Kazakhstan Emerging as a Regional UN Hub
Kazakhstan is steadily establishing itself as a regional hub for the United Nations, Foreign Minister Yerzhan Kosherbayev said in response to a question from a Kazakhstan Today journalist regarding the country's prospects following the opening of the UN Global Hub in Almaty and the upcoming launch of the UN Regional Centre.
Today, more than 60 international organisations are based in Almaty. This in itself demonstrates that Kazakhstan is becoming a regional centre for international organisations. We fully support this process," Kosherbayev said.
According to the minister, strengthening Kazakhstan’s position as a host country for international organisations creates additional opportunities for the nation to participate in a wide range of international programmes.
Every international programme is aimed at supporting participating countries in one way or another," he noted.
Kosherbayev also highlighted Almaty’s advantages as a location for international institutions. He said the city’s well-developed infrastructure, security and availability of essential services contribute to its growing role as an international centre.
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Astana Opens New Opportunities for Patients from Azerbaijan
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
An international medical tourism roadshow promoting Astana was held in Baku, bringing together representatives of leading medical institutions from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, tourism industry stakeholders and professional communities from both countries.
The event was organised by Astana Tourism Development Centre, Astana Tourism, with the support of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan Health and Thermal Tourism Support Association.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Alim Bayel, said the roadshow had become an important platform for strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan in healthcare and medical tourism. Its main objectives were to promote the advanced medical services available in Kazakhstan’s capital on the international market, develop partnerships between clinics and tourism companies from both countries, and attract foreign patients to Astana for treatment.
During the event, leading medical institutions from Astana showcased their achievements, presented advanced diagnostic and treatment methods, and demonstrated the high-tech solutions currently available in the city’s healthcare sector.
Astana is steadily strengthening its position as a leading medical tourism hub in Central Asia. The city is home to nine medical institutions accredited under the international Joint Commission International (JCI) standards, confirming the high quality and safety of the healthcare services provided.
Particular interest was shown in such fields as neurosurgery, cancer treatment, paediatric rehabilitation, reproductive medicine and aesthetic surgery, which are among the most sought-after medical services for patients from Azerbaijan.
The Astana delegation included representatives of the National Children's Rehabilitation Centre, the National Centre for Neurosurgery, the National Research Oncology Centre, Ecomed Reproductive Medicine Clinic and Tulip Medicine Plastic Surgery Clinic. The delegates presented their capabilities and discussed prospects for cooperation with Azerbaijani counterparts.
The roadshow programme included presentations by Astana’s medical institutions, a series of B2B meetings between healthcare representatives from the two countries, and the signing of cooperation memorandums aimed at further developing partnerships in medical tourism.
As a continuation of the event, free initial consultations were organised on June 17 at the Citomed Clinic for residents of Baku. Leading specialists from Astana met with patients and provided professional advice on diagnostic and treatment options.
The international roadshow in Baku marked another step in Astana’s strategy to develop medical tourism and promote Kazakhstan’s capital as an international centre for high-quality, high-tech healthcare. Initiatives of this kind create new opportunities for cooperation between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan and help expand access to world-class medical technologies for people across the region.
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Measures to Support Women and Gender Equality in Kazakhstan Discussed in Slovakia
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Slovak Republic, Zhanna Saginova, held a meeting with the Chairwoman of the Slovak Women’s Association, Monika Ďurechová.
During the conversation, the Ambassador outlined the reforms implemented at the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to support women. In particular, emphasis was placed on measures aimed at enhancing the role of women in the socio-political life of the country, strengthening women's entrepreneurship, as well as protecting the rights of women and children.
Ďurechová highly commended the state policy pursued by Kazakhstan to provide comprehensive support for women and promote them to leadership positions within public administration.
The Head of the Association emphasized the importance of the laws adopted in the country to ensure gender equality, prevent domestic violence, and tighten accountability for domestic and family abuse. She also praised the 18% representation of women in the Parliament of Kazakhstan, stressing that this stands as a significant achievement in increasing the political activity of women.
In turn, M. Ďurechová briefed the Ambassador on the priority areas of activity of her organization, which actively promotes women's influence in Slovak society and carries out charitable and humanitarian initiatives to assist families in need, women, and children.
The parties underscored the importance of exchanging experience and best practices in advancing women's rights, expressing mutual interest in the further development of bilateral contacts.
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Kazakhstan Showcases Rich Cultural Heritage in Slovenia
Images | gov.kz
A series of national cultural events featuring Kazakhstan’s ethnographic folklore and dance ensembles Qaghan and Yassy was held in the Slovenian capital, organized by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Slovenia with the support of the Shymkent Akimat and Slovenian partners, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry's press service reported.
One of the highlights of the start of the summer season was an open-air concert on Ljubljana’s central square. The performance marked the first appearance by Kazakh artistic groups in Slovenia since the opening of Kazakhstan’s embassy in the country. The concert attracted significant interest from Slovenian audiences, foreign tourists and members of the Kazakh diaspora, providing many with their first introduction to Kazakhstan’s musical traditions and culture.
On the same day, the traditional international charity event Midsummer Night (Kresna noč) was held at the historic Križanke architectural complex. Organized by the Lions Club Ljubljana Iliria, the event featured Kazakhstan as its national cultural partner for the first time in its more than 25-year history.
The gathering brought together more than 300 guests, including Aleš Musar, spouse of the President of Slovenia, representatives of the diplomatic corps, government and public organizations, Slovenia’s business, financial and industrial communities, cultural and arts figures, members of the Kazakh diaspora, as well as residents and visitors of Ljubljana. Speaking on behalf of the Slovenian head of state, Musar expressed satisfaction with the high level of relations between Slovenia and Kazakhstan and noted the positive momentum in cooperation across the fields of economy, trade, education and tourism.
