16.02.2026, 12:45 117176

Asian Forest Cooperation Organization Head Invited to the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana

A meeting was held in Seoul between Nurgali Arystanov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Korea, and Park Chongho, Executive Director of the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.

During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in sustainable forest management, reforestation, and technology transfer, as well as cooperation within multilateral forums.

In this context, the Ambassador handed over to the head of AFoCO an invitation to take part in the Regional Ecological Summit, to be held in Astana on 22-24 April 2026, and emphasized the importance of the upcoming event as a platform for promoting practical solutions in the field of ecology and sustainable development.

It was noted that the Summit was being held at the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who, in his remarks at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, underscored the importance of international efforts to protect the environment and respond to climate challenges. The Kazakh diplomat also briefly highlighted the "Taza Kazakhstan" initiative, which aims to foster a careful attitude toward nature as a national value.

The head of AFoCO expressed interest in further developing cooperation with Kazakhstan and readiness to support joint initiatives and share practical experience, including capacity-building programs.

The meeting also confirmed the positive momentum of cooperation in a number of areas, including capacity building and Train-the-Trainers programs, the transfer of know-how, and the exchange of experience, including on forest fire prevention and suppression.

Following the meeting, the sides reaffirmed their intention to continue joint work and implement new initiatives.

Overall, AFoCO implements projects in member countries focused on reforestation and capacity development. In 2024, the total value of AFoCO’s project portfolio was estimated at USD 235 million, and under its training programs 136 courses were conducted in 2014-2025, involving more than 27,000 participants from government agencies and local communities.
 

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05.06.2026, 18:36 77336

Kazakhstan Between Energy Choices and Industrial Expansion

Kazakhstan Between Energy Choices and Industrial Expansion
Images | Kazakhstan Today
Kazakhstan has reaffirmed two key priorities of its state policy — strengthening energy security and accelerating industrial development. Major international agreements and new investment projects demonstrate the country's determination to create a long-term foundation for economic growth and technological modernisation.

Politics

The most significant political event of the period was the state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Kazakhstan. Following talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the two sides signed a package of documents, including agreements on the construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant, cooperation in the oil and gas sector, and a joint statement outlining seven principles of friendship and good-neighbourly relations.

Of particular importance is the transition to the practical implementation stage of the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant project, valued at approximately $16.5 billion. At the same time, Kazakhstan continued to expand cooperation with China, Central Asian countries and the European Union, reaffirming its commitment to a multi-vector foreign policy.

Further evidence of Astana’s efforts to diversify its foreign policy and economic ties was provided by the official visit of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides from June 2 to 4. The first visit by a Cypriot head of state in the history of bilateral relations included high-level talks and a Kazakhstan–Cyprus Business Forum attended by more than 70 business representatives from the two countries. The visit resulted in the signing of a package of agreements covering digitalisation, artificial intelligence, education, science, culture, sport and business cooperation.

Economy

The key economic development of the period was progress on the industrial park project in Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar Region, involving Chinese company Xinfa Group. Total investment in the project is estimated at around $15 billion.

The industrial park will focus on bauxite processing and the production of aluminium, electrolytic copper, soda ash, carbon materials, fluorochemical products and environmentally friendly construction materials.

The project reflects Kazakhstan’s ambition to expand its manufacturing sector and reduce dependence on raw material exports. At the same time, the development of new industries is directly linked to addressing the country’s energy needs. Authorities view nuclear power as a future cornerstone for meeting the growing electricity demand of industry.

Society

The social agenda during the period centred on issues of digitalisation, technology and energy security.

Public discussion surrounding the construction of the nuclear power plant continued, highlighting the importance of ensuring transparency and environmental safety throughout the project.

At the same time, the government remains committed to digital transformation. The declared Year of Digitalisation has intensified attention on the development of artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and advanced technologies as tools for improving economic efficiency and public administration.

Analysis

The defining trend of the period has been the integration of energy and industrial policy into a single development strategy.

The $16.5 billion nuclear power plant project and the approximately $15 billion Xinfa Group industrial park are, in effect, interconnected components of the same growth model.

Kazakhstan is betting on the creation of new industrial centres, the expansion of domestic raw-material processing and the strengthening of the economy’s energy base. At the same time, international cooperation is increasingly focused not on political declarations but on the implementation of concrete infrastructure and industrial projects.

Conclusion

Kazakhstan is demonstrating a transition from discussing large-scale strategic initiatives to putting them into practice. The construction of a nuclear power plant, the development of a major industrial park and the advancement of digitalisation point to the emergence of a growth model based on the combination of energy resilience, industrialisation and technological modernisation.

The main challenge remains the ability to ensure the effective implementation of these projects and transform large-scale investments into sustainable economic results.


Kazakhstan Today
 

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04.06.2026, 15:04 94126

Labour Ministry Comments on Potential Pension Increase

Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, Viktoriya Shegai, has commented on the possibility of an additional indexation of pensions, a correspondent reports.

All pension payments are indexed annually in line with the socio-economic development forecast, which determines the projected threshold level of inflation growth. In certain periods, and only upon the instruction of the Head of State, a decision may be made to carry out additional indexation," the vice minister said.

