The Hague, 14 October 2026 – The fourth meeting of the Kazakhstan–Netherlands Joint Working Group on Agriculture was held in The Hague on 12–14 October 2026.
The Kazakh delegation was led by Vice Minister of Agriculture T. Kanafin, and the Dutch side by Head of the International Bilateral Relations Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature of the Netherlands M. Veitens.
During the sessions on 12 October, the parties discussed cooperation in seed production, agricultural science, animal health, aquaculture and phytosanitary safety. The work continued on 13 October with technical sessions involving Dutch agricultural companies and research institutes.
On 14 October, the Kazakh delegation visited dairy, cheese-making and poultry enterprises, becoming familiar with their production processes and the technologies used.
Following the meeting, the parties signed a joint statement on further cooperation in the field of agriculture. Cooperation was also established between Wageningen University and S.Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University.
NOTICE OF AUCTION FOR THE SALE OF VEHICLES
The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as the organiser, with its registered address at Badhuisweg 91, 2587 CE, The Hague, hereby announces the holding of an open auction for the sale of vehicles.
The auction will be conducted using the ascending-price method.
The auction will take place on 21 October 2026 at 15:00 at the following address: Badhuisweg 91, 2587 CE, The Hague.
Information on the Property Offered for Sale
Lot No. 1
Passenger vehicle
Lot No. 2
Passenger vehicle
Conditions of Participation and Application Procedure
Bank Details for Payment of the Security Deposit
Beneficiary: Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Address: Badhuisweg 91, 2587 CE, The Hague
IBAN: NL54ABNA0546544924
Beneficiary's bank: ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
SWIFT/BIC: ABNANL2A
Payment reference: Security deposit for participation in the auction for Lot No. [insert lot number]
Buyer's Obligations and Procedure for Taking Delivery of the Vehicles
The buyer who has offered the highest price shall be required to sign the auction results protocol immediately after the conclusion of the auction.
The buyer shall pay the full purchase price of the vehicle, less the security deposit previously paid, within 10 business days from the date of signing the sale and purchase agreement.
All costs associated with the transfer and re-registration of ownership, payment of taxes, administrative fees, customs duties and any other payments related to the purchase of the vehicle shall be borne in full by the buyer.
Inspection of the Property and Contact Details
The vehicles may be inspected, their technical condition reviewed, the relevant documents examined, and the application form obtained on business days from 09:00 to 17:00 at the following address:
Badhuisweg 91, 2587 CE, The Hague
Telephone numbers for enquiries:
+31 70 363 4757
+31 6 84 73 97 14
Email: hague@mfa.kz
16 September 2026 Astana
In the 40th edition of the Global Financial Centres Index, Kazakhstan’s capital ranked 57th among 117 financial centres worldwide. Astana’s rating increased by 18 points, from 684 to 702.
Astana improved its position in the Global Financial Centres Index 40 (GFCI 40), climbing eight places from 65th to 57th. The city retained its leading position in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, which it has held for more than three years.
In the regional ranking, Astana was followed by Cyprus, which ranked 72nd globally, and Warsaw, which placed 78th. The gap between Astana and its closest regional competitor was 15 places.
Astana’s rise came against a 1.09% decline in the average rating of financial centres in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. At the same time, the authors of the index noted that the region’s leading financial centres continued to strengthen their positions.
Astana was also named among the ten financial centres expected by survey participants to play a more significant role in the global financial system over the next two to three years. Kazakhstan’s capital ranked ninth on the list, receiving 45 mentions from respondents.
In the separate FinTech ranking, Astana rose four places from 55th to 51st.
“Astana’s eight-place rise and continued regional leadership send an important signal of growing confidence in the AIFC and Kazakhstan among the international financial community. For us, a position in the ranking is not an end in itself, but an independent assessment of the work we are consistently pursuing: improving the legal and regulatory environment, developing capital markets and financial technologies, and expanding international ties. Our goal is for this progress to be measured not only by Astana’s standing among global financial centres, but above all by new investment, international companies and opportunities for Kazakhstani businesses,” said Renat Bekturov, Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre.
GFCI 40 assessed 139 financial centres, 117 of which were included in the main index. The ranking was compiled using 144 quantitative measures provided by international organisations, including the World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the United Nations, as well as 39,531 assessments from 6,147 financial sector professionals.
Survey respondents also identified the priority areas that financial centres should focus on over the next five years. These include developing digital infrastructure, including cloud technologies, data transmission and cyber resilience; attracting FinTech companies and digital asset businesses; strengthening systems to combat money laundering and financial crime; and further deepening capital markets.
