Almaty, November 27-28, 2025 – With the support of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia(UNRCCA), the 15th Annual Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian States was held.
The meeting focused on contemporary regional challenges and security threats, the efforts of Central Asian governments to help stabilize the situation in Afghanistan, and the strengthening of regional cooperation in the areas of water and energy management.
In his opening remarks, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Ashikbayev, underscored that deepening integration among the Central Asian states remains a key priority of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy – particularly in light of the establishment of the UN Regional Centre on the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
First Deputy Minister noted that the outcomes of the recent 7th Meeting of the Central Asia Strategic Dialogue Group in Tashkent reflect growing interest in the “Central Asia Plus” format, demonstrating both the political relevance of the region and its increasing international agency.
He emphasized that the countries of the region share a long-term objective: to further solidify Central Asia’s status as a region of dynamic socio-economic development, comprehensive cooperation, peace, and prosperity.
The Kazakh diplomat highlighted that a stable and prosperous Afghanistan remains a central foreign policy priority for the states of Central Asia, which seek to enhance trade, transport, and logistics cooperation with the Afghan Government, as well as expand humanitarian engagement.
First Deputy Minister Ashikbayev stressed that genuine regional integration requires effective mechanisms for the sustainable use and preservation of shared water and energy resources-particularly at a time of global climate change and the depletion of major transboundary water basins. In this context, he drew attention to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiative to develop a Central Asian Framework Convention on Water Use aimed at harmonizing national water strategies, reflecting Kazakhstan’s strong commitment to establishing regional mechanisms for protecting and sustainably managing water resources.
He also noted the region’s growing exposure to challenges associated with digital security and the use of big data. Against this backdrop, Kazakhstan’s proposal to advance cooperation on artificial intelligence – including the development of a draft Declaration on the Responsible Use of AI by Central Asian States-signals the region’s ambition to strengthen mutual trust and ensure secure data exchange in joint digital projects.
He reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s intention to continue close cooperation with the Central Asian states under the mandate of the UNRCCA.
In his remarks, Kaha Imnadze, Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, highlighted the Centre’s role in preventive diplomacy, regional coordination, and peacebuilding in line with the new UNRCCA Programme of Action for 2026-2030. The Programme is built around five priorities: advancing preventive diplomacy, strengthening conflict monitoring and early warning, deepening partnerships with regional and subregional organizations, enhancing the UN’s preventive diplomacy mechanisms, and supporting Central Asian states in addressing challenges related to Afghanistan.
Delegates from the region acknowledged the strategic nature of their partnership and reaffirmed the shared need to deepen regional integration, particularly with regard to Afghanistan’s recovery and regional security.
Askhat Orazbay, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, presented his views on the preservation and rational use of water resources in Central Asia, emphasizing the need to safeguard unique landscapes, maintain ecosystem sustainability, and preserve the regional water balance.
The meeting also featured presentations by young participants of the UNRCCA Academy of Preventive Diplomacy, who shared their perspectives on regional security and development and expressed strong interest in broadening dialogue on advancing strategic cooperation in the region.
Astana, November 26, 2025 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted a roundtable dedicated to the development of professional social work and the improvement of human rights protection mechanisms.
The event brought together representatives of relevant government agencies, universities, NGOs, and international organizations. Participants discussed key directions for modernizing social legislation, issues of labor protection, freedom of association, migrant rights, as well as the institutional development of social work as a professional field.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alua Nadirkulova emphasized that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pays special attention to strengthening the status of social workers. The Social Code adopted in 2023 became an important step in this direction. It strengths professional training through education, certification, and qualification categories, as well as introducing a new remuneration system based on professionalism and job complexity.
The Ambassador noted that Kazakhstan’s recommendations under the UN Universal Periodic Review related to vulnerable groups – women, children, and persons with disabilities can be most effectively implemented through strengthened social work mechanisms.
Dinara Yesimova, Executive Director of the National Alliance of Professional Social Workers (the Alliance), presented the key provisions of the draft Law “On Social Work,” which will formalize the profession at the cross-sectoral level and establish a sustainable system of training and supervision.
