Prospects for KazAID–SIDA Cooperation Discussed in Stockholm

Stockholm, May 22, 2025 – A meeting took place at the headquarters of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) between the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Sweden, Olzhas Suleimenov, and the Director General of SIDA, Jakob Granit. The parties discussed the potential for strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and Sweden in the area of official development assistance (ODA) and implementation of joint projects in Central Asia and beyond.

During the meeting, Ambassador Suleimenov emphasized the important role of SIDA in global efforts to achieve sustainable development, provide humanitarian assistance, and support regional cooperation. Taking into account the active development of the ODA system in Kazakhstan, interest was expressed in establishing a partnership between SIDA and the Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID).

Prospective areas of bilateral cooperation were discussed during the meeting. Kazakh diplomat expressed gratitude for the constructive dialogue and emphasized that Kazakhstan is interested in developing a systematic and long-term partnership with SIDA. Particular attention was paid to the issues of sustainable water resources management, noting the relevance of this topic for the Central Asian region. The parties agreed to continue discussions on possible formats of cooperation at the working level.

SIDA (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) is a state agency of Sweden responsible for managing and coordinating Swedish international aid. The agency operates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden and implements projects aimed at poverty reduction, protection of human rights, democratic development, and sustainable development in developing countries. SIDA works in more than 35 countries worldwide, especially in regions of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.

KazAID, established in 2020 under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, implements projects in the countries of Central Asia and cooperates with a number of international agencies, including KOICA (South Korea), JICA (Japan), TIKA (Turkey), AFD (France), and others. The agency regularly interacts with the OECD Development Assistance Committee, where Kazakhstan has had the status of invited participant since 2015.