Tokyo, October 19, 2026 - A conference was held in Tokyo on strengthening transport connectivity between Japan, Central Asia and the Caucasus through the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (hereinafter referred to as the TITR) and the launch of a direct air service between Tokyo and Almaty. The event, aimed at attracting Japanese investment in the TITR’s infrastructure, brought together approximately 100 participants, including representatives of relevant government ministries, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Business Association ROTOBO, and Japan’s logistics sector.
Ambassadors of Kazakhstan, Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev, and Azerbaijan, Farid Talibov, presented their respective countries’ transport development strategies, highlighting efforts to improve the efficiency of logistics chains and expand international transport cooperation. In his remarks, Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev highlighted the official commissioning of the Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Communication Line in Baku on October 15, 2026, in the presence of Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Ilham Aliyev. The project is expected to expand international data exchange capacity and enhance the resilience of digital communications.
Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Kei Takagi, emphasized the strategic importance of the TITR for Tokyo in the context of diversifying international transport and logistics routes. He noted that the development of the Middle Corridor offers additional opportunities to strengthen Japan’s trade and economic ties with the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus.
Mieko Koyanagi, Director of the International Logistics Office at Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), briefed participants on the results of trial shipments conducted by Japanese companies along the Middle Corridor. These trials made it possible to analyze key parameters of the route, including delivery times and costs, the specifics of customs clearance procedures, and the quality of transport and logistics services. Particular attention was given to Japan’s support for improving the efficiency of customs administration at the Port of Aktau. The project, valued at up to JPY 719 million, includes the installation of a fixed, large-scale X-ray scanning system at the port, which is expected to reduce cargo inspection times by a factor of three.
As part of the event, Adel Dauletbek, Air Astana’s Senior Regional Manager for the Republic of Korea and Japan, provided an overview of prospects for strengthening transport connectivity in light of the planned launch of direct scheduled flights between Almaty and Tokyo’s Narita Airport in December, 2026.
Sofia, 19 October 2026 Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Bulgaria, Viktor Temirbayev, held a meeting with Bulgaria’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Georgi Peev.
The interlocutors noted that the fifth meeting of the Kazakhstan-Bulgaria Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, held in Sofia on May 20, 2025, and the official visit of Rumen Radev to Kazakhstan on June 9, 2025, during his tenure as President of Bulgaria, gave additional impetus to the development of bilateral relations.
The meeting addressed the current state and prospects of transport and logistics cooperation between Kazakhstan and Bulgaria. Particular attention was paid to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), given its growing role in facilitating freight transportation between Europe, the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and China.
The parties also discussed prospects for establishing direct air links between the two countries and expanding cooperation in international road transport.
Georgi Peev noted that Bulgaria has the potential to strengthen its role as a transport and logistics hub for transit shipments between Asia and Europe. He expressed Bulgaria’s readiness to intensify cooperation with Kazakhstan to develop the TITR. According to the Minister, expanding cooperation in this area will contribute to the growth of bilateral trade.
Kuala Lumpur, 19 October 2026 – Malik Murzalin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Malaysia, presented his credentials to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. The ceremony took place at the Istana Negara Royal Palace.
During the audience, the Ambassador conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to His Majesty, and reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s interest in further strengthening friendly relations with Malaysia.
Ambassador Murzalin noted that active political dialogue provides favourable foundation for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation and deepening ties between the peoples of the two countries. The Ambassador emphasised that the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, to be marked in 2027, presents an opportunity to impart fresh impetus to bilateral engagement.
In turn, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim congratulated Ambassador Murzalin on the official commencement of his diplomatic mission and conveyed his best wishes to the President and the people of Kazakhstan. His Majesty noted that Kazakhstan is an important partner of Malaysia in Central Asia and expressed his support for further strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two states.
Beijing, October 19, 2026 - The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the People’s Republic of China, Shakhrat Nuryshov, held a meeting with Gao Bo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of China State Construction Engineering Corporation International (CSCEC International).
The parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the construction and infrastructure sectors, with particular emphasis on the implementation of a major project in the city of Alatau.
Gao Bo provided an update on the progress of design and preparatory works and expressed the company’s readiness to leverage its expertise in integrated urban development, including the construction of various engineering and transport infrastructure facilities, as well as their subsequent management.
CSCEC International is considering the possibility of participating in the development of transport infrastructure in Astana and Almaty, the construction of data centres, and the implementation of joint energy projects in Kazakhstan.
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to China emphasized Kazakhstan’s interest in attracting Chinese investment and advanced technologies, highlighting the importance of securing financing for the proposed initiatives.
Samarkand, 19 October 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi took part in the C5+1 Ministerial Meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Heads of Foreign Ministries of the Central Asian states, held during the Republic of Uzbekistan’s chairmanship.
During the meeting, participants discussed developing trade, economic and investment cooperation, strengthening regional connectivity, and implementing joint initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable economic growth.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister noted the historic role of Kazakhstan and US in establishing the C5+1 format, which has proven to be an effective platform for developing regional cooperation.
The Minister drew attention to the importance of expanding trade, developing transport and logistics infrastructure, and diversifying supply chains.
