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Посол Казахстана во Франции Гульсара Арыстанкулова провела встречи с мэрами 8-го и 17-го округов Парижа Катрин Лекюйе и Жоффруа Булара.
Посол проинформировала собеседников о политических и институциональных реформах, направленных на дальнейшую модернизацию государства, укреплении его институтов и устойчивом социально-экономическом развитии страны.
Отдельное внимание было уделено внешней политике Казахстана,
основанной на сбалансированном и конструктивном подходах, а также
перспективам дальнейшего укрепления стратегического партнёрства с
Францией.
Французская сторона проявила интерес к современному Казахстану, происходящим в стране преобразованиям, а также его внутренней и внешней политике.
В контексте предстоящего пятилетия Пакта о сотрудничестве между
Астаной и Парижем стороны обсудили перспективы межмуниципального
взаимодействия и реализации совместных инициатив в деловой, культурной
и образовательной сферах.
По итогам встречи стороны наметили конкретные направления
дальнейшей работы и договорились совместно проработать ряд мероприятий
и инициатив на предстоящий период.
8-й округ с населением около 35 тыс. чел., один из 20 административных округов Парижа, является ключевым деловым, дипломатическим и административным районом французской столицы. На его территории сосредоточены важные государственные, дипломатические, культурные и деловые объекты, в том числе Посольство РК во Французской Республике.
17-й округ, расположенный на северо-западе Парижа, является одним из крупных жилых и деловых районов столицы с населением порядка 200 тыс. чел. На территории округа Посольство на протяжении последних трёх лет реализует проект «Қазақ ауылы» («Village kazakh»).
Paris, 23 September 2026 – The French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (IRIS) hosted a conference entitled “Kazakhstan: A Eurasian Middle Power in the Age of Multipolarity”, dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The speakers included Catherine Poujol, Professor of Central Asian History at the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO); Adrien Fauve, lecturer at Paris-Saclay University; and Sami Ramdani, Research Fellow at IRIS and Co-Head of its Energy and Raw Materials Programme. The discussion was moderated by Lukas Aubin, Director of Research at IRIS and Head of the Geopolitical Observatory of the Post-Soviet Space. Gulsara Arystankulova, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to France, delivered the closing remarks.
The discussion focused on Kazakhstan’s role in the emerging multipolar international system, the distinctive features of its diplomacy, its relations with major global centres of power, as well as energy security, transport connectivity and regional cooperation.
Catherine Poujol highlighted the consistency and pragmatism of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, its role as a platform for international dialogue, and its longstanding contribution to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
Adrien Fauve reviewed Kazakhstan’s key foreign policy achievements over the 35 years of its independence, with particular attention to the development of Kazakh-French relations, the country’s active diplomacy in bilateral and multilateral formats, including the “Central Asia +” mechanisms, and Astana’s growing role as a platform for international dialogue.
Sami Ramdani addressed the energy dimension of Kazakhstan’s geopolitics, including the energy transition, nuclear energy, the diversification of partnerships and export routes, as well as the country’s importance for European energy security and the development of the Middle Corridor.
In her closing remarks, Ambassador Gulsara Arystankulova outlined the political and institutional transformations underway in Kazakhstan, including the entry into force of the new Constitution, the beginning of the work of the unicameral Parliament, and the establishment of the Halyk Kenesi. It was emphasised that the reforms are aimed at further modernising the state, strengthening its institutions and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development.
The Ambassador also highlighted Kazakhstan’s growing role as a middle power and its balanced and pragmatic foreign policy based on national interests and mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as the prospects for further strengthening the strategic partnership with France.
The conference attracted considerable interest among the French public and brought together around 200 participants, including experts and analysts, representatives of the business community, IRIS students, as well as students and doctoral researchers from French higher education institutions. During the discussion, the Ambassador and the speakers answered questions from the audience on current aspects of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy.
Paris, 14 September 2026 – The Embassy of Kazakhstan in France, with the participation of representatives from the Kyzylorda Region and Kazakh chefs and artists, organised Kazakhstan’s national pavilion at the 10th International Gastronomy Village, held from 10 to 13 September at Place de la Concorde in Paris. Kazakhstan participated in the festival for the second consecutive year.
