Lisbon, September 28, 2026 – Jean Galiev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Portugal, met with Hélder Joana, Diplomatic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Portugal. During the meeting, the Kazakh diplomat briefed the Portuguese side on the large-scale political reforms taking place in Kazakhstan.
In a spirit of pragmatism, the diplomats discussed key issues on the bilateral agenda, focusing on promising areas for trade, economic, technological, and investment cooperation. Areas of mutual interest included the development of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, light industry and food processing, transport and logistics, agriculture, and tourism, among others.
Ambassador Jean Galiev noted that Kazakhstan could be of interest to Portugal not only as a local market with abundant raw materials but also as a strategic gateway to a region of immense opportunity. He also highlighted the potential of utilizing the country’s developing transit and logistics infrastructure as a connecting link between Europe, Central Asia, and China.
The meeting also addressed the bilateral cooperation agenda for 2027, a year that will mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Portugal.
Brazzaville, June 3, 2026 – The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of the Congo concurrently (with residence in Lisbon), Jean Galiev, was received by President Denis Sassou-N’Guesso at the Palace of the People on the occasion of the presentation of his Credentials.
During the audience, the diplomat conveyed warm words of greeting from the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, emphasizing that «Astana is resolutely determined to dynamically develop bilateral cooperation with Brazzaville in the spirit of pragmatism in areas of mutual interest and priority importance».
The President of the Republic of the Congo extended his best wishes to the Head of Kazakhstan, noting that he treasures the friendly and trusting relationship with K.Tokayev and highly appreciates his active performance on the international stage.
«I recall our meetings with warmth and express my immense gratitude to my esteemed colleague and friend for the attention he pays to the development of promising cooperation with our country, » said D.Sassou-N’Guesso, emphasizing the «foresight and wisdom of President Tokayev's decision to strengthen and expand Kazakhstan's diplomatic presence on the African continent».
For the Republic of the Congo, the experience and expertise of Kazakhstan in the fields of digitalization and artificial intelligence, telecommunications, energy, transport and logistics infrastructure development, financial technologies, and banking are of particular interest. Brazzaville is exploring options to import Kazakh grain and fertilizers for the entire Central African region. A wish was also expressed to send Congolese youth to study at Kazakh educational institutions.
The prospects of these and other cooperation projects were discussed in detail by the Ambassador with the Head of the Foreign Ministry Constant-Serge Bounda, Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Economy Nguema Nze, Minister of Finance and Budget Christian Yoka, and Director General for Strategic Affairs and Military Cooperation of the Ministry of National Defense Jean Aimé Ignoumba.
Brazzaville supports the initiative of President K. Tokayev to establish the International Water Organization within the UN structure. Minister of Foreign Affairs K.-S. Bounda stressed that the topic of water security is a critical issue for all countries, and especially for Africa.
The working visit of the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Republic of the Congo concluded with a conversation with one of the leading representatives of Congolese business, the Director General of a diversified company, Serge Mouyi. They discussed the prospects of business cooperation in the sectors of tourism and trade, particularly within the framework of public-private partnerships.
All interlocutors shared the view that both countries possess a strategically important geographical location and serve as regional hubs, the connection of which through the Middle Corridor and the seaport of Pointe-Noire can significantly expand the opportunities for trade and economic partnership.
Lisbon, May 6, 2026 – At the Assembly of the Republic (the unicameral Parliament of Portugal), the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Jean Galiev, held a working meeting with the Chairperson of the «Portugal – Kazakhstan» Friendship Group, Felicidade Vital, and members of the parliamentary group.
During the conversation, the diplomat provided the Portuguese deputies with detailed information on the progress of the large-scale constitutional reforms initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Special attention was paid to the results of the national referendum, which consolidated the transition to a new political model and strengthened the role of the legislative branch through the creation of a unicameral Parliament — the Kurultai.
The Head of the diplomatic mission emphasized the strategic nature of relations between Astana and Lisbon. «Kazakhstan sees Portugal as an important and reliable partner in the European Union. We highly value our open dialogue and strive to fill bilateral cooperation with new practical content,» he noted.
An important point on the agenda was the upcoming elections to the Kurultai scheduled for August this year. It was noted that the formation of a new composition of the country's legislative body would be the logical conclusion of the constitutional reform aimed at protecting human rights and democratizing the system.
