By order of the Head of State, September 25, 2026, has been declared a day of national mourning in the Republic of Kazakhstan following the tragic death of servicemen in the line of duty in the Mangystau region.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased.
Cairo, 23 August 2026 – Polling Station Election Commission No.415, located in Cairo, has concluded its work in connection with the elections to the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The voting process was conducted in an orderly manner and in full compliance with the requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The first voters have already cast their ballots at polling station No. 415 in Cairo.
Cairo, 23 August 2026 – As part of the elections of members to the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Precinct Election Commission No. 415, located in Cairo, has commenced its work.
Citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan residing or staying in Egypt are invited to take part in the voting and express their position on this important matter concerning the future of our country.
Voting is conducted in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, ensuring the transparency, openness, and accessibility of the electoral process for all participants.
Cairo, June 2, 2026 — The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Askar Zhengis, held a meeting with the legend of the Arab world and symbol of Egyptian cinema, with the President of the Cairo International Film Festival, one of the main annual film festivals in the region, Hussein Fahmy.
The main topic of the meeting was the strengthening of ties between the Kazakh film sphere with Egyptian, which is considered as a center of the film industry in the entire Arab world.
A.Zhengis spoke in detail about the dynamic development of the domestic film industry in recent years. In particular, he noted that the domestic film sphere has reached a level that allows it to compete with global productions, as well as Kazakhstan's readiness, both technically and creatively, to implement large-scale joint projects.
He also noted that our country's natural beauty offers a unique setting for filming both historical and contemporary movies, and urged the Egyptian side to explore this unique landscape as a new creative outlet and consider Kazakhstan as a new location for joint projects.
Expressing strong interest in Kazakhstan as a new partner in the film industry, H.Fahmy invited Kazakhstani film companies to participate in the prestigious Cairo International Film Festival, which will be held for the 47th time this year from November 11 to 20, and to include a leading representative of the country's film industry on the jury.
Following the meeting, the sides reached an agreement to establish regular contacts in order to bring cooperation in the field of cinematography between the two countries to a new level and agreed to actively continue working together to implement planned cultural projects.
Background: The Egyptian film industry is one of the main spheres of local culture and economy. Systematic film production first began in Alexandria in 1927, and the famous “Studio Misr”, founded in Cairo in 1935, became the center of film production in the Middle East. Egyptian cinema, which began to flourish at the beginning of the last century, once enjoyed the unique status of the "Hollywood of the East." Egypt's rich experience in cinematography today occupies a worthy place on the world stage alongside countries such as France, the United States, and others, serving as a classic school and an inexhaustible treasure trove for creative teams.
The official website of the Astana AI Film Festival aaiff.ai has opened submissions for creators from around the world to participate in the international AI film competition. The project concept, competition format, and launch details were presented by the organizers during a press conference in Astana.
According to festival organizer Almas Zhali, the competition program will feature two sections: the main competition centered around this season’s theme “The Future Worth Living In” and an open section featuring five award categories recognizing best directing, visual language, story, concept, and character.
A key requirement of the competition is that submitted films must be created using full AI technologies, where artificial intelligence serves as the core production method rather than merely a post-production enhancement tool.
Participation in the competition is free of charge and open to everyone
— both teams and individual creators — with no age or professional qualification restrictions. To participate, applicants must create an AI-generated short film of up to 10 minutes and upload it to the festival platform along with a project description.
For videos uploaded to YouTube, the description must include the phrase “Special for Astana AI Film Festival,” the creator’s full name, and the hashtag #SpecialForAAIFF.
Following the selection process, the AAIFF team and international experts will shortlist 25 projects: 10 films in the main competition and 15 in the open section. The finalists will then be evaluated by an international jury composed of representatives from the film industry, AI community, and creative tech sector.
Submissions will remain open until August 15, 2026. The finalists will be announced in September, while screenings and the awards ceremony will take place in Astana during Astana AI Week.
Astana AI Film Festival is an international festival dedicated to films created using artificial intelligence technologies. The platform will bring together filmmakers, digital creators, technology companies, experts, and
investors. The festival’s total prize fund amounts to USD 1 million.
The festival program will also include screenings, an AI content conference, panel discussions, and pitching sessions for creators and producers. Organizers plan to hold the festival annually, developing it into a sustainable international platform for AI cinema and emerging forms of digital creativity.
Official festival website: https://aaiff.ai/
Cairo, May 18, 2026 - The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Egypt Askar Zhengis held a meeting with Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb. During the meeting, the parties discussed the outcomes of the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions held in Astana on September 17-18, 2025, and emphasized that the leadership of Kazakhstan attaches particular importance to further strengthening cooperation with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar noted that the results of the 8th Congress, held in Astana under the theme “Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future”, demonstrated Kazakhstan’s significant role in promoting and strengthening global interreligious dialogue. He also stated that he has always supported the holding of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and that they will continue their regular participation in its activities in order to promote interreligious dialogue and harmony.
Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb particularly noted that, within the framework of the Congress, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received the Egyptian delegation, and emphasized with satisfaction that this meeting had given an additional strong impetus to cooperation between Al-Azhar and Kazakhstan.