New York retained first place in the global ranking, followed by London, Hong Kong and Singapore. Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, Shenzhen, Dubai and Zurich also ranked among the top ten.
The GFCI is published twice a year and is one of the leading international benchmarks for the competitiveness of financial centres. The index is produced by the UK-based think tank Z/Yen Group in partnership with the China Development Institute (CDI). It assesses financial centres across five broad areas: business environment, financial sector development, infrastructure, human capital and reputation.
Astana first entered the GFCI ranking in March 2018 and became the leading financial centre in Eastern Europe and Central Asia in March 2023. The Astana International Financial Centre has made a significant contribution to strengthening the city’s position by developing its legal and regulatory environment, financial infrastructure, capital and digital asset markets, and expanding opportunities for international and regional investors.
The AIFC provides businesses with access to financial instruments and international markets, an independent dispute resolution system, regulation based on international standards, and an environment for the development of financial technologies. The Centre continues to strengthen Astana’s role as a regional platform for attracting investment, facilitating capital flows and implementing cross-border projects.
Reference:
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction where investors and business meet emerging opportunities of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in a transparent and sustainable environment backed by the principles of English Common Law. www.aifc.kz
AIFC Press Office,
Ainur Issabayeva, press secretary
E-mail: pr@aifc.kz
15 September 2026 Astana
Astana Finance Days 2026 results: US$26 trillion in assets under management, 8000 participants from 90 countries and special guest Dimash Qudaibergen
The two-day forum featured the listing of 3.7 billion yuan in Dim Sum bonds and the launch of Central Asia’s first exchange-based carbon credit trading. Sector-focused pitch sessions resulted in 13 letters of intent, while new cross-border regulatory agreements and investment initiatives were announced. World-renowned Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen attended the forum as a special guest.
The ninth Astana Finance Days 2026: Delivering Impact. Capital in Action was held at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) on 9–10 September. The forum brought together 8,000 participants from 90 countries, including investors, financial and technology companies, regulators, government institutions and international businesses.
Participants included representatives of BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, Capital Group, Brookfield, E Fund Management, Rothschild & Co., IFC Asset Management Company and Hong Kong Investment Corporation. The companies represented at the forum collectively manage more than US$26 trillion in assets, including over US$15 trillion managed by BlackRock.
“The AIFC was established as an institution that speaks the language of global markets and connects Kazakhstan and Central Asia with international capital. Yet capital matters only when it is put to work: financing new companies and projects, helping businesses expand into international markets, and enabling people to turn their ideas and ambitions into reality. This is what Capital in Action means. We want capital to flow in both directions through the AIFC: international investment into Kazakhstan and the region, while Kazakh companies, investors, and talent gain access to opportunities around the world. Our ultimate goal is not simply to attract capital, but to translate it into growth, new markets, and new opportunities for Kazakhstan,” said Renat Bekturov, Governor of the AIFC.
The forum focused on the transformation of financial infrastructure, digital assets and artificial intelligence, sovereign and institutional capital, cross-border market connectivity and Kazakhstan’s role as a regional financial and trade hub. Speakers included Timur Suleimenov, Governor of the National Bank of Kazakhstan; Nurlan Zhakupov, Chairman of the Management Board of Samruk-Kazyna; Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp.; Balaji Srinivasan, founder of Network School; and representatives of BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, Brookfield, Bloomberg and Anchorage Digital.
One of the forum’s key capital-market outcomes was the listing on the Astana International Exchange (AIX) of two tranches of Development Bank of Kazakhstan Dim Sum bonds with five- and ten-year maturities. The total issuance amounted to 3.7 billion Chinese yuan, with coupon rates of 2.25% and 2.75%. The transaction expanded the range of yuan-denominated instruments available on AIX and created new opportunities for attracting Chinese capital.
AIX also became the first exchange in Central Asia to launch trading in voluntary carbon credits verified under the international Verified Carbon Standard. The new instrument provides transparent trading rules and market-based pricing while broadening access to finance for climate projects across the region.
Investment in the real economy was another major focus. During Junior Mining Investment Day, 23 early-stage mining projects were presented to investors and strategic partners. The session resulted in 4 letters of intent for further discussions on potential financing and cooperation.
The pilot Creative Pitch Day 2026 attracted more than 100 applications in film, music, game development and digital content. 19 shortlisted projects were presented to investors, resulting in 9 letters of intent.
