Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Receives the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund
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Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a meeting with the UN Under Secretary-General, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Diene Keita, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the talks, the head of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy ministry noted that President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attaches particular importance to comprehensive cooperation with the United Nations. Kazakhstan remains a steadfast supporter of the UN as a universal platform for addressing global issues and actively participates in the implementation of the "UN80" initiative aimed at a comprehensive reform of multilateral dialogue.
In this context, the Minister positively assessed the cooperation between the Government of Kazakhstan and UNFPA in improving maternal and infant health outcomes, developing youth health centres, and conducting comprehensive demographic and population studies.
As noted by Minister Kosherbayev, healthcare, youth policy and gender equality should become key areas of regional dialogue with UNFPA.
In this regard, the Minister called for the active use of the UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty as a platform for expanding UNFPA’s presence in the region.
For her part, Diene Keita stressed that the United Nations commends Kazakhstan’s systemic reforms in promoting gender equality, protecting women’s rights and expanding opportunities for women.
She also noted that Kazakhstan has achieved impressive results in healthcare, the development of youth and family policy, as well as in reducing maternal and child mortality rates.
During the meeting, the UN Under Secretary-General announced the Organization’s decision to establish the UNFPA Central Asian Hub on Demographic Resilience in Almaty, which will serve as a regional centre for collecting, analysing and researching demographic development trends in Central Asia.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue their constructive dialogue on pressing issues of the global and regional agenda.
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Kazakhstan and Serbia Explore New Opportunities for Cooperation in Sustainable Development
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Ambassador Madi Atamkulov met with President of the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) Vuk Jeremić, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the meeting, Kazakh diplomat extended an invitation to the Serbian expert to attend the International Conference "Sustainable Development in Eurasia," which will take place on May 29 of this year in Astana.
Jeremić highly praised the momentum of the Kazakh-Serbian partnership and particularly emphasized the significance of Kazakhstan and the entire Central Asian region as a vital pillar of a multipolar world. In this context, Jeremić highlighted the particular advantage of Kazakhstan, which has an outstanding diplomat as its head of state.
The parties discussed prospects for cooperation between the two countries in the field of sustainable development and outlined specific plans to deepen the partnership between the Embassy and the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development, including Kazakhstan’s participation in international conferences organized by the Center.
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Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Receives Chinese Ambassador
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Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev received the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Han Chunlin, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues of Kazakh-Chinese cooperation and exchanged views on the prospects for its further expansion.
Special attention was given to the upcoming schedule of bilateral and multilateral events at the highest and high levels in 2026.
In addition, the parties exchanged views on regional and international agenda issues.
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Manufacturing Sector Growth Reaches 9.9% in First Four Months
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According to preliminary data from the Bureau of National Statistics, Kazakhstan’s GDP growth in January-April 2026 amounted to 3.6% compared to the same period last year, primeminister.kz reports.
Following the first quarter, economic growth dynamics improved (GDP growth of 3% in January-March 2026). Industrial production entered positive territory over the four-month period, with the physical volume index reaching 102.1%. The key factor behind the recovery in industry was the acceleration of the manufacturing sector, where production volume increased by 9.9%. High growth rates continue in mechanical engineering (+23.3%), driven by increased output of vehicles, agricultural and railway machinery, electrical goods, and equipment.
High growth was also recorded in the following sectors:
- Light industry - 2.3 times
- Furniture production - +41.7%
- Pharmaceuticals - +35.2%
- Construction materials - +27.7%
- Chemical industry - +18.4%
- Food production - +14.4%
Overall, the positive economic dynamics in the first four months of the year were driven by steady growth in key sectors. The highest growth rates were recorded in:
- Construction - 114.5%
- Transport and warehousing - 112%
- Manufacturing - 109.9%
- Trade - 105.1%
- Agriculture - 103.6%
Thus, the current structure of real GDP growth is characterized by the strengthening role of non-resource sectors, particularly construction, transport, trade, and manufacturing.
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President of Kazakhstan receives Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that Brazil is one of Kazakhstan’s key partners in Latin America, akorda.kz reports.
I am confident that your visit to Kazakhstan is both timely and significant, and will give a strong impetus to the strengthening of bilateral relations. I would like to note with satisfaction the steady development of multifaceted cooperation between our countries. A large delegation of business representatives has arrived with you, which demonstrates serious intentions and a responsible approach toward cooperation with Kazakhstan," the President said.
The Head of State conveyed his greetings and warm wishes to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and invited him to pay a visit to Kazakhstan.
Mauro Vieira noted that he had arrived in Kazakhstan on the personal instructions of the President of Brazil. According to him, the two countries possess considerable potential for further expanding political, trade-economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation.
The interlocutors discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation in such areas as energy, mining and metallurgy, agriculture, innovation, and artificial intelligence.
The Head of State also highlighted the importance of coordinating the efforts of the two countries on issues related to international security, nuclear disarmament, and non-proliferation. Particular attention was paid to the reform of the United Nations and its institutions, as well as the situation surrounding the Iranian nuclear program.
President Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to the exclusively peaceful use of nuclear energy under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
It was noted that Kazakhstan enjoys broad international trust in the field of nuclear non-proliferation and possesses the necessary infrastructure, expertise, and scientific and technical base for the safe handling of sensitive nuclear materials. Kazakhstan hosts the world’s only IAEA Low Enriched Uranium Bank.