 

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03.06.2026, 20:28 112851

SCAT Launches Direct Flights Between Astana and Ulaanbaatar

Kazakh airline SCAT has launched direct flights between Astana and Ulaanbaatar, with services commencing on June 2, 2026, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport said.

The route is operated twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, using Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

The ministry also noted that Mongolian carrier Hunnu Air currently operates flights between Almaty and Ulaanbaatar three times a week. Beginning June 6, the frequency of those services will increase to four flights per week.

As a result, a total of six weekly flights will operate between Kazakhstan and Mongolia across two routes, further strengthening air connectivity between the two countries.
 

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02.06.2026, 18:30 134691

Another Group of Przewalski’s Horses Brought to Kazakhstan

Another Group of Przewalski’s Horses Brought to Kazakhstan
Images | t.me/qazfwc
A new group of Przewalski’s horses has arrived in Kazakhstan from the Czech Republic as part of an international project aimed at restoring the population of the world’s only remaining species of wild horse, the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources reported.

The animals were transported to Kostanay on a special flight and will subsequently be transferred to the Altyn Dala State Nature Reserve. At the reintroduction center, the horses will undergo an adaptation period under the supervision of specialists before being prepared for release into their natural habitat.

Under a cooperation memorandum between Kazakhstan and the Prague Zoo, a total of 40 Przewalski’s horses are scheduled to be brought to the country by 2029.

The first two groups of animals were delivered to the Altyn Dala reserve in 2024 and 2025. In May this year, some of the horses previously brought to Kazakhstan were released into the wild for the first time.
 

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02.06.2026, 14:22 135286

Minimum Pension Adequacy Thresholds to Be Revised, Exact Amounts to Be Announced Within 10 Days

Minimum Pension Adequacy Thresholds to Be Revised, Exact Amounts to Be Announced Within 10 Days
Kazakhstan will revise the minimum adequacy thresholds for pension savings withdrawals. Minister of Labor and Social Protection Askarbek Yertayev provided details of the upcoming changes during a government briefing, an agency correspondent reported.

The Ministry of Labor has completed work on amendments to the regulations. The previous formula consisted of nine indicators, including the minimum wage, the minimum pension, and other parameters. The new formula is based on five indicators. These include a 9% annual investment return rate, the annual indexation rate for monthly pension payments, and several other factors. In total, there are five indicators," the minister said.


Under the legislation, following the adoption of these amendments, the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund will have 10 days to submit its calculations," Yertayev added.

 

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01.06.2026, 16:32 156651

Foreign Ministry Issues Travel Advice for Kazakhstanis Attending Events Abroad

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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01.06.2026, 16:13 157031

Kazakhstan Foreign Ministry Announces New International Air Routes

Kazakhstan Foreign Ministry Announces New International Air Routes
Images | Depositphotos
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the launch of several new international air routes connecting the country with foreign destinations, an agency correspondent reports.

On May 31, 2026, Poland's LOT Polish Airlines launched regular direct flights on the Almaty–Warsaw route. The new service is scheduled to operate four times a week during the summer season and three times a week during the winter period. It should be noted that the airline already operates regular flights between Warsaw and Astana," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yerlan Zhetybayev said.


According to him, direct flights on the Izmir–Almaty–Izmir route will also be launched from July 31, 2026. The service will operate twice a week through the end of October this year.

In addition, Air Astana plans to launch direct flights between Astana and Larnaca, Cyprus, from June 2. The route will operate twice weekly. From June 4, the airline will also begin operating direct flights between Almaty and Larnaca, likewise with a frequency of two flights per week.
 

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01.06.2026, 10:21 159551

Kyrgyz Scholar Praises President Tokayev's Book A Word About My Father

Kyrgyz Scholar Praises President Tokayev's Book A Word About My Father
Images | gov.kz
The rector of Kyrgyzstan's Osh State University, Doctor of Sciences and Professor Kudaiberdy Kozhobekov, has highly praised President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's book A Word About My Father, which has been published in the Kyrgyz language. The announcement was made by Kazakhstan's Consul General in Osh, Mukhtar Karibay.

In his article titled Life Is an Era, Kozhobekov reflects on the shared historical destiny of the brotherly Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples from ancient times to the present day. He emphasizes the importance of deeper study by younger generations of the history, culture, language and literature of the two nations.

The scholar particularly highlights the significance of President Tokayev's book Atam Jönündö Bayan (A Word About My Father) in further strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties and preserving the shared historical heritage of the two brotherly peoples. According to Kozhobekov, the events of the recent past described in the book, the tragic story of a family closely connected with Kyrgyzstan, and the life journey of renowned writer and public figure Kemel Tokayev leave a profound impression on readers.

Particular interest, he notes, lies in the chapters devoted to Kemel Tokayev's childhood and youth in Frunze, his studies at a boarding school, his deployment to the front during the war, and the difficult fate of a young man who became the sole surviving member of his family. In the author's view, Kemel Tokayev's military and professional path, as well as his development as both a writer and a public figure, reflect the experience of an entire generation.

Kozhobekov stresses that the book presents a truthful portrayal of an entire era through the life story of one individual - the author's own father.

The rector also notes that the publication plays an important role in fostering patriotism, national identity and respect for the shared historical and cultural heritage of the brotherly Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples among the younger generations of both countries.
 

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