President briefed on Samruk-Kazyna activities in the fight against COVID-19
President Tokayev was also informed that on behalf of Elbasy Nursultan Nazarbayev, the Fund will finance the construction of two clinics for the prevention and control of infectious diseases in Nur-Sultan and Almaty.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has received Akhmetzhan Yessimov, Chief Executive Officer of the Sovereign Wealth Fund "Samruk-Kazyna" JSC, the Akorda’s press service reports.
During the meeting, the Head of State was informed about the activities of the "Samruk-Kazyna" National Welfare Fund in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Akhmetzhan Yessimov informed Kassym-Jomart Tokayev that in March this year, the Fund financed the purchase of 6 million protective masks for doctors, police and social workers.
The CEO of Samruk-Kazyna informed the President about the Fund's collaboration with the Ministry of Health, in which at the expense of funds of the company purchased 100 ambulances, 1 000 oxygen concentrators, 50 ventilators, pulse oximeters 1 000 and 3 000 antiviral drugs "Avifavir".
President Tokayev was also informed that on behalf of Elbasy Nursultan Nazarbayev, the Fund will finance the construction of two clinics for the prevention and control of infectious diseases in Nur-Sultan and Almaty.
Akhmetzhan Yessimov told the President about plans to create a production of a coronavirus vaccine jointly with Russia.
During the conversation, the current situation in the Fund’s companies was discussed. Akhmetzhan Yessimov said that this year the Government will be paid dividends in the amount of 120 billion tenge, which is ten times more than in 2017. Earlier, "Samruk-Kazyna" sent more than 50 billion tenge to the national Fund ahead of schedule.
Source: Kazinform News Agency
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From Bishkek to New Delhi, Xi advocates Global South cooperation
Images | Xinhua
Chinese President Xi Jinping is heading to New Delhi for this year's BRICS gathering just over a week after he took part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek, Xinhua News Agensy reported.
The two back-to-back multilateral engagements converge on a single, defining theme: galvanizing solidarity and cooperation across the Global South.
EXPANDING FAMILY
The SCO "takes root in the Global South, its heart beats with the Global South, and it is an important pillar of South-South cooperation," Xi said at the Bishkek summit concluded on Tuesday last week, calling on the SCO to "promote the development and rise of the Global South through the SCO Wisdom."
The Chinese leader is expected to put forward further proposals on Global South cooperation at the upcoming BRICS summit, as he has noted that the BRICS is "standing at the forefront of the Global South."
This year marks the 25th founding anniversary of the SCO and the 20th anniversary of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, both milestone occasions.
Riding the wave of the collective rise of the Global South, BRICS and the SCO have over the years expanded their membership and broadened their networks of developing partners. Their members jointly account for more than half of the world's population and about 30 percent of the global economy. This illustrates the fact that the two groupings have evolved into major platforms for Global South cooperation.
Xi has not only joined other leaders of member countries in pushing for their respective expansions, but also put forward new ideas and initiatives like the "BRICS Plus" cooperation approach and the building of an SCO community with a shared future, opening up new vistas for win-win cooperation among Global South countries.
"China has consistently provided a clear vision and momentum for BRICS and the SCO, both conceptually and practically," said Humprey Arnaldo Russel, head of the ASEAN-China Research Center at the University of Indonesia.
"It transformed BRICS from a relatively exclusive grouping into a broader platform for cooperation among developing countries and the wider Global South," he added.
DEVELOPMENT FIRST
At the SCO summit last week, Xi called on countries to "stay committed to putting development first, and open up the prospects for shared prosperity."
Amid a turbulent and rapidly changing international landscape, development still faces severe challenges, and the road to prosperity for the Global South will not be straight.
"The Global South emerges for development and prospers through development. We should make ourselves the main driving force for common development," Xi said during the 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.
For Xi, development has always been a priority. He sees it as "the master key to solving all problems," and has consistently called for countries worldwide to jointly pursue development and prosperity.
Xi has stressed repeatedly that no one should be left behind in the fight against poverty in China, and has led a formidable campaign that ended extreme poverty nationwide, which was hailed as "the greatest anti-poverty achievement in history."
His "leaving-no-one-behind" conviction also extends to his efforts to support poverty reduction and spur development across the Global South. "On the path to modernization, no one, and no country, should be left behind," Xi said.
Last week in Bishkek, Xi called for consolidating cooperation in both traditional and emerging fields, from trade, investment, connectivity and energy to artificial intelligence (AI), the digital economy and green industries.
Responding to the Global South's aspirations for common development and modernization, Xi has proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI), which marks its fifth anniversary this year.
In the last five years, the GDI has mobilized more than 23 billion U.S. dollars, provided support for over 1,800 "small and beautiful" livelihood projects, and sponsored training programs for more than 200,000 people in different professions.
Serik Korzhumbayev, editor-in-chief of the Delovoy Kazakhstan newspaper, said: "Under Xi's leadership, the concept of development has acquired a new international dimension and become part of a broader vision for humanity's shared future."
GREATER VOICE
As the Global South rises, it deserves a bigger say in global affairs.