The national pavilion offered visitors an opportunity to discover Kazakhstan’s rich cultural and culinary heritage and became one of the festival’s most popular pavilions.
Guests tasted Kazakh-style meat, kuyrdak, freshly prepared baursaks, as well as qazy and jaya specially brought from Kyzylorda. The national dishes were prepared by renowned Kazakh chefs, including Rassim Konaev, Manas Skak, Karlygash Baimukhamedova, who introduced visitors to the history, distinctive features and cultural significance of traditional Kazakh cuisine.
Visitors also showed considerable interest in original desserts with a Kazakh national character created by Sabina Tanatarova, a graduate of the Paris culinary school Le Cordon Bleu. Her creations featured talqan, milk tea and other flavours inspired by Kazakhstan’s steppe culture.
The cultural programme was presented by the Syrgalym ensemble from the Kyzylorda Region. Its vibrant musical and dance performances, together with colourful national costumes, created a festive atmosphere at the Kazakhstan pavilion.
During the festival, the pavilion was visited by the Mayor of Paris, Mr Emmanuel Grégoire, the Mayor of Paris’s 8th arrondissement, Ms Catherine Lescure, as well as renowned French chefs, members of the diplomatic corps, Paris residents and visitors to the French capital.
Held under the high patronage of the President of the French Republic, the 10th International Gastronomy Village brought together representatives from more than 80 countries. World-renowned French chef Alain Ducasse served as patron of the anniversary edition.
Kazakhstan’s participation helped introduce its national cuisine and cultural traditions to a wider French audience and contributed to the further strengthening of cultural and people-to-people ties between Kazakhstan and France.
Paris, 8 September 2026 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to France Gulsara Arystankulova held a meeting with Arnaud Guillois, the newly appointed Director for Continental Europe at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
The sides noted the strong momentum in Kazakh-French relations and the dynamic development of the enhanced strategic partnership between the two countries. It was emphasized that mutual high-level visits and the trust-based dialogue between the Presidents of the two countries continue to provide sustained impetus to bilateral cooperation.
G.Arystankulova briefed her interlocutor on the key areas of Kazakhstan’s large-scale modernization, the ongoing constitutional reforms and the results of the Kurultai elections.
For his part, A.Guillois reaffirmed France’s interest in further developing comprehensive cooperation with Kazakhstan, France’s key strategic partner in the region. He particularly highlighted the leading role of the President of Kazakhstan in advancing the peacebuilding agenda, as well as Astana’s significant contribution to promoting international dialogue and cooperation.
On the economic track, the sides noted the potential for further cooperation in energy, water management, industry, digital technologies and tourism. The cumulative volume of French investment in Kazakhstan’s economy has exceeded USD 21 billion. Energy and transport security were also discussed, with particular emphasis on ensuring uninterrupted and secure supplies of Kazakh oil to international markets.
In the area of space cooperation, the sides welcomed the participation of a high-level Kazakh delegation in the first International Space Summit in Paris on 9-10 September.
The upcoming Days of Culture of Kazakhstan in France, to be held on 17-19 September 2026, were discussed as a separate topic. The programme will include screenings of Kazakh films, a Kazakh-French round table bringing together representatives of leading museums, libraries, cultural institutions and creative industries from both countries, as well as the “Stars of Kazakhstan” gala concert at the Théâtre Marigny in Paris.
On the multilateral track, the sides exchanged views on current issues on the international agenda and Kazakhstan’s initiatives aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation, dialogue and international security. The Kazakh Ambassador congratulated the French side on France’s presidency of the United Nations Security Council.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to maintaining an active political dialogue and further strengthening the Kazakh-French strategic partnership across the full range of bilateral cooperation.
Where there is unity, there is prosperity
Today, the world is experiencing a new era of globalization. We are currently living in a complex period of human history, encompassing economic, social, environmental and humanitarian dimensions.
States, international organizations and religious communities need to embrace a common approach based on virtue in such a period. It will only be possible through political, religious mutual understanding, cooperation and peacemaking efforts among different countries and peoples. The countries, as well as world and traditional religions, can achieve success only through spiritual friendship, regardless of the complexity of the situation.
