Tokayev meets with visiting IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi
Images | Akorda
The meeting on Tuesday discussed prospects for cooperation between Kazakhstan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as well as pressing issues on the international agenda in the field of nuclear security, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing Akorda.
President Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan greatly values its long-standing partnership with the IAEA and commends Rafael Grossi for leading the Agency in enhancing global nuclear safety and promoting the peaceful atom.
Your first visit to Kazakhstan in April 2023 gave an additional impetus to our cooperation. I believe that on the issues of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, we speak the same language. At the same time, a highly ambiguous situation has developed in the world, requiring a combination of efforts to develop common approaches to solving global problems, said the Head of State.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed the signing of the roadmap for deepening cooperation between Kazakhstan and the IAEA until 2036, as well as a series of documents in the fields of nuclear medicine and science.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Zhao Leji discuss expansion of Kazakh-Chinese partnership
Images | Akorda
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Tuesday met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Akorda press service.
According to Akorda, the meeting focused on the prospects for strengthening the Kazakh-Chinese permanent comprehensive strategic partnership, expanding inter-parliamentary dialogue, and enhancing cultural and people-to-people cooperation.
The friendship between our nations has a solid historical foundation and is steadily developing in the spirit of good-neighborliness and mutual trust. China has always supported Kazakhstan, and we express our sincere gratitude to its people, leadership, and, of course, Mr. President Xi Jinping. Consistently strengthening the Kazakh-Chinese permanent comprehensive strategic partnership remains an unchanging priority for us. The year 2025 was historic in the development of our bilateral relations. Mutual visits provided a powerful impetus to deepening our multifaceted cooperation. One of the most significant achievements is the growth of bilateral trade to a record $49 billion. China traditionally ranks among Kazakhstan’s largest investors. Cumulative Chinese investment has exceeded $29 billion. Recently, I have signed the Law ratifying the Agreement on the Promotion and Mutual Protection of Investments. Undoubtedly, this document will contribute to boosting investment cooperation between the two countries," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated.
The President noted that Kazakhstan and China have established a solid political foundation for developing cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats.
Kazakhstan and China hold similar stances on many issues on the international agenda. Our countries interact fruitfully within the framework of the UN, the SCO, and CICA. Kazakhstan highly appreciates China's global initiatives in the fields of development, civilizational dialogue, and global governance. Our country supports the One China policy. We also fully support multilateral cooperation within the new 'Central Asia-China' format," the Head of State said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took the opportunity to convey his warm and sincere greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The President of Kazakhstan highlighted the effectiveness of the strategic course pursued by the leader of the People's Republic of China.
I am convinced that the new 15th Five-Year Plan will further strengthen China's status as a global power and a highly developed state playing a crucial role on the international stage," the President said.
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Kazakhstan: Betting on Routes, Control and Stability
Kazakhstan concluded the week in a familiar strategic mode - simultaneously opening new external directions while strengthening internal governance. For Astana, this is no longer a situational response to external risks, but an increasingly stable model of state policy: expanding the geography of trade while maintaining tight control over infrastructure, the digital environment and key sectors of the economy.
Politics: Africa as an Extension of Multi-Vector Diplomacy
The week’s main political signal came from talks between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Kenyan President William Ruto. Kazakhstan proposed launching direct flights between Astana and Nairobi, as well as expanding cooperation through the East African ports of Mombasa and Lamu. For a country traditionally embedded in Eurasian logistics, this is no longer diplomatic exoticism, but an attempt to integrate itself into a new architecture of global trade flows.
Astana is increasingly seeking to reduce dependence on a limited number of transit routes. The Middle Corridor is gradually ceasing to be viewed solely as an alternative to the northern route and is beginning to evolve into the foundation of a broader Eurasian-African strategy. The decision to open a Kazakh embassy in Nairobi only institutionalises this strategic shift.
At the same time, Kazakhstan is showing no intention of withdrawing from its traditional integration frameworks. Participation in mechanisms of the Commonwealth of Independent States demonstrates that external diversification does not yet mean abandoning the established system of regional balances. For Astana, multi-vector diplomacy remains not an ideology, but a survival technology in the context of an increasingly fragmented global economy.
