlighted Kazakhstan’s contribution to training Lao professionals.
"Hundreds of Lao citizens received their education and graduated from educational institutions in Kazakhstan. Today, many of them work in public service, run businesses and hold senior positions at the national and local levels," the Lao president said.
Following the talks, Tokayev and Sisoulith adopted a joint statement on further expanding cooperation between Kazakhstan and Laos.
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Tokayev Welcomes Lao President to Astana
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Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith arrived in Kazakhstan for an official visit and was welcomed in Astana by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Akorda presidential press service said.
The official welcoming ceremony was held at the Palace of Independence. The two leaders introduced members of their delegations before the national anthems of Kazakhstan and Laos were played.
Tokayev and Sisoulith then began talks in a restricted format.
The two sides are expected to discuss the development of Kazakh-Lao relations and further cooperation between their countries.
This year, Laos became the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s 15th dialogue partner.
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Kazakhstan Deepens Ties with Japan and South Korea
Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its partnerships with Japan and South Korea, with officials discussing political and economic cooperation, humanitarian ties and prospective joint projects, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s press service said.
In Tokyo, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev held talks with former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The two sides discussed the development of political and interparliamentary ties, economic cooperation, as well as collaboration on global security, nuclear disarmament and sustainable development.
Climate change, water security, disaster prevention, tourism and culture were also discussed separately. Ishiba expressed interest in Kazakhstan’s environmental challenges, including the state of the Aral Sea and the country’s glaciers.
In Astana, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Isagaliyev met with Nam Jin, Director-General of the Northeast and Central Asian Affairs Bureau at South Korea’s Foreign Ministry. The talks focused on expanding cooperation in industry, artificial intelligence, infrastructure and education, as well as engagement within the Central Asia-Republic of Korea format.
The two sides agreed to continue coordinating bilateral and multilateral events.
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