The President receives Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike
Images | akorda.kz
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the symbolic value of the Tokyo Governor’s visit to Astana, which is taking place on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between Kazakhstan and Japan, akorda.kz reports.
The President noted that under Yuriko Koike’s leadership, Tokyo remains one of the safest, cleanest, and most efficiently managed cities in the world.
We regard you as a prominent politician on a global scale. Your visionary leadership and lifelong service to your nation deserve great respect. Here in Kazakhstan, we know you as a time-tested friend, partner, and dedicated statesperson who made a lot for Kazakh-Japanese relations. For more than 25 years, your initiatives devoted to Kazakhstan’s history and culture have played a unique role in bringing our peoples closer," the Head of State said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev fondly recalled his official visit to Japan last year, which elevated bilateral relations to a new level.
I have been closely exploring the development of the smart city initiative in Tokyo. It is highly interesting for us because here in Kazakhstan, we are also promoting a smart city program. I am convinced that your visit to Astana will be very beneficial, as we are committed to further developing cooperation and exchanging expertise on how to manage a mega-city like Tokyo," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated.
The parties discussed the prospects for mututally beneficial partnership in key areas such as digital technology, international finance, and education.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to fostering cooperation between Kazakhstan and Japan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded Yuriko Koike the Order of "Dostyk" (Friendship) First Degree.
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Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Held Talks in Saudi Arabia
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Within the framework of a working visit to Saudi Arabia, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev held talks with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for the further development of bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia. In particular, special attention was paid to issues of strengthening cooperation within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, as well as the "Central Asia - Gulf Cooperation Council" format.
In addition, the parties exchanged views on current issues on the international and regional agenda and confirmed their readiness to continue mutual support within the framework of international organizations. The importance of promoting initiatives aimed at expanding trade, economic, investment, and humanitarian ties was also noted.
Following the negotiations, the parties expressed mutual interest in the further deepening of cooperation between the two countries.
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Outstanding Diplomat Medal presented
Images | China Daily/Foreign Minister Wang Yi (center) poses for a group photo on Monday with eight present and former ambassadors who received the Outstanding Diplomat Medal during a presentation ceremony in Beijing
China held the inaugural presentation ceremony of the Outstanding Diplomat Medal on Monday, honoring eight current and former ambassadors to China for their contributions to advancing friendship and cooperation between China and the world, China Daily reports.
When delivering a speech at the ceremony, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the honorees are builders of bilateral ties, pioneers in promoting understanding of China, champions of people-to-people exchanges and practitioners of mutually beneficial cooperation.
Wang said the Foreign Ministry established the medal to convey China's appreciation and gratitude. He expressed confidence that the envoys would carry fond memories of China with them, a country that many of them have come to regard as a second home.
Wang voiced his hope that the envoys would continue to foster friendship between China and the world, adding that the Foreign Ministry will continue to provide strong support for envoys serving in China.
Describing China as a peace-loving, open and inclusive country that cherishes friendship and upholds justice, Wang said that China stands ready to join hands with all progressive forces to work toward a brighter future for humanity.
Andrey Denisov, who served as Moscow's envoy in Beijing for more than nine years and is now the first deputy chair of the Russian Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, said that Russia-China relations are at their highest level in history, with the two sides closely aligned on many major issues.
Denisov said that he is proud to have made his own contributions to a relationship that stands as a pillar of stability amid global turbulence.
Shakhrat Nuryshev, Kazakh ambassador to China, said that his career has been closely connected with China over the past three decades. "During this time, I have had the privilege of directly participating in bilateral relations," he said.
Nuryshev said the medal recognizes not only his personal contribution but also the progress the two countries have made in strengthening the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China. He pledged to do his utmost to further consolidate the good-neighborly friendship.
Abdulrahman Ahmad Al-Harbi, Saudi ambassador to China, said the medal is an affirmation of the long-standing relationship between Saudi Arabia and China, which he described as being in an unprecedented golden period under the guidance of the two countries' leaders.
He also noted that the medal reflects the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation in China's diplomacy. Having begun his second four-year term as the ambassador of Saudi Arabia to China last month, he pledged to continue collaborating with Chinese partners and friends to expand prospects for Sino-Saudi relations.