The parties discussed in detail a wide range of priority areas for cooperation, focusing on practical interaction. In particular, in the field of digital technology development and the implementation of artificial intelligence, the parties discussed the development of high-tech ecosystems. Interest was expressed in studying the operational experience of Portuguese science and technology parks, such as the «Portuguese Silicon Valley», Taguspark. Kazakhstan aims to implement similar models for the synergy of science, business, and advanced technologies.
In the field of agriculture, agro-industry, and fisheries, where Portugal possesses immense expertise, opportunities for cooperation were considered, including the establishment of joint manufacturing enterprises utilizing the potential of the two countries' regions, which aligns with the goals of developing decentralized partnerships.
Regarding water resource management and ecology, the Ambassador noted that Kazakhstan is also interested in utilizing Portugal's experience and technologies. Special attention was paid to the activities of the Águas de Portugal holding in efficient and rational water cycle management, the implementation of innovations, including artificial intelligence, in hydro-resource processing, and the adaptation of water management to climate change.
Speaking about attracting investment and expanding trade, the interlocutors discussed in a pragmatic key the possibilities for implementing joint industrial projects and developing logistical routes.
Vital and the members of the Friendship Group expressed support for the transformations taking place in Kazakhstan and confirmed their readiness to pay a working visit to Astana after the conclusion of the electoral cycle and the formation of a similar friendship group in the new Kazakh Parliament. This, according to the mutual conviction, will contribute to bringing bilateral cooperation based on trust to a new level.
Crédito da foto: Assembleia da República
Lisbon, April 20, 2026 – the Portuguese group of companies "Greenflow" will participate in the International Exhibition of environmental and green technologies, RES 2026 EXPO, from April 22 to 24, 2026 in Astana, which is held within the framework of the Central Asian Regional Environmental Summit (RES-2026).
The purpose of participation in "RES 2026 EXPO" will be to identify business opportunities for the company and strengthen partnerships in the area of environmental impact, using new technologies and artificial intelligence, which is currently one of the priority areas for the development of Kazakhstan.
During previous meetings between the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Portugal Jean Galiev and the management of Greenflow, it was mentioned that in the context of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's State of the Nation address to the people of Kazakhstan on September 8, 2025, the company's experience could be useful in implementing Kazakhstan's priorities in the areas of sustainable development and modernization of utilities, as well as soil and water treatment systems.
Last November, the company's management paid its first visit to Astana, where productive talks were held with the leadership of government agencies and national enterprises of Kazakhstan.
Greenflow is a Portuguese group of companies based in Coimbra, specialized in waste management, environmental and Maritime Services. Main areas of activity:
* Greenflow Engineering-design and installation of industrial facilities for the processing and reuse of hazardous waste (hydrocarbons, solvents, etc.).
* Greenflow Marine-Marine Environmental Services, design and construction of integrated port reception facilities for waste collection and processing, both modular and permanent.
* Greenflow Chemicals is a wholesale distributor of chemicals, both recycled and Virgin.
In 2022, the company's consolidated revenues exceeded € 19 million, with a forecast EBITDA of more than € 1.9 million.
Lisbon, April 20, 2026 – To provide impetus to the ongoing development of Kazakh-Portuguese cooperation, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Jean Galiev, held a meeting with the Director General for Foreign Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic, Helena Malcata.
During the conversation, the high-ranking diplomat was informed of the large-scale reforms and economic development in Kazakhstan initiated by the Head of State, as well as Astana’s active role in addressing international issues.
The Portuguese diplomat’s attention was drawn to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s initiative to establish the International Water Organization, which aligns with the international sustainable development agenda and is of particular interest to Portugal, whose economy is inextricably linked to water resources. In general, Lisbon, emphasizing the decisive importance of multilateral diplomacy, aims for close cooperation with Astana within the framework of international and regional organizations.
In the context of Kazakhstan’s dynamic development, its strengthening status as a key partner of the European Union in the Central Asian region, and the growing interest from leading world economies, the sides discussed prospects for expanding bilateral economic and investment cooperation.
The parties agreed on the importance of establishing direct air communication between the two countries. It was noted that a direct "air bridge" would become a key factor for stimulating business contacts, expanding tourism exchanges, and strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties.