Askar Zhengis spoke about the large-scale political reforms currently taking place in Kazakhstan. In particular, he noted that the new Constitution had been adopted through a nationwide republican referendum held on March 15, 2026. He also informed that, in accordance with the new constitutional reforms, elections of Kurultai deputies would be held in the country, the position of Vice President would be introduced into the state system, a People’s Council would be established, and other important political developments were underway in the country.
The Sheikh of Al-Azhar noted that he holds fraternal Kazakhstan in special warmth and expressed his sincere wishes that the large-scale political reforms in the country would serve the well-being of the people and become an important step toward Kazakhstan’s further prosperity and the strengthening of its competitiveness on the global stage. He also stated his readiness to pay a working visit to Astana at a convenient time for him.
On behalf of Kazakhstan’s leadership, the Ambassador congratulated Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb, on his 80th anniversary and, following Kazakh tradition, draped a chapan over his shoulders.
Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue jointly developing cooperation within the framework of the Congress, as well as in the field of theological education.
Sharm El Sheikh, May 10, 2026 — The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Askar Zhengis, held a meeting with the newly appointed Governor of South Sinai, Ismail Kamal.
The parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation, including at the regional level.
Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the tourism sector, given the significant flow of Kazakh tourists to Sharm El-Sheikh and the Egyptian side’s interest in creating favorable conditions for their stay.
The meeting also addressed issues related to the protection of the rights of Kazakh citizens visiting South Sinai and providing them with necessary consular and legal support.
Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and expressed readiness to intensify engagement across all areas discussed.
Kazakhstan will host its first international film festival dedicated to artificial intelligence – the Astana AI Film Festival (AAIFF 2026). The project concept and the launch of the application process were introduced at a press conference in the capital.
According to the organizers, the central event of the festival will be an international competition of short films created using artificial intelligence. Creators from all over the world will be eligible to participate, regardless of country of origin, experience, or access to a professional studio.
“We expect the Astana AI Film Festival to become an annual event in the creative industries and a sustainable international platform for new formats and emerging names. Participation is open to everyone: both teams and individual creators can submit their work,”said Aizatulla Hussain, founder of Ozen and one of the festival’s organizers.
Applications will open in May 2026 and can be submitted via the festival’s official website.
“According to the competition rules, participants must create an AI-generated short film of up to 10 minutes and upload it to the festival’s platform along with a project description. Applications will be accepted from May through the end of August,” noted Almas Zhali, festival organizer and head of Brave Talents.
Astana AI Film Festival is scheduled to take place in autumn 2026. The festival will serve as a platform for projects at the intersection of the film industry and AI technologies, bringing together authors, digital creators, technology companies, experts, and investors.
The total prize fund will amount to $1 million, making it one of the largest in its category. The project is financed through sponsorship and partnership contributions.
The festival program will include film screenings, an AI content conference, as well as pitch sessions for creators and producers.
Cairo, April 9, 2026 — A presentation of the Arabic edition of the book “The Near and Middle East in the System of International Relations” by the distinguished diplomat A. Mussinov took place at the historic and world-renowned Cairo University, organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Egypt, Askar Zhengis, in his opening speech at the presentation of the book, spoke about the role of A.Mussinov in Kazakh diplomacy and the indelible work that he left to the younger generation.
He also touched upon current issues in relations between Kazakhstan and Egypt and spoke about the work being carried out to further deepen them.
He expressed gratitude to the guests who specially came to this event.
The ceremony was attended by senior figures from Kazakhstan’s diplomatic service, K.Sarybay, Secretary-General of the CICA, and Ambassador B.Batyrshaev, Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who attended on the special instructions of the head of the Foreign Ministry.
In his speech, K.Sarybay spoke about A. Mussinov’s life and highlighted his significant contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s relations with Arab states.
Ministerial Adviser B.Batyrshayev delivered a special message from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and spoke in detail about A. Mussinov’s professional career.
Also during this event, the audience was presented with a greeting video sent by the General Director of IOFS B.Aryn. In his address, he spoke about A. Mussinov’s contribution to the development of the Islamic world and briefly highlighted the key moments of his life.
Among the distinguished guests from the Egyptian side was Amr Moussa, a prominent figure in the Arab world, former Egyptian Foreign Minister and former Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, who had the honour of cutting the ribbon at the official book launch ceremony.
In addition, former Foreign Minister of Egypt Mohammed Al-Orabi, who took part in the event, noted the extensive work done to translate the book into Arabic, covering current issues, and noted that it is an irreplaceable legacy for every researcher and scholar interested in Middle Eastern topics.
In his speech, Ambassador Ezzat Saad Al-Sayed, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of ARE and current Director of the Egyptian Foreign Affairs Council, elaborated on the activities of A.Mussinov during his tenure as Ambassador to Egypt in 1999-2002, and highly appreciated his role in politically significant events in relations between the two countries.
The former governor of the Red Sea province and current chairman of the Kazakh-Egyptian Friendship Association Ahmed Abdullah also noted the author's contribution to the development of relations between the two countries.
At the book presentation ceremony, the family of Ambassador A. Mussinov, who specially arrived from Kazakhstan, expressed gratitude to the Embassy for the work of translating the book and presented gifts to the guests of honor present. As part of the presentation, the audience was shown a video about the biography of A.Mussinov.
In addition, foreign ambassadors accredited to Egypt, local writers, politicians and media representatives were among the guests present at the event.