Zelensky leads with 73.01% after half of electoral ballots counted
Vladimir Zelensky is leading in the runoff stage of the Ukrainian presidential election with 73.01% of the vote after Ukraine's Central Election Commission has counted 50% of electoral ballots.
Vladimir Zelensky is leading in the runoff stage of the Ukrainian presidential election with 73.01% of the vote after Ukraine's Central Election Commission has counted 50% of electoral ballots, the commission informed on Monday.
Incumbent president Pyotr Poroshenko has received 24.65% of the vote, TASS reports.
According to the commission, Zelensky has taken the lead in all regions of Ukraine, except the Lvov Region.
The voter turnout in the runoff stage of the election reached 62.07%.
Source: Kazinform News Agency
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Kazakhstan and Greece Discussed Prospects for Trade and Economic Cooperation
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Alibek Kuantyrov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, met with Antonia Katzourou, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hellenic Republic to the Republic of Kazakhstan.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of Kazakh-Greek cooperation, focusing on expanding trade, economic, and investment ties.
A.Katzourou noted that one of the key results of the Deputy Minister's visit to Greece in April of this year was the importance attached to convening the next meeting of the Kazakh-Greek Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Technological Cooperation.
A.Kuantyrov expressed confidence in the success of the next meeting of the Kazakh-Greek Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Technological Cooperation, scheduled for the second half of this year in Athens.
The Deputy Minister emphasized Kazakhstan's interest in further developing its partnership with Greece and attracting Greek investment in priority economic sectors such as renewable energy, transport and logistics, metallurgy, agro-industry, waste recycling, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and digital technologies. In this regard, the importance of intensifying contacts between the business communities of the two countries and implementing joint projects was noted.
Kuantyrov noted the positive results of the talks with representatives of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Greek institutions, financial organizations, and leading Greek companies.
The discussions demonstrated mutual interest in expanding cooperation across a number of priority areas and created a solid basis for advancing practical initiatives between our countries," - he added.
It is worth noting that trade turnover between the countries over the past year amounted to $2.4 billion. Trade and economic relations are based on Kazakhstan's exports of crude oil, polypropylene, ferroalloys, and lentils, while Greece's exports include pharmaceuticals, soil sorting and crushing equipment, amino-aldehyde, phenol-aldehyde resins, and polyurethanes, milk processing equipment, and other products.
A.Katsourou confirmed Greece's interest in strengthening economic cooperation with Kazakhstan and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue working together to advance the bilateral economic agenda and maintain regular dialogue on investment cooperation.
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Prospects for Expanding Kazakhstan’s Investment Cooperation with Foreign Partners Discussed in Tashkent
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
As part of the visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan to participate in the 5th Tashkent International Investment Forum, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov held a series of meetings with representatives of foreign governments and business circles.
During a meeting with Lord Jason Stockwood, Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom and Minister for Investment at the Department for Business and Trade and HM Treasury, the parties discussed the current state and future prospects of trade, economic and investment cooperation.
Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, the ratification process of which was completed in June this year. The parties also discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in the fields of energy, critical minerals, transport and logistics, finance, education and healthcare.
А. Kuantyrov emphasized that the United Kingdom is one of Kazakhstan’s key investment partners and ranks among the largest foreign investors in the country’s economy. In this regard, Kazakhstan’s interest in attracting British investment and technologies to priority sectors of the national economy was reaffirmed.
As part of the visit, a meeting was also held with Bekzod Mamatkulov, Chairman of the Founders’ Council of the Uzbek holding company BMB Holding.
The parties discussed prospects for further developing trade, economic and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as well as opportunities for implementing joint projects in the agro-industrial sector, tourism, food industry, logistics and mutual trade.
The interlocutors noted the high level of Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan relations based on strategic partnership and alliance, and emphasized the importance of further strengthening cooperation between the business communities of the two countries and advancing new joint initiatives.
Following the meetings, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further expanding trade, economic, investment and business cooperation, as well as promoting joint projects aimed at sustainable development and strengthening regional economic ties.
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Astana and Brussels Discuss New Areas of Cooperation
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
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Kazakhstan and Montenegro Pledge to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
Images | Akorda
Kazakhstan and Montenegro have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening and diversifying bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both countries and their peoples. The commitment was outlined in a joint statement issued by the two leaders, according to the Akorda presidential press service.
The presidents also held substantive talks covering a wide range of bilateral issues, as well as key regional and global developments. They underscored the importance of maintaining regular high-level contacts and agreed to continue a constructive dialogue on matters of mutual interest.
The parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and the fundamental principles of international law. They also expressed their readiness to coordinate efforts within international organisations and support initiatives aimed at strengthening regional and global stability," Akorda said in a statement.
