Tokayev: Interethnic accord - one of major priorities of state policy

As part of his official visit to Dushanbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the parties reviewed priority areas of political, economic, water and energy, transit and transport, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.

The sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening political dialogue based on the principles of friendship, mutual trust and strategic partnership. They underscored the importance of regular contacts at high and highest levels for deepening bilateral relations and coordinating efforts on regional issues.

Minister Kosherbayev emphasized the high level of personal relations between the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, as well as the importance of implementing the agreements reached at the highest level.

For his part, Minister Muhriddin noted that the allied nature of bilateral relations fully corresponds to the traditional spirit of good-neighborliness and mutual respect between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

Particular attention was paid to expanding economic ties. The parties discussed further measures to increase bilateral trade, create favorable conditions for attracting investment and implement joint projects. For many years, Kazakhstan has consistently ranked among Tajikistan’s top three trading partners. Owing to joint efforts, bilateral trade exceeded 1.2 billion US dollars last year. The sides agreed to take coordinated measures to achieve the goal set by the Heads of State to increase trade turnover to 2 billion US dollars.

The interlocutors also focused on prospects for cooperation in agriculture, including the development of agro-industrial cooperation and increased supplies of agricultural products.

The ministers reviewed issues of cooperation in the water and energy sector, emphasizing the importance of rational and mutually beneficial use of water resources and the development of energy partnership.

The parties also discussed prospects for deepening cooperation in transport and logistics, including infrastructure development and enhancing the efficiency of regional routes and international corridors. The Foreign Ministers agreed that Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, as landlocked countries, are capable of realizing significant transit potential by providing mutual access to major markets in Europe, the Caucasus and South Asia.

The ministers exchanged views on pressing issues of the regional and international agenda. They highlighted constructive cooperation within multilateral frameworks, including such international organizations as the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, as well as mutual support for the two countries’ international initiatives. They also exchanged views on ensuring regional security and sustainable development in Central Asia, reaffirming their readiness for close coordination of efforts on international platforms.

Following the talks, a Cooperation Program between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2026-2028 was signed.

Minister Kosherbayev also took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to Ismoil Somoni, the founder and first ruler of the Tajik state, located at Dusti (Friendship) Square in Dushanbe.

 

As part of his official visit to Dushanbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yermek Kosherbayev, was received by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, President Rahmon expressed satisfaction with the steady advancement of bilateral cooperation in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance, emphasizing the importance of further strengthening comprehensive engagement between the two countries.

For his part, Minister Kosherbayev conveyed warm greetings and best wishes on behalf of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and informed the Tajik side about the progress in implementing the agreements reached at the highest and high levels.

Minister Kosherbayev also briefed President Rahmon in detail on the current state and prospects for further expansion of Kazakh-Tajik cooperation. Particular attention was paid to deepening trade and economic ties, including joint efforts to achieve the goal set by the Heads of State to increase bilateral trade turnover to 2 billion US dollars.

The meeting also covered topical issues on the international and regional agenda. The high level of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan within multilateral frameworks, including mutual support, was underscored.

 

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda on the national holiday - the Day of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania, akorda.kz reports.

The President of Kazakhstan noted the high level of bilateral relations and expressed confidence in their further progressive development for the benefit of the peoples of both states.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wished Gitanas Nausėda continued success in his state activities, and the people of Lithuania prosperity and well-being.

 

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan held a telephone conversation on Monday with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Akorda press service.

The Presidents noted with satisfaction the consistent implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level.

A positive assessment was given to the ongoing efforts to deepen cultural and humanitarian ties. The sides also emphasized the importance of further promoting joint scientific and educational initiatives.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed his invitation to the Russian President to pay a state visit to Kazakhstan.

 

An extraordinary meeting of the Regional Contact Group of Special Representatives of Central Asian countries on Afghanistan was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The meeting brought together the representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Special Representative of the President of Kazakhstan for Afghanistan Yerkin Tukumov stressed on Kazakhstan’s interest in a constructive exchange of views and in identifying practical solutions to pressing the issues of engagement with Kabul.

The parties discussed the current situation in Afghanistan and matters of practical cooperation, including the development of trade and economic ties, expansion of transit and transport corridors through Afghan territory, as well as regional security issues.

Participants underscored the importance of coordinating the efforts of Central Asian states in the interests of ensuring stability and sustainable development in Afghanistan.

Following the meeting, the participants reaffirmed their readiness to continue regular consultations and maintain working-level contacts within the framework of the Regional Contact Group.

