Tokayev Awards President of the European Council António Costa the First-Degree "Dostyk" Order
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During the official ceremony, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized António Costa’s outstanding contribution to strengthening the partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union, akorda.kz reports.
I am delighted to note that the scope and depth of our bilateral cooperation have continued to expand over the years, bringing mutual benefits and opening new avenues for enhanced collaboration. This year marks the 10th anniversary of our Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement - a landmark document that has become a cornerstone of the Kazakh-EU relations and a testament to a decade of constructive, forward-looking engagement. President Costa, your active and personal engagement has played an essential role in advancing this mutually beneficial cooperation. You are a trusted friend of Kazakhstan and a distinguished statesman of international scale. Your wise leadership, principled approach, and unwavering commitment to constructive dialogue have been instrumental in reinforcing unity in Europe and fostering meaningful cooperation with partners across the world," - said the President of Kazakhstan.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highly praised António Costa’s contribution to strengthening the special partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
It is a privilege for me to bestow upon you, Mr. President, the first-degree Order of "Dostyk" - Friendship. I am confident that this high decoration will stand as a vivid symbol of enduring friendship between Kazakhstan and the European Union and reflect our sincere appreciation for your outstanding service and stewardship. I am confident that the partnership between Kazakhstan and the European Union will continue to flourish, and that the bonds of friendship between our nations will grow even stronger," - noted Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
For his part, the President of the European Council emphasized that he regards this award as a symbol of the solid friendship and global cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
I am deeply touched by today’s gesture, which reflects the spirit of trust, dialogue, and our shared commitment to stability, prosperity, and openness. Mr. President, I look forward to continuing our joint efforts to strengthen this partnership in the years ahead for the benefit of our peoples and our common region," - said António Costa.
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Turkish Experts Praise the Draft of the New Constitution of Kazakhstan
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Experts gathered in Ankara to discuss the constitutional reform in Kazakhstan. The meeting, held in the "Davos" format, was attended by the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Türkiye, Yerkebulan Sapiyev; Professor Esma Özdaşlı, Director of the Gaspıralı Institute of Foreign Policy; Professor Hayri Keser from Akdeniz University; Betülay Himoğlu, lawyer and Deputy Director of the Turkish Institute of Law; Professor Ruhi Ersoy, Director of the Ahmet Cevad Turkic World Research Institute; and Professors Cemile Kınacı Baran, Levent Ersin Orallı, and Kadir Ertaç Çelik from Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Professor R. Ersoy noted that comprehensive reforms began in Kazakhstan following the election of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as President, emphasizing that the current constitutional reform is a direct result of those efforts.
Constitutional law expert Professor H. Kesher touched upon the history of the concept of a constitution and provided insights into reforms in various countries. In this regard, he highlighted the "innovation" brought by the draft of Kazakhstan's new Constitution, particularly its preamble, which focuses on the values of statehood, harmony, culture, education, science and innovation.
Himoglu observed that the Constitution has been renewed by 84%, with strengthened articles concerning human rights and family values.
L.E. Oral expressed that the constitutional enshrinement of national values -language, culture, and family issues - signals Kazakhstan's entry into a new era.
C.K. Baran, K.E. Çelik, and E. Özdaşlı drew attention to the deep historical respect of the Kazakh people for their fundamental law, as seen in legal codes like "Zheti Zhargy." They also stated that the special attention paid by the Kazakh authorities to the environment and human rights in the new draft is evidence of a high level of democracy in the country.
Overall, the experts highly praised the draft of the new Constitution, calling Kazakhstan's move to adopt a new fundamental law in the current challenging times a very bold step.
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Draft of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan was Discussed in Frankfurt am Main
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The Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Frankfurt am Main held a roundtable discussion on the draft of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the context of the upcoming national referendum, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The event brought together representatives of the Kazakh diaspora, members of public organizations, students, as well as citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan residing in the federal states within the consular district of the Consulate General.
During the meeting, participants were presented with information on the key directions of the constitutional reforms aimed at further developing the country’s political system, strengthening the rule of law, improving mechanisms for the protection of human and civil rights and freedoms, and expanding citizen participation in public governance.
An open discussion was held during which participants exchanged views on certain provisions of the draft Constitution. The participants of the roundtable emphasized the importance of the ongoing reforms and highlighted the significance of the upcoming referendum as an important mechanism of direct expression of the people’s will.
At the end of the event, participants noted the importance of such dialogue platforms in strengthening ties with compatriots abroad and fostering open public discussion on key issues related to the development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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Kazakhstan and Flanders Discuss Joint Projects
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Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium Roman Vassilenko held a meeting with the Minister-President of the Government of Flanders Matthias Diependaele. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Region of Flanders, with particular attention to trade, industry, logistics, innovation, and scientific cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Ambassador Vassilenko noted that Kazakhstan considers Flanders one of the most dynamic and industrially developed regions in Belgium, with a strong industrial base, advanced logistics infrastructure, and a powerful innovation ecosystem. In this regard, Kazakhstan is interested in developing long-term, project-oriented partnerships with leading European regions.