Without spirituality and commitment to moral principles, it is impossible to establish order on global scale. We are proud to say that representatives of several nationalities and ethnic groups live peacefully in Kazakhstan. This is one of the brightest achievements of our country during the years of independence. If we take a brief look into history, we can observe that our ancestors, despite facing significant challenges, were able to maintain the unwavering unity of our country.
The rich spiritual culture of our people, with its deep historical roots, served as the foundation for making important state decisions in the early days of our independence.
Today, Kazakhstan has managed to create a civilized mechanism to preserve national unity on the path of democratic development.
“We should foster a culture of civilised dialogue and mutual respect. Effective use of the country's historical heritage and cultural potential is a crucial element in consolidating society and strengthening national identity. In this regard, Kazakhstan has many opportunities to position itself favorably in the international arena”, - says President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his State of the Nation address to the people.
Kazakhstan is making a confident step into the future through spiritual revival. The role of our state in promoting public spiritual harmony is to maintain a balanced relationship between secular and religious spirituality. It also aims to preserve and strengthen the values of modern civilization.
Religion holds a significant place in human life, it plays a crucial role in the process of revitalization, and exhibits great diversity. Religion gives meaning to human life and provides moral and spiritual education.
Leaders of religious communities play a special role in maintaining inter-ethnic and interfaith peace and harmony. Religious leaders can have a great influence in communicating decisions and concrete initiatives to their communities through dialogue.
With this goal in mind, Kazakhstan presented one of the most significant peacekeeping initiatives – the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. It has allowed Kazakhstan to become a platform for peaceful inter-civilizational dialogue. The forum offers a chance for religious leaders and politicians to discuss how to resolve international conflicts, address global threats and overcome hatred and intolerance.
Established in 2003 as a direct response to the increase in interfaith disagreements and extremism following the September 11 terrorist attack in the United States, the forum has enhanced interfaith dialogue by bringing together religious leaders”. Through the activities of this institute, Kazakhstan is promoting its national values to the global community and showing an example of spiritual unity.
In his published article in the Israeli “Jerusalem Post” President Tokayev proudly stated that Kazakhstan hosted the triennial Congress of Religious Leaders in Kazakhstan. Holding of the VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan in September 2022 as well as the participation of esteemed guests serve a clear testament to Kazakhstan’s reputation within the international community. It also reflects the high level of trust in President Tokayev and the people of the country.
On October 11, 2023, the 21st meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions will take place in Astana. The meeting will be chaired by Maulen Ashimbayev, the Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan and Head of the Secretariat of the Congress. Participants from more than 20 countries are expected to arrive.
As a country that has always prioritized the integrity and unity, as well as peace and harmony, we believe that the humankind can prevent religious and national conflicts by actively following the principles of tolerance and fostering relationships between different ethnic groups and religious beliefs.
Paris, 13 February 2023 – At the Headquarters of the specialized agency of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Gulsara Arystankulova, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to UNESCO, presented her credentials to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.
At the meeting, the Director-General noted the high level of cooperation between Kazakhstan and UNESCO in all matters within UNESCO's mandate, and especially emphasized the role of our country as an initiator in the promotion of intercultural dialogue. Furthermore, Azoulay welcomed the large-scale political and economic reforms in Kazakhstan being implemented under the leadership of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
In her turn, Arystankulova assured that Kazakhstan is firmly committed to further development of cooperation with the Organization and invited to pay an official visit to Kazakhstan having passed the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov to take part in the Astana International Forum to be held in June 2023.
Moreover, Azoulay thanked the Kazakh leadership for the assistance and accommodation provided to the staff of the Kabul office in Almaty who left Afghanistan in August 2021. In this context, the parties expressed their mutual interest in further fruitful activities of the UNESCO Cluster Office in Almaty.
In conclusion, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to further expand practical cooperation between Kazakhstan and UNESCO, with a focus on the implementation of new joint projects.
Париж, 2023 жылғы 1 ақпан - Қазақстанның Франциядағы Елшісі Г.Арыстанқұлова Франция Сенатында “Франция-Орталық Азия” достық тобының мүшелерімен дөңгелек үстел өткізді.
