The Kazakhstan men’s épée team has reached the No. 1 spot in the International Fencing Federation (FIE) World Rankings for the first time in the country’s history.
The historic milestone follows a run of international titles over the past twelve months, culminating in a gold-medal performance at the 2026/27 FIE World Cup season opener in Casablanca, Morocco.
Kazakhstan's rise to the top of the FIE rankings caps an impressive winning streak. The team secured consecutive gold medals: at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2025; the Asian Fencing Championships in New Delhi, India, in June 2026; the World Fencing Championships in Hong Kong in July; and the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in September.
Samarkand, 19 October 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi took part in the C5+1 Ministerial Meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Heads of Foreign Ministries of the Central Asian states, held during the Republic of Uzbekistan’s chairmanship.
During the meeting, participants discussed developing trade, economic and investment cooperation, strengthening regional connectivity, and implementing joint initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable economic growth.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister noted the historic role of Kazakhstan and US in establishing the C5+1 format, which has proven to be an effective platform for developing regional cooperation.
The Minister drew attention to the importance of expanding trade, developing transport and logistics infrastructure, and diversifying supply chains.
Participants also considered prospects for implementing joint projects in the fields of critical minerals, energy, digitalization and innovation.
Following the meeting, a Joint Statement was adopted, reflecting the parties’ readiness to further strengthen their long-term, mutually beneficial partnership and implement the agreements reached.
As part of his visit to Samarkand, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan held a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The heads of the foreign policy agencies of the two countries discussed prospects for further developing the enhanced strategic partnership, with an emphasis on strengthening trade, economic and investment cooperation.
Particular attention was paid to the implementation of agreements reached at the highest level, including those resulting from the meeting between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and US President Donald Trump in November 2025.
M. Tileuberdi emphasized the importance of strengthening business ties, attracting American investment and advanced technologies, as well as developing cooperation in the fields of energy, critical minerals, digitalization, transport and logistics.
The parties also exchanged views on preparations for the upcoming G20 Summit in Miami. In addition, M. Rubio confirmed his interest in making a full-fledged visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan soon after the G20 Summit.
Following the meeting, mutual interest in further strengthening the enhanced Kazakhstan–US strategic partnership and achieving concrete, practical results was reaffirmed.
The final of the fifth season of Slovakia’s nationwide BARS5 youth science competition has concluded. A total of 228 secondary school students from across the country took part in the competition, with the final held in the High Tatras.
The main prize is a month-long scientific research expedition to Kazakhstan. During their stay, the students will visit unique nature reserves, take part in environmental initiatives, and conduct field research in cooperation with international scientific teams.
The winning team was from Bratislava’s School for Exceptionally Gifted Children. Finalists from the Gymnasium on Grösslingová Street in Bratislava will also join the research expedition to Kazakhstan.
Diplomats from the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Slovakia attended the award ceremony, congratulating the winners, highlighting Kazakhstan’s tourism and research potential, and inviting all participants to visit the country.
The BARS5 competition is organised by the Slovak Academy of Sciences in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Slovakia, and the AMBA Association, under the auspices of the Slovak Commission for UNESCO.
President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), held in Baku, on October 15, 2026.
In his address, the Head of State outlined a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at strengthening CICA’s institutional framework, developing transport and energy corridors, advancing digital transformation, and addressing global environmental challenges.
Regarding institutional development, the President called for transforming CICA into a full-fledged international organization and expressed hope for the early adoption of its Charter.
To translate political declarations into concrete initiatives, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed launching a a Mechanism for Preventive Diplomacy. The mechanism is intended to help prevent conflicts before they emerge, facilitate the peaceful settlement of disputes, and translate declarations into coordinated action. He also welcomed Laos as a full-fledged member state of CICA and called for closer cooperation between the Conference and the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and other international institutions to help bridge differences across Asia and beyond.
Particular attention was given to digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI). The Head of State proposed adding artificial intelligence to CICA’s five existing dimensions of cooperation, extending confidence-building measures into the digital domain and developing common approaches to managing the risks associated with emerging technologies.
In this context, the President recalled that Almaty would host the UN ESCAP Asia-Pacific Digital Solutions Centre for Sustainable Development and invited CICA member states to join the Centre’s work.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of the joint project with Azerbaijan to build the Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Line beneath the Caspian Sea. The project is expected to ensure faster and more secure data transmission across Eurasia.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed developing a CICA Transport Connectivity Strategy. The strategy is intended to assess the potential of major international transport routes, including the Belt and Road Initiative, the North–South International Transport Corridor, the Middle Corridor, and the TRIPP initiative.
On energy, the President highlighted cooperation between Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to develop green energy supplies. This strategic partnership lays the groundwork for a Caspian Green Energy Corridor, which is envisaged to connect the power systems of the three countries and enable their further integration with European markets via the Black Sea. In addition, Kazakhstan reaffirmed its readiness to steadily increase shipments of Kazakh oil through the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline in cooperation with Azerbaijan.
