Kazakhstan’s Experience in Using Digital Technologies to Combat Drug Crime Presented in Vienna
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On the margins of the 69th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Kazakhstan delegation organized a side event titled "The Digital Shield: The Role of Innovative Technologies in Detecting Illicit Drug Trafficking and Laundering of Criminal Proceeds". The event was co-organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP), and the Foundation for the Internationalization of Public Administrations (FIAP), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the International organizations in Vienna, in his opening remarks emphasized the importance of international cooperation in countering the drug threat. He noted that new technologies can serve as a "Digital Shield", enabling states and international organizations to more effectively detect illicit flows and disrupt the activities of criminal networks.
Key speakers at the event included Oliver Stolpe, Regional Representative of UNODC; Alexey Rogov, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana; and Tobias Jung Altrogge, Secretary General of FIAP.
During the side event, representatives of the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Agency for Financial Monitoring presented reports on the process of digital transformation of the drug control system and the introduction of modern technological solutions into the activities of Kazakhstan’s law enforcement agencies. They also outlined the set of measures implemented in the country to combat drug crime, as well as approaches to detecting crimes involving the use of virtual assets, including monitoring suspicious transactions and applying advanced analytical systems.
The event also highlighted the important contribution of civil society to drug crime prevention. In particular, representatives of the public foundations "Hak Nazar" and "Esbol Qory" spoke about the role of cooperation between the state and the civil sector in forming a comprehensive approach to combating drugs.
More than two hundred participants representing states, international organizations, the expert community, and civil society attended the event. The discussion generated strong interest among participants, confirming the relevance of the topic and the need to strengthen cooperation in this field.
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Astana and Brussels Discuss New Areas of Cooperation
Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium Roman Vassilenko held a meeting with the Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region (BCR), Boris Dilliès, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The parties discussed prospects for enhancing cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Brussels-Capital Region, with particular emphasis on trade and economic relations, investment, digitalization, innovation, and interregional cooperation.
Ambassador Vassilenko noted that Belgium is one of Kazakhstan’s important political and economic partners. He highlighted that bilateral trade reached USD 583 million in 2025, representing a 28% increase, while the total volume of Belgian investments in Kazakhstan’s economy exceeded USD 14.5 billion, making Belgium one of the ten largest investors in the country.
Special attention was paid to investment attraction and entrepreneurship development. In this regard, the parties discussed opportunities to expand cooperation between the business communities of Kazakhstan and the Brussels-Capital Region, as well as interaction between institutions supporting investment and small and medium-sized enterprises.
The discussions also focused on digitalization, innovation, and artificial intelligence. The parties also exchanged views on the development of smart cities, digital governance, and urban infrastructure. In this context, Kazakhstan’s intelligent public safety and traffic management system "Sergek," which has been implemented in major cities across the country, was presented.
Taking into account Boris Dilliès’ extensive experience as Mayor of the Brussels municipality of Uccle and his long-standing work in urban governance, the parties explored the possibility of establishing partnership ties with regions of Kazakhstan. Potential cooperation could include the exchange of experience in urban planning, municipal administration, digitalization of public services, investment attraction, and sustainable urban development.
For his part, Boris Dilliès emphasized Kazakhstan’s important role in the Central Asian region and the dynamic growth of its economy, expressing his intention to contribute to the further strengthening of trade, economic, and cultural cooperation. In this context, the interlocutors welcomed the growing presence of Brussels-based companies in Kazakhstan, including the well-known bakery-restaurant chain Le Pain Quotidien, which is already operating in Almaty and Astana.
The parties also discussed cultural and humanitarian cooperation, reaffirming the importance of implementing joint projects in this area. In this regard, they highlighted the recently initiated partnership between the new Almaty Museum of Arts and Brussels’ KANAL - Centre Pompidou museum, including exchanges of exhibitions, expertise, and cultural projects.
At the meeting, the Ambassador also informed the Minister-President of Brussels about the large-scale political reforms being implemented in Kazakhstan and the adoption of the country’s new Constitution, which will enter into force on 1 July 2026. He noted that the reforms are aimed at further improving the system of public administration, strengthening the rule of law, and expanding citizens’ participation in public and political life.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in developing practical cooperation and agreed to continue contacts on the implementation of joint initiatives in the fields of investment, innovation, and interregional cooperation.
The Brussels-Capital Region is the political and administrative center of Belgium, one of the country’s three regions within its federal structure, and one of Europe’s leading international business and institutional hubs. In 2025, the region’s gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to approximately EUR 108.5 billion (USD 117.8 billion), while GDP per capita exceeded EUR 80,000, one of the highest levels in the European Union.
The regional economy is predominantly service- and innovation-oriented. Key sectors include financial services, international trade, consulting, information and communication technologies, the digital economy, research and development, as well as the activities of European and international institutions. Brussels hosts the headquarters of the European Union, NATO, numerous international organizations, multinational corporations, and industry associations.
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Central Asian Business Leaders Expand Business Ties in South Africa
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A working business forum was held in Johannesburg with the participation of entrepreneurs from Central Asian countries and Russia. The event was organized by the Davlatov Group of Companies in partnership with the Central Asia Group, with the support of the Embassies of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Georgia in the Republic of South Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The event brought together representatives of the business communities of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Russia, operating in various sectors of the economy, including the industrial sector, telecommunications, retail trade, agribusiness, logistics, construction, education, distribution, and the jewelry industry. The South African side was represented by delegates from the business community and expert organizations.
During the forum, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerkin Akhinzhanov, noted the consistent efforts to expand trade, economic, and investment cooperation with countries of Southern Africa, and emphasized the growing potential for interregional cooperation between Central Asian countries and states of the African continent.