Last year's SCO Tianjin summit witnessed Xi's proposal of the Global Governance Initiative, a major proposition of China to advance a more just and equitable global governance system.
At the heart of this vision is the conviction that every country has a place and an equal role to play in global governance.
Xi has long argued that international affairs should not be dictated by those with more muscles. "World affairs should be discussed by all, and international norms should be set by all," he said in Bishkek last week. "The domination of international affairs by a few is an injustice left over from history, and global governance dictated by one, a few or a bloc of countries is not true multilateralism."
"As an important part of a multipolar world and a key driving force behind it, the Global South countries ought to have greater representation and voice in international affairs," Xi said.
Over the years, the SCO and BRICS have grown into vital venues for Global South countries to articulate their interests, coordinate their positions and strengthen their collective influence.
Their growing role can be seen in political coordination. The two groupings have issued statements on international and regional hotspot issues. In March this year, for example, SCO member states issued a statement expressing grave concern over developments in the Middle East and the strikes on Iran.
Xi has also pushed for improving global economic and financial governance. In 2014, Xi and other BRICS leaders formally signed an agreement establishing the New Development Bank, creating a new channel for financing infrastructure and sustainable development in emerging markets and developing countries.
At the SCO Bishkek summit, the members reaffirmed the importance of establishing the SCO Development Bank.
Now the push for a greater say is extending into emerging areas that will shape the future. In July this year, Xi announced the creation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, and called for joint efforts to build a just and equitable system of global AI governance.
"We must carry out extensive international cooperation and help Global South countries with capacity building to bridge the AI and digital divides, promote sustainable development, and prevent creating new historical injustice in AI," Xi said.
Beyond the SCO and BRICS, China has also promoted cooperation and greater representation for the Global South through frameworks such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the China-ASEAN summit.
Xi has said on many occasions that China has always been a member of the Global South and will always belong to the developing world.
"No matter how the international landscape evolves, we in China will always keep the Global South in our heart, and maintain our roots in the Global South," he once said.
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Tokayev to Attend BRICS and Central Asia-South Korea Summits
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will visit India and South Korea from 12 to 16 September, the Akorda presidential press service said.
At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tokayev will pay a working visit to India on 12-13 September to attend the 18th BRICS Summit.
In New Delhi, Tokayev will address an Outreach/BRICS Plus plenary session titled "Strengthening Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Stability".
He is also scheduled to hold talks with Modi and meet several heads of state and government.
From 14 to 16 September, Tokayev will pay a state visit to South Korea at the invitation of President Lee Jae Myung.
High-level talks will take place in Seoul on 15 September. The two sides will discuss prospects for strengthening the enhanced strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and South Korea. Tokayev will also meet executives from leading South Korean companies.
On 16 September, the Kazakh president will attend the first Central Asia-South Korea Summit.
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Astana to Host World Petroleum Council Congress in 2028
The next World Petroleum Council Congress will be held in Astana in 2028. Preparations for the event were discussed by Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov and Saudi Ambassador Faisal Al-Kahtani, the Kazakh Energy Ministry said.
The two officials also discussed the upcoming World Petroleum Council Congress in Riyadh. Kazakhstan sees the event as a platform to promote its projects, expand business ties and strengthen international cooperation in the oil and gas sector.
The meeting also focused on cooperation between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia within OPEC+, the development of renewable energy sources and the introduction of modern green technologies.
Akkenzhenov stressed the importance of further strengthening the two countries’ energy partnership and coordinating their positions on the development of the global energy market.
It was previously reported that OPEC+ countries had agreed to maintain their oil production levels for October.
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Kazakhstan Appoints New Ambassadors to Malaysia and Georgia
Images | Akorda
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has made a series of changes to the country’s diplomatic corps, the Akorda presidential press service said.
Malik Murzalin has been appointed Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Malaysia. He has been relieved of his post as Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Georgia.
Talgat Aduov has been appointed Kazakhstan’s new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Georgia.
Bulat Sugurbayev has been relieved of his post as Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Malaysia and of his concurrent role as ambassador to Brunei Darussalam.
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Roadshow and Business Forum in India. Visit of a Kazakh Business Delegation to Tamil Nadu to Expand Industrial Cooperation and Open New Markets
From September 6 to 9 this year, a Kazakh business delegation visited Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The visit was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in India jointly with JSC "NC "Kazakh Invest", with the support of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
The Kazakh delegation, comprising more than 100 participants, included the leadership of the Ministry of Trade and Integration, the leadership of five regions of Kazakhstan, representatives of development institutions - JSC "NC "Kazakh Invest", "QazTrade" JSC, JSC "NC "Kazakh Tourism" - as well as executives of commercial companies.
The key event of the programme was the Kazakhstan-India Business and Trade and Investment Forum. During the plenary session, the Kazakh side presented the country’s investment climate and trade potential. Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Mr. Aidar Abildabekov emphasized the high degree of complementarity between the economies of the two countries and noted significant prospects for increasing bilateral trade. In turn, the leadership of the regional akimats presented the economic potential of the regions and called on the Indian business community to implement joint projects.