An important part of the address focused on cooperation in water resources, ecology and human capital. Against the backdrop of water scarcity and ecosystem degradation, the Head of State proposed establishing a CICA Water Partnership to promote technology exchange, joint research and the deployment of water-saving solutions. He also proposed that Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan jointly advance Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish an International Water Organization within the United Nations system, with the initiative remaining open to all CICA member states.
The President also called on all CICA member states to work towards establishing a CICA Human Capital Partnership. Kazakhstan is ready to launch a Research Fellowship in Security and Confidence Building next year, provide scholarships for students from all 28 CICA member states, and offer research grants to scholars from participating countries.
Concluding his address, the President of Kazakhstan wished Azerbaijan every success in continuing its chairmanship of CICA and expressed confidence that the Baku Declaration, to be adopted at the Summit, would provide a solid foundation for further work.
The “OQ Startup” Creative Competition for the Best Projects is aimed at providing comprehensive support to projects in the fields of science, culture, IT, business, media, volunteering, as well as other creative and social fields.
Kazakh compatriots aged 15–30 who are citizens of foreign countries are eligible to participate in the competition.
Projects in the fields of science, culture, IT, business, media, volunteering, as well as other creative and social fields are accepted for the competition.
A horizontally recorded video in MP4 or MOV format, no longer than 2 minutes, or a presentation in PPTX or PDF format, consisting of no more than 10 slides.
The video or presentation must briefly and clearly present the main content and relevance of the project, its objectives, target audience, implementation methods, and expected outcomes.
Submissions are accepted via email at Oqbaiqau@gmail.com
From October 11 to 14, 2026, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians paid the first-ever state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The royal couple was accompanied by a delegation of approximately 110 representatives of the federal government, regional authorities, the business community, and academia.
During talks with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and the prospects for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, industry, transport, logistics, and technology. Following the negotiations, a joint statement outlining the primary avenues of future engagement was adopted, alongside a Roadmap for Cooperation between the foreign ministries of Kazakhstan and Belgium for 2027–2029.
The sides also reviewed prospects for collaboration in healthcare, with a focus on primary medical care. The joint statement welcomed the entry into force of the protocol amending the visa waiver agreement for service passport holders with the Benelux countries.
Within the framework of the 4th session of the Kazakhstan–Belgium Business Council, the participants held in-depth discussions on attracting investment, fostering industrial cooperation, and upgrading transport infrastructure. Particular attention was paid to the development of transport and logistics links, including collaboration between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Kazakh ports of Aktau and Kuryk, as well as partnerships in critical raw materials, advanced raw material processing, and energy. Kazakhstan produces 21 of the 34 raw materials classified by the European Union as critical.
The outcomes of the visit highlighted positive dynamics in bilateral trade and economic relations, as well as significant potential for further expansion. Belgium ranks among the top ten foreign investors in Kazakhstan’s economy, with total investments exceeding 15 billion USD over the past two decades. More than 100 Belgian companies and joint ventures operate in Kazakhstan. Bilateral trade grew from 220 million EUR in 2016 to 765 million EUR in 2025.
The Kazakhstan–Belgium Rectors' Forum brought together leaders from 29 universities and research institutions. The forum focused on forging interuniversity partnerships, launching joint educational and research initiatives, boosting academic mobility, and sharing expertise on the digital transformation of higher education. A series of agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed between the universities of both nations.
The outcomes of the state visit confirmed a qualitatively new milestone in relations between Astana and Brussels. Transitioning toward long-term strategic planning (anchored by the Roadmap through 2029) and launching scientific and educational initiatives have established a robust foundation for the sustainable development and economic diversification of the Kazakh-Belgian partnership.
The historic centre of Bratislava hosted Asian Day, an international cultural event bringing together seven diplomatic missions representing Kazakhstan, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Palestine and Vietnam. The festival provided an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Asian countries and introduce residents and visitors to Bratislava to their traditions, arts and contemporary cultural expressions.
The programme featured displays of traditional artefacts, handicrafts, souvenirs and national cuisine. These exhibits offered visitors an insight into the unique cultural identity of each participating country, highlighting its customs, traditions and culinary heritage.
The concert programme was one of the highlights of the event, bringing together the musical traditions of the participating countries. Kazakhstan presented its rich musical heritage, combining traditional art forms with contemporary interpretations. The sound of the dombra and performances of traditional küy compositions showcased the richness of Kazakh instrumental music. Contemporary interpretations of Kazakh musical works also demonstrated how the country’s cultural heritage continues to evolve while preserving its distinctive character and remaining relevant to modern audiences.
October 8, 2026, Avaza, Turkmenistan — President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in the 8th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. The anniversary summit, held in the year marking the 35th anniversary of the independence of the Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, served as a platform for Kazakhstan to put forward several strategic initiatives in key areas of interstate cooperation.
In his address, the Head of State outlined the following priorities for regional cooperation:
- Trade and economic partnership: Kazakhstan proposed adopting an Action Plan to increase intra-regional trade to $20 billion and accelerating the integration of cross-border trade and logistics hubs to develop regional value chains.
- Transport connectivity: The President emphasized the importance of strengthening regional connectivity, developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) and the North–South transport corridor, as well as implementing the Aral–Caspian highway project, which will connect China with the Caspian Sea and European markets.