The centerpiece of the cultural programme was a performance by the Qaghan and Yassy ensembles, which showcased Kazakhstan’s unique musical heritage, blending traditional Kazakh music with ancient Turkic motifs.
Guests were also presented with a video highlighting the tourism potential of modern Kazakhstan, the distinctive features of its national cuisine, and the richness of its culture and traditions.
The event also recognized the contribution of prominent Slovenian entrepreneur and philanthropist Janez Škrabec, who serves as the Honorary Adviser to the Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Slovenia on economic affairs. The evening’s charity initiative was dedicated to supporting children under the care of the children’s hospital in Šentvid pri Stični.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the events made an important contribution to the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Kazakhstan and Slovenia, helping to promote awareness of the culture and traditions of the Great Steppe and further strengthen friendly ties between the two countries.
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Astana Hosts Discussion on Strengthening Cooperation Among Asian Regional Organizations
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A roundtable of heads of executive bodies of Asian regional organizations was held in Astana. The event was organized by the Secretariat of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) to mark its 20th anniversary, the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan reported.
Participants discussed the activities of existing Asian organizations and multilateral platforms, as well as opportunities to expand regional cooperation and coordinate joint initiatives.
Special attention was paid to the work of organizations within the United Nations system and the challenges they face in the current international environment.
Representatives of regional organizations also exchanged experiences on maintaining dialogue, building trust, and enhancing cooperation amid growing regional and global risks.
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Preparations for the First Summit of the Central Asia–Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum Discussed in Tashkent
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
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Hungarian Ambassador Received at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Upon Completion of Diplomatic Mission
Images | Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov received the Ambassador of Hungary to Kazakhstan, Ottó Ivan Róna, on the completion of his diplomatic mission in our country.
Kazakh diplomat expressed his appreciation to his Hungarian counterpart for his active and fruitful work aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. Noting the high level of strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Hungary, Deputy Minister Issetov emphasized the importance of maintaining stable and mutually beneficial ties with Budapest.
During your diplomatic tenure, our countries marked the tenth anniversary of the establishment of strategic partnership. I am confident that we should continue to make every effort to further advance bilateral cooperation, building on the principles of open dialogue," he noted.
Ambassador Róna expressed his gratitude to the Kazakh side for the comprehensive support provided throughout his mission. The Hungarian diplomat confirmed his country’s interest in further developing constructive dialogue and expanding cooperation with Kazakhstan.
At the end of the meeting, Deputy Minister Issetov wished the Hungarian diplomat every success and the realization of all plans.
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Kazakhstan-Morocco Trade Surpasses $460 Million
Trade between Kazakhstan and Morocco has increased by 68% since the opening of Kazakhstan’s embassy in the North African country and exceeded $460 million by the end of last year, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The growth of economic ties was discussed in Casablanca during a meeting between ambassadors of Asia-Pacific countries and Mehdi Tazi, Chairman of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM). The participants highlighted significant potential for expanding trade, investment and business cooperation.
Particular attention was given to the establishment of a Kazakhstan-Morocco Business Council. Its inaugural meeting is scheduled to take place in July in Casablanca and will bring together representatives of the Kazakh business community.
The parties also discussed promising areas of cooperation and potential joint projects. The Kazakh side noted the positive impact of the visa-free regime on the development of business and tourism exchanges between the two countries.
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Future of Afghanistan and Regional Cooperation Discussed in Almaty
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The eighth meeting of Special Representatives and Envoys of the European Union and Central Asian countries on Afghanistan was held at UN Plaza, the United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan, in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.
Participants discussed the situation in Afghanistan, regional security issues, the humanitarian situation, human rights, climate change and water resource management. Particular attention was paid to the development of transport and transit corridors through Afghanistan, which could strengthen trade links between Central Asia, South Asia and the European Union.
The meeting highlighted Kazakhstan’s commitment to addressing regional challenges through political and diplomatic means, promoting good-neighbourly relations and strengthening the role of the United Nations in international affairs. Heads of delegations praised Kazakhstan’s contribution to supporting international dialogue on Afghanistan, providing humanitarian assistance, implementing educational programmes and advancing regional economic integration.
Kazakhstan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Yerkin Tukumov, said the country follows a policy of "pragmatic engagement without recognition" and continues to develop transport, energy and humanitarian ties with Afghanistan.
On the issue of official recognition, we will rely on decisions adopted by the United Nations Security Council. We have stopped viewing Afghanistan solely as a source of regional security threats. Afghanistan should also be seen in terms of the opportunities it offers for the region and for Kazakhstan. Rapid results should not be expected, particularly when it comes to implementing projects and assessing their benefits and risks," he said.
Turkmenistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Ahmet Gurbanov, stressed that Ashgabat continues to support a peaceful and economically stable Afghanistan and regards the country as an important participant in regional integration processes.
The European Union’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Gilles Bertrand, described the EU-Central Asia format as a unique platform for regular dialogue on Afghan issues. He also underlined the need for continued support for the Afghan population amid declining levels of international assistance.
Kaha Imnadze, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative, stated that long-term stability in Afghanistan can only be achieved through the country’s full integration into regional economic processes.
Participants also highlighted the importance of the UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty and noted the city’s growing role as a platform for international dialogue.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation among Central Asian countries, the European Union and United Nations institutions in support of peace, stability and sustainable development in Afghanistan.
Representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, the European Union and the United Nations took part in the meeting.
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