Participants also considered prospects for implementing joint projects in the fields of critical minerals, energy, digitalization and innovation.
Following the meeting, a Joint Statement was adopted, reflecting the parties’ readiness to further strengthen their long-term, mutually beneficial partnership and implement the agreements reached.
Samarkand, 19 October 2026 – A meeting was held between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The heads of the foreign policy agencies of the two countries discussed prospects for further developing the enhanced strategic partnership, with an emphasis on strengthening trade, economic and investment cooperation.
The parties noted the positive momentum in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their mutual interest in expanding practical cooperation, increasing trade turnover and implementing joint investment projects.
Particular attention was paid to the implementation of agreements reached at the highest level, including those resulting from the meeting between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and US President Donald Trump in November 2025.
M. Tileuberdi emphasized the importance of strengthening business ties, attracting American investment and advanced technologies, as well as developing cooperation in the fields of energy, critical minerals, digitalization, transport and logistics.
The parties also exchanged views on preparations for the upcoming G20 Summit in Miami. In addition, M. Rubio confirmed his interest in making a full-fledged visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan soon after the G20 Summit.
Following the meeting, mutual interest in further strengthening the enhanced Kazakhstan–US strategic partnership and achieving concrete, practical results was reaffirmed.
Baghdad, October 18, 2026 – During the 52nd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC CFM), held in the capital of the Republic of Iraq, Ambassador Bagdat Amreyev, representing the Republic of Kazakhstan, was unanimously elected to the position of Assistant Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for Administration and Finance. During the session, Ambassador Bagdat Amreyev also took the oath of office, officially assuming his duties.
The election of Kazakhstan’s representative to one of the senior leadership positions within the OIC General Secretariat, the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations in terms of the number of Member States, reflects the high level of trust placed in Kazakhstan by OIC Member States and recognition of its contribution to strengthening multilateral cooperation. This decision is expected to further enhance cooperation between Kazakhstan and the OIC and promote joint initiatives in the interests of the Organization’s Member States.
Dushanbe, 18 October 2026 - Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Mukushev took part in the meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States, held in Dushanbe on 15-18 October 2026.
During the meeting participants discussed a wide range of issues related to the advancement of trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation within the SCO framework. They held an in-depth exchange of views on the schedule of SCO events at the highest and senior levels for 2026-2027.
Particular attention was devoted to preparations for the forthcoming meeting of the SCO Member States’ Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers), to take place in Dushanbe on 19-20 October 2026. The discussions focused, inter alia, on the draft outcome documents addressing transport and transit connectivity, the strengthening of financial cooperation, and further efforts to enhance the functioning of the Organisation.
Following the meeting, the national coordinators agreed to pursue practical measures to further improve the efficiency of the SCO’s mechanisms and advance multifaceted cooperation among its Member States.
The Council of National Coordinators of the SCO Member States serves as a coordinating mechanism for the Organisation’s ongoing activities and facilitates interaction among the relevant ministries and government agencies of the SCO Member States.
Baghdad, October 18, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issagaliyev participated in the 52nd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OICCFM).
During the meeting, the heads of delegations of the OIC Member States discussed pressing issues on the international and regional agenda, paying particular attention to the situation in the Islamic world and ways to resolve military-political and humanitarian crises, including the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The participants emphasized the importance of intensifying diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East, strengthening peace and ensuring regional stability.
In his statement, Arman Issagaliyev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s unwavering commitment to the peaceful settlement of international and regional conflicts exclusively through political and diplomatic means, in accordance with the principles of international law and the UN Charter. He also underscored the importance of strengthening multilateral dialogue and consolidating the efforts of the OIC Member States to promote peace, security and sustainable development.
Particular importance was attached to issues of relevance to Kazakhstan, including nuclear non-proliferation, strengthening food security, developing transport and logistics connectivity, expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, digitalization and advanced technologies, as well as promoting environmental initiatives, including the rehabilitation of the territory of the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site.
An important outcome of the session for Kazakhstan was the election of Ambassador Bagdat Amreyev to the position of Assistant Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation for Administration and Finance. This decision demonstrates the high level of trust among OIC member states in Kazakhstan and recognizes its contribution to the development of multilateral cooperation within the Organization
Following the 52nd Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, a package of resolutions covering political, economic, legal, cultural and humanitarian issues was adopted. All initiatives put forward by Kazakhstan were duly reflected and incorporated into the relevant outcome documents of the OIC CFM.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Issetov held a meeting with the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais
During the meeting, the sides noted the positive momentum in Kazakhstan–EU relations and underscored the strategic importance of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) as the key institutional framework for further deepening bilateral ties.
Particular attention was paid to the practical implementation of agreements reached at the highest levels, including those stemming from the visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Brussels on 23 June 2026, as well as to further development of cooperation within the Central Asia–European Union format.
In the context of expanding the EU’s economic engagement in the region, the sides discussed prospects of strengthening transport and logistics connectivity, including the further development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, attracting European investment, and implementing infrastructure projects under the Global Gateway initiative.