Deputy Director of the Alliance Asiya Bekenova presented the results of a two-year analytical study covering key human rights issues in labor protection, trade union activity, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, as well as the rights of migrants and stateless persons. She noted that the analysis includes a comprehensive review of existing legislation, assessment of its practical application, comparative analysis with international standards, and recommendations for their implementation. Deputy Director Bekenova emphasized that strengthening the professional community of social workers and creating a modern and stable legal framework are key conditions for the effective development of social work in Kazakhstan.
International expert from the United States, Aitakin Huseinli, spoke about global trends and standards in social work, highlighting the need to integrate international approaches into national training programs. She noted that more than half of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals relate to social and economic issues, making the role of social workers essential in achieving these goals and building resilient support systems.
Additionally, Professor of Law Muslim Khasenov presented recommendations on updating legislation related to freedom of association, labor protection, and the legal status of social sector specialists. He stressed that the current regulatory framework does not always meet modern requirements and Kazakhstan’s international commitments for protecting the rights of workers and vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the right to peaceful assembly, the professor emphasized the need to legally establish a mediation procedure with the participation of a neutral mediator chosen by the parties in accordance with the Law “On Mediation.” This would help prevent conflicts, reduce social tension, and ensure a more civilized resolution of disagreements between the public and authorities.
Head of the Alliance’s Almaty branch Zhanar Abdykhalykova, Alliance Deputy Director Ayagoz Aubakirova, and Head of the Kyzylorda branch Sandugash Ismagulova presented research results on supervision, professional standards, and the classification system of social professions.
Through “supervision” – an internationally recognized system of professional support, the quality of social work improves across key areas: protection of women from domestic and gender-based violence, safeguarding children’s rights and developing the child protection system, and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. Supervision strengthens competencies, reduces risk-assessment errors, prevents secondary trauma and victim-blaming, improves interagency coordination, and promotes the implementation of a human-rights-based model.
Participants paid particular attention to advancing the draft Law “On Social Work” as a key sectoral reform. The practical recommendations developed will serve as a basis for further legislative and institutional work, ensuring a systematic and sustainable approach to the development of the social sector.
Overall, the discussion was open and constructive. Participants unanimously emphasized the importance of strengthening interagency cooperation, developing a unified system of training and supervision for social workers, and further consolidating the efforts of the state, NGOs, and the academic community.
Astana, November 28, 2025 – The 29th Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was held online under the chairmanship of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev.
The event was attended by the heads and representatives of the foreign ministries of the ECO member states, the Secretaries General of ECO and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, as well as observers.
Highlighting the symbolic significance of convening the meeting on ECO Day, the Kazakh Foreign Minister congratulated the participants on this notable occasion.
In his speech, Minister Kosherbayev summarized Kazakhstan’s ECO Chairmanship, which was held under the theme “Promoting Regional Transport Connectivity and Sustainable Development,” and outlined the priority areas of cooperation within the Organization.
In addition, he presented Kazakhstan’s potential in the fields of trade, investment, agriculture, transport, digitalization and environment, calling on ECO member states to jointly explore the opportunities available in these areas.
Following the results of the meeting, the Council approved a report containing decisions on important administrative, financial, and personnel matters related to the activities of the ECO Secretariat.
Almaty, November 28, 2025 – The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev met with the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Kazakhstan, Jeff Erlich.
During the meeting, the parties agreed to work closely on the effective implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level following the President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to Washington, D.C., in November of this year.
Following the meeting, the leadership of AmCham emphasized the readiness to actively contribute to strengthening trade and economic ties and expanding the presence of American businesses in Kazakhstan.
Astana, November 28, 2025 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a meeting with the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoty Raimkulova.
During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of cooperation within the framework of the Foundation and exchanged views on the organization’s project activities.
Minister Kosherbayev noted that Kazakhstan attaches great importance to the development of the cultural and humanitarian dimension of Turkic cooperation.
President of the Foundation Raimkulova informed him about the progress in implementing the instructions of the Council of Heads of States of the OTS and outlined the Foundation’s plans for the upcoming year 2026.
The Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation was established on 23 August 2012. The main tasks of the Foundation are the protection, study, and promotion of Turkic culture and heritage through the support and funding of various events, projects, and programs.
Astana, November 27, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev met with the Ambassador of the Russian Federation Alexey Borodavkin.
During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on current aspects of the Middle East agenda, as well as on cooperation within international organizations and integration associations.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the diplomats noted the importance of further expanding cooperation between Astana and Moscow in both bilateral and multilateral formats.