- Water resource management: Kazakhstan proposed adopting a Framework Convention of Central Asia on Water Use and jointly promoting Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations.
- Digitalization and artificial intelligence: The President proposed launching a Central Asian Partnership Programme on Artificial Intelligence and developing a Declaration on the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence by the Central Asian states and Azerbaijan.
- Strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties: Kazakhstan proposed establishing a unified regional television channel based on Kazakhstan’s Silk Way TV channel, as well as holding a Youth Volunteer Forum in 2027.
Following the 8th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, a Joint Statement was adopted.
On October 3, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Slovakia Zhanna Saginova took part in commemorative events marking the 82nd anniversary of the Carpathian–Dukla Operation, one of the largest military operations of the Second World War conducted on the territory of present-day Slovakia.
The official ceremony was held at the Dukla Pass, on the grounds of the National Cultural Monument “Dukla Battlefield.” The event was attended by President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini, Speaker of the National Council Richard Raši, representatives of the Government, the diplomatic corps, veterans, public figures, and local residents.
For reference: The battles for the Dukla Pass marked the beginning of the liberation of Slovakia and Europe from fascism. The Carpathian–Dukla Operation began on September 8 and continued until October 28, 1944, as part of the broader East Carpathian Operation. It was one of the bloodiest military operations of the Second World War. A total of 13,264 Red Army soldiers were killed and 48,750 were wounded. The Czechoslovak Army Corps suffered 1,630 fatalities and 4,069 wounded. Enemy casualties exceeded 52,000 soldiers.
On 28-30 September 2026, at the invitation of President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany.
The visit marked a new stage in the further deepening of the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Germany, ahead of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027.
During talks with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, particular attention was devoted to advancing bilateral economic cooperation and enhancing its qualitative dimension. The bilateral agenda focused on strengthening intergovernmental cooperation in the fields of critical raw materials, transport, agriculture, digitalisation and advanced technologies.
According to the Head of State, there is considerable potential for further expanding bilateral cooperation in such areas as industry, critical minerals, transport and logistics, digital technologies, as well as the production of high-value-added goods, including machinery and chemicals.
Kazakhstan reaffirmed its readiness to continue serving as a reliable supplier of oil to Germany and to increase supply volumes, considering available transportation capacities. The German side expressed strong interest in increasing oil imports to diversify its sources of supply.
Following the talks, the two sides signed a Joint Roadmap for 2026–2028 on the Development of Industrial, Technological and Raw Materials Cooperation and agreed to intensify cooperation within the “Central Asia – Germany” format. The Roadmap places particular emphasis on developing joint production capacities, extracting and processing critical raw materials, increasing the added value of products manufactured domestically, and establishing reliable and sustainable supply chains.
More than 30 commercial agreements and other documents, with a total value of approximately USD 2 billion, were signed during the talks. This wording is consistent with President Tokayev’s official statement following the negotiations.
Following the meeting between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Joint Declaration of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Federal Republic of Germany was adopted. The Declaration sets out plans to further deepen cooperation in the areas of trade, energy, critical raw materials, transport, technology, education and environmental protection.
The leaders of Kazakhstan and Germany addressed the Kazakhstan – Germany Business Forum in Berlin. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed establishing a Kazakhstan – Germany Investment and Industrial Platform, centered on the development of a unified portfolio of flagship projects capable of fostering the emergence of new industries in Kazakhstan, bringing advanced German technologies and expertise to the country, and ensuring the production of competitive goods for regional and global markets.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier the Order of Altyn Kyran, the highest state decoration of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In Munich, the Head of State addressed the opening of the Kazakhstan – Bavaria Technology Forum, where he put forward several important initiatives, including:
- launching a partnership programme with the Bavarian Chips Alliance to integrate Kazakhstan’s research institutions and companies into Bavaria’s semiconductor industry ecosystem;
- establishing a model farm using Bavarian water-saving and precision agriculture technologies;
- developing industrial and logistics hubs along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR);
- facilitating the participation of Bavarian businesses in projects within the Alatau City Special Economic Zone;
- establishing a Representative Office of the Bavarian Economy in Almaty.
The President also held a series of meetings with senior executives of leading German companies:
- Siemens AG – discussions focused on the project to modernise the Qarmet metallurgical plant, jointly with Silk Road Electronics, as well as the deployment of automation technologies in the energy and healthcare sectors and in data centre operations.
- Linde – investment projects worth up to USD 500 million were discussed, including the construction of an air separation unit in Temirtau and the deployment of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies.
- Aurubis AG – plans were outlined for the advanced processing of critical raw materials. Kazakhstan possesses 21 of the 34 types of raw materials classified by the European Union as strategic.
For reference: Germany is a key trade and investment partner of Kazakhstan in the European Union. In 2025, bilateral trade amounted to USD 4.5 billion. More than 1,400 companies with German capital participation are registered in Kazakhstan. German investment in Kazakhstan has reached USD 8 billion. The joint investment portfolio comprises 40 industrial projects with a total value of USD 54 billion.