The AIFC also advanced new financing models for creative industries through a framework agreement between Tech Hub Ltd. and ōzen X. The parties plan to develop a music royalty tokenisation platform within the AIFC jurisdiction, using a catalogue of 7,000 music tracks to offer artists a new way to raise capital against future royalty income.
In aviation finance, the AIFC presented a regional pilot report examining aircraft acquisition and leasing models and the investment potential of Central Asia and the Caucasus. The AIFC Aviation Finance Hub supported Kazakhstan-based cargo airline Jupiter Jet in completing its first aircraft leasing transaction with a US lessor. The AIFC and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan also signed a memorandum to explore sustainable aviation fuel projects.
Sustainable finance remained high on the agenda. The AIFC Green Finance Centre, UNDP and the Partnership for Action on Green Economy presented further work on Kazakhstan’s Blue Taxonomy, national guidelines for blue bonds and criteria for projects related to water security and aquatic ecosystems.
A number of memoranda of understanding were signed during the two-day forum. They covered mutual access to financial markets, regulatory cooperation, sustainable aviation fuel, green finance, agricultural tokenisation, creative industries, digital assets and cooperation between AIX and the Kyrgyz Stock Exchange.
The forum concluded with the AIFC Awards 2026, recognising 14 companies, organisations and experts for their contribution to the AIFC’s financial, investment and legal ecosystem and its international partnerships.
Astana Finance Days 2026 was held with the support of its partners. Freedom was the forum’s Gold Partner; Solidcore Resources, KAZ Minerals and ITS were Silver Partners; LMAX Group and Teniz Capital Investment Banking were Bronze Partners; Allur was the Industry Partner; Binance was the Crypto Partner; Mastercard was the Fintech Partner; Air Astana was the Official Airline; and Euronews and SCMP were the International Media Partners. Other partners included Orient Capital Management, Dana Capital Limited, BI Group, CICC, Roemer Capital (Europe), Masdar, E Fund Management (Hong Kong), Abylai Global Solutions, Symphony Digital Assets, Fitch Ratings, AmCham Kazakhstan, Solana, Halyk Finance, MYD Production, Atlas Capital, PwC, Anchorage Digital, Alif, Jupiter Jet, RCS Group, Zubr Capital, Vitis Capital, Amicorp, Code Coin, and others.
The results of Astana Finance Days 2026 highlighted the forum’s role in connecting international capital, regulatory expertise and regional projects through new financial instruments, agreements and investment opportunities.
Reference
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction where investors and businesses can access emerging opportunities in Kazakhstan and Central Asia within a transparent and sustainable environment based on the principles of English common law. www.aifc.kz
AIFC Press Office
Ainur Issabayeva, Press Secretary
E-mail: pr@aifc.kz
Kazakhstan is implementing its first administrative amnesty as part of the country’s constitutional and institutional reforms.
The process is carried out digitally: no application is required, eligible cases are identified automatically, and beneficiaries are notified electronically or via SMS.
The measure applies to obligations arising from minor administrative offences. At the same time, court-imposed fines, repeat offences, as well as violations affecting public safety, public health, or the interests of the state are excluded from the amnesty.
The administrative amnesty is being implemented from 1 July to 31 December 2026.
We, the Foreign Ministers of the States Parties to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia (hereinafter referred to as the “CANWFZ Treaty”), on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the CANWFZ Treaty in Semipalatinsk
reaffirming our commitment to humanity’s common goal of achieving a world free of nuclear weapons, and recognizing the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use or testing of nuclear weapons,
emphasizing that the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones is one of the most powerful universal tools for preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and strengthening the global disarmament process,
noting the importance of the Treaty between the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan on Friendship, Good-Neighborliness, and Cooperation for Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century in strengthening peace and security in the region,
recalling that the idea of establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia was first proposed by the Republic of Uzbekistan in September 1993 at the 48th session of the UN General Assembly,
convinced that the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia represents a successful example of the consolidation of efforts by the countries of the region, and emphasizing that this was an important step toward strengthening the nuclear nonproliferation regime and the process of nuclear disarmament, regional and international peace and security, as well as the development of cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and the environmental rehabilitation of areas affected by radioactive contamination,
welcoming the thirty-fifth anniversary of the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site and the thirtieth anniversary of the opening for signature of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and paying tribute to the memory of the numerous victims of nuclear explosions and their consequences in all regions of the world,
we hereby declare the following:
We emphasize the important role of raising awareness on disarmament and non-proliferation in fostering a culture of peace, trust and responsibility, and note the particular importance of involving the youth in discussions on disarmament and international security. We support the continued promotion of the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, initiated by the Kyrgyz Republic and symbolically observed annually on 5 March – the date the NPT entered into force – as well as related regional educational initiatives.