 

A roundtable discussion was held at the Embassy dedicated to the presentation of the draft new Constitution of Kazakhstan and to discussing the key directions of constitutional reform, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to France, Gulsara Arystankulova, delivered the opening remarks, outlining the context and stages of preparation of the new version of the Constitution, designed to meet contemporary public demands and the long-term development objectives of the state. The Kazakh diplomat emphasized that the Constitution, by enshrining the peaceful and pragmatic nature of the country’s foreign policy and its commitment to the United Nations Charter and international law, establishes a solid foundation for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation with European partners.

The keynote speaker of the event was Senator of the Parliament of Kazakhstan and Secretary of the Commission on Constitutional Legislation, the Judicial System and Law Enforcement Agencies, Yevgeny Bolgert. He presented the main provisions of the draft Basic Law, including the establishment of a unicameral Parliament, the creation of the Kazakhstan People’s Council as the supreme advisory body, and the introduction of the institution of the Vice President. Particular attention was given to enshrining the key values of the new Constitution - sovereignty, independence, and the territorial integrity of Kazakhstan - as well as strengthening guarantees of human rights and freedoms as the highest priority of the state. The Kazakh parliamentarian also highlighted the country’s contribution to the development of interfaith dialogue through the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. In concluding his remarks, E. Bolgert stressed that the decision to adopt the new Constitution will be made by the citizens of Kazakhstan in a referendum scheduled for March 15, 2026.

The event was attended by representatives of the French expert and business communities, as well as students from Sorbonne University.

During the discussion, participants expressed interest in the provisions of the draft Constitution concerning the organization and functioning of the future Kurultai, the Constitutional Court, and political parties. Issues related to the role of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, as well as measures to further improve the investment climate and support the activities of foreign companies, were also addressed.

 

A representative of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the OSCE Kairat Malayev participated in the Conference on Combating Anti-Semitism and Intolerance, organized by the Swiss OSCE Chairpersonship in St.Gallen, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

The event brought together representatives of participating States, international organizations and civil society aimed at development of joint measures to combat discrimination, extremism and manifestations of religious hatred.

During the conference, Swiss Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ignazio Cassis emphasized that building a shared future of peace and security is "a daily task" calling for a shift "from memory to action" in the fight against hatred and intolerance.

In its national statement the Kazakh delegation reaffirmed the country's commitment to the principles of tolerance, mutual respect and interfaith harmony, emphasizing the particular significance of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana in September 2025, as a unique international platform for strengthening interfaith dialogue.

It was noted that as part of the ongoing constitutional reforms in Kazakhstan a new institution for national dialogue is being established - the People's Council of Kazakhstan - which will become the highest advisory body with the right to legislative initiative and expanded representation of ethnic groups. This mechanism is aimed at further strengthening social harmony and inclusiveness.

 

The Embassy of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, jointly with the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), held a conference entitled "Kazakhstan-Pakistan Relations: Post-Visit Reflections and Pathways for Strategic Cooperation", Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

Representatives of government bodies, the diplomatic corps, academic circles, expert and business communities, as well as leading media outlets of the two countries took part in the event.

Among the Chief Guests were Minister of State - Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Digital Media Fahd Haroon, COMSTECH Coordinator General Iqbal Choudhary, Vice-President of the Turkic Academy Askhat Kessikbayev, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Member of the National Assembly Khurram Dastgir Khan, and Director General CAR’s and ECO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Hasan Ali Zaigham.

The event also featured the presentation of the book "Pakistan and the Turkic World," prepared by the Turkic Academy.

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin shared the key outcomes of the state visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Pakistan on 3-4 February this year, highlighting the signing of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership and more than 70 agreements and memoranda, including commercial contracts. The Ambassador also informed participants about the opening of Al-Farabi Center at Quaid-i-Azam University, K. Satbayev Center at the National University of Sciences and Technology, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Center at the International Islamic University Islamabad, as well as the "Dostyk" Sports Center, and the successful holding of the Kazakhstan-Pakistan Business Forum.

Speakers at the conference also included ISSI Chairman Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, ISSI Director Talat Shabbir, Head of the major Central Asian business group "KCM Kant" Tanvir Aftab, and others.

From the Kazakh side, experts of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mukhit Assanbayev and the Foreign Policy Research Institute under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Sergey Savelyev participated online.

During the panel sessions, participants discussed the current state and future prospects of Kazakhstan-Pakistan relations, the development of regional connectivity, transit potential and transport-logistics cooperation across the Eurasian space, cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, as well as the expansion of trade-economic, investment, and humanitarian ties.

Experts highly praised the substantive outcomes of the visit, noting its rich agenda and clear focus on establishing a strategic partnership across all areas of mutual interest.

Conference participants unanimously emphasized that the high-level visit laid a solid foundation for further diversification and expansion of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan.

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan expressed gratitude to the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad for organizing the conference at a high professional level.