The President sent a congratulatory letter to Pope Leo XIV

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.

 

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Greece, Timur Sultangozhin, delivered a lecture at Webster University Athens entitled "Kazakhstan as a Middle Power in a Transforming Global Order". The event served as a platform to present Kazakhstan’s key approaches to shaping a sustainable development model amid global transformations, including international initiatives, major constitutional reforms, and priorities in digital transformation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the lecture, the Ambassador outlined Kazakhstan’s approaches to strengthening international stability through multilateral cooperation mechanisms. Particular attention was paid to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and global security, as well as Kazakhstan’s initiatives in these areas. In this context, the country’s efforts to advance the international water agenda under the auspices of the United Nations and its participation in the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea were highlighted.

The Ambassador also emphasized Kazakhstan’s contribution to the development of international dialogue platforms, including the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, as well as initiatives aimed at strengthening the global security architecture. In his remarks, he underlined that Kazakhstan consistently promotes international cooperation and dialogue as a foundation for sustainable development.

A significant part of the lecture was devoted to political modernization. It was noted that the adoption of a new Constitution aims to improve the system of governance, strengthen the balance among branches of power, and expand mechanisms for public participation, thereby forming the institutional basis for the country’s further development.

A separate section addressed digital transformation. Kazakhstan’s efforts in developing artificial intelligence, building a modern innovation infrastructure, and supporting technological entrepreneurship were highlighted. In this regard, "Born Bold" initiative, aimed at fostering an innovation ecosystem and supporting startups, was also noted.

Particular attention was given to the development of Kazakh-Greek cooperation, viewed as an important element in strengthening ties between Central Asia and Europe. Mutual interest in expanding cooperation in education, science, and the humanities was emphasized.

 

Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, 6 May 2026 - The Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS) welcomes the accession of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Organisation, bringing the total number of IOFS Member States to 43 and marking an important step in strengthening cooperation among OIC Member States in the field of food security.

The signing ceremony of the IOFS Statute took place in Baku on the sidelines of the 19th Azerbaijan International Agriculture Exhibition and Forum, underscoring the growing momentum of intergovernmental collaboration in addressing shared agricultural and food security challenges. The Statute was signed by H.E. Mr. Majnun Mammadov, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and H.E. Mr. Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan respectively. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of IOFS, Ms. Noura Al-Zahrani, representative of the OIC General Secretariat, and H.E. Mr. Alim Bayel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Accession of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan represents a strategic addition to IOFS, bringing strong agricultural potential and growing expertise in agri-industrial development and innovation. The Organisation has already initiated cooperation with both Azerbaijani and Uzbekistani partners in areas such as agricultural innovation, value chains, transboundary pest control, digital water resource management, environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, broader regional coordination on food systems resilience and knowledge exchange. Through their membership, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan will benefit from expanded opportunities for technical cooperation, policy dialogue, and participation in regional initiatives aimed at strengthening resilient food systems.

This newest expansion in the IOFS membership reflects the growing confidence of OIC Member States in the Organisation’s mandate as a specialized platform for action in food security and sustainable agricultural development. It also signals a clear transition in IOFS work from policy dialogue toward operational partnerships capable of delivering measurable impact on the ground.

In this regard, IOFS encourages the remaining OIC Member States that have not yet joined the Organisation to consider becoming part of this expanding multilateral platform. Membership in IOFS offers access to shared expertise, coordinated technical assistance, strategic partnerships, and practical initiatives designed to strengthen national and regional food security capacities.

IOFS remains committed to working closely with its Member States and partners to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems across the OIC region.

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev and Deputy Prime Minister- Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland Radosław Sikorski held a telephone conversation initiated by the Polish side, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the call, the foreign ministers discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Kazakh-Polish relations, based on mutual respect, trust, and constructive dialogue.

The parties confirmed their mutual interest in further maintaining regular political contacts, intensifying interagency cooperation, and expanding collaboration in such promising areas as transport and agriculture.

Following the phone conversation, the diplomats agreed to continue their joint efforts to strengthen bilateral and multilateral partnership between Astana and Warsaw.

 

Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Madiyar Menilbekov held negotiations with the Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization Deemah Al Yahya, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the conversation, the parties exchanged views on current global trends in digital transformation and also considered the possibilities of implementing joint initiatives in the field of digitalization.

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan emphasized the importance of further strengthening international cooperation aimed at accelerating technological progress and innovation, and expressed readiness for active engagement with the Digital Cooperation Organization.

In turn, the Secretary-General of the Organization expressed interest in developing cooperation with Kazakhstan, noting the country’s active role in advancing the digital agenda.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue the dialogue and to explore promising areas of cooperation.

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Kazakhstan Viktor Maiko, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of Kazakh-Ukrainian cooperation, and exchanged views on topical issues of the bilateral and regional agenda.

Both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further developing cooperation in priority areas of shared interest.

 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev received the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria Beate Meinl-Reisinger and the Federal Minister of the Interior of Austria Gerhard Karner during their official visit to Kazakhstan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The parties confirmed the high level of Kazakh-Austrian relations based on mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation. "Today, we discussed key areas of Kazakh-Austrian cooperation and outlined new horizons for interaction. Austria is an important partner of Kazakhstan in the European Union, and we intend to further deepen our cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally," the Kazakh Foreign Minister emphasized.

During the talks, particular attention was paid to the progress in the implementation of agreements on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports and on readmission, which opens up additional opportunities for further strengthening bilateral cooperation. In addition, the Austrian side within the framework of cooperation with the OSCE will hand over 25 passport readers to Astana International Airport.

Special attention was paid to the development of trade, economic and investment ties, including the holding of a business roundtable. In this context, the role of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council, as well as Austrian companies operating in Kazakhstan, was highlighted.

The interlocutors noted significant potential for cooperation in such sectors as mining industry, transport and infrastructure, energy, tourism and education. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding transport and logistics cooperation, including the development of the Middle Corridor and participation in the "Global Gateway" initiative, opening up new opportunities for Austrian businesses in Kazakhstan.

In the context of economic cooperation, the parties discussed issues of energy collaboration. The role of Kazakhstan as one of the key suppliers of oil to Austria, as well as its contribution to ensuring energy security and stable supplies, was underlined.

The parties also exchanged views on current international and regional security issues, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation and resolving contemporary challenges exclusively through peaceful means in accordance with the UN Charter.

Following the meeting, the parties expressed confidence that joint efforts would give a new impetus to Kazakh-Austrian partnership and contribute to the further expansion of cooperation.

 

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev held a meeting with members of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Japan, including Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Arfiya Eri and Chairperson of the International Bureau of the Liberal Democratic Party Taro Kono, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the talks, the parties discussed priority areas for further strengthening Kazakh-Japanese cooperation, including interaction in the trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres.

Particular attention was paid to the development of cooperation in transport and logistics, environmental issues, as well as the implementation of joint projects in the fields of rare earth metals, digitalization, and advanced technologies.

The parties also exchanged views on current issues on the international and regional agenda, including coordination of efforts on multilateral platforms.

Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in maintaining regular dialogue and further expanding cooperation across a broad range of areas of mutual interest.