Қазақстан Елшісі достық топтың мүшелерін алдымен жалпы еліміздің дамуы жайлы, сонымен бірге саяси, әлеуметтік және экономикалық жағдайларға кеңірек тоқталып, қазіргі таңда Қазақстанның қолға алып жатқан барлық салалардағы реформаларынан хабардар етті. Сонымен бірге, таяуда ғана болған Президент Қ.Тоқаевтың Парижге ресми сапарының қорытындылары, екі ел арасындағы сауда-саттық және елімізге Франциядан тартылған инвестициялар жайлы айтты.
Алдағы кезектен тыс парламенттік сайлау науқаны жаңа жүйе бойынша жүргізілетінін ерекше атап өтіп, сайлауға қатысатын саяси партиялар туралы толық ақпарат берді.
Сенаторлар өз кезегінде елімізде болып жатқан тың өзгерістерден хабардар екенін, Қазақстанның халықаралық аренадағы бастамаларын қолдап, әрқашанда үлкен қызығушылық танытып жүретіндерін жеткізді. Өздері сайланған аймақтармен экономикалық ынтымақтастықты, сонымен қатар білім саласындағы байланыстарды жандандыруға дайын екендіктерін білдірді.
Тараптар қазіргі кездегі халықаралық жағдай бойынша пікір алмасып, екіжақты парламентаралық ынтымақтастықты ары қарай дамытуға уағдаласты.
Astana, November 21, 2022 – Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has won the presidential election in Kazakhstan after receiving 81,31 % of the vote. This was announced by the Central Election Commission (CEC) today after the votes were counted. According to the preliminary results, other candidates received votes as follows: Zhiguli Dairabayev – 3,42 %, Karakat Abden – 2,60 %, Meiram Kazhyken – 2,53 %, Nurlan Auesbayev – 2,22 %, Saltanat Tursynbekova – 2,12 %, against all – 5,8 %.
According to the CEC, 8 300 046 citizens cast their ballot, a turnout of 69.44%. Voting took place at 10,101 polling stations across the country, including 68 polling stations at 53 diplomatic missions of Kazakhstan around the world.
The election was monitored by 641 observers from international organisations and foreign states. Commenting on the election process, foreign observers noted the high organisational level of the election. No violations in the conduct of the election were reported by the observers. The election was also covered by 254 foreign journalists who received accreditation.
Speaking yesterday after casting his ballot, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that if elected, “the government will remain in office, but point-by-point changes in the composition of the government and other agencies will of course take place.” He also noted that he would announce the date of parliamentary elections at the end of the year.
In line with recent constitutional changes, President Tokayev will serve a 7-year term without the right to re-election. Answering a question yesterday from a journalist on whether seven years would be enough to fulfil all the promises to the people, Tokayev said: “I believe that seven years will be enough, because this is a long time in the life of any person. The most important thing is that there will be no monopoly on power in our country.”
This was the seventh presidential election in Kazakhstan since the country’s independence in 1991.
Your Excellencies, ambassadors and heads of representative offices!
Ladies and gentlemen!
I am happy to see you again. Holding a meeting with the diplomatic corps in our country has become a good tradition.
As you know, the Kazakh government and our people have always shown warm welcome to ambassadors.
Kazakhstan has established diplomatic relations with 186 countries.
We have 104 diplomatic missions in 70 countries. The number of foreign diplomatic missions in Kazakhstan is also growing every year.
Currently, there are 71 embassies and 30 international organisations in the country. This is a good indicator.
This year, Kazakhstan is marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with many countries.
Over the years of independence, Kazakhstan has strengthened its statehood.
Comprehensive steps have been taken towards political and socio-economic development.
We have been pursuing a balanced foreign policy and deserve our own place on the international scene.
Our foreign partners and international organisations have made a significant contribution to this. I express my gratitude to all of you.
Today's meeting is of particular importance.The international community is experiencing complex geopolitical and geo-economic challenges.
In such difficult times, immense challenges cannot be overcome by states alone.
The coronavirus pandemic, the global economic crisis and the consequences of regional conflicts are a demonstration of this.