In this regard, we note the relevance of the recommendations contained in the UN Study on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education, as well as the UN Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament, “Securing Our Common Future: An Agenda for Disarmament.”
On October 7, 2026, the XXIV Meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions will be held at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. The dialogue platform will convene leaders and representatives of world and traditional religions — Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shinto and the Bahaʼí Faith — as well as heads of international organizations, government officials and leading experts from 20 countries.
A key item on the agenda of the XXIV Meeting of the Secretariat will be the consideration and adoption of two international documents: “The Code of Ethics for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Religious Sphere” and “The Role of Religions in Combating Climate Change.” The development of these documents was initiated by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and supported by Congress participants.
The Charter of the Rights of the Incurable Child will be presented as a separate agenda item. The document emphasizes protecting the child’s dignity and ensuring humane treatment, as well as the child’s right to necessary medical and psychological care and, upon request, support that takes into account the child’s religious and spiritual needs.
To cover the XXIV Meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress, Kazakhstani and international media are kindly requested to complete accreditation no later than September 15, 2026. For accreditation, please contact us by email: communications@iciid.org.
Date: October 7, 2026
Venue: Press Center, 57 Tauelsizdik Avenue, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Astana
Start time: 10:00 a.m
On October 2-3, 2026, the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue will host the II Joint Colloquium between the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the International Center in Astana. The main theme of the Colloquium will be the protection of the rights and dignity of vulnerable children.
The Colloquium will continue the dialogue between Kazakhstan and the Holy See, which began in April 2024 with the first joint meeting held during the visit of the Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions to the Vatican.
The Colloquium will convene official representatives of Kazakhstan and the Holy See, religious leaders, specialists in the fields of pediatrics, bioethics and theology, representatives of international organizations, as well as members of the expert community. The event will be co-chaired by the Head of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
The program will focus on three key areas: the ethical foundations of child care and interfaith solidarity; the protection of children’s rights and dignity in the context of illness; and the development of medical, scientific and institutional cooperation. The potential of artificial intelligence in pediatrics and the ethical principles governing its use will also be given special attention.
The Charter of the rights of the Incurable Child, based on the principles of respect for human dignity, comprehensive care for the child, and support for the family, will serve as a key reference point for discussions. The Kazakh side will also highlight the «Zhusan» humanitarian operation an example of practical support for children in difficult circumstances.
To cover the Colloquium, Kazakhstani and international media are kindly requested to complete accreditation no later than September 15, 2026. For accreditation, please contact us by email: communications@iciid.org.
Date: October 2–3, 2026
Venue: National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 1st floor
Start time: 10:30 a.m.
The Hague, 23 August 2026 – Voting continues at Polling Station No. 446, located at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as part of the elections to the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The polling station opened at 07:00 local time and will remain open until 20:00.
Kazakh citizens permanently or temporarily residing in the Kingdom of the Netherlands are taking part in the vote. Participants include representatives of international organizations, the diplomatic corps, the academic and business communities, students, as well as other compatriots residing across different regions of the country.
According to Frederik Vossenaar, Strategic Advisor at the The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) and Executive Advisor at Dutch Greenhouse Delta, these elections are the first to be held under the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan and represent an important milestone in the further modernization of the country's political system.
The holding of the vote in The Hague – the International City of Peace and Justice, home to the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the Permanent Court of Arbitration, as well as numerous international organizations and diplomatic missions, underscores the importance of enabling citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan to exercise their constitutional right to vote, regardless of their place of residence, and to participate in the country's public and political life.
Polling Station No. 446 is located at: Badhuisweg 91, 2587 CE, The Hague.
19 August 2026, Astana – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a telephone conversation with his Dutch colleague Tom Berendsen.
The parties discussed current issues of Kazakh-Dutch cooperation, putting emphasis on the further development of trade, economic and investment ties between the two countries.
The Foreign Ministers noted the high level of economic partnership and considerable potential for its further expansion. In this context, they discussed opportunities for implementing joint projects and deepening collaboration in priority sectors of mutual interest.
Particular attention was paid to the safety of international shipping and the stability of Kazakh energy supplies to European markets. The importance of ensuring reliability of international transport and energy routes was stressed.
Following the conversation, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening Kazakh-Dutch relations and maintaining regular contacts at various levels.