Kazakhstan Granted Observer Status with the Committee of the Council of Europe Convention No. 108 (Personal Data Protection)
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has officially been granted observer status with the Committee of the Council of Europe Convention No. 108 for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The decision was adopted following the 50th plenary session of the Committee held in Strasbourg. The session was attended by Vice-Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Doszhan Mussaliyev.
On the margins of the plenary session, the Kazakh delegation held meetings with Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and Beatriz de Anchorena, Chair of the Committee of the Convention 108. During the discussions, the parties exchanged views on prospects for further cooperation in the areas of personal data protection, digital transformation, and the development of advanced technologies.
In addition, during the plenary session, Doszhan Mussaliyev addressed international experts on Kazakhstan’s experience and achievements in the field of personal data protection.
The Committee of the Convention 108 is the leading international platform for developing approaches and standards related to personal data protection and the safeguarding of the right to privacy in the context of rapid digital transformation.
The granting of observer status to Kazakhstan creates additional opportunities to expand cooperation with international partners, exchange expertise and further strengthen the national system of personal data protection in line with international best practices.
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DFC May Open Permanent Representative Office in Kazakhstan
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed the possibility of opening a permanent representative office of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in Kazakhstan during a meeting with the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer Ben Black, the Akorda presidential press service reported.
The two sides also reviewed prospects for cooperation in the fields of critical minerals, transport, agriculture, digitalisation and artificial intelligence.
Tokayev noted that Ben Black’s visit followed up on agreements reached earlier in Washington and would contribute to the further development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United States.
According to the president, engagement between Washington, Astana and the countries of Central Asia has intensified significantly since the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump took office.
We fully support the bold vision and pragmatic approach to diplomacy demonstrated by the President of the United States. Kazakhstan is playing an active role in advancing key American initiatives, including the Abraham Accords, the Peace Council, the TRIPP initiative and other projects. Taken together, these efforts have given new momentum to our Enhanced Strategic Partnership, which is stronger today than ever before. Your corporation’s investment priorities closely align with Kazakhstan’s development agenda, and we are ready for practical and mutually beneficial cooperation," Tokayev said.
The head of state stressed the importance of translating existing agreements into practical action and reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to implement joint investment projects.
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Tokayev: Kazakhstan Welcomes Agreement Reached Between the United States and Iran
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement reached between the United States and Iran. The head of state expressed his position in a post on the social media platform X.
According to Tokayev, the agreement is of great significance both for the region and for the international community as a whole.
In the current complex international environment, this agreement is of exceptional importance for both the region and the global community. We highly appreciate the political will demonstrated by the parties, which made it possible to restore trust and find mutually acceptable solutions," the president wrote.
Tokayev also highlighted the role played by U.S. President Donald Trump and the Iranian leadership in securing the agreement.
We particularly note the leadership of President Donald Trump of the United States, who demonstrated determination and strategic vision at this critical moment. We also welcome the constructive approach of the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Tokayev said.
The president expressed hope that the signing of the document would provide a solid foundation for strengthening peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond.
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Tokayev Congratulates Xi Jinping on His Birthday
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sent a congratulatory telegram to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of his birthday, the Akorda presidential press service reported.
In his message, the head of state highlighted the Chinese leader’s significant personal contribution to strengthening the eternal comprehensive strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China, which is based on strong bonds of friendship, good neighbourliness and mutual support.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed confidence that during the current "golden thirty years" of Kazakhstan-China relations, bilateral cooperation will continue to deepen, maintaining strong momentum and expanding into new areas of interaction.
The Kazakh president wished Xi Jinping further success in his state duties and conveyed his wishes for well-being and prosperity to the friendly people of China.
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Kazakhstan and the Netherlands Agree on the Implementation of Joint Projects Worth EUR 160 Million
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As part of the working visit of the Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Arman Shakkaliyev, to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Kazakhstan-Netherlands Business Forum was held, resulting in the signing of agreements and the achievement of arrangements for the implementation of joint projects total of EUR 160 million, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The Forum, held on the sidelines of the international exhibition GreenTech Amsterdam 2026, became the central event of Kazakhstan’s trade and economic mission to the Netherlands. Representatives of government agencies, business communities, and industry organizations from both countries participated in the event.