Today, Kazakhstan is implementing large-scale reforms in various spheres and has embarked on the path of renewal and modernisation.
In this regard, I would like to draw your attention to our domestic and foreign policy priorities.
In three and a half years, significant work has been done in Kazakhstan on political modernisation and the protection of human rights.
Four separate political reform packages have been implemented.
Citizen empowerment has been enhanced, and national dialogue has been strengthened.
Civil society is playing a wider role. The effectiveness of state institutions has increased.
In my address to the nation in March this year, I proposed an extensive set of reforms.
Shaping the country's development path, we laid out a new state and social structure.
The Constitution was amended, and several new initiatives were implemented.
A national referendum was held for the first time since 1995. Overall, the people of Kazakhstan fully support the comprehensive modernisation process, which is in line with our strategic course. Kazakhstan has taken a decisive step towards a presidential republic with a strong parliament.
The Constitution now forbids the President from being a member of any political party during his term in office. Close relatives of the President cannot hold positions of political civil servants and heads of quasi-public sector organisations.
Now, the President has no right to repeal acts passed by regional governors (akims). His authority to do so is limited by law.
The approach to the formation of representative power has been amended. The presidential quota in the Senate has been reduced from 15 to 10 seats, with five deputies represented by the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan. The Mazhilis (lower house of parliament) is eligible to pass laws, while the Senate is only able to approve or return the law passed by the Mazhilis for further consideration. This change is necessary to strengthen the balance between the Houses of Parliament. In addition, parliamentary oversight will be strengthened to exercise control over the use of the state budget.
The election process is being continuously improved. The next Mazhilis will be formed according to a mixed system. One third of the MPs in the Mazhilis will run from single-member districts.
Elections to the Mazhilis and the Maslikhats (local representative bodies) will be held under the new, fair and transparent rules in the first half of next year.
Thereby, we will accomplish a vital electoral period and substantially modernise the system of state governance.
Opportunities for political parties in Kazakhstan are gradually expanding.
The number of signatures required to register political parties has been reduced fourfold and the requirements to establish a party have been significantly simplified.
This will intensify political and social engagement and stimulate competition among the parties.
It will also promote democratic principles. We have been consistently supporting human rights institutions in Kazakhstan.
In June last year, I signed a national decree on further measures in human rights protection.
We have also stipulated the abolition of the death penalty in the updated Constitution of Kazakhstan.
As a next step we are planning to adopt laws on the Constitutional Court and on the Commissioner for Human Rights.
The Constitutional Court will ensure the rule of law in the country and strengthen our cooperation with UN human rights treaty bodies.
Increasing the role and status of the Commissioner for Human Rights will promote human rights mechanisms in Kazakhstan, essentially expand the powers of the Ombudsman, and reinforce the institution’s role in the state system and public life.
In our domestic policy, we consistently follow the postulate “we are different, but equal”.
Therefore, we are focused on enhancing the role of civil society, strengthening inter-ethnic, inter-religious trust and tolerance, consolidating various social forces and implementing the principle of a “listening state”.
The first meeting of the consultative and advisory platform, the National “Kurultai”, was held in June this year.
This body brings together representatives of public councils, political parties, and NGOs.
Its work is designed to set a qualitatively new institutional framework for national dialogue and to strengthen constructive interaction between civil society and the state.
We are focused on ensuring a free and competitive environment for mass media.
A law on mass media is being drafted. The ongoing democratization and socio-political transformation are irreversible.
With respect to the institutions of state, we will be strongly commited to the formula “strong President - influential Parliament - accountable Government.”
Our ultimate goal is to build a Presidential Republic with strong parliamentary traditions.
In my recent State of the Nation Address, I initiated an amendment to limit the length of executive power through a presidential term limit.
In this regard, on September 17, the Parliament passed an amendment to the Constitution introducing a single presidential term of seven years.
It’s about to prevent any attempt to monopolize state power in the future, to enhance the stability and predictability of our political system, and to contribute to the rise of new generations of leaders.
This new model will provide a regular rotation of power and the democratic development of modern Kazakh statehood.
Therefore, the upcoming elections should build momentum for a new political tradition in Kazakhstan.