The Montenegrin side also expressed its high appreciation for Kazakhstan’s consistent commitment to political transformation and economic modernisation through comprehensive constitutional and institutional reforms aimed at improving public administration and ensuring sustainable long-term development.
In addition, the two countries agreed to promote cooperation in higher education, science and research, and to explore opportunities for implementing joint academic and scientific initiatives, the press service added.
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Kazakhstan Strengthens Its Position as a UN Regional Hub
In the first half of June, Kazakhstan took a series of steps that could significantly strengthen its role as a regional centre for international cooperation.
Developments in recent weeks suggest that the country is gradually moving beyond participation in international initiatives towards building its own infrastructure for engagement with United Nations agencies and global development institutions.
One of the key events was the opening of the first United Nations Global Compact regional office in Central Asia, located in Almaty. The new office is intended to serve as a platform for promoting the principles of responsible business conduct, sustainable development and corporate governance across the region. Through the office, companies will gain access to international compliance standards, environmental and social responsibility practices, and tools for implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The opening carries significance beyond symbolism. The UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, bringing together thousands of companies and organisations in more than 160 countries. The decision to establish its regional representation in Almaty reflects Kazakhstan's growing importance as a centre of international economic and expert engagement in Central Asia.
This development was followed by another important step in mid-June. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law ratifying the agreement between the Government of Kazakhstan and the United Nations on the establishment of a UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan. At the same time, a memorandum of understanding between Kazakhstan and the UN, setting out the operational framework for the new centre, was also ratified.
In practical terms, this means the creation of a new international platform in Kazakhstan that will coordinate efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals across Central Asia and Afghanistan. The centre is expected to serve as a mechanism for cooperation among national governments, international organisations, the expert community and development institutions.
It is important to note that the decisions taken in June form part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan's role in international affairs. In recent years, the country has steadily expanded the presence of international organisations on its territory, hosted negotiations and regional dialogue platforms, and advanced initiatives within the United Nations, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and other international bodies.
A notable assessment in this context came from Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev. Responding to a question from Kazakhstan Today regarding the country's prospects following the opening of the UN Global Compact office and the establishment of the UN Regional Centre, the foreign minister said Kazakhstan was steadily emerging as a regional hub for the United Nations.
Today, more than 60 international organisations are based in Almaty. This in itself demonstrates that Kazakhstan is becoming a regional centre for international organisations. We fully support this process," Kosherbayev said.
According to the minister, strengthening Kazakhstan's position as a host country for international organisations creates additional opportunities for participation in a wide range of international programmes.
Kosherbayev also highlighted Almaty's advantages as a location for international institutions. He noted that the city's developed infrastructure, security and accessibility of essential services contribute to its attractiveness as an international centre.
From a foreign policy perspective, these developments reflect Kazakhstan's efforts to strengthen its international standing and strategic autonomy. While the country's primary objective during the early years of independence was integration into existing international structures, it is now increasingly acting as an organiser and coordinator of regional initiatives. The establishment of new UN institutions in Almaty is among the clearest examples of this shift.
At the same time, the connection between diplomacy and economic development is becoming more pronounced. The presence of international organisations contributes to attracting investment, developing expert capacity, expanding international networks and raising the country's global profile. As a result, international engagement is increasingly viewed not only as a foreign policy instrument, but also as a driver of long-term economic growth and human capital development.
Taken together, the developments of recent weeks point to the emergence of a new direction in Kazakhstan's foreign policy - one centred on strengthening the country's role as a regional platform for international cooperation and global development initiatives.
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International Influence and Digital Modernisation: New Priorities in Kazakhstan’s Policy Agenda
Kazakhstan has continued to pursue a strategy aimed at strengthening its international standing, advancing the digital economy and modernising state institutions. During the period under review, key priorities included foreign policy initiatives, the introduction of new financial instruments, the expansion of international cooperation and investment diplomacy. At the same time, the government maintained its focus on improving social infrastructure and developing human capital.
Politics: Expanding International Influence Through Institutions and Diplomacy
The most significant political development was the completion of the legal framework for the United Nations Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan. On 17 June, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed laws ratifying the agreement between Kazakhstan and the UN, as well as the memorandum governing the centre’s activities.
The new institution will work with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. The decision strengthens Kazakhstan’s position as one of Central Asia’s key international platforms and reflects Astana’s ambition to play a more prominent role in regional cooperation.
Diplomatic activity also remained high. Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev took part in a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Council of Foreign Ministers. At the same time, Kazakhstan continued engagement with China, Canada, the European Union and the Republic of Korea. Kazakhstan and the EU advanced to the next stage of negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission arrangements.
Notably, foreign policy is becoming increasingly focused on practical objectives, including attracting investment, expanding trade, developing transport corridors and strengthening technological cooperation. Economic diplomacy is emerging as one of the government’s principal policy instruments.