The Director General also welcomed the efforts of the Embassy of Kazakhstan to intensify parliamentary diplomacy through close interaction with the deputies of the Assembly of the Republic. She emphasized that the current composition of the Portuguese Parliament shows increased interest in strengthening external ties both at the bilateral level and within the parliamentary assemblies of international and regional organizations.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the diplomats confirmed their readiness to elevate the partnership to a qualitatively new level by promoting new initiatives and projects.
Lisbon, March 17, 2026 – The prospects for expanding Kazakhstan–Portugal trade, economic, and investment cooperation in light of new geopolitical and geo-economic challenges and opportunities were discussed during a meeting between the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Portugal, Jean Galiev, and the leadership of the Business Association of the Minho Region (Associação Empresarial do Minho, AEMinho) – President Ramiro Brito, Vice-President Graciete Lima, and Director General Margarida Rossi.
The Kazakh diplomat briefed his counterparts on the key provisions of Kazakhstan’s new Constitution, emphasizing changes aimed at improving the investment climate and conditions for foreign companies. The Ambassador also highlighted the most promising sectors for Kazakhstan–Portugal cooperation, including information technology and artificial intelligence development, agriculture, transport and logistics (including the potential of the Middle Corridor), light industry, construction materials production, tourism, and others.
Welcoming the modernization processes initiated by the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the AEMinho leadership expressed their readiness to establish partnerships in the aforementioned sectors.
At the conclusion of the meeting, an agreement was reached to hold a series of joint events aimed at bringing the business communities of the two countries closer together and identifying mutually beneficial projects.
AEMinho represents the interests of entrepreneurs from the industrially developed Minho region (northern Portugal), contributing to the country’s economic, social, and cultural development, as well as enhancing the competitiveness of Portuguese companies, including through their expansion into international markets. The association includes more than 140 companies, with a combined turnover exceeding €45 billion, which accounts for about 8% of Portugal’s GDP. In value terms, the exports of AEMinho member companies exceed €10 billion.
Lisbon, March 5, 2026. Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Portugal, Jean Galiev, was received by the Vice-President of the Assembly of the Republic, head of the delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Edith Estrela.
The interlocutors held a detailed exchange of views on a wide range of issues on the bilateral and multilateral agenda, paying particular attention to strengthening interparliamentary dialogue and institutional partnership.
The ambassador stressed that the potential for cooperation remains underutilized. In this regard, Astana and Lisbon are making efforts to intensify exchanges and seek new opportunities, guided by pragmatism and national interests. The sides recognized the priority task of establishing direct air links between the countries, which should become a key driver for business, tourism, cultural and academic exchanges.
Given the role of E. Estrela as an authoritative politician with extensive experience in parliamentary activities, in particular as co-rapporteur on a number of key areas and head of the delegation to PACE, the importance of Kazakhstan's interaction with European institutions was noted.
J. Galiev briefed his counterpart in detail on the progress of constitutional reforms in Kazakhstan. E. Estrela, who is also a member of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees, showed particular interest in the processes of political transformation, democratization, and strengthening of the legal foundations of the state taking place in Kazakhstan with the active participation of the country's people. The ambassador noted that the consistent reforms, which meet the requirements of the times, are the practical implementation of the strategic course of the President of the Republic Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, «Fair Kazakhstan» and his concept of political governance, «The Listening State».
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to further intensify bilateral contacts at the level of parliamentary friendship groups and relevant committees, as well as within regional and international organizations.
We extend our deepest condolences to the people of Iran over the loss of civilian lives, including children, as well as members of the senior leadership of the Islamic Republic as a result of the recent tragic events.
We express regret over the strikes against civilian facilities of Arab states that are not participating in the war against Iran, and with which Kazakhstan consistently develops friendly relations and comprehensive cooperation.
Compliance with the norms of international humanitarian law requires special protection of civilian objects and the civilian population during armed conflicts. Kazakhstan, as one of the initiators of the Global Initiative to Strengthen Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law, emphasizes the importance of preserving humanity in times of armed conflict.
We reaffirm our unwavering principled position on the need to resolve international disputes and conflicts exclusively through political and diplomatic means, with strict observance of international law and the UN Charter.