Our paramount goal is to build a Just Kazakhstan, in which every citizen will have equal conditions and opportunities to unlock their potential.
We are placing the concept of justice at the core of state policy and national ideology. The aim is to improve the welfare of people while promptly responding to the needs and requests of citizens.
As a matter of fact, our strategy of transforming the whole society toward democracy and modernization is not «window-dressing reform» as some reports try to argue. It’s a real reform.
Therefore, we hope, your reports on the situation in Kazakhstan will be continuously professionally unbiased.
My team and I are strongly committed to holding open and fair presidential elections.
We are convinced that political reforms should go hand in hand with comprehensive economic transformation.
We are setting a new economic course aimed at building a genuinely free and competitive market economy. Demonopolization of the economy will make it stronger, more competitive and attractive.
All major international financial agencies have praised Kazakhstan's efforts to return to the economic growth and confirmed a stable outlook for its sovereign credit rating. We remain an open economy that trades with 180 countries. Despite global economic challenges, our exports of non-primary goods increased by almost 40% ($16.6 bln).
We are also determined to continue to serve as the most attractive investment destination in this part of the world. In just 6 months this year, foreign partners invested around 15 billion dollars in our economy, 30% higher than the previous year.
In response to geopolitical tensions, we are ready to put in place the institutional requirements for direct collaboration with foreign companies relocating to Kazakhstan or looking for joint ventures.
We are planning to introduce a new tax code to create an effective fiscal environment. Businesses will be exempted from complicated and excessive requirements, which should reduce the burden on business by an average of 30%.
Next June the Astana International Forum is to take place here, in our capital. Some heads of state, government and leading enterpreneurs, international experts as well as representatives of the civil societies are also expected to take part on our invitation. I urge foreign embassies also to get involved in the preparation of this important event.
Dear Аmbassadors!
When it comes to our economic and trade cooperation, the sky is the limit. Let me elaborate on promising areas.
First, Kazakhstan makes a significant contribution to ensuring regional and global food security. We are the world’s top ten largest exporter of grain crops, annually supplying over 5 million tons of wheat and 1.5 million tons of flour. Today Kazakhstan has become one of the world’s leading producer of flaxseed and increased oilseed exports to 1 million tons.
Meanwhile, we are concerned by the continuous high level of import of foodstuff from abroad which leads to high inflation. Experts rightly admit that inflation in Kazakhstan is of foreign origin.
By 2050 the world's population will reach 10 billion people. As a result, the production of food products must increase by one and a half times. Therefore, the agro-industrial sector needs transforming based on innovative and environment-friendly technologies.
In this regard, we have recently launched a national project for the agro-industrial complex development. The goal is to increase the productivity of the sector by 2.5 times and, more importantly while doubling the volume of our exports.
Second, there is a great potential for cooperation in the manufacturing sector. Kazakhstan is a global leader in critical raw mineral and material reserves. It can play a crucial role in bolstering global supply chains and emerging technologies.
We possess the world’s 6th largest natural mineral reserves deposits and rank 10th for total mineral production (excluding oil and gas). Kazakhstan offers deposits of more than 60 precious and non-ferrous metals for exploration and development.
It is estimated that the world will need approximately 700 million tons of copper to switch to green energy over the next 22 years, which is equal to the volume of copper mined throughout all history.
Global demand for critical materials and rare earth metals is expected to increase 4 times by 2040. The energy transition will require a twenty-fold increase in the production of rare earth metals.
With the second largest proven oil reserves in Eurasia, Kazakhstan is a reliable supplier of oil and gas to mitigate global energy crisis. Our country also accounts for 45% of the global uranium market output. It is a reliable long-term supplier of nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants around the world on very competitive conditions.
In addition, our country accounts for 11% of the global titanium market, used in shipbuilding, medicine, oil and chemicals.
Third, energy and green finance. We fully support global efforts to address the climate emergency. Our internal priorities are energy transition and fostering green economic development.
In fact, our country was the first among the CIS region to have ratified the Paris Agreement. Today, renewables account for 3% of the total energy balance of Kazakhstan. We have set ourselves a target of 15% – some 7,000 megawatts of additional renewable energy capacity – by 2030.
