Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Reform and Elections Discussed in Israel
Images | AI
Kazakhstan’s constitutional reform and the upcoming elections to the country’s Kurultai were discussed at a roundtable held at the Kazakh Embassy in Israel. The meeting brought together representatives of the Israeli media, experts and academics.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Daulet Yemberdiyev presented the key provisions of the new Constitution and outlined changes to the country’s system of public administration and political structure.
Political analyst and Central Asia expert Arkady Dubnov described the constitutional reform as timely and gave a positive assessment of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy course.
Alexander Tsinker, president of the ICES international expert centre, said the new model was aimed at modernising the system of governance while maintaining political stability and an effective presidency.
Strategic communications expert Ayelet Frish expressed hope that the reforms would help further develop cooperation between Kazakhstan and Israel, including in technology and innovation.
Eduard Yakubov, president of the Holon Institute of Technology, highlighted the potential for expanded cooperation in advanced higher education, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital technologies.
Participants also discussed political, economic and humanitarian ties between the two countries, as well as cooperation in education and technology.
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Kazakhstan and South Korea Agree to Elevate Relations to New Level
Images | Akorda
Kazakhstan and South Korea have agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a future-oriented comprehensive strategic partnership, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during expanded-format talks with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, according to the Akorda presidential press service.
"Today, we reached an agreement to elevate bilateral relations to a future-oriented comprehensive strategic partnership," Tokayev said.
Tokayev highlighted the steady progress in cooperation between the two countries and described South Korea as a reliable strategic partner of Kazakhstan.
The president also said South Korea had invested more than $12 billion in Kazakhstan’s economy. South Korean companies are successfully operating in the Kazakh market, he said, adding that the country would continue creating favorable conditions for them.
The two sides paid particular attention to education and science. An agreement to open a branch of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, or KAIST, in Alatau City is expected to be signed during the visit.
"I am confident this step will give fresh impetus to deeper cooperation in education and science," Tokayev said.
Lee said South Korea was ready to support the modernization of Kazakhstan’s industry through advanced industrial and digital technologies.
"Kazakhstan is an important economic security partner for us. The country is not only rich in energy and natural resources but also has significant potential in promising high-tech sectors," the South Korean president said.
The leaders also emphasized the similarity of the two countries’ positions on global sustainable development and security.
Kazakhstan and South Korea previously signed commercial agreements worth $19 billion.
A roundtable was also held in Seoul, where Kazakhstan proposed new areas of cooperation with South Korea.
The two countries intend to double bilateral trade and expand commerce in high-value-added products, Tokayev said during a meeting with South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong-sook.
South Korean brand Lotte also plans to build hotels in Almaty and Alatau City. Hotel Lotte and Sensata Invest signed memorandums following Tokayev’s meeting with the chairman of Lotte Group.
Alternative headlines:
Kazakhstan and South Korea Establish Future-Oriented Strategic Partnership
Kazakhstan, South Korea Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Tokayev and Lee Jae-myung Open New Chapter in Kazakhstan-South Korea Relations
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Doubling Trade, New Investment Projects and Alatau City: Tokayev Meets South Korean Prime Minister - Updated
Kazakhstan and South Korea intend to double bilateral trade and expand commerce in high-value-added products, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during a meeting with South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong-sook, according to the Akorda presidential press service.
"We have set the goal of doubling bilateral trade. To achieve this, it is important not only to increase volumes but also to improve the structure of trade by expanding the range of high-value-added goods. I therefore believe it is highly relevant to develop a comprehensive Kazakhstan-Korea trade, economic and investment cooperation program for 2027-2030. I also consider it important to prepare a separate industrial cooperation roadmap incorporating the most promising projects for localizing production and exporting goods to third-country markets," Tokayev said.
The president noted that South Korea ranks among Kazakhstan’s 10 largest trade and investment partners. More than 1,000 joint ventures involving South Korean capital operate in the country.