As part of the forum, B2B meetings were held between representatives of the business communities of the two countries, resulting in concrete agreements.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Kazakh delegation held a meeting with Mr. S.Kirtana, Minister for Industries and Investment Promotion of Tamil Nadu. The parties described the visit as a historic step opening a new stage in bilateral partnership. Healthcare, industry, mechanical engineering, agriculture and tourism were identified as promising areas of cooperation. In order to intensify business and humanitarian contacts, the parties agreed to begin work on establishing direct air connectivity between Chennai and Almaty.
Following the forum and negotiation sessions, a substantial package of bilateral documents was signed:
Interregional and Institutional Memoranda:
- Letter of Intent on establishing sister-city relations between the cities of Shymkent and Coimbatore.
- Letter of Intent on establishing sister-city relations between the cities of Turkistan and Chennai.
- Memorandum of Understanding between JSC "NC "Kazakh Invest" and the Guidance Tamil Nadu agency.
- Memorandum of Cooperation between JSC "NC "Kazakh Tourism" and the Department of Tourism of Tamil Nadu.
Commercial and Investment Agreements (B2B):
- Memorandum on the implementation of a USD 150 million investment project between JSC "NC "Kazakh Invest" and the medical holding company Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre.
- Memorandum on the establishment of a joint venture between "SP BKM" LLP and agricultural machinery manufacturer Sonalika Tractors Ltd.
- Memorandum of Partnership and establishment of a joint venture between "SP BKM" LLP and Big Bang Boom Solutions.
- Memorandum of Cooperation between "Blueberry Travels" LLP and the Republican Association of Children’s and Youth Tourism and Recreation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
- Agreement on Academic and Scientific Cooperation between NJSC Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University and Saveetha University.
- Memorandum of Cooperation between "Eco-Dump" LLP and Enhanced Biofuels & Technologies (India) Pvt Ltd.
- Memorandum of Cooperation between "Eco-Dump" LLP and Green City Biotech Pvt Ltd.
The practical part of the programme was complemented by an extensive technology roadshow covering key industrial facilities and innovation centres in the region. The Kazakh delegation gained an in-depth understanding of the modern assembly lines of Allison Transmission India Private Limited for the production of automatic transmissions for heavy-duty equipment, the technological processes at the pharmaceutical complex of Caplin Point Laboratories Limited, as well as Grundfos’ advanced developments in energy-efficient pumping equipment.
Particular attention was paid to the visit to IIT Madras Research Park, where participants were presented with practical solutions in robotics, artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing and the implementation of the Industry 4.0 concept in production cycles.
Following the visit, the parties confirmed their intention to maintain regular contacts and proceed with the practical implementation of the agreements reached.
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Kazakhstan and Oman Prepare for High-Level Visits
Kazakhstan and Oman are preparing for upcoming high-level visits. The issue was discussed by Kazakh Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tleuberdi and his Omani counterpart, Badr Albusaidi, during a phone call, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry said.
The call was initiated by Oman. Albusaidi congratulated Tleuberdi on his appointment and wished him success in his new role.
Tleuberdi thanked his counterpart and reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to developing relations with Oman.
The ministers discussed current issues in bilateral cooperation, focusing particularly on preparations for upcoming high-level visits.
They agreed to maintain regular contact.
Kazakhstan and Oman were previously reported to be planning a joint investment fund.
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Tokayev Highlights Growing Law Enforcement Cooperation Among Turkic States
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted growing cooperation among Turkic states, including between their law enforcement agencies, during a meeting with the interior ministers of member countries of the Organization of Turkic States, the Akorda presidential press service said.
The meeting took place ahead of a session of the OTS Council of Interior Ministers.
Tokayev said cooperation among Turkic states was strengthening year by year and expanding across various areas, including law enforcement.
"The Organization of Turkic States makes an enormous contribution to strengthening our friendship. Kazakhstan attaches priority importance to deepening comprehensive cooperation with this respected organization. Its member states are expanding ties in various areas, including between law enforcement agencies. From this perspective, the meeting of interior ministers is particularly important," Tokayev said.
The president also drew attention to emerging threats and challenges linked to sweeping global changes.
"The global situation has become unstable and unpredictable. Despite this, new opportunities are opening up for all countries. If we want to rank among the prosperous nations at the forefront of progress, we must act decisively and swiftly," Tokayev said.
The president briefed participants on Kazakhstan’s political and institutional reforms. He recalled the nationwide referendum held in March, the adoption of a new Constitution, the establishment of the office of vice president and the start of work by the newly formed government.
Tokayev also discussed changes to the country’s security system. Kazakhstan has established an Office of the Security Council to analyze global and national challenges and coordinate national security efforts.
"In addition, a supreme advisory body, the Halyk Kenesi, will be established in the near future. Kazakhstan’s system of public administration is therefore undergoing a profound transformation. These sweeping reforms will affect every area, including law enforcement," Tokayev said.
At the end of the meeting, Tokayev conveyed his greetings to the leaders of the OTS member states and called for friendly relations to be maintained.
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