US State Department Keeps Kazakhstan at Lowest Travel Advisory Level
Images | facebook/Kairat Lama Sharif
Kazakhstan remains at Level 1, the lowest level in the US State Department’s travel advisory system. US citizens travelling to the country are advised to exercise normal precautions.
The Travel Advisory system has four levels: Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions; Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution; Level 3 - Reconsider Travel; and Level 4 - Do Not Travel.
Kazakhstan is designated Level 1 - "Exercise Normal Precautions". The current advisory was issued on 5 August 2024 following a routine review and has remained unchanged since then.
The State Department recommends that those planning to travel to Kazakhstan enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for authorities to contact them in an emergency. US citizens are also advised to monitor State Department updates, review the security report for Kazakhstan and the latest travel health information from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and prepare a contingency plan for emergencies in advance.
Further travel recommendations are available on the US State Department’s website.
For comparison, France, the United Kingdom and Italy are at Level 2, where travellers are advised to exercise increased caution. Russia is at Level 4, the highest level, with the advisory stating "Do Not Travel".
The Travel Advisory system, however, is not a global ranking of countries by safety. It provides guidance specifically for US citizens planning international travel.
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Tokayev Praises India’s Hosting of BRICS Summit
Images | Akorda
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the successful BRICS Summit in New Delhi, the Akorda presidential press service said.
Tokayev praised the summit’s organization and highlighted India’s leading role in the global economy and its scientific and technological achievements.
"Under your wise and strong leadership, the country is confidently advancing along the path of progress and sustainable development," Tokayev said.
The president also noted the development of relations between Kazakhstan and India. Around 600 companies with Indian capital currently operate in Kazakhstan, while about 150,000 Indian citizens visited the country last year, he said.
Modi thanked Tokayev for attending the BRICS Summit and praised his address.
The two leaders also discussed cooperation in energy, digitalization, education and tourism. Particular attention was given to high technology and the creative industries, including potential cooperation between Astana Hub and Hyderabad’s Cyberabad technology ecosystem.
Modi invited representatives of Kazakhstan, particularly young people, to attend the WAVES creative industries summit in Mumbai next year.
In his earlier address to the summit, Tokayev said the global economic cost of violence had reached $22 trillion and called for moving beyond the de-escalation of regional conflicts toward lasting stability through political dialogue and diplomacy.
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Global Economic Cost of Violence Reached $22 Trillion, Tokayev Says
Images | Akorda
The global economic cost of violence reached nearly $22 trillion in 2025, equivalent to 10% of world gross domestic product, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the Outreach/BRICS Plus plenary session in New Delhi.
Tokayev said regional conflicts affect not only the countries where hostilities take place but also the entire global economy.
"Last year, the global economic cost of violence reached nearly $22 trillion, or 10% of global GDP. This is an alarming signal. We can see that regional conflicts extend far beyond the areas of direct confrontation and have a serious impact on the world economy. Disruptions to major maritime routes have exposed the vulnerability of global energy, food and trade supply chains," Tokayev said.
He said peace and strategic stability were essential for sustainable economic development. The president called for moving beyond the de-escalation of regional conflicts toward lasting stability through political dialogue and diplomacy.
Tokayev also warned of the risk of a new arms race and urged nuclear powers to engage in high-level dialogue, including on reducing risks associated with emerging technologies.
The president also identified declining trust among major powers as a serious problem, saying it limits the United Nations’ ability to carry out its responsibilities effectively. He said reform of the U.N. Security Council should ensure fairer representation for Asia, Africa and Latin America, while emerging middle powers should have a stronger voice in global decision-making.
Turning to economic cooperation, Tokayev said Kazakhstan’s trade with BRICS member and partner countries reached about $72 billion in 2025.
"With significant industrial, transit and technological potential, we intend to diversify our trade, economic and investment ties with all BRICS countries," he said.
Kazakhstan also supports closer cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union and BRICS, as well as progress toward a free trade agreement with India.
Tokayev identified advanced processing in the energy sector, critical minerals, agriculture, technology transfer and joint investment as promising areas of cooperation. He said the BRICS New Development Bank could consider financing commercially viable projects, including in Kazakhstan.
The president also proposed expanding transport links. The volume of transit cargo passing through Kazakhstan approached 40 million metric tons in 2025. The country’s long-term goal is to increase that figure to 100 million metric tons annually.
"Overall, our transit network already handles up to 85% of overland freight traffic between China and Europe," Tokayev said.
Kazakhstan plans to develop its rail network, ports and digital infrastructure to accelerate cross-border shipments and make them more predictable. Tokayev also highlighted the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and its integration with the Belt and Road Initiative and the North-South corridor.
He endorsed India’s proposed BRICS Framework for Cooperation on Logistics and Supply Chains.
Tokayev also noted that BRICS represents nearly half of the world’s population and about 40% of global GDP. Kazakhstan views the group as an open platform for practical cooperation that complements the international system centered on the United Nations.
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Ethiopia Considers Opening Embassy in Kazakhstan
Ethiopia will consider opening an embassy in Kazakhstan, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said during a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Abiy congratulated Tokayev on the successful Kurultai elections and noted the strong mutual understanding between the two countries.