Tokayev said Kazakhstan had created favorable conditions for both major South Korean corporations and small and medium-sized businesses. Cooperation is also supported by the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation and the bilateral Business Council.
Han described Kazakhstan as South Korea’s largest trade and investment partner in Central Asia.
"I hope the current summit will give further momentum to cooperation between our countries, particularly in the economy and energy supply chains. We also believe Korea can become a strong partner for Kazakhstan in developing the new Alatau City," Han said.
The two sides also discussed joint projects in transport and logistics, critical materials, automotive manufacturing, digitalization, artificial intelligence and health care.
Tokayev emphasized the importance of his upcoming talks with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, which he said should open a new chapter in bilateral relations.
Updated Sept. 15, 2026, at 3:10 p.m.
Tokayev and Han reviewed several Alatau Smart City projects.
The presentation outlined the city’s development plans, including digital infrastructure, new forms of urban mobility and investment opportunities. It also showcased projects with South Korean partners in K-Smart Town, education, research and development, and urban air mobility, including drones and air taxis.
A major South Korean corporation was previously invited to participate in technology projects in Kazakhstan.
Alternative headlines:
Kazakhstan and South Korea Aim to Double Trade and Expand Investment
Tokayev and South Korean Prime Minister Discuss Trade Growth and Alatau City
Kazakhstan Seeks Deeper Economic Ties with South Korea Through Alatau City Projects
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Tokayev discusses UN reform with former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, chairman of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), discussed reforming the United Nations and adapting the organisation to modern realities, according to the Akorda presidential press service.
Tokayev highlighted the importance of GGGI’s work in supporting developing countries in their transition to a green growth model that promotes social stability, resilience to climate change and economic development.
Ban Ki-moon, for his part, welcomed Kazakhstan’s achievements in sustainable development and expressed readiness to continue cooperation as part of the global climate agenda.
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Paying Tribute at Struthof: Kazakh Diplomats Laid a Wreath at the Memorial to the Victims of Nazism
Images | MFA RK
The Consulate General of Kazakhstan in Strasbourg took part in an International commemoration ceremony for the victims of the Natzweiler-Struthof concentration camp, held at the Memorial of the same name in the Alsace region.
The event, organized by the French National Office for Veterans and Victims of War and dedicated to the memory of the victims of the nazi regime and the tragic events of the past, was attended by representatives of local authorities, members of organizations and associations providing assistance to the families of deportees, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps in France’s Grand Est region.
As a sign of respect and solidarity in preserving the historical memory of the victims and the fate of the prisoners of the Natzweiler camp, a wreath was laid on behalf of the Kazakh mission in Strasbourg at the foot of the monument commemorating the horrific Nazi crimes of that period.
During conversations with the Memorial’s administration held on the sidelines of the event, Kazakh diplomats emphasized the particular importance of preserving historical memory and perpetuating the memory of the heroism of soldiers, including Kazakhstanis who fought and lost their lives on French territory during the Second World War.
With the aim of close expert-level cooperation and facilitating cooperation in locating the burial sites of Kazakh soldiers who fell in the liberation of France during the war, the French counterparts were provided with lists of individuals likely originated from the Kazakh SSR, obtained from Kazakh researchers.
The Natzweiler-Struthof concentration camp was established by Nazi Germany in May 1941 in the territory of annexed Alsace. Approximately 52,000 prisoners of more than fifty nationalities passed through the camp, around 22,000 of whom died.
Today, the former camp is one of the most important sites of remembrance of Nazi crimes in France. It is also home to the European Centre of Deported Resistance Members, dedicated to preserving the memory of resistance to the Nazi regime during that period.
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Kazakhstan Explores New Cooperation Opportunities with the Port of Bar and the Municipality of Budva
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Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Montenegro Daulet Batrashev visited the facilities of the Port of Bar and held meetings with Aleksandar Slabidžoreski, Executive Director of Luka Bar AD, and Nikola Jovanović, President of the Municipality of Budva.
