Nurlan Balgimbayev appointed president's adviser
Nurlan Balgimbayev has been appointed the president's adviser, the agency reports referring to the president's press service.
Astana. December 7. Kazakhstan Today - Nurlan Balgimbayev has been appointed the president's adviser, the agency reports referring to the president's press service.
"Balgimbayev Nurlan Utebovich has been appointed the adviser of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan by the decree of the leader of the state," the press service widespread on Thursday informs.
60-year old N. Balgimbayev graduated from the Kazakh Polytechnical Institute. From 1973 up to 1986 he worked in oil branch of the Republic, beginning from being operator up to chief engineer of oil refining management Zhaikneft and later the association Aktobeneft. From 1986 -1992 he worked as the deputy chief of the central administrative board of the Ministry of Oil and Gas industry of the USSR. In 1992 - 1993 he studied in Massachusetts University (Boston, USA).
In 1993 - 1994 - internship and work in company Chevron.
From October, 1994 till March, 1997 - Minister of Oil and Gas of Kazakhstan.
Since March, 1997 - the president of the national oil-and-gas company Kazakhoil.
From October till October 1 1999 - Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.
From October, 1999 till February 2002 - the president of Company National oil-and-gas company Kazakhoil.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today
relevant news
Bosnia and Herzegovina Aims to Strengthen Cooperation with Kazakhstan
Images | gov.kz
The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Daulet Batrashev, held a series of meetings and negotiations with the leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina, during which current issues and prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During a meeting with the Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nermin Nikšić, particular attention was paid to expanding trade and economic cooperation, developing cooperation in the energy sector, as well as fostering mutually beneficial partnerships in agriculture and the agro-industrial complex.
Opportunities to increase mutual trade and to utilize transit and transport potential, including within the framework of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, were also discussed.
As part of the talks, the Ambassador invited the Head of Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to take part in the International Mining and Geological Forum in April 2026 in Astana.
During a meeting with the Chairman of the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kemal Ademović, issues related to the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation and the intensification of contacts between the legislative bodies of the two countries were discussed.
The parties noted their interest in expanding dialogue along parliamentary lines. In this regard, the Speaker of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina invited the Speaker of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan to pay an official visit to Sarajevo.
During a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, the current state and prospects of political interaction between the two countries were reviewed. Readiness was confirmed to continue regular dialogue and to hold the next round of political consultations in 2026.
In addition, issues related to organizing a possible visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Astana in the first half of 2026 were discussed.
The expansion of trade and economic ties and the intensification of direct contacts between the business communities of the two countries were discussed in detail during a meeting with the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ahmet Egrlić.
Special attention was given to the possibility of organizing a business forum with the participation of business entities from Kazakhstan and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A round table dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan was also held in Sarajevo, with the participation of representatives of the business community, the Friends of Kazakhstan group, and media outlets of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Within the framework of the round table, the Ambassador informed participants about the domestic political situation in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the large-scale socio-economic reforms initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the priorities of Astana’s foreign policy, presented Kazakhstan’s investment and export opportunities, and also gave an extended interview to Euronews Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Tokayev congratulates José Antonio Kast on his election as President of Chile
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sent a congratulatory message to José Antonio Kast on the occasion of his election as President of Chile, Qazinform News Agency cites Akorda.
In his message, the Kazakh leader expressed his confidence that Chile will continue its dynamic development and strengthen its role on the global stage.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wished José Antonio Kast success in his responsible activity, and the friendly people of Chile – the wellbeing and prosperity.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakh President expresses condolences to Australian PM
Images | Akorda
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sent a message of condolences to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the tragic shooting during Hanukkah celebrations in Sydney, Qazinform News Agency cites Akorda.
The head of state conveyed words of support and sympathy to the families and close ones of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to all those injured.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev strongly condemned the brutal act of violence and reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s solidarity with the people of Australia during this difficult time.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan and South Sudan Established Diplomatic Relations
Images | gov.kz
The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations, Kairat Umarov, and the Permanent Representative of the Republic of South Sudan to the United Nations, Cecilia Adout Majok Adeng, signed a Joint Communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of South Sudan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Kazakhstan officially recognized the Republic of South Sudan on 15 July 2011 following its declaration of independence. Signed document marks a new chapter in the history of relations between the two countries. Kazakhstan and South Sudan reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of international law and the UN Charter, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as their intention to develop mutually beneficial cooperation both bilaterally and within multilateral frameworks.
The parties noted the growing momentum of Kazakhstan’s engagement with African states and expressed their interest in expanding trade and economic cooperation. The prospects for cooperation within the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC), as well as the potential use of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route to access African markets, were highlighted.
In discussing the multilateral agenda, the parties confirmed the convergence of their positions on key issues of global security and supported further strengthening of cooperation within the United Nations. The parties exchanged views on peacekeeping, including participation in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and underscored the importance of stability and dialogue for advancing the settlement process in the country.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan and the European Union Review a Decade of Cooperation in Brussels
A solemn reception was held to mark the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union and its Member States. The event gathered representatives of the European Commission, the Federal Parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, the diplomatic corps, business and expert communities, as well as the media. The event was supported by Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) as its official partner, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
In his remarks, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Belgium, Head of the Mission to the EU and NATO, Roman Vassilenko, noted that over ten years of implementation, the EPCA has elevated relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union to the level of a genuine strategic partnership.
He underlined that mutual trade reached a record USD 50 billion in 2024, while cumulative investments from EU countries have exceeded USD 200 billion since 2005. More than 4000 European companies are successfully operating in Kazakhstan, reflecting the high level of confidence in the country’s economy.
The Ambassador highlighted the active development of cooperation in critical raw materials, green energy, transport, digitalisation, and sustainable development, and informed the audience about the launch of negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission agreements. He also drew attention to Kazakhstan’s political and socio-economic reforms, including its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
Particular attention was given to transport connectivity, with emphasis on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the “Middle Corridor”), which is becoming a key element in Kazakhstan’s integration into global supply chains.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Vassilenko noted that the high-level visits planned for 2026 will provide additional impetus to the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation.
EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais, commended the active and consistent development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union, emphasizing the EPCA’s vital role as a solid foundation for long-term partnership.
Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, Ambassador Pierre Cartuyvels, congratulated Kazakhstan on the occasion and underlined the steady progress of Kazakhstan–Belgium relations, noting the considerable potential for their further deepening.
The highlight of the evening was a fashion show featuring a collection in the Kazakh national style by leading designers under the direction of Bayan Zhambauova. The collection, combining traditional motifs with modern design elements, captivated the audience and vividly showcased the richness and distinctiveness of Kazakh fashion.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
KazAID Marks Its 5th Anniversary: Kazakhstan’s Contribution to Global Sustainable Development
Images | gov.kz
The Kazakhstan Agency of International Development (KazAID) is celebrating its fifth anniversary. The Agency was established by a Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 15, 2020, as the national operator in the field of official development assistance and operates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Over this period, KazAID has become a key instrument of Kazakhstan’s practical contribution to global development, demonstrating the country’s transformation from a recipient of international aid into a donor sharing its own successful experience. Today, KazAID implements projects in the areas of digitalization, education, and healthcare, helping the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan strengthen resilience and human capital.
KazAID promotes Kazakhstan’s best practices, facilitates knowledge exchange among experts, and expands international cooperation. Over five years, humanitarian assistance totaling more than USD 34 million has been provided, while the overall volume of financing for official development assistance (ODA) projects has reached USD 183 million, covering more than 40 countries.
KazAID’s Mission is to promote sustainable and inclusive development in partner countries through the provision of results-oriented technical assistance.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.