We call on all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and responsibility in order to prevent further escalation of violence in the region.
Lisbon, January 6, 2026 - Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Portugal, Jean Galiev, met with José Cezário, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Portuguese Communities Abroad Committee of the Assembly of the Republic.
The diplomat briefed his interlocutor on the process of modernization reforms being implemented at the initiative of Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The most promising areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Portugal were discussed in a constructive manner, namely in the fields of agriculture and agro-industry, tourism and sports, transport and logistics, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, water resources, education, etc.
The Ambassador assured the Kazakh side of its readiness to intensify interparliamentary dialogue.
In turn, the Portuguese deputy, expressing interest in the transformations in Kazakhstan, spoke in favor of bringing the peoples of the two countries closer together, including through cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
At the end of the conversation, the parties agreed to promote the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, relying on parliamentary diplomacy.
José Cezário expressed his readiness to visit Kazakhstan in the foreseeable future at the head of a group of deputies of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal.
Lisbon, 24 December 2025 - The Autonomous Region of Madeira, one of Portugal's most dynamic tourist destinations, has become a platform for exchanging views on regional development, sustainable tourism, and international positioning. These topics were discussed during the visit of the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Portugal, Jean Galiev, to Madeira on 22-23 December 2025.
During a meeting with the Representative of the Republic in Madeira, Judge Reneu Barreto, the parties exchanged views on institutional development, the role of legal mechanisms and stable institutions in promoting long-term socio-economic growth, and Kazakhstan's role on the international stage.
Special attention was given to political and parliamentary dialogue. At a meeting with the President of the Regional Parliament of Madeira, Rubina Lilo, both sides highlighted the importance of expanding inter-parliamentary contacts and sharing experience in regional governance.
“The regional level plays an increasingly important role in shaping sustainable development and strengthening international ties,” said Ambassador Galiev.
The discussions also focused on bilateral cooperation in tourism and cultural exchanges. During talks with Madeira's Regional Secretary for Tourism, Eduardo Jesus, the region shared its experience in developing sustainable tourism, diversifying tourist offerings, promoting Madeira internationally, and improving the quality of tourism infrastructure. In 2024, Madeira’s tourism cluster generated nearly one billion euros in revenue.
An agreement was reached to hold a practical conference in Funchal next year, with participation from Kazakh tourism representatives and the national company Kazakh Tourism. The conference will include presentations on the tourism potential of Kazakhstan and Madeira, a round table, and individual B2B meetings between tour operators.
“Madeira’s experience in sustainable tourism and high-quality infrastructure, as well as in international promotion, is of great practical interest to Kazakhstan,” emphasised Ambassador Galiev.
Eduardo Jesus confirmed that the Kazakh Embassy would receive full support in organising cultural events in Funchal to strengthen ties between the two peoples.
At a meeting with Funchal’s Deputy Mayor, Carlos Rodrigues, discussions covered urban development, creating a comfortable city environment, and balancing the needs of residents with the city’s appeal to tourists. The Deputy Mayor expressed admiration for Kazakhstan’s rapid development and international recognition as a reliable partner.
The visit also included talks with representatives of the Madeira Development Society, responsible for promoting the region internationally. Madeira has established itself as a leading business centre in the EU, offering competitive tax rates and incentives to attract investment. The parties exchanged views on territorial branding, investment attraction, and sustainable international partnerships.
Both sides expressed hope that joint efforts would harness the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation. The Ambassador noted that the lack of direct flights between Kazakhstan and Portugal limits business and tourism links, and confirmed that negotiations are underway to address this.
Executive Director Marina Pimenta and colleagues expressed interest in visiting the Astana International Financial Center to explore partnership opportunities between the two institutions, described as gateways to European and Asian markets.
In the context of Kazakhstan’s focus on advanced digital technologies and artificial intelligence, Madeira’s development as a technology hub and centre for digital nomads was highlighted. The region attracts IT specialists with favourable taxes, modern infrastructure, and special Digital Nomad visas, providing a framework for future cooperation.
The meetings, facilitated by João Bonal Silva, Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Madeira, reaffirmed mutual interest in deepening dialogue and expanding practical cooperation between Kazakhstan and the autonomous Portuguese region.