During the visit to the Port of Bar, the parties discussed the potential use of Montenegro’s transport and logistics infrastructure to develop cargo transportation between Kazakhstan, the Western Balkans and European markets.
The Kazakh diplomat briefed the Montenegrin side on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the Middle Corridor, and noted Kazakhstan’s interest in further diversifying international transport routes. In this context, the parties considered the possible use of the Port of Bar as one of the regional logistics hubs for the transshipment and onward distribution of cargo from Kazakhstan to the Western Balkans and Central Europe.
Particular attention was paid to the prospects for transporting agricultural and food products from Kazakhstan, including grain, as well as to the development of container and other types of cargo transportation.
The parties discussed possible formats of cooperation between interested companies from Kazakhstan and the Port of Bar, including the use of terminal and storage infrastructure, joint logistics projects and opportunities for investment cooperation.
The sides agreed to continue direct working contacts and further detailed work on possible projects, considering their economic viability and the available infrastructure.
On the same day, Ambassador Batrashev held a meeting in Budva with Nikola Jovanović, President of the Municipality of Budva.
The parties considered prospects for developing interregional cooperation, expanding tourist exchanges, implementing joint infrastructure projects and establishing direct contacts between business communities.
Daulet Batrashev noted the growing interest of citizens of Kazakhstan in Montenegro as a tourist destination and underlined the importance of maintaining favourable travel conditions, developing direct air connectivity and further increasing mutual tourist flows.
Nikola Jovanović expressed the Municipality’s interest in attracting investment from Kazakhstan and its readiness to assist potential investors within the powers of local authorities.
The parties also discussed the prospect of establishing direct partnership ties between Budva and Almaty. It was noted that such cooperation could be developed through concrete projects in tourism, investment and entrepreneurship, as well as joint business events.
Daulet Batrashev informed the Montenegrin side of Kazakhstan’s readiness to open an Honorary Consulate in Budva, which would facilitate contacts with municipalities along Montenegro’s coast, business communities and citizens of the two countries.
The meetings formed part of the practical implementation of the agreements reached following the talks between the Heads of State of Kazakhstan and Montenegro in June 2026 and confirmed mutual interest in further expanding trade and economic, investment, transport and logistics, tourism and interregional cooperation between Kazakhstan and Montenegro.
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Tokayev honours South Korean figures for contribution to Kazakhstan ties
Images | Akorda
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has awarded the second-class Order of Dostyk to South Korean government officials and public figures in Seoul, the Akorda presidential press service said.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tokayev highlighted the strong ties between Kazakhstan and South Korea and described the country as a strategic partner of Kazakhstan.
"Although our countries are separated by a considerable distance, we are brought closer by mutual respect and shared interests. The Korean economy continues to develop successfully despite competition and challenges. This has been made possible by the hard work of the Korean people and the efforts of major businesses. The Kazakh people and government officials have sincere respect for friendly Korea. The Republic of Korea is a strategic partner of Kazakhstan," Tokayev said.
The president said the two countries were actively developing trade and economic ties and implementing major joint projects in mechanical engineering, energy, metallurgy and advanced technologies. Major South Korean companies are also operating in Kazakhstan.
Tokayev separately highlighted the contribution of Kazakhstan’s Korean community to relations between the two countries.
"More than 100,000 ethnic Koreans currently live in Kazakhstan. They play an important role in the economic, social and political development of our country. We have created favourable conditions for all ethnic groups. The Koryo-saram community lives in peace and harmony on Kazakh soil and makes a significant contribution to strengthening unity and solidarity," the president said.
Tokayev said Korean cultural centres operate in Kazakhstan, while Almaty is home to the Korean Theatre of Musical Comedy. A Korean-language newspaper is also published in the country, and a dedicated radio programme is broadcast in Korean.
The president said the decision to award the second-class Order of Dostyk to South Korean government officials and public figures was a sign of respect and recognition of their contribution to the development of bilateral relations.
