Kazakhstan Participates in the Launch of the EU Platform for Strengthening Interregional Connectivity
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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov participated in a high-level meeting marking the launch of the Connectivity Agenda Platform, aimed at enhancing cooperation among the countries of Central Asia, the South Caucasus, the Black Sea region, and the European Union.
In his remarks, Deputy Minister Issetov underscored the importance of further strengthening ties between Central Asia and the European Union, as well as expanding practical cooperation in transport, energy and digital development.
Particular attention was given to Kazakhstan’s role as the largest economy in Central Asia and an important bridge between Europe and Asia. It was noted that Kazakhstan is consistently implementing projects aimed at enhancing transport, energy and digital infrastructure, thereby contributing to stronger interregional cooperation.
Arman Issetov welcomed the launch of the Platform as a tangible outcome of the agreements reached during the Ministerial Meeting on Enhancing Connectivity between Central Asia, the South Caucasus, the Black Sea Region and the European Union, held in Luxembourg in October 2025. He noted that the new Platform will complement existing cooperation mechanisms and will operate in close coordination with the Coordination Platform for the Development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route between Central Asia and the European Union.
Kazakhstan reaffirmed its readiness to actively contribute to the Platform’s activities and support the advancement of joint infrastructure and investment projects.
Participants discussed opportunities and challenges in the fields of transport, energy and digitalization, prospects for enhancing interregional connectivity, infrastructure modernization, and attracting investment into joint projects.
The meeting brought together representatives of the European Commission, ministers from Central Asia, the South Caucasus and the Black Sea region, heads of international financial institutions, including the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the World Bank, as well as representatives of the business community.
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Legal Cooperation and the Protection of Kazakhstan Citizens’ Interests Discussed in Iraq
Talgat Shaldanbay, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and concurrently to the Republic of Iraq, held a meeting with Khalid Shwani, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Iraq.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of Kazakhstan-Iraq cooperation in the legal sphere, including issues related to the expansion of the bilateral legal and contractual framework and cooperation between the relevant state institutions of the two countries.
Particular attention was devoted to bilateral documents currently under consideration in the field of legal cooperation, including matters related to the transfer of sentenced persons.
The Kazakh side also raised a number of consular and legal issues of mutual interest and expressed its interest in further strengthening cooperation between the competent authorities of the two countries.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties noted the importance of further expanding Kazakhstan-Iraq cooperation in the legal sphere and advancing the development of the bilateral legal framework.
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Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Reform Experience Presented in Greece
Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Hellenic Republic Timur Sultangozhin held a meeting with Vasiliki Giavi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice of the Hellenic Republic.
During the meeting, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan briefed the Greek side on the large-scale political and constitutional reforms being implemented in the Republic of Kazakhstan with the aim of further developing the country’s socio-political system. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the provisions of the new Constitution, the improvement of the public administration system, the development of socio-political institutions, as well as preparations for the forthcoming Kurultai elections.
The Greek side was also informed about the ongoing efforts in Kazakhstan to further strengthen the principles of the rule of law, improve the judicial system, enhance the effectiveness of public administration, and expand mechanisms for the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms within the framework of implementing the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The parties exchanged views on the development of the legal systems of the two countries, legislative reforms, administrative justice, the digitalization of legal services, and improving access to justice. The participants noted the significant potential for expanding cooperation between the relevant state institutions of Kazakhstan and Greece, as well as among the expert and academic communities of both countries.
The discussions also addressed prospects for further developing bilateral contacts, including the organization of expert exchanges and working visits between the respective institutions.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in continuing a constructive dialogue and expanding practical cooperation on issues of common interest.
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Kazakhstan-Belgium Trade Exceeds $500 Million
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Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Belgium exceeded $500 million last year, Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev said during talks with Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, according to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.
Belgium is an important partner for Kazakhstan both bilaterally and within the framework of cooperation with the European Union. Brussels ranks among the ten largest investors in Kazakhstan's economy. Last year, bilateral trade surpassed the half-billion-dollar mark, demonstrating significant potential for further strengthening cooperation," Kosherbayev said.
The two sides also discussed the development of transport and logistics infrastructure, as well as efforts to enhance the transit potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
Kosherbayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan's readiness to create favourable conditions for the implementation of joint projects and the further expansion of business ties.
The talks also highlighted strong potential for cooperation in education and science, including partnerships between leading universities and research centres in the two countries. On the Belgian side, institutions interested in expanding cooperation include KU Leuven, Ghent University and the inter-university research centre IMEC.
The ministers also discussed opportunities for cooperation within multilateral frameworks and exchanged views on current regional and global issues.