Special attention was paid to transport and logistics cooperation. The Ambassador emphasized the strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) connecting Central Asia and Europe. The importance of cooperation with major European logistics hubs was also highlighted, including the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, one of the world’s largest port and petrochemical clusters.
The parties also discussed prospects for cooperation in the chemical and petrochemical industries, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, as well as in the agro-industrial and food sectors. Particular attention was also paid to innovation, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and scientific and educational cooperation, including strengthening contacts between universities, research centers, and innovation clusters of Kazakhstan and Flanders.
Ambassador also briefed his counterpart on the large-scale political and socio-economic reforms underway in Kazakhstan. He noted that a draft of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan has been prepared and that the final decision will be taken by citizens at a nationwide referendum on March 15. The draft Constitution aims to improve public governance, strengthen the rule of law, and expand citizens’ participation in public and political life.
Minister-President Diependaele highlighted the strong potential for cooperation between Flemish companies, research institutions, and Kazakh partners, and expressed interest in developing economic and technological ties with Kazakhstan.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation and agreed to continue dialogue aimed at implementing joint initiatives and projects.
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Kazakhstan and Spain Strengthen Interparliamentary Dialogue
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A meeting was held between the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Spain, Danat Mussayev, and members of the Spanish delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The meeting was attended by the Vice-President of the Assembly, Antonio Gutiérrez Limones, the newly appointed Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Spanish Senate, Pilar Rojo, as well as representatives of various Spanish political parties, enabling a substantive and comprehensive exchange of views on interparliamentary cooperation.
During the discussions, the parties addressed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Council of Europe, as well as the development of interparliamentary dialogue between Kazakhstan and Spain.
Particular attention was paid to the constitutional reform in Kazakhstan, which represents a continuation of the large-scale political transformations initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Ambassador Mussayev informed the participants that a nationwide referendum on the adoption of a new Constitution will be held on 15 March. He noted that the scope and significance of the proposed changes, as well as the openness of the public discussion process of the draft Constitution, are unprecedented in the country’s history.
He emphasized that the constitutional reform is aimed at ensuring the country’s sustainable development, strengthening the role of Parliament, and enhancing guarantees for the protection of human rights, thereby consolidating the principle that "the State exists for the person, not the person for the State."
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening interparliamentary dialogue and enhancing cooperation within the framework of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
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Czech Business Circles are Showing Growing Interest in Kazakhstan’s Reforms and Investment Potential
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Leading Czech technology and industrial companies are identifying growing opportunities in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia. This was highlighted during meetings between Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Czech Republic Kairat Abdrakhmanov and senior executives of major Czech enterprises, held as part of the ongoing dialogue aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Representatives of the Czech business community expressed strong interest in Kazakhstan’s comprehensive political reforms and sustained economic performance. They noted that continued efforts to improve the investment climate are creating favorable conditions for long-term industrial cooperation.
In discussions with Martin Vojáček, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ZVVZ Engineering, the parties explored prospects for deeper industrial collaboration, including plans to localize the production of industrial filtration systems in Kazakhstan. The initiative is expected to promote investment, facilitate technology transfer, and generate new employment opportunities.
During a meeting with Artem Movsesyan, head of OMNIPOL, particular attention was given to cooperation in the aviation sector, including plans to establish a service center for L 410 NG aircraft. It was noted that in 2025 several aircraft of this type were delivered to Kazakhstan under a contract with the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan and are currently operating in various regions of the country, demonstrating the effectiveness of bilateral partnership.
At the invitation of its owner and holder of unique patents, Luboš Novák, the Ambassador visited the production facilities of MEGA, where he was introduced to advanced electromembrane technologies, electrodialysis applications in water treatment systems, and demineralization solutions for the dairy industry.
In Turnov, Martin Gold, owner of SKLOSTROJ, presented the company’s manufacturing capabilities in equipment for the glass container industry and outlined its export potential. Both enterprises employ specialists from Kazakhstan, contributing to professional exchange and closer bilateral ties.
The companies engaged play a meaningful role in advancing Kazakhstan–Czech trade and economic cooperation, supporting the introduction of modern technologies and the implementation of joint projects.
Particular interest was drawn to the activities of Astana Motors Czech, which has successfully established a solid presence in the Czech market by promoting the internationally recognized automotive brand Chery and developing partnerships in vehicle distribution and after-sales services. It was noted that the well-known Kazakhstani company Astana Motors intends to further expand its automotive exports to regional European markets.
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