21 October 2026 | Government House, Astana. Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. Olzhas Bektenov met with Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), who arrived in Astana to participate in ICAO Aviation Security Week 2026, according to the Press Service of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Timur Tlegenov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to ICAO.
This is the first official visit by the ICAO Secretary General to the countries of Central Asia.
The meeting focused on further strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and ICAO. Particular attention was paid to the large-scale reforms underway in the country, aimed at ensuring sustainable progress across all priority areas of the economy.
Mr. Olzhas Bektenov noted that the Head of State, Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, attaches particular importance to developing Kazakhstan’s transport and logistics potential, establishing aviation hubs and strengthening the country’s role as a transit corridor. Cooperation with ICAO is of strategic importance to Kazakhstan’s aviation sector.
Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar highly commended Kazakhstan’s achievements in aviation security. Kazakhstan ranks among the world’s top 20 countries in terms of ICAO aviation security performance, with a score of 95.7%.
The ICAO Secretary General emphasized that Kazakhstan is taking important steps to develop and strengthen its airport and air navigation infrastructure, while the country’s airlines are modernizing their aircraft fleets and expanding their international route networks.
Participants noted the positive growth trajectory of Kazakhstan’s civil aviation sector. Over the past five years, the gross output of the aviation industry has increased 6.5-fold, reaching USD 2.9 billion. In 2025, passenger traffic at the country’s airports totalled 31.8 million, while the international route network expanded to 161 destinations.
These achievements have been made possible by the consistent implementation of international standards and the high level of professionalism of Kazakhstan’s aviation specialists. To further unlock the sector’s potential, the importance of developing Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation Master Plan to 2050 (CAMP-2050) was emphasized. The document will define strategic priorities for modernizing the sector, developing aviation hubs and enhancing Kazakhstan’s international competitiveness.
Following the meeting, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the ICAO Secretary General reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and pooling the efforts of Kazakhstan and ICAO to further enhance aviation safety and security and ensure the sustainable development of civil aviation.
20-22 October 2026 | Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan | Palace of Independence. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Security Week, ICAO global event, was held in the Republic of Kazakhstan for the first time. It brought together representatives of the aviation authorities of 62 States, international organizations, regional civil aviation bodies, airlines, airports and leading industry experts.
The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Nurlan Sauranbayev, Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary General, who arrived in Kazakhstan for his first official visit to the country and Central Asia.
Hosting the Forum in Astana reflects the high level of cooperation between Kazakhstan and ICAO and the international recognition of the country's achievements in aviation security. Kazakhstan is currently among the world's 20 leading States in terms of compliance with international aviation security standards, with an effective implementation rate of 95.7%, ranking first in Central Asia.
As part of the Forum, Mr. Nurlan Sauranbayev, Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary General. Mr. Timur Tlegenov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to ICAO, also attended the meeting. The parties discussed prospects for further cooperation in civil aviation, strengthening aviation security and advancing international cooperation. With expert support from ICAO, Kazakhstan's Civil Aviation Development Master Plan to 2050 is also being developed.
On the sidelines of Aviation Security Week, the Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan met with Ms. Lisa Setlakwe, Deputy Minister of Transport of Canada. The discussions focused on prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation, including the regulation of airport operations and the development of general aviation. Both sides reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening their partnership.
Ahead of the official opening, on 19 October 2026, Astana hosted a meeting of the Aviation Security Coordination Group of Central Asian and Caucasus States. Representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia participated, alongside Russia as an observer. Participants discussed emerging threats to civil aviation, information-sharing arrangements, preparations for ICAO audits and the implementation of the Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP). They also identified priorities for regional cooperation in 2027.
The ICAO Security Week 2026 programme addressed some of the most pressing challenges facing international civil aviation, including cybersecurity, the use of artificial intelligence, countering the malicious use of unmanned aircraft systems, securing air cargo operations and managing risks associated with flights near areas of armed conflict. Particular attention was given to the adoption of innovative technologies, the training of qualified professionals and the strengthening of international cooperation.