Economy: Exports as the System’s Backbone
The economic picture of the week remained predictably export-oriented. Kazakhstan reported shipments of 3.7 million tonnes of wheat and more than 328,000 tonnes of barley in January-March. Exports of flour and vegetable oils also increased. Against the backdrop of volatile global markets, the agricultural sector continues to serve as the country’s primary source of currency stabilisation.
However, behind the positive statistics lies an old problem: the economy remains critically dependent on external demand and price conditions. Forecasts of a possible decline in crop yields during the 2026-2027 season serve as a reminder of how limited the real diversification of the export model still is.
At the same time, the authorities continue to support industrial production - from fuel and cement to automobile manufacturing. These industries perform two functions simultaneously: they sustain employment and create an impression of domestic economic resilience. Yet the structure of the economy remains largely unchanged: export commodities continue to form the backbone of the budget, while industry itself remains heavily dependent on state incentives and infrastructure spending.
Society: Digitalisation Under State Supervision
The week’s social agenda was closely linked to the expansion of the state’s presence in the digital sphere. The decision to transfer the IMEI verification system under the control of a state-owned company became an important signal - the government intends gradually to return strategically important digital services to direct state management.
Officially, the move is framed as a measure to protect personal data and improve transparency in communications infrastructure. In practice, however, Kazakhstan is moving towards a model in which digital modernisation is accompanied by broader state oversight of data flows and telecommunications infrastructure.
The same trend is reflected in amendments to telecommunications service regulations. The shift away from automatic repeat calls in favour of SMS notifications and restrictions on generating unauthorised traffic demonstrate that the digital market is gradually moving from a phase of rapid expansion to one of tighter regulation. The state is responding ever more actively to public demand for security and higher standards in digital services.
At the same time, the authorities continue to centralise infrastructure development. The creation of a state construction projects bank is intended to accelerate the implementation of social infrastructure projects and reduce regional spending through the unification of standardised solutions. Yet this also increases the dependence of regional infrastructure policy on centralised management.
An Open Economy Alongside a Stronger State
The week’s defining feature was the combination of external openness with internal centralisation. Kazakhstan is expanding its trade geography, seeking new logistical hubs and strengthening its diplomatic presence beyond the traditional post-Soviet space. Yet domestically, the state is simultaneously increasing its role in digital infrastructure, logistics and the regulation of service industries.
This is shaping a model in which economic liberalisation coexists with stronger administrative control. For Kazakhstan, such a structure represents a compromise between the need to integrate into the global economy and the desire to preserve control over internal processes.
Conclusion
The week demonstrated that Kazakhstan continues to build an economy centred on external routes while preserving a strong internal vertical of control. Astana is seeking to expand export opportunities and reduce transit risks, while at the same time concentrating management of strategic infrastructure and digital sectors in state hands.
For now, this model allows the country to maintain relative stability. In the longer term, however, its effectiveness will depend on whether Kazakhstan can transform external diversification into a source of genuine structural modernisation of the economy, rather than merely an expansion of the geography of its existing export-oriented course.
Kazakhstan Today
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OTS Turkistan Summit’s outcomes presented in Vienna
Images | gov.kz
At the OSCE Permanent Council meeting the delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan presented the outcomes of the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), held in Turkistan on May 15, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The summit devoted to "Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development" focused on strengthening cooperation between the OTS Member and Observer States in the areas of digital transformation, innovation, artificial intelligence, connectivity and sustainable economic development.
It was emphasized that given the complex geopolitical environment, growing international competition and ongoing conflicts, strengthening the unity of the Turkic States is particularly urgent. In addition, the position of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev that the OTS is not a geopolitical project or a military alliance, but rather a unique platform for developing trade, economic, high-tech, digital, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between fraternal countries was pointed out.
President Tokayev's calls to consolidate efforts to adapt to new technological realities and advance a joint digital agenda was also noted. In this regard, the Head of State's initiatives to establish a Digital Monitoring Center of the OTS, a Digital Innovation Center and a Cybersecurity Council were presented.
The delegations of Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan expressed their support for Kazakhstan's statement on the results of the OTS summit.