Following the talks, both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthening Kazakhstan-Belgium relations and implementing joint initiatives in priority areas.
Earlier, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
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Belgian King to Pay First-Ever State Visit to Kazakhstan
The King of Belgium will pay a state visit to Kazakhstan, marking the first such visit in the history of bilateral relations. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced this during a meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, according to Akorda.
The Kazakh president also described Belgium as one of Kazakhstan's key partners within the European Union. He noted that the positive momentum in economic cooperation demonstrates significant potential for further growth. Belgium ranks among the top ten foreign investors in Kazakhstan, with total direct investments amounting to $15 billion over the past two decades.
Bilateral trade has also continued its steady upward trend, exceeding $580 million last year.
More than 110 companies with Belgian capital are operating successfully in Kazakhstan, reflecting our shared commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation," Tokayev said.
For his part, Prime Minister Bart De Wever reaffirmed Belgium's interest in further deepening bilateral relations and expanding the strategic partnership.
The two sides discussed opportunities for implementing joint investment projects in transport and logistics, critical minerals, petrochemicals, agriculture, industry, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and finance.
They also explored prospects for cooperation in science and education, including partnerships between universities, research centres and technology companies. In addition, the parties exchanged views on current regional and international issues.
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Kazakhstan and UNOOSA Sign Memorandum on Establishment of a UN-SPIDER Regional Support Office in Astana
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Vienna International Centre between the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and JSC "National Company "Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary" on the establishment of a Regional Support Office (RSO) of the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) in Astana.
The Memorandum was signed by Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of UNOOSA, and Olzhas Shokparov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of JSC "NC "Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary".
The signing of the Memorandum marks an important step in strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United Nations in the application of space technologies for disaster risk management, emergency monitoring, and the enhancement of resilience to natural and technological hazards across Central Asia.
Under the Memorandum, the UN-SPIDER Regional Support Office will be hosted by JSC "NC "Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary". The Office will support efforts to expand access to Earth observation data, strengthen the capacities of relevant professionals and institutions, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and promote the use of space-based solutions for disaster prevention, preparedness and emergency response.
The establishment of the UN-SPIDER Regional Support Office in Kazakhstan supports the objectives for the development of the national space sector outlined by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during the meeting of the Security Council of Kazakhstan held on 16 June 2026.
Established pursuant to a resolution of the UN General Assembly, the UN-SPIDER programme seeks to ensure that all countries and relevant international and regional organizations have access to and can effectively use space-based information and technologies to support disaster risk reduction and emergency response activities.
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Kazakhstan and Mongolia Move to Strengthen Trade and Investment Ties
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s "QazExportPromotion JSC" and Mongolia’s "MAX Group" signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at deepening trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement provides for the establishment of a Partnership Office in Mongolia, which is expected to serve as a permanent platform for promoting Kazakh exports, advancing investment cooperation and expanding business links between entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan and Mongolia.
The office will support the promotion of Kazakhstani goods, assist in identifying reliable business partners, facilitate commercial initiatives, organize sector-specific exhibitions and presentations, and help implement joint projects in priority areas of the economy.
Particular emphasis will be placed on practical support for companies seeking to enter the Kazakh and Mongolian markets, the exchange of up-to-date business information, the identification of promising trade opportunities and the strengthening of direct ties between the two countries’ business communities.
The signing of the memorandum marks an important step in the development of Kazakh-Mongolian economic partnership and underscores both sides’ readiness to further expand trade and investment cooperation.
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Kazakhstan and the European Union Strengthen Cooperation in Transport Connectivity
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov took part in the Business Conference "Strengthening Kazakhstan-EU Connectivity: Perspectives and Strategic Potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR)".
The event brought together representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament, international financial institutions, transport and logistics companies, and business communities from Kazakhstan and the European Union.
Speaking during the first session dedicated to the strategic importance of the TITR for Kazakhstan-EU relations, Deputy Minister Issetov emphasized that Kazakhstan and the European Union are connected by decades of trust-based dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Acording to the Kazakh diplomat, the TITR has evolved far beyond a traditional transit corridor and is increasingly becoming a major geo-economic project serving the interests of both Central Asia and Europe.
Against the backdrop of evolving global supply chains and growing demand for reliable and diversified transport routes, Kazakhstan consistently advocates for open, resilient and mutually beneficial connectivity between East and West.
Particular attention was paid to the complementarity between the TITR and the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative. It was noted that the modernization of transport infrastructure, the development of digital solutions and the enhancement of logistics processes create additional opportunities for deepening bilateral cooperation.