"I am confident that you will continue to make a significant contribution to strengthening ties between our countries," Tokayev said.
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Tokayev Praises India’s Hosting of BRICS Summit
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the successful BRICS Summit in New Delhi, the Akorda presidential press service said.
Tokayev praised the summit’s organization and highlighted India’s leading role in the global economy and its scientific and technological achievements.
"Under your wise and strong leadership, the country is confidently advancing along the path of progress and sustainable development," Tokayev said.
The president also noted the development of relations between Kazakhstan and India. Around 600 companies with Indian capital currently operate in Kazakhstan, while about 150,000 Indian citizens visited the country last year, he said.
Modi thanked Tokayev for attending the BRICS Summit and praised his address.
The two leaders also discussed cooperation in energy, digitalization, education and tourism. Particular attention was given to high technology and the creative industries, including potential cooperation between Astana Hub and Hyderabad’s Cyberabad technology ecosystem.
Modi invited representatives of Kazakhstan, particularly young people, to attend the WAVES creative industries summit in Mumbai next year.
In his earlier address to the summit, Tokayev said the global economic cost of violence had reached $22 trillion and called for moving beyond the de-escalation of regional conflicts toward lasting stability through political dialogue and diplomacy.
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Global Economic Cost of Violence Reached $22 Trillion, Tokayev Says
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The global economic cost of violence reached nearly $22 trillion in 2025, equivalent to 10% of world gross domestic product, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the Outreach/BRICS Plus plenary session in New Delhi.
Tokayev said regional conflicts affect not only the countries where hostilities take place but also the entire global economy.
"Last year, the global economic cost of violence reached nearly $22 trillion, or 10% of global GDP. This is an alarming signal. We can see that regional conflicts extend far beyond the areas of direct confrontation and have a serious impact on the world economy. Disruptions to major maritime routes have exposed the vulnerability of global energy, food and trade supply chains," Tokayev said.
He said peace and strategic stability were essential for sustainable economic development. The president called for moving beyond the de-escalation of regional conflicts toward lasting stability through political dialogue and diplomacy.
Tokayev also warned of the risk of a new arms race and urged nuclear powers to engage in high-level dialogue, including on reducing risks associated with emerging technologies.
The president also identified declining trust among major powers as a serious problem, saying it limits the United Nations’ ability to carry out its responsibilities effectively. He said reform of the U.N. Security Council should ensure fairer representation for Asia, Africa and Latin America, while emerging middle powers should have a stronger voice in global decision-making.
Turning to economic cooperation, Tokayev said Kazakhstan’s trade with BRICS member and partner countries reached about $72 billion in 2025.
"With significant industrial, transit and technological potential, we intend to diversify our trade, economic and investment ties with all BRICS countries," he said.
Kazakhstan also supports closer cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union and BRICS, as well as progress toward a free trade agreement with India.
Tokayev identified advanced processing in the energy sector, critical minerals, agriculture, technology transfer and joint investment as promising areas of cooperation. He said the BRICS New Development Bank could consider financing commercially viable projects, including in Kazakhstan.
The president also proposed expanding transport links. The volume of transit cargo passing through Kazakhstan approached 40 million metric tons in 2025. The country’s long-term goal is to increase that figure to 100 million metric tons annually.
"Overall, our transit network already handles up to 85% of overland freight traffic between China and Europe," Tokayev said.
Kazakhstan plans to develop its rail network, ports and digital infrastructure to accelerate cross-border shipments and make them more predictable. Tokayev also highlighted the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and its integration with the Belt and Road Initiative and the North-South corridor.
He endorsed India’s proposed BRICS Framework for Cooperation on Logistics and Supply Chains.
Tokayev also noted that BRICS represents nearly half of the world’s population and about 40% of global GDP. Kazakhstan views the group as an open platform for practical cooperation that complements the international system centered on the United Nations.
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