The Netherlands remains one of Kazakhstan’s key trade and economic partners within the European Union. In January-February 2026, bilateral trade reached USD 970 million, representing a 57.9% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. Kazakhstan’s exports amounted to USD 930.4 million, demonstrating a 65% growth.
Today’s agreements confirm the high level of mutual interest among the business communities of our countries. Kazakhstan is ready to increase supplies of high-quality products to European markets and create favorable conditions for the implementation of investment projects involving Dutch partners," noted Arman Shakkaliyev.
During the Business Forum, Kazakh companies representing the agro-industrial sector, food industry, and logistics sector presented the export potential of domestic producers and held a series of bilateral meetings with Dutch partners.
The intensive program of the visit also included meetings with leading governmental and industry organizations of the Netherlands. One of the key topics was the study of the Dutch inspection and control model, which is based on effective cooperation between government authorities and accredited industry associations. This approach ensures a high level of product safety, transparency of procedures, and efficiency of export operations.
During the meeting with the management of Naktuinbouw, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in seed production, certification, and quality control of agricultural products. Particular attention was paid to the exchange of experience in implementing modern traceability systems and conformity assessment mechanisms to ensure compliance with international standards, which will contribute to the further expansion of Kazakhstan’s export potential.
A separate block of discussions was devoted to the development of transport and logistics cooperation. During the visit to the Port of Rotterdam, the parties explored opportunities to expand cooperation in international transportation, integrate Kazakh products into European logistics chains, and utilize the potential of Europe’s largest seaport to promote domestic exports to EU markets.
Considerable attention was also devoted to the prospects for further development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), with both sides emphasizing its growing role in ensuring sustainable, secure, and efficient freight transportation between Asia and Europe amid the transformation of global supply chains.
During negotiations with Damen Shipyards Group, prospects for industrial cooperation and collaboration in the shipbuilding sector were discussed. Following the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed, providing for the implementation of a project to establish a shipbuilding and ship repair cluster in the Mangystau Region through the introduction of advanced technologies, localization of production, and workforce development.
In addition, meetings were held with representatives of Axia Seeds and DENSO AgriTech Solutions, during which the parties discussed the introduction of modern agricultural technologies, the development of the seed sector, and the implementation of investment projects in greenhouse farming.
Following the visit, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in further expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation. Priority areas for future collaboration were identified as agriculture, transport and logistics, critical raw materials, innovative technologies, and international trade.
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European Parliament Backs Kazakhstan’s Political Reforms
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A roundtable discussion on political reforms in Kazakhstan and the prospects for cooperation with the European Union was held at the European Parliament. Around 70 lawmakers, diplomats, experts and media representatives took part in the event.
Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the European Union, Roman Vassilenko, outlined the reforms initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. According to him, the reforms are aimed at strengthening state institutions, expanding citizens’ participation in political processes and increasing the transparency of public administration.
Particular attention was paid to the results of the referendum on the new Constitution, which was held on March 15. The new Basic Law will enter into force on July 1 and provides for the further democratization of the political system, stronger checks and balances, an expanded role for representative institutions and the strengthening of the rule of law.
French Member of the European Parliament Thierry Mariani noted that Kazakhstan has achieved significant progress in political and economic modernization and remains a key partner of the European Union in Central Asia.
MEPs Virginie Joron and Tomasz Froelich also expressed support for the reforms, highlighting Kazakhstan’s important role for the EU in the areas of energy security, transport and logistics.
Participants discussed cooperation in transport, energy, science and innovation, as well as progress in negotiations on visa facilitation between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants noted that Kazakhstan’s political modernization is creating new opportunities to strengthen the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and the EU across the political, economic and humanitarian spheres.
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Kazakh Foreign Minister receives Thai Ambassador
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Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev received Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of Kazakhstan Piyapin Niyomrerks, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the meeting the parties discussed the current state and future prospects of Kazakh-Thai relations, reaffirming their mutual interest in further strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, investments, transport and logistics, digitalization, critical minerals and energy, electronics, advanced manufacturing and tourism.
Particular attention was paid to the schedule of forthcoming high-level engagements, including the official visit of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, to the Republic of Kazakhstan on 24-26 June 2026.
The parties also exchanged views on topical regional and international issues.
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