Following the event, a signing ceremony was held for a number of agreements aimed at further developing transport and logistics infrastructure and expanding cooperation with the European Union in this area.
The European Union remains Kazakhstan’s largest trade and investment partner. As Kazakhstan and the European Union approach the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), bilateral relations continue to demonstrate strong positive momentum. In 2025, bilateral trade reached 45.1 billion US dollars, while the cumulative gross inflow of foreign direct investment from EU Member States exceeded 200 billion US dollars.
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Kazakhstan Strengthens Its Position in Global Peace Rankings Amid Structural Stability
Kazakhstan has strengthened its standing in the global security landscape, rising to 44th place in the 2026 Global Peace Index (GPI). The country improved by five positions over the past year, securing a place in the upper tier of the ranking, which covers 163 countries and territories worldwide.
Kazakhstan’s overall score stood at 1.771, reflecting a moderately high level of peacefulness compared with other nations included in the index. Against a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical turbulence and regional risks across Eurasia, the result positions the country as relatively stable on the global stage.
The GPI evaluates countries through a comprehensive framework of 23 indicators rather than a single criterion. These indicators cover societal safety and security, involvement in internal and external conflicts, and the degree of militarisation.
In Kazakhstan’s case, the index presents a mixed but generally stable profile. The country performs strongly in terms of its limited involvement in international conflicts and relatively low level of militarisation, while internal political stability remains a more sensitive area.
One of the key factors behind Kazakhstan’s strong ranking is its minimal involvement in military and international conflicts. The country recorded near-optimal scores across several indicators, including: impact of terrorism - 1/5; involvement in internal conflicts - 1/5; deaths from internal conflicts - 1/5; arms exports - 1/5; and contribution to UN peacekeeping operations - 1/5.
This group of indicators reflects Kazakhstan’s long-standing multi-vector foreign policy and its preference for avoiding direct participation in military blocs and conflicts. Within the global security system, such an approach significantly reduces risk and enhances the country’s predictability.
Another important indicator, militarisation, also characterises Kazakhstan as a state with limited military expansion and controlled defence spending. The country’s scores in this area were: nuclear and heavy weapons capability - 1.168/5; military expenditure as a share of GDP - 1.368/5; arms imports - 1.74/5; and arms exports - 1/5.
Taken together, these figures portray a country that is not seeking to expand its military influence internationally and continues to maintain a relatively restrained defence posture. At a time when military spending is increasing in many parts of the world, such a strategy contributes positively to Kazakhstan’s position in the ranking.
The most nuanced picture emerges in the area of public safety. On the one hand, Kazakhstan records relatively low levels of violent crime; on the other, perceptions of security remain less favourable.
The country’s scores in this category were: violent crime - 1.286/5; homicide rate - 2.12/5; and perceived criminality - 2/5.
Globally, Kazakhstan’s 44th-place ranking puts it ahead of a number of major and economically developed countries, including the United States, France, Türkiye and China. However, a considerable gap remains between Kazakhstan and the highest-ranked nations.
The country’s five-place rise in the 2026 index can be attributed to several factors. First, it has maintained a relatively stable foreign policy based on a multi-vector approach and limited involvement in international conflicts. Second, levels of violent crime have remained under control. Third, there have been no sharp increases in military spending or militarisation.
Together, these factors create what can be described as a form of "incremental stability," in which progress occurs gradually rather than through sudden breakthroughs, producing a steady cumulative effect over time.
Kazakhstan’s performance in the 2026 Global Peace Index reflects a model of moderate, structural stability. Rather than a dramatic leap towards the top of the rankings, it represents a gradual strengthening of the country’s position within the global security system.
At a time when countries are increasingly assessed not only on security but also on their attractiveness as places to live and migrate to, Kazakhstan’s position appears particularly noteworthy. The country is gaining recognition not only for stability and security, but also for its growing appeal as a migration destination.
According to the 2026 Immigration Index compiled by the US-based company Remitly, Kazakhstan ranked 53rd out of 82 countries worldwide, making it the highest-ranked post-Soviet state included in the survey.
Overall, Kazakhstan’s position in the 2026 Global Peace Index reflects not so much rapid advancement as the consolidation of a model of "managed stability." The country continues to maintain low levels of conflict involvement and moderate militarisation. However, domestic indicators related to public safety and political stability remain the main constraints on further progress in the rankings.
As a result, the latest improvement should be viewed as evolutionary rather than transformational, pointing to the gradual strengthening of institutional resilience rather than a breakthrough in the global security system.
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