As you know, Kazakhstan has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. To this end, we are finalizing a Low Carbon Development Strategy that will provide an optimal path to net zero emissions.
We commend Egypt hosting this month an important event on climate COP27.
Fourth is transport and logistics. Kazakhstan has big potential as a provider of sustainable supply chains. Today, more than 80% of land transit traffic along the China-Europe corridor passes freely through our country.
According to the World Bank, the development of transit and transport potential can contribute to a 15% cumulative GDP increase in the countries of Central Asia. Kazakhstan already plays a significant role in the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route – the so-called Middle Corridor – is becoming increasingly important. We should work together to develop this route which is critical to energy and food supply diversification and security.
So far this year, I have met and secured the support of the Heads of State of China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Azerbaijan to develop this corridor.
We consider it necessary to conduct this work in synergy with the development of the Kazakhstan – Turkmenistan – Iran railway and other trans-Eurasian “North-South”and “East-West” corridors.
Fifth, cooperation with our National Wealth Fund and privatization program. Today, our Sovereign Wealth Fund Samruk-Kazyna is among the world’s top-30 sovereign wealth funds, with 70 billion dollars in assets. Currently, the Fund is undergoing transformation focused on greater transparency and efficiency.
One of the key initiatives in this respect is privatization of the Fund’s portfolio companies. The largest companies of the Fund such as the national oil company, national airlines and railway companies will be taken public shortly.
KazMunayGas – our national oil champion – is doing an IPO in Kazakhstan this fall.
Overall, we have prepared a comprehensive list of 700 large and small companies to be privatized. For each asset, we have formed a special project group to interact with potential investors. Ultimately, we aim to grow our national fund to 100 billion US dollars.
Sixth, in our vision, Kazakhstan is set to become one of the regional technological hubs in Eurasia. We have already started digital transformation across the country. These efforts have been recognized globally. The UN placed our e-government system in the TOP-30 list and ranked us 11th in the online service index. This year we plan to increase our exports of IT-products and services by 3 times compared to 2020 (from $33 mln. to $100 mln).
We also plan to significantly strengthen human capital via training 100,000 globally competitive IT-specialists by 2025.
Seventh, investment policy and development of finance sector. For three decades, there has been a steady annual increase in foreign direct investment. The average annual volume has amounted to 24 billion dollars over the past five years. We plan to attract 150 billion dollars of FDI within the next 7 years.
Kazakhstan is attracting increasingly more foreign companies. We welcome them and intend to continue creating favorable conditions for mutually beneficial cooperation with investors.
On my instructions, the Government has developed a new investment policy through 2026. An important dimension of this policy is to attract ESG (Environmental/Social/Governance) investors and to develop the non-resource sector of the economy.
We are focused on ensuring transparency of interaction between the state, business and society, including through digital solutions.
The Astana International Financial Centre is already partnering with some of you. It is a one-of-a-kind institution in Central Asia, offering a Common Law-based international court and arbitration system, world-class regulation, and tax exemptions. Just recently, the OECD recognized that the tax regime of the AIFC complies with the global standards of transparency.
This center facilitates offshore access to our markets, in particular, capital markets. Its international exchange has already hosted successful IPOs, and I believe its partnership with major companies demonstrates our willingness to work together with the international financial community. The Center hosts over 1,600 companies from 65 countries.
In sum, Kazakhstan is open for international cooperation! We will continue constructive and balanced engagement with strategic partners and all interested countries. We will also continue to further diversify our economy. The states and agencies you represent are invited to join us in mutually beneficial partnership!
Dear ladies and gentlemen!
Amid unprecedented turbulence, Kazakhstan remains committed to the balanced, multidirectional and constructive foreign policy.
Kazakhstan is firmly dedicated to the values of sustainable peace, cooperation and trust. We stand for the principles of equality, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states based on the UN Charter and international law.
Kazakhstan’s assessment is very simple and clear – we do not believe in zero-sum games. We wish to replace the “Great Game” with Great Gain for all in the Heart of Eurasia.
We are interested in maintaining and strengthening trust, friendship and strategic partnership with our neighbors and with all countries that are really interested in developing cooperation with Kazakhstan.