"Ethiopia is also seeking to improve the well-being of its citizens and strengthen the state’s institutional capacity. In this regard, we continue to learn from best practices, including those of friendly countries such as Kazakhstan. As you noted, Kazakhstan already has an embassy in our country. We will also consider opening an embassy in your country. I am confident this will help strengthen and expand our relations," the Ethiopian prime minister said.
At the end of the meeting, Tokayev invited Abiy to make an official visit to Kazakhstan.
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Tokayev meets US presidential envoy on sidelines of BRICS summit
Images | Akorda
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met Sergio Gor, US presidential special envoy for South and Central Asia, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, the Akorda presidential press service said.
Gor delivered a personal message from Donald Trump congratulating Tokayev ahead of the 35th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence. Tokayev thanked the US president and reiterated his invitation for Trump to visit Kazakhstan.
The two sides discussed the development of the Kazakhstan-US strategic partnership, including cooperation in artificial intelligence and digitalisation.
"I am now preparing to attend the G20 summit in Miami. I believe this will also provide a good opportunity to discuss issues on our bilateral agenda. We prefer concrete action and practical steps to fine words when it comes to advancing our cooperation," Tokayev said.
Gor said trade and economic ties between the two countries were developing rapidly, adding that the US president attached great importance to strengthening the partnership with Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Following the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed their intention to continue expanding cooperation.
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Tokayev holds talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at BRICS summit
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, the Akorda presidential press service said.
The two sides discussed the implementation of major investment projects in energy, transport and logistics, information technology and agriculture. They noted that the projects would help deepen economic cooperation and boost bilateral trade.
Tokayev also highlighted the importance of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s recent visit to Astana, which resulted in the signing of a package of bilateral agreements.
"Our cooperation is truly multifaceted and covers a wide range of areas. We will continue to make every effort to maintain this momentum and further develop our joint work," Tokayev said.
Following the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates.
Tokayev also conveyed his best wishes to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and said he looked forward to welcoming him to Kazakhstan.
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BRICS Summit Adopts New Delhi Declaration
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Participants in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
The document covers global governance, international security, economics, finance, trade, energy, artificial intelligence, climate change and humanitarian cooperation.
BRICS countries reaffirmed their support for reforming the United Nations, including the Security Council, to increase the representation of developing countries. Participants also called for reforms to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, expressed concern over the growing use of unilateral tariff and non-tariff restrictions, and condemned sanctions that violate international law.
The declaration also addresses the development of cross-border settlements in BRICS national currencies and continued work on the group’s proposed grain exchange.
The countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation on artificial intelligence and supported the peaceful settlement of international disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
Addressing the summit, Modi called on BRICS countries to play a more active role in reforming the global governance system. He said reform of the U.N. Security Council could no longer be delayed and that negotiations should be tied to specific deadlines and outcomes.
"Countries driving global economic growth must also play an appropriate role in shaping global economic governance," Modi said.
He proposed drafting 10 recommendations on global governance reform and using them to develop a BRICS Reform Roadmap by the next summit. Modi said the roadmap should focus on three areas: countries’ representation in international institutions, those institutions’ ability to respond swiftly to global challenges and the equal participation of states in shaping international rules.
The prime minister also proposed establishing a BRICS Continuity and Implementation Mechanism to monitor the implementation of the group’s decisions as its chairmanship rotates annually.
Modi separately called for greater participation by Global South countries in shaping rules governing artificial intelligence, cyberspace, space, biotechnology and critical technologies.
The 18th BRICS Summit is being held in New Delhi on Sept. 12-13.
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China to Take Over BRICS Chairmanship in 2027
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China will assume the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and host the group’s 19th summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
The BRICS summit is being held in New Delhi on Sept. 12-13, with its main program beginning Saturday.
The meeting of BRICS delegation heads is attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Luiz Iecker Vieira and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
The meeting’s agenda includes initiatives proposed under India’s chairmanship and prospects for further strengthening the BRICS strategic partnership in politics and security, economics and finance, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Participants will also exchange views on current international and regional issues.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is scheduled to address an Outreach/BRICS Plus plenary session focused on strengthening resilience, innovation, cooperation and stability. He is also expected to meet with several heads of state and government.
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BRICS Summit Underway in India
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The 18th BRICS Summit is being held in New Delhi on Sept. 12-13, a Kazakhstan Today correspondent reported.
The meeting brings together leaders of BRICS countries and representatives of partner states, including Kazakhstan.
Discussions focus on economic and financial cooperation, trade, technology, energy and food security, as well as current international and regional issues.
The summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will attend the summit and address an Outreach/BRICS Plus plenary session focused on strengthening resilience, innovation, cooperation and stability.
Tokayev is also scheduled to hold meetings with several heads of state and government.
The BRICS Business Forum opened in New Delhi on Friday. Russian President Vladimir Putin said BRICS countries had accounted for nearly half of global economic growth over the past five years, while their share of global gross domestic product had exceeded 40%.
“Over the past five years, BRICS countries have produced more than 40% of global GDP, while the Group of Seven accounted for just 29%. As for global economic growth over the same period, our countries generated nearly half of it, while the G7 contributed only 18%,” Putin said.
He attributed the trend to the large and growing domestic markets of BRICS countries, which are home to about half of the world’s population.
The summit is being held in the year marking the 20th anniversary of BRICS, with India chairing the group in 2026.
BRICS comprises 11 member states: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran. It also has 10 partner countries: Kazakhstan, Belarus, Bolivia, Vietnam, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan.
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