Particular attention was given to the development of transport and logistics connectivity between regions, including the significance of the Middle Corridor as a strategic route aimed at enhancing the resilience of global supply chains, diversifying transport flows, and expanding access to new markets.
Following the forum, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the South Africa and Kazakhstan Trading and Culture Association (SAKTCA) and the Central Asia Group (CAG). The document is aimed at developing a sustainable platform for interaction between business communities, as well as strengthening trade, economic, investment, cultural, and educational ties.
As part of the visit, the delegation familiarized itself with the activities of enterprises and infrastructure facilities in the Gauteng and Western Cape provinces, covering key sectors of the South African economy, including mining, agribusiness, and export-oriented logistics. Meetings were also held with representatives of the Cape Town Chamber of Commerce, during which prospects for expanding direct business contacts and further developing economic cooperation between business communities were discussed.
Background: The South Africa and Kazakhstan Trading and Culture Association (SAKTCA), established in 2024, is an organization aimed at promoting and strengthening bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of South Africa in the fields of trade, investment, culture, education, tourism, and public initiatives. The Association serves as a platform for interaction between businesses, institutions, and expert communities of both countries.
The Central Asia Group (CAG), established in 2003, is an international consulting company specializing in market entry, risk analysis, and strategic business advisory services in Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
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Kazakhstan and Hail Agree to Enhance Cooperation in Investment and Agro-Industrial Sectors
Within the framework of the visit to Hail Province, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Madiyar Menilbekov, held a series of high-level meetings with the regional leadership and business community representatives, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the visit, talks were held with the Governor of Hail Province, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The parties highlighted the high level of political and economic relations between the two nations and discussed avenues for deepening interregional cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on the prospects of joint implementation of potential investment and agricultural projects.
At the meeting with the CEO of the Regional Development Authority, Omar bin Abdullah Al-Abduljabbar, the sides reviewed the province’s infrastructure and urban development plans. The interlocutors exchanged views on sharing experience and expertise in logistics, mining, smart city technologies, and tourism.
Furthermore, mechanisms for increasing bilateral trade volume were discussed with the Vice Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ali bin Bandar Alsdairi. The agenda focused on organizing joint investment events, B2B meetings, as well as boosting the export and import of agricultural products.
Following the negotiations with the leadership of Hail Province, agreements were reached to establish working-level contacts for the practical execution of investment partnerships and agro-industrial cooperation.
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Kazakhstan’s Digital Transformation Experience Draws Kuwait’s Interest
Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Kuwait Yerzhan Yelekeyev held a meeting with Acting Director General of the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) of the State of Kuwait, Najat Hussein Ibrahim, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The Ambassador briefed the Kuwaiti side on the digital transformation reforms being implemented in Kazakhstan, highlighting the establishment of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, as well as the country's achievements in building a modern digital ecosystem for public services.
It was noted that Kazakhstan ranks 24th among 193 countries in the UN E-Government Development Index and is among the global leaders in the development of online public services.
The Ambassador also noted that, at the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, 2026 has been declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan. Within this framework, the country is implementing comprehensive measures aimed at developing artificial intelligence, strengthening digital infrastructure, training IT specialists, and introducing advanced technologies into public administration and the economy.
The Kazakh side also presented the capabilities of the national e-government system, through which citizens and businesses have access to more than one thousand public services in digital format, enabling most services to be obtained remotely and significantly improving the efficiency of interaction with government agencies.
For its part, the Kuwaiti side expressed interest in studying Kazakhstan's experience in digital governance and the implementation of electronic public services, noting the country's significant achievements in this field.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to organize an online meeting between the relevant authorities of the two countries in the near future to discuss practical areas of cooperation, as well as to explore the possibility of mutual visits aimed at exchanging experience and strengthening practical collaboration.
The Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) is the authorized government body of the State of Kuwait responsible for the digital transformation of the public sector, the development of e-government and information technologies, and the implementation of the country's national digital strategy.
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Central Asian Countries Reaffirm Commitment to the Principles of the UN Charter
The Permanent Representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to the United Nations took part in the UN80 commemorative event marking the anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Ahead of the anniversary, President of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock invited Member States to reaffirm their commitment to the UN Charter through the signing of a symbolic document reflecting the core values and aspirations set out in its Preamble.
The countries of Central Asia became the first regional group to join the initiative collectively. Their participation underscored the region’s shared commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism, international law and mutually beneficial cooperation.
UN Charter Day is observed annually on 26 June, commemorating the signing of the Charter of the United Nations in San Francisco on 26 June 1945.
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Kazakhstan and Serbia Discuss Cooperation within International Organizations in Belgrade
Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Serbia Madi Atamkulov met with Damjan Jović, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the meeting, the parties discussed topics on the agenda of bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and Serbia, as well as synchronized their positions on cooperation between the foreign ministries in a multilateral format.
Ambassador Atamkulov thanked his Serbian colleagues for their traditional support of Kazakhstan’s international initiatives; in turn, State Secretary Jović reaffirmed Belgrade’s commitment to further deepening its partnership with the Republic of Kazakhstan.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their intention to continue regular dialogue and expand cooperation on the international stage.
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Kazakhstan and Türkiye Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthening Cooperation on International Legal Issues
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Consultations on international legal issues between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Türkiye were held in Ankara, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The Kazakh side was represented by Dastan Suleimenov, Director of the International Law Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, while the Turkish side was represented by Firat Sunel, Director General of the Department of International Law and Treaties of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye.
The current state and prospects for further improvement of the treaty and legal framework of bilateral relations were discussed.
In addition, the sides discussed legal aspects of cooperation within the framework of international and regional organizations and exchanged views on current issues of international law.
The consultations were held in a constructive atmosphere and confirmed the mutual interest in strengthening cooperation between the legal services of the foreign ministries of the two countries.
By agreement of the sides, the next round of consultations will be held in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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