On the first day of the forum, the United States announced its intention to provide financial support to ICAO's Aviation Security Programme. In addition, ICAO and Astana International Airport signed a Management Service Agreement.
Hosting ICAO Aviation Security Week in Kazakhstan is particularly significant in the context of preparations for the Third High-level Conference on Aviation Security (HLCAS/3), scheduled to take place in Montreal in 2027. The forum concluded on 22 October with a closing session entitled “Messages from Astana”.
Holding ICAO Security Week in Astana contributes to strengthening Kazakhstan's international standing and reaffirms the country's active role in advancing the global aviation security system and international cooperation in civil aviation.
24 September 2026. ICAO Headquarters, Montréal
The Delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan participated in the 21st ICAO Symposium on the Traveller Identification Programme (TRIP), which was also attended by ICAO Council President Mr. Toshiyuki Onuma, more than 600 delegates from 70 countries and 7 international organizations, as well as international companies from the aviation industry.
Kazakhstan was represented at the event by H.E. Mr. Timur Tlegenov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and Mr. Vsevolod Kim, Director of the Facilitation, Passenger and Cargo Services Department and Chief Aviation Inspector of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan JSC.
The Kazakh delegation participated as a speaker in the “Seamless Travel in Practice” session, presenting Kazakhstan’s experience in implementing facial recognition and biometric passenger identification technologies. The international aviation community was presented with the results of the practical implementation of automated border control at airports in Kazakhstan, the use of biometric technologies to expedite procedures, as well as approaches to integrating modern digital solutions with government information systems.
During this session, representatives of Croatia, Romania and Singapore, as well as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), shared their practical experience. The discussion focused on new concepts for seamless border control, contactless technologies, digital passenger identification, and the integration of modern solutions into national border management systems. Particular attention was paid to finding an optimal balance between security, facilitation, personal data protection and passenger convenience, as well as ensuring the international interoperability of implemented systems in accordance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
During the Symposium, representatives of the international aviation community noted the dynamic development of Kazakhstan’s civil aviation and the country’s consistent efforts to implement international standards, digitalize the sector and develop modern passenger service technologies.
The participation of specialists from Kazakhstan as speakers and experts at ICAO international platforms contributes to promoting national experience, expanding professional cooperation with leading aviation and border authorities around the world, and further strengthening Kazakhstan’s position within the international aviation community.
Montreal, ICAO Headquarters, 3 June 2026 – Mr. Timur Tlegenov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), met with Mr. Muhsin Syihab, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to Canada and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to ICAO. The meeting was held at the initiative of the Indonesian Side.
During the meeting, the Parties discussed issues related to bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and Indonesia within the ICAO framework, including collaboration in the fields of aviation safety and aviation security. They also exchanged views on the possibility of convening an Extraordinary Session of the ICAO Assembly, as well as on matters related to the expansion of the ICAO Council.
The meeting was held in a friendly and constructive atmosphere. The parties agreed to maintain and further strengthen bilateral contacts.
8 May 2026, Montreal, ICAO Headquarters. An official ceremony for the deposit by the Republic of Kazakhstan of the instruments of ratification to the Protocol relating to an amendment to Article 50 a) of the Convention on International Civil Aviation and to the Protocol relating to an amendment to Article 56 of the Convention was held at the Headquarters of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Timur Tlegenov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to ICAO, Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of ICAO, Mr. Michael Gill, Director of the ICAO Legal and External Bureau, as well as staff members of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Kazakhstan to ICAO and the Secretariat of the Organization.
During the ceremony, the ICAO Secretary General received the instruments of ratification and presented an official letter confirming their receipt by the Depositary.
In his welcoming remarks, ICAO Secretary General Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar congratulated the Kazakh Side on the ratification of the above-mentioned Protocols and expressed appreciation to Kazakhstan for its active participation in advancing ICAO’s strategic objectives. It was noted that the Republic of Kazakhstan is an active and constructive member of the Organization.
For his part, Mr. Timur Tlegenov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to ICAO, expressed gratitude to the ICAO leadership for its continued support and attention to the development of cooperation.