The Head of State expressed Kazakhstan’s readiness, as a gesture of goodwill, to facilitate the resolution of issues related to the Iranian nuclear program should relevant international agreements be reached and the matter move into a practical phase.
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Péter Magyar: Kazakhstan - a key partner for Hungary in Central Asia
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Péter Magyar expressed gratitude to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his letter of congratulation on the TISZA party's victory in the elections, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the press service of Akorda.
The Hungarian Prime Minister called Kazakhstan a key partner for Hungary in Central Asia and confirmed its readiness to further strengthen cooperation in various areas.
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Kazakhstan and Brazil Strengthen Political Dialogue and Business Ties
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Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil Mauro Vieira, who arrived in Kazakhstan on an official visit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the meeting, the parties discussed a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation, including political, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian interaction, as well as coordination within international organizations and multilateral platforms.
The foreign ministers noted with satisfaction the steady development of political contacts, including systematic interparliamentary engagement and the mechanism of political consultations, which enables the two countries to regularly exchange views on pressing bilateral, regional, and international issues.
Kazakhstan views Brazil as a key and reliable partner in Latin America. Today’s talks confirmed the mutual interest in further deepening cooperation and implementing new joint initiatives," noted Minister Kosherbayev.
Particular attention was paid to trade-economic and investment cooperation. The parties noted the positive dynamics of bilateral trade, which reached 295 million US dollars in 2025, and emphasized the significant potential for further expanding cooperation in industry, agriculture, energy, and investment.
The strategic importance of transport and transit potential with access to international markets was also highlighted. Kazakhstan and Brazil are well positioned to serve as mutual "gateways" to Eurasia and Latin America respectively.
Within the framework of the international agenda, Kazakhstan and Brazil reaffirmed their commitment to the peaceful settlement of conflicts in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, and also noted the convergence of their approaches on global climate issues.
In this context, the Kazakh Foreign Minister presented the initiative of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish an International Water Organization within the UN system.
Following the talks, the parties expressed confidence in the further strengthening of Kazakh-Brazilian cooperation and in giving new impetus to the development of bilateral partnership.
As part of the visit, a business forum was also organized with the participation of leading business representatives of the two countries, during which B2B and B2G meetings were held. The participants discussed prospects for the implementation of joint projects in such priority areas as high-tech agriculture, water resource management, and digital technologies.
Following the event, memoranda of understanding were signed between the ministries of agriculture of the two countries in the field of livestock breeding, as well as between KAZAKH INVEST and ApexBrasil.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent congratulatory letter to Rumen Radev
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The Head of State extended his congratulations to Rumen Radev on the decisive victory of the "Progressive Bulgaria" coalition in the parliamentary elections and his subsequent nomination as Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, akorda.kz reports.
The President of Kazakhstan expressed his confidence that through mutual efforts the constructive political dialogue and cooperation between the two nations - deeply rooted in traditional ties of friendship - will continue to flourish and strengthen.
He wished Rumen Radev great success in his responsible duties as well as well-being and prosperity to the people of.Bulgaria.
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The Parliament of Pakistan Positively Assesses the Development of Bilateral Relations
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The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, held a meeting with the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The parties engaged in a detailed discussion on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including the development of political and inter-parliamentary dialogue, regional security matters, trade and economic cooperation, and the strengthening of regional connectivity.
During the conversation, the Chairman of the Senate highly appreciated the dynamic development of Kazakhstan-Pakistan cooperation. Yousuf Raza Gilani paid particular attention to the state visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to Islamabad, noting its historic significance. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further enhancing and strengthening bilateral engagement across a wide range of areas.
Key areas of cooperation identified included regional security, the development of regional connectivity, and logistics routes. In this context, the Speaker emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral trade, as well as reinstating direct air links between the two countries. Additionally, he advocated for further strengthening of people-to-people contacts, the development of tourism, and cooperation in the field of education. Overall, the discussion highlighted the considerable potential for deepening interaction between the two nations.
Highlighting the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, Yousuf Raza Gilani emphasized the need to strengthen institutional ties between the legislative bodies of the two countries. He called for regular high-level exchanges, including through parliamentary friendship groups.
In turn, Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin expressed gratitude to the Speaker for his personal support in advancing the Kazakhstan-Pakistan bilateral agenda. He briefed on the measures being implemented to follow up on the agreements reached at the leadership level of the two countries. The Ambassador also informed that the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has accepted the invitation of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to visit Astana this year. In this regard, active preparations are underway to ensure a substantive and productive agenda for the upcoming visit to the capital of Kazakhstan.
The Ambassador also spoke about the work carried out within the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission and joint working groups. Regarding inter-parliamentary cooperation, he recalled the visit of the Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Erlan Koshanov, in December 2022, as well as Kazakhstan’s invitation to the Parliament of Pakistan to visit Kazakhstan.
Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin also briefed on the results of the constitutional referendum held on March 15, 2026, and outlined key initiatives of the constitutional reform aimed at further improving the country’s political system. In particular, he highlighted plans to introduce the position of Vice President and reform the Parliament of Kazakhstan by transitioning from a bicameral to a unicameral system.
In turn, the Chairman of the Senate, Yousuf Raza Gilani, highly appreciated the policy pursued under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, noting the broad public support for these initiatives in Kazakhstan.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Chairman reaffirmed his commitment to continue assisting and making efforts to strengthen cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan.
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