Foreign Ministry Issues Travel Advice for Kazakhstanis Attending Events Abroad
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has issued recommendations for citizens travelling abroad to attend major international events, an agency correspondent reports.
From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament is expected to attract a large number of foreign fans, including citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yerlan Zhetybayev said.
In this regard, the MFA advises citizens planning to attend matches and other World Cup-related events to exercise increased caution and pay close attention to personal safety.
We recommend always carrying identification documents or copies of them, strictly complying with the requirements of local law enforcement authorities and event organizers, planning travel routes in advance, and using official transportation services," Zhetybayev said.
The ministry also urges citizens to avoid unauthorized mass gatherings and crowded areas outside the official tournament zones.
In the event of an emergency, citizens should immediately contact the emergency services of the host country and maintain communication with the diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic of Kazakhstan," the spokesperson added.
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Kazakh Foreign Ministry condemns UAV attacks on oil tankers
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan strongly condemns the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) attacks carried out on 17 and 19 July 2026 against civilian vessels in the Black Sea engaged in the legitimate commercial transportation of oil through the infrastructure of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC).
We regard such attacks as an unacceptable infringement upon the economic interests of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as deliberate acts aimed at destabilising lawful international trade and global energy markets and undermining the security of global transport and logistics supply chains.
Of particular concern is the fact that the mechanism previously agreed upon by all parties concerned for exchanging information on civilian vessels entering the waters of the Black Sea to load oil at CPC terminals was deliberately disregarded, thereby endangering the lives and safety of the crews aboard those vessels.
Kazakhstan demands an immediate halt to these attacks and the adoption of comprehensive measures to ensure the security of the infrastructure used for the export of Kazakh hydrocarbons.
We strongly urge our partner countries to unequivocally condemn these attacks and invite all parties concerned to developing practical measures. We firmly believe that only strict adherence to international law can prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
The Republic of Kazakhstan is currently conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused. Upon completion of this assessment, Kazakhstan reserves all rights available under international law to protect its legitimate interests, including seeking full compensation for the damage caused.
The Republic of Kazakhstan stresses that there is no alternative to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and reaffirms its commitment to the principles of international law, freedom of navigation, and ensuring the reliable functioning of international transport, logistics and energy routes.
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Turkistan Launches "Shamshi Anderi" Festival
Images | Akimat of Turkestan region
The "Shamshi Anderi" arts festival, dedicated to the legacy of renowned Kazakh composer, celebrated songwriter and the "King of the Kazakh Waltz" Shamshi Kaldayakov, has opened in Turkistan, the regional akimat reported.
The opening ceremony was attended by Turkistan Region Akim Nuralkhan Kusherov, members of the intellectual community, local residents and visitors to the city.
The concert programme featured some of Shamshi Kaldayakov's best-known works, performed by leading Kazakh artists and emerging musicians. Performers included the Zhigitter Quartet, the groups Melomen, Saryn and Turan Boys, as well as Moldir Auelbekova, Marzhan Arapbayeva, Altynai Zhorabayeva, Dosymzhan Tanatarov, Ali Okapov, Gazizkhan Shekerbekov, Askar Zhunusbekov, Kanay, Ruslan Akynbayev, Ayazhan Nurmakhanbet, Marzhan Erlankyzy, Daniyar Barys, Elvira Mamytova and other performers.
The gala evening was hosted by Nursultan Eszhan and Alla Gavrina.
The press service also recalled that, at the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Turkistan was granted special status and a dedicated law was adopted to support its development as the cultural, spiritual, historical and tourism centre of the Turkic world. According to the regional akimat, the number of visitors to the city has been increasing every year as a result.
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Chinese Publication Names Kazakhstan Central Asia's Economic Leader
Images | AI
Chinese publication All China Review has published an analytical article describing Kazakhstan as the leading economy in Central Asia and explaining the factors that have enabled the country to maintain its regional leadership.
The authors note that over the past decade Kazakhstan has become the main driver of Central Asia's economic growth, supported by rising domestic demand, the development of transport corridors, growing inflows of foreign investment and the implementation of economic reforms. According to the publication, Kazakhstan's economic potential largely shapes China's overall approach to the region.
The article states that Kazakhstan's nominal GDP reached $306 billion in 2025, accounting for 53.7% of Central Asia's combined economic output. More than half of the region's total economic production is generated by Kazakhstan.
The authors also highlight the country's high level of economic diversification. Trade accounts for nearly 20% of gross value added, manufacturing contributes 13%, while the mining sector represents 11.9%. In addition, Kazakhstan has the largest banking system in Central Asia. As of January 2026, banking sector assets stood at $140 billion, while total deposits reached $96.4 billion.
Citing the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2025, the article says Kazakhstan's stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) reached $151.3 billion, representing 68.6% of all FDI accumulated by the countries of Central Asia.