With the deposit of the instruments of ratification, Kazakhstan became the 124th State to complete the relevant domestic procedures with respect to the aforementioned amendments. For the amendments to enter into force and for an Extraordinary Session of the ICAO Assembly to be convened, as well as for the expansion of the ICAO Council from 36 to 40 States and of the ICAO Air Navigation Commission from 19 to 21 members, ratification of each of the above-mentioned Protocols by four additional States is required.
The ceremony was held in an atmosphere of trust, mutual understanding and constructive dialogue.
23 April 2026, Astana. With the support of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Mr. Tetsuya Tanaka, Chief of ICAO’s Climate Change, spoke online as a panelist at the session “Regional Knowledge Exchange on Carbon Pricing and ETS Reform”, held within the Regional Ecological Summit (22-24 April 2026).
In his remarks, Mr. Tanaka provided an overview of ICAO’s strategic objectives and ongoing work towards achieving carbon neutrality in aviation by 2050.
He highlighted the importance of the environmental agenda and ecological protection issues. It was noted that aviation currently accounts for around 2% of global emissions, while the complexity of regulating aviation emissions is linked to their cross-border nature, as they are not confined to a single country.
Special attention was given to the importance of States’ participation in CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation), an international ICAO mechanism for offsetting and reducing carbon emissions from international aviation.
Mr. Tanaka also addressed the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), noting that its full global deployment would require approximately USD 3.3 trillion in investment.
His presentation attracted strong interest from participants and stakeholders and helped draw additional attention to sustainable aviation development issues.
ICAO’s participation in the Summit significantly enriched the discussions and contributed to strengthening dialogue on sustainable aviation development, carbon pricing mechanisms, and emissions trading systems.
14-16 April 2026, Marrakesh (Kingdom of Morocco). Mr. Timur Tlegenov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), participated in the 5th ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS-2026), the Organization’s flagship event dedicated to standards implementation and support to States.
The Kazakhstan delegation included Ms. Saltanat Tompiyeva, Chairperson of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan; H.E. Ms. Saulekul Sailaukyzy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Morocco; as well as officials of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Morocco and representatives of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan JSC, Air Astana, and SCAT airlines.
The Symposium was attended by the President of the ICAO Council, Mr. Toshiyuki Onuma, the ICAO Secretary General, Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, as well as 1,450 delegates from 101 ICAO Member States.
During the Symposium, participants discussed the development of commitments, partnerships, and implementation initiatives aimed at enhancing aviation safety, aviation security, aviation sustainability, and global air connectivity.
Particular attention was given to strengthening the capacity of all States to effectively implement ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
The GISS-2026 programme included panel sessions on safety; security; efficient air navigation services; global air connectivity development; achieving zero fatalities in aviation; implementation of new technologies; regional cooperation; stimulating economic growth, tourism and trade; development of aviation infrastructure; and attracting investment into the aviation sector.
A key element of the Symposium was the Ministerial Round Table, which brought together 22 Ministers and Vice-Ministers of Transport and Civil Aviation. The meeting resulted in the adoption of the Marrakesh Call to Action, reaffirming States’ commitment to the collective implementation of ICAO standards.
The document supports the implementation of ICAO’s strategic initiative “No Country Left Behind”.
On the margins of the Symposium, the Kazakhstan delegation held bilateral meetings with heads of delegations from Angola, Belize, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, Equatorial Guinea, France, Guinea-Bissau, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Tajikistan and Uganda to discuss cooperation in the field of civil aviation.
The Symposium clearly demonstrated the growing role of civil aviation at the global level as one of the key drivers of sustainable economic development, international connectivity, and the expansion of trade and economic relations among States. It also reaffirmed the importance of effective implementation of ICAO SARPs aimed at further enhancing aviation safety and aviation security, as well as ensuring the sustainable and safe development of the aviation sector.
According to ICAO forecasts, by 2050 global air transport volumes are expected to grow significantly: passenger traffic is projected to triple to approximately 12.4 billion passengers annually, while air cargo volumes are expected to increase by 2.5 times. The majority of this growth is expected to occur in developing economies, underscoring the importance of strengthening international cooperation and enhancing States’ capacity in implementing international civil aviation standards.