Copenhagen, November 26, 2025 – A formal ceremony was held at Christiansborg Palace in which the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Suleimenov, presented his Letters of Credence to King Frederik X of Denmark.
During the ceremony, the Ambassador conveyed to King the greetings and best wishes of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, emphasizing Kazakhstan’s commitment to further deepening cooperation with Denmark.
At the subsequent meeting, the parties discussed the current state and future prospects of Kazakh-Danish cooperation. It was noted that relations between Kazakhstan and Denmark continue to develop steadily and are characterized by a high level of trust and mutual respect.
Kazakh diplomat briefed King Frederik X on the priorities of Kazakhstan’s domestic and foreign policy, including the implementation of large-scale political and socio-economic reforms initiated by President K.Tokayev.
Particular attention was given to environmental and climate issues. The discussions addressed matters related to the “green transition,” including the Danish national project “State of Green”, implemented under the patronage of His Majesty. The King expressed keen interest in Kazakhstan’s policies in the areas of ecology and sustainable development.
The parties also exchanged views on efforts to preserve the ecosystems of the Aral and Caspian Seas, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing water- and climate-related challenges.
Special emphasis was placed on the development of trade, economic and investment cooperation, as well as collaboration in education, scientific research and climate resilience. The importance of expanding contacts between the business communities and research institutions of the two countries was highlighted.
King Frederik X conveyed his warmest wishes to the people and the President of Kazakhstan, noted the positive dynamics of bilateral relations, and wished the Ambassador success in his diplomatic mission.
Astana, November 26, 2025 – Chairman of the Committee for International Information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aibek Smadiyarov met with the representative of the international broadcasting network Al Jazeera Hafez Al-Awa.
During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed prospects for cooperation in the media sphere. The importance of engagement with foreign broadcasting institutions that play a significant role in shaping the global information agenda was underscored.
Chairman Smadiyarov reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s openness to expanding collaboration with Al Jazeera and expressed interest in enhancing joint initiatives aimed at raising international awareness of the country’s socio-economic development and foreign-policy priorities.
Following the talks, both sides confirmed their readiness to maintain a mutually beneficial dialogue and explore potential avenues for further cooperation.
Astana, November 25, 2025 – Arsen Omarov, Director of the Department for International Security of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, participated in the Regional Roundtable on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS), held by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Diplomats, military experts, and academic representatives discussed the humanitarian, legal, and ethical challenges associated with the use of artificial intelligence in the military domain. During the discussion, it was noted that autonomous weapons systems capable of independently selecting and engaging targets without human intervention raise serious concerns regarding accountability, transparency, and compliance with international humanitarian law.
In his speech, Director Omarov highlighted the initiatives of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence in Kazakhstan and introduced in detail the state’s stand on the regulation of LAWS. He emphasized that Astana advocates for a preemptive ban on fully autonomous weapons and maintaining a reasonable balance between military necessity and ethical standards when implementing AI in modern weapons development. It was noted that Kazakhstan supports the development of Protocol VI to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons as a legally binding instrument for regulating LAWS.
Andrea Bacher, Ambassador of Austria to Kazakhstan (Austria initiated the adoption of two UN General Assembly resolutions on LAWS), and representatives of the foreign policy and defense ministries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan contributed to the event. It was noted that the Roundtable could serve as a platform for developing a consolidated position among Central Asian states on LAWS.
Astana, November 25, 2025 – A meeting between First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerzhan Ashikbayev and representatives of United Nations agencies accredited in Kazakhstan took place.
During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on key areas of cooperation within the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2026-2030. The UN Country Team presented its priorities, plans for the upcoming period, and proposals to expand engagement with government agencies and line ministries.
Reaffirming Kazakhstan’s unwavering commitment to the principles and values of the United Nations, First Deputy Minister Ashikbayev highlighted the practical significance of launching the UN Regional Centre on the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
Special attention was given to enhancing the effectiveness of UN projects, expanding their geographic reach, and strengthening work at the regional and local levels.
The parties also discussed upcoming joint initiatives, including preparations for the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, scheduled for April 2026, as well as activities within the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026, proclaimed at Kazakhstan’s initiative.
Both sides reaffirmed their readiness to further strengthen cooperation and to implement joint projects aimed at promoting sustainable development and improving the well-being of the people of Kazakhstan.