Colombian Ambassador to China Sergio Cabrera Cardenas said that this honor reflects the solid and growing friendship between Colombia and China. Recalling his first visit to China in 1963 at the age of 13, Cabrera said the experience left a lasting impression on him, instilling a lifelong respect for the country and deepening his understanding of Chinese civilization.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1980, Colombia and China have advanced cooperation based on mutual respect, mutual benefit and a shared vision for development, he said, adding that he will continue working to strengthen the bilateral friendship.
The other honorees are former Cambodian ambassador to China Khek Caimealy Sysoda, Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, former Chadian ambassador to China Allamaye Halina and former Uruguayan ambassador to China Fernando Lugris Rodriguez.
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Kazakhstan and Kenya may build bridge between Central Asia and Africa, Tokayev
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Kenya is one of Kazakhstan’s key partners on the African continent, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during expanded talks with Kenyan President William Ruto, who arrived in Kazakhstan on a state visit, Qazinform News Agency learnt from the Akorda press service.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev thanked William Ruto for accepting his invitation and emphasized that Kenya is an extremely important and reliable partner of Kazakhstan on the African continent. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1993, the two countries have built a strong partnership based on mutual respect and common interests.
He noted that the state visit of William Ruto marks a historic milestone in bilateral relations.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted that Africa is becoming a continent of talent, innovation, and great opportunities, stressing that Kazakhstan and Kenya are united by their drive for modernization and confidence in the future.
The Head of State highlighted Kazakhstan lies at the heart of Eurasia, while Kenya is one of the leaders of East Africa. Together, Kazakhstan and Kenya can build a solid bridge between Central Asia and Africa, linking markets, transport routes, investment flows, and new opportunities.
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Tokayev welcomes Kenyan President William Ruto at Independence Palace ahead of high-level talks
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has officially welcomed his Kenyan counterpart President William Ruto at the Palace of Independence, who arrived in Astana for a state visit, Qazinform News Agency reports.
A ceremonial guard of honor assembled in the foyer of the Palace of Independence to receive the esteemed guest, as the Presidential Orchestra played both national anthems.
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Astana and UNESCO strengthen cooperation in the field of cultural heritage preservation
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On the sidelines of the international symposium "The Golden Horde as a Model of Steppe Civilization: History, Archaeology, Culture and Identity", Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev met with Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the World Heritage Centre and UNESCO’s Acting Assistant Director-General for Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The Minister informed his interlocutor of the great importance attached by the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the principles and practice of multilateral cooperation within the United Nations system, in which UNESCO has traditionally held a special place as a key instrument of international cooperation in the humanitarian areas.
The Foreign Minister underscored the significance of the history of the Golden Horde as a major state that played an important role in the formation of the Kazakh nation, as well as a number of other peoples of Central Asia and Eastern Europe. In this context, he expressed appreciation to UNESCO for its decision to grant patronage to the significant international symposium taking place in Astana on 19-20 May 2026.
In his turn, Lazare Eloundou Assomo thanked Kazakhstan for the invitation, noting the high level of organization and substantive quality of the scientific event. According to him, UNESCO highly values its cooperation with Kazakhstan, including in view of its ongoing membership in the World Heritage Committee, and stands ready to continue joint efforts aimed at safeguarding its cultural, natural, documentary and intangible heritage, as well as strengthening the capacities of Kazakh experts in this field.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to constructive cooperation within the UNESCO’s mandate.
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Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Visits the UN Good Offices Mission in Cyprus
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As part of his visit to the Republic of Cyprus, Alibek Bakayev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan familiarized himself with the activities of the Good Offices of the United Nations Secretary-General in Cyprus, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The Kazakh delegation was briefed on the current activities of the UN Good Offices Mission, efforts aimed at facilitating dialogue between the sides, as well as the work of the bicommunal technical committees established under the auspices of the United Nations to promote practical cooperation between the communities of the island.
Particular attention was paid to the confidence-building measures being implemented, humanitarian cooperation, and efforts aimed at maintaining stability on the island.
The importance of achieving a comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the Cyprus issue exclusively through peaceful means under the auspices of the United Nations was underscored.
The Kazakh side also expressed support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Good Offices Mission aimed at advancing dialogue, strengthening mutual trust, and creating favourable conditions for the continuation of the negotiation process.
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