Economy: Digital Infrastructure and International Cooperation
The key economic development was the announcement that a unified interbank QR payment system will be launched on 19 July. The new infrastructure will enable customers of different banks to pay for goods and services using a single QR code, regardless of their banking provider.
The launch marks another milestone in the digitalisation of Kazakhstan’s financial sector. The process has been further reinforced by the legislative framework for the digital assets industry, which came into effect on 1 May.
International economic cooperation also continued to expand. Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Thailand reached $255.1 million in 2025. The two sides discussed prospects for cooperation in food security, digital technologies, logistics and the implementation of joint projects in third-country markets, including African states.
Another important development for the scientific and technological sector was the confirmation that Almaty will host the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International Conference on Research Reactors in 2028. The event is expected to bring together around 400 scientists and experts from across the world. Plans were also announced to extend the operational lifespan of the WWR-K research reactor until at least 2040.
Society: Investing in Human Capital
The social agenda remained focused on education, science and human capital development. President Tokayev supported the decision to grant Astana Medical University national university status. The institution will also be named after the distinguished scientist Toregeldy Sharmanov, underlining the government’s commitment to advancing medical science and specialist training.
The government’s decision to award state bonuses to medallists of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games also attracted considerable public attention. Olympic champion Mikhail Shaidorov is set to receive $250,000, while financial rewards will also be provided to Nadezhda Morozova, who finished among the top six athletes at the Games.
These decisions reflect a broader strategy centred on human capital development. Education, science, healthcare and sport are increasingly viewed as key drivers of the country’s long-term competitiveness.
Analysis and Conclusion
The defining trend of the period has been the strengthening of an institutional approach to national development. The establishment of the UN Regional Centre, the expansion of economic diplomacy, the launch of a unified QR payment system and support for scientific and educational initiatives all form part of a broader modernisation strategy.
Kazakhstan is reinforcing its role as a regional hub for international cooperation while simultaneously promoting economic digitalisation and human capital development. Increasingly, the country’s international engagement is directed towards practical objectives, including attracting investment, expanding trade and fostering technological partnerships.
As a result, diplomacy, digital transformation and investment in education and science are gradually converging into a single development model. The principal challenge remains the ability of state institutions to ensure the effective implementation of these initiatives and to translate institutional reforms into sustainable economic and social outcomes.
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Montenegro’s President Arrives in Kazakhstan on First Official Visit
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović held one-on-one talks in Astana, the Akorda presidential press service reported.
Taking the opportunity, Tokayev congratulated Montenegro on the 20th anniversary of its independence.
He also noted that the presence of business representatives within the Montenegrin delegation reflected both countries’ commitment to strengthening economic cooperation.
For his part, Milatović thanked Kazakhstan for the invitation and expressed confidence that the visit would help expand bilateral relations.
The Montenegrin president said that a business delegation had accompanied him to Kazakhstan. As part of the visit, the chambers of commerce of the two countries are expected to hold a business forum and sign a number of memorandums.
According to Milatović, Montenegro remains one of the popular tourist destinations for Kazakh citizens, and both sides are interested in further developing not only political ties but also economic cooperation.
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Kazakhstan’s International Humanitarian Law Initiative Unites More Than 110 Countries at the UN
The humanitarian segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is currently underway at UN Headquarters, where participants are discussing the coordination of humanitarian assistance, responses to global crises, and the protection of civilians in conflict zones, according to the press service of Kazakhstan’s Permanent Mission to the UN.
Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Kairat Umarov, delivered a joint statement on behalf of the six founding members of the Global Initiative on International Humanitarian Law: Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan and South Africa.
In the statement, the countries expressed concern over the protection of civilians in areas affected by armed conflict and called on all parties to comply with the norms of international humanitarian law.
During the meeting, participants also announced a high-level international conference, Humanity in War, which is scheduled to take place in Amman on 7 December 2026.
Forum participants noted that the initiative launched by the six countries has become a successful platform for cooperation among states with differing political views. To date, 113 countries have officially joined the initiative, while representatives of more than 160 nations have taken part in intergovernmental consultations.
Open debates of the UN Security Council on the theme of "Women, Peace and Security" were also held at UN Headquarters.
Kairat Umarov stated that the international community has yet to fully ensure women’s participation in peace negotiations and decision-making processes. He stressed the importance of inclusive peace processes for sustainable development and global security.
The diplomat also outlined Kazakhstan’s efforts in this area. According to Umarov, the country has successfully implemented its first National Action Plan for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which serves as a key framework for protecting women’s rights and expanding their participation in peacebuilding processes.
Kazakhstan has also begun developing a second interagency action plan aimed at further strengthening women’s role in promoting peace and stability.
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