The publication also places particular emphasis on the development of Kazakhstan-China cooperation. Bilateral trade reached a record $48 billion in 2025, and the two governments aim to increase that figure to $100 billion by 2030. According to the article, more than 85% of overland freight traffic between China and Europe passes through Kazakhstan, reinforcing the country's position as a key transport hub of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The publication further notes that Kazakhstan ranks 49th globally in projected economic size for 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It is also ranked 55th in Harvard University's Economic Complexity Index and 68th in the Index of Economic Freedom.
According to the authors, Kazakhstan's leadership is based not only on the size of its economy, but also on its diversification, well-developed financial system, the quality of its public institutions and its ability to attract long-term investment. These advantages, the publication says, are being strengthened by the country's ongoing reforms and will enable Kazakhstan to retain its status as Central Asia's leading economic centre over the long term.
Earlier this week, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited Shanghai, where he attended the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2026) and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation, developing transport and logistics corridors, implementing joint infrastructure projects, and broadening cooperation in digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
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Turkistan to Host "Shamshi Anderi" Creative Festival
Images | gov.kz
A creative festival titled "Shamshi Anderi", dedicated to the works of renowned Kazakh composer Shamshi Kaldayakov, will be held on July 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Keruen Saray complex in Turkistan.
According to the Turkistan Region Akimat, the festival aims to promote the composer's musical legacy, support young performers and introduce audiences to his best-known works.
The concert programme will feature leading Kazakh pop artists alongside emerging performers, who will present some of Kaldayakov's most beloved compositions. Festival guests will also be able to take part in a range of interactive activities.
The organisers have invited residents and visitors of Turkistan to attend the festival and enjoy the songs of Shamshi Kaldayakov, whose works have become part of the golden heritage of Kazakh musical culture.
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Interbank QR Code Payments to Launch Across Kazakhstan on 19 July
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Interbank QR code payments will become available to all Kazakhstanis from 19 July, the National Bank of Kazakhstan announced during the presentation of its nationwide interbank QR payment system.
According to the National Bank, all banks offering retail services through mobile applications have already been connected to the system.
In accordance with the law, the official nationwide launch date for the Interbank Instant Money Transfer and Payment System (IMTPS) is 19 July 2026. From that date, customers of participating banks will be able to instantly transfer money to customers of other banks using a phone number, as well as pay for goods and services via a QR code regardless of which banks the buyer and seller use. Transfers and payments will be available around the clock and processed in real time," the National Bank said.
The system will also enable businesses to accept cashless payments from customers of all participating banks using a single QR code. Merchants will not need to install new equipment, as the service will operate on existing payment terminals. Users are advised to contact their banks regarding updates to mobile banking applications.
In addition to the National Payment System, Kazakhstan's national digital financial infrastructure includes platforms for biometric identification, the digital tenge, open banking, and the National Anti-Fraud Centre.
The National Payment System currently processes transactions worth around 6.3 trillion tenge each day. More than 340 billion digital tenge have already been issued, while the biometric identification platform processes approximately 3.5 million requests every month.
Since its launch, the National Anti-Fraud Centre has detected more than 165,000 cases of fraud and other illegal financial activities, including schemes linked to financial pyramids and illegal gambling operations.
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Kok-Zhailau Development Could Lead to the Disappearance of Glaciers, Experts Warn
Development of the Kok-Zhailau mountain plateau could raise temperatures in the surrounding mountains, accelerate glacier melt and alter the region's climate, according to experts from the Ecological Society of Almaty, who shared their views in an exclusive interview with Kazakhstan Today.
The construction of hotels, apartment hotels, restaurants, chalets, air-conditioning systems, roads, transport infrastructure, cable cars and other man-made facilities will absorb heat and release warm air, creating a vast 'heat island' directly in the mountains. This would inevitably accelerate the melting of glaciers," the experts said.
They also warned that deforestation associated with construction and the reshaping of mountain slopes would increase the spread of dust and soot.
As dust and soot settle on glacier surfaces, they will intensify glacier degradation. In addition, the removal of thousands of trees along the Kazachka River to build roads and utility networks would eliminate the glaciers' last natural barrier against hot air, dust, smog and soot coming from the city. The eventual disappearance of Almaty's glaciers and rivers would alter the regional climate, making it significantly drier and less favourable for both people and vegetation," the experts said.
According to the specialists, the region is already facing a critical situation.
Over recent years, nearly all glaciers in the Ile Alatau have suffered substantial losses. Glacier area has declined by 75%, while ice volume has decreased by 50%," they said.
The experts argue that the primary driver of accelerated glacier retreat is the unrestricted flow of exceptionally warm air from the city into the mountains.
Over the past 23 years, virtually all apple orchards beyond Al-Farabi Avenue have been cleared and built over. For decades, these orchards, together with shelterbelts of tall poplars and elms, acted as a protective buffer zone, preventing warm air from the city from reaching the foothills. The orchards also released moisture into the atmosphere on a daily basis. As the moisture rose, it cooled and formed clouds that produced summer precipitation in the mountains. The clouds, rainfall and orchard vegetation significantly slowed the melting of glaciers and seasonal snow cover," they explained.
A detailed account of the experts' position is available via the link provided in the original publication.