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President Putin to pay state visit to Kazakhstan
Images | Akorda
President of Russia Vladimir Putin will arrive in Kazakhstan on May 27-29 for a state visit on the invitation of the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Qazinform News Agency learnt from Akorda.
In Astana, the leaders are expected to debate the current state and prospects for strengthening strategic partnership and allied relations between Kazakhstan and Russia.
The Eurasian Economic Forum will be held on May 28 with the participation of the Heads of State of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union.
The sitting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Forum will take place on May 29.
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Kazakh President extends condolences to Chinese President
Images | akorda.kz
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sent a telegram of condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Qazinform News Agency cites Akorda.
Tokayev expressed his condolences to Xi Jinping and the people of China over the numerous casualties caused by a gas explosion at a coal mine in Shanxi Province.
The President also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident.
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Second Meeting of the Kazakhstan-Norway Business Council Held in Astana
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With the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Kingdom of Norway, a series of events aimed at further developing trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Norway was held in Astana, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
As part of the program, a delegation of Norwegian business representatives led by Chairman of the Board of the Eastern Norway Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ronnie Solberg visited Kazakhstan. The visit focused on strengthening direct business ties and discussing prospects for implementing joint projects in priority sectors of the economy.
Meetings were held in Almaty and Astana with representatives of Kazakhstan’s government agencies, development institutions, and business community. The discussions covered issues related to expanding investment cooperation, developing industrial partnerships, and exchanging expertise in the fields of transport, digitalization, agriculture, and sustainable development.
The central event of the program was the second meeting of the Kazakhstan-Norway Business Council, organized by the Foreign Trade Chamber of Kazakhstan in cooperation with the Eastern Norway Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Opening remarks were delivered by Chairman of the Board of the Foreign Trade Chamber of Kazakhstan Murat Karimsakov, Chairman of the Board of the Eastern Norway Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ronnie Solberg, and Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Norway Adil Tursunov.
In his remarks, Ambassador A. Tursunov emphasized the importance of the Business Council as a key institutional mechanism for advancing bilateral economic cooperation and noted that holding the second meeting in Kazakhstan reflects the steady strengthening of the partnership between the two countries. He also highlighted the continued positive dynamics of trade and economic relations, including growth in bilateral trade turnover and the expansion of business contacts.
During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in such areas as energy, the oil and gas sector, agriculture, aquaculture, logistics, and the development of sustainable infrastructure. Special attention was given to expanding practical cooperation between business representatives of the two countries through direct B2B meetings. Following the event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Kazakhstan’s company "Organic Fish" and Norway’s company "Optimar," aimed at developing cooperation in aquaculture and fish processing in the Caspian Sea.
The events confirmed the mutual interest of Kazakhstan and Norway in further deepening trade and economic cooperation and implementing new joint initiatives.
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The President receives Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike
Images | akorda.kz
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the symbolic value of the Tokyo Governor’s visit to Astana, which is taking place on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between Kazakhstan and Japan, akorda.kz reports.
The President noted that under Yuriko Koike’s leadership, Tokyo remains one of the safest, cleanest, and most efficiently managed cities in the world.
We regard you as a prominent politician on a global scale. Your visionary leadership and lifelong service to your nation deserve great respect. Here in Kazakhstan, we know you as a time-tested friend, partner, and dedicated statesperson who made a lot for Kazakh-Japanese relations. For more than 25 years, your initiatives devoted to Kazakhstan’s history and culture have played a unique role in bringing our peoples closer," the Head of State said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev fondly recalled his official visit to Japan last year, which elevated bilateral relations to a new level.
I have been closely exploring the development of the smart city initiative in Tokyo. It is highly interesting for us because here in Kazakhstan, we are also promoting a smart city program. I am convinced that your visit to Astana will be very beneficial, as we are committed to further developing cooperation and exchanging expertise on how to manage a mega-city like Tokyo," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated.
The parties discussed the prospects for mututally beneficial partnership in key areas such as digital technology, international finance, and education.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to fostering cooperation between Kazakhstan and Japan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded Yuriko Koike the Order of "Dostyk" (Friendship) First Degree.
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