From 13 to 17 April 2026, Montreal, ICAO HQ. The 37th Meeting of the Aviation Security Panel (AVSECP/37) was held at the Headquarters of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada.
The Republic of Kazakhstan was represented by Mr. Rustem Kabanbayev, Chief Aviation Inspector of the Aviation Security Department of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan JSC and a member of the ICAO Aviation Security Panel Working Group on Training and ICAO Aviation Security Auditor.
During the meeting, within the framework of ICAO’s Implementation Support and Capacity Building initiatives, the Kazakh side presented a Working Paper titled: “Enhancing Regional Cooperation: The Role of the Central Asia and Caucasus Aviation Security Coordination Group in Preparing the Republic of Kazakhstan for the ICAO USAP-CMA Audit.”
In particular, the importance of expanding regional cooperation to improve aviation security oversight and strengthen preparedness for the ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA) was emphasized.
The participants of AVSECP/37 welcomed the findings of the Republic of Kazakhstan, recognizing regional cooperation as a key factor in strengthening global aviation security resilience, and acknowledging Kazakhstan as a country ranked among the top 20 secured States in the world, with a score of 95.7% following the latest comprehensive aviation security audit.
The meeting also addressed a wide range of aviation security issues, including emerging threats, policy and regulatory developments, innovations, and capacity-building strategies.
The meeting was held in an atmosphere of constructive dialogue and open exchange of views.
From April 22 to 26, the IX International Book Exhibition and Fair Astana Eurasian Book Fair 2026 will be held at the Presidential Center in the capital. It is one of the largest cultural and educational events in Central Asia, according to the official website of the city administration. The event is organized by Foliant Publishing House with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Akimat of Astana. Approximately 80 companies representing the publishing, printing, bookselling, and academic sectors will take part in the fair. Around half of them are Kazakhstani organizations, while some 40 companies are expected from Russia, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Spain, China, Iran, Belarus, Portugal, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom. The five-day program will feature a wide range of cultural and business events, including book presentations, meetings with authors, autograph sessions, and special masterclasses at the children’s activity zone. Among the highlights are presentations of the following publications: «Turkish Cuisine» (published with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey), Bekarys Shoibekov’s collection of aitys «Bekarys — The Golden Voice of Aitys», Marzhan Yershu’s poem «A Solitary Hand», «Yeldos Smetov. Endurance. Faith. Victory» from the «Contemporaries» series, Yerlan Kozhabayev’s photo album «Kazakh Ornaments», Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy novel «The Witcher», Ularbek Daley’s historical novel «Batu Khan», «The Ownerless Shadow» by Alisher Rakhat, «The Journey of Hope» by Spanish writer Javier Moro, «For Whom the Bell Tolls» by Ernest Hemingway, «A Poem-Woman» by Azerbaijani poet Rasmia Sabir, Baiyt Kabanuly’s «Mongol Poetry», «The Tears of the White Zhaiyk» by Nursultan Myktybay, as well as the album books «Turkestan — Eternal and Ever New» and «Dimash Qudaibergen. Infinite Music». On April 23, in celebration of the National Book Day, an official award ceremony will be held for the winners of the national competition Ulttyq Kitap, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan. The official opening ceremony of the exhibition will take place on April 22 at 11:00, with the participation of government and public figures, prominent writers, and foreign ambassadors.
The President of Kazakhstan sent personal messages to the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, expressing sincere support and solidarity with the peoples of these countries during this difficult time.
Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev strongly condemned all military actions aimed at undermining the sovereignty and security of states that are friendly and brotherly to Kazakhstan.
«Our country consistently advocates resolving all complex international problems and armed conflicts exclusively through diplomatic means», - the messages from the Kazakh leader state.
The Head of State also declared that Kazakhstan is ready to provide any assistance within its capacity to the brotherly Arab nations and expressed hope for the continuation of regular working contacts with their top leadership.