The proposed development of Kok-Zhailau has been the subject of public debate for more than a decade.
In 2011, then Almaty Mayor Akhmetzhan Yessimov announced plans to develop a ski resort at Kok-Zhailau during a government meeting on the city's development.
In 2013, the Almaty administration announced plans to hold a tender for the design and estimate documentation for the project, valued at approximately 3.145 billion tenge.
At the time, the project proceeded despite strong public opposition. Environmental experts, ecologists, athletes and residents argued that the ski resort would damage wildlife, increase the risk of water shortages in Almaty and fail to deliver the projected economic benefits, including higher tourist numbers and new jobs. Public activists subsequently filed a complaint with the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee.
In 2019, during a meeting of the Public Council, then Almaty Mayor Bauyrzhan Baibek proposed postponing the Kok-Zhailau project for three to five years to allow for a more comprehensive assessment of its potential impact.
Former Minister of Culture and Sports Aktoty Raimkulova later wrote on Facebook that construction of the resort had been postponed on the instructions of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
As the president stressed at the time, such an important project should not be rushed and should be considered only after a thorough review of expert assessments and public opinion.
In December last year, the Tourism Industry Committee of Kazakhstan's Ministry of Culture and Sports published a draft resolution on the Open NPAs portal outlining a Comprehensive Development Plan for the Almaty Mountain Cluster for 2025-2029.
The explanatory note stated that the plan would support tourism development, increase visitor numbers, strengthen Kazakhstan's international tourism profile and improve the investment climate. It envisages the implementation of 127 measures with a total budget of 655.911 billion tenge.
At the time, public activist Azhar Dzhandosova warned that regardless of how environmentally friendly construction methods might be, the development would inevitably affect soils, biodiversity and glaciers, which are already shrinking at an alarming rate, with consequences for Almaty's climate.
A poll conducted by the Kazakhstan Today news agency found that 80% of respondents opposed the development of Kok-Zhailau.
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Kazakhstan to Introduce New Rules for Public Services
Images | gov.kz
Most amendments to Kazakhstan's public service delivery system will come into force in July 2026, according to the government portal Gov.kz.
The changes are предусмотрed by the Law "On the Civil Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan" and the Law "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Civil Service Issues", both signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on 19 May 2026.
One of the key reforms is the transition to a service-oriented model of public administration. For the first time, the legislation formally enshrines the principle: "The state exists for the people, not the people for the state."
Under the new rules, government agencies will no longer be allowed to reject applications solely on formal grounds. If an application contains errors or lacks required documents, applicants will be given a reasonable period to correct the deficiencies instead of receiving an immediate refusal.
The definition of a public service recipient has also been expanded. Legal safeguards will now apply not only to those who have already submitted an application but also to individuals intending to obtain a public service. To support this, a new Digital Waiting List mechanism will be introduced, allowing applicants to retain their place in the process in the event of technical failures without having to submit a new application.
The legislation also introduces the concept of a joint service provider, enabling responsibility for delivering a public service to be shared among all participating authorities while ensuring compliance with deadlines at every stage of the process.
Another amendment concerns refusals to provide public services. Government agencies will now be required to specify all grounds for refusal at the outset. In addition, regulations governing newly introduced public services must be approved no later than three months after those services are launched.
The government expects the reforms to make public services more accessible, reduce administrative barriers and strengthen the protection of citizens' rights when accessing government services. Most of the new provisions will take effect in July 2026.
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Record Crowd Attends Altai - Golden Cradle of the Turkic World Festival
Images | gov.kz
The gala concert of the international Altai - Golden Cradle of the Turkic World festival took place in the Katon-Karagay District of East Kazakhstan Region, attracting around 50,000 spectators. The closing evening marked the culmination of the two-day celebration, bringing together representatives of Turkic peoples, renowned performers, and guests from various countries.
Akim of East Kazakhstan Region Nurymbet Saktaganov highlighted the historic significance of the Greater Altai as the spiritual cradle of the Turkic world. He said the festival helps strengthen cultural ties and preserve the shared historical heritage of Turkic nations.
The concert opened with a performance by the Kazakh ensemble Sarmat, followed by artists from Bashkortostan, Mongolia, Tuva, Azerbaijan, Karakalpakstan, Hungary, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye. Each performer showcased the musical traditions of their people, underscoring the richness and diversity of Turkic culture.
One of the evening's standout performances came from the Kazakh group Alatau Serileri, which performed Türkiler Ūrany ("The Anthem of the Turkic Peoples"), a song that has become a symbol of unity among the brotherly nations.
The highlight of the gala was the appearance of Kazakhstan's People's Artist Dimash Qudaibergen. He was welcomed with a standing ovation, while thousands of spectators sang along to his best-known songs. His performance became the defining moment of the festival and brought the large-scale international programme to a memorable close.
The gala concert reaffirmed the high standing of the Altai - Golden Cradle of the Turkic World festival, which once again served as a platform for strengthening cultural ties, friendship, and unity among the Turkic peoples.
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