In recent years, processes of political and economic cooperation have been significantly intensified in Central Asia. This is a positive trend. Today, Kazakhstan and the region demonstrate openness and readiness for mutually beneficial cooperation with all interested states and organizations.
With the rising importance of Central Asia, regionally and globally the C5+ format is bringing new opportunities to expand cooperation with our partners. Currently, the C5+ is actively engaging with many countries and regional unions including USA, Japan, South Korea and more recently China, India, Russia and the European Union.
Being the leading economy of Central Asia, Kazahstan will futher contribute to regional and global development, and to creating bridges between continents, cultures and nations.
In this vein we will continue proactive partnership with all members of the global community, including ASEAN, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.
Strenghthening our work with international and regional organizations will also remain an important diplomatic priority.
Kazakhstan is fully committed to deepening its multifaceted cooperation with the United Nations, which remains a bulwark of multilateralism and indispensable to global peace, security and prosperity of all nations.
Over 30 years the UN has contributed strongly to the sustainable development of Kazakhstan.
We appreciate the UN team for their continuous support to our comprehensive reform agenda. 400 UN projects have been successfully implemented in various fields.
We were privileged to be elected to the Security Council in 2017-2018, and currently sit in both the UN Human Rights Council and ECOSOC (2022-2024).
Kazakhstan will remain a staunch advocate of a strong and effective UN’s role in addressing global challenges and reinforcing interstate cooperation.
Our initiative to establish the UN Center for SDGs for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty is evidence of Kazakhstan's readiness to contribute to the 2030 Agenda.
Two years ago, I proposed the creation of an International Agency for Biological Safety under UN auspieces. In close cooperation with the UN Kazakhstan strongly advocates for maintaining key pillars of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. We are witnessing a worrying increase in references to the use of nuclear weapons.
We must remember that atomic energy is an outstanding achievement of mankind, which should be used exclusively for the peaceful benefit of our peoples, and not as a destructive weapon.
I am pleased to note that the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) has obtained new substance and dimension.
CICA is expected to be transformed into a full-fledged international organization.
In this regard, I would like to express special gratitude to the foreign diplomatic corps in Kazakhstan for its successful work on the recent Summit.
Another important regional organization is the Commonwealth of Independent States which has proved to be an effective platform for multifaceted partnership.
We will be actively engaged in the Eurasian Economic Union to protect our longterm national interests in the economic and financial areas.
As chair, Kazakhstan made solid efforts to fully utilize the potential of the CIS this year. We hope that it will futher strenghthen trade, economic partnership and people-to-people relations.
Looking ahead, in the second half of next year Kazakhstan will assume chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
By virtue of its universal mandate and mutual consolidation, the SCO is able to contribute to tackling the most acute problems of our time.
The expansion of the SCO membership testifies to its steadily growing role. Similarly, Turkic cooperation has become one of the key dimensions of our foreign policy.
We seek further strengthening and development of the Organization of Turkic States platfrom in areas like security, trade and economic development, culture and humanitarian cooperation for the benefit of Kazakhstan.
Along with these political and diplomatic efforts to maintain peace and stability, we attach great importance to interreligious dialogue.
The 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana recently, was the largest event since its establishment 19 years ago.
It was attended for the first time by Pope Francis, as well as more than 100 representatives of 18 religions. As the Pope noted, Kazakhstan plays a special role as a “place of meeting and dialogue”.
The Congress once again stressed the importance of religious tolerance, dialogue and peaceful resolution of issues.
Your Excellencies,
ladies and gentlemen,
Diplomacy remains the only tool to manage international relations, reduce risks and strengthen security and well-being. With your professional help and through joint dedicated efforts, we must aim to continuously strengthen Kazakhstan’s friendly and mutually beneficial ties with your respective countries and organizations.
Please be assured that all your constructive undertakings will meet the proper response and support from my Administration and Kazakh Government.
A Kazakh Proverb says “Ырыс алды – ынтымақ” which means “The key to prosperity is friendship”.
I look forward to continuing constructive dialogue and partnership with Heads of State and Government whom you represent here.
I wish you good health and every success in your noble endeavours!
Thank you!