About: Kazakhstan
Central Asia leaders meet again in sign of increased regional cooperation
A five-way summit hosted by Uzbekistan’s President Shavket Mirziyoyev took place in the Kuksaroy Palace in Tashkent, the country's capital, on Friday (29 November). The second meeting of Central Asia leaders in as many years focused on geopolitics and stability, but also on environmental concerns.
Strong state power – the case of Kazakhstan
From the early stage of its post-Soviet transition, Kazakhstan has consolidated strong state power to avoid chaos. Today, as the country is considered successful at home and internationally, this centralisation is being reduced and tribute is being paid to the one person who steered the country during the last 30 years.
‘Almost impossible’ to rival China’s business clout in Central Asia
“China is coming with an offer nobody can refuse, while the EU is coming with an offer nobody can understand." For many in Central Asia, that phrase – although intended as a joke – best summarises the European way of doing business.
East-West corridor: ‘Hard’ versus ‘soft’ connectivity?
A conference organised by EURACTIV on ‘Global Eurasia – connectivity as a driver for peace, stability and security’ raised questions such as “greener” connectivity, in line with Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen’s priorities. But diplomats from the region were more focused on infrastructure.
Belgian investors give feedback on their Kazakh experience
The deputy foreign minister of Kazakhstan, Yermek Kosherbayev, met with a dozen Belgian investors in Brussels on Wednesday (9 October) to hear about their experience with his country and help solve potential issues.
Kazakhstan positions itself as a bridge between Asia and Europe
The main areas that Central Asia region wants to be focused on in the next years are environment protection and trade liberalization. EURACTIV.cz reports from Nur-Sultan.
Eurasia comes together in Nur-Sultan, but differences are still big
The 21st century should be defined by cooperation between Europe and Asia. That was the message of the fourth Eurasian conference, held in Kazakhstan’s capital Nur-Sultan on Tuesday (24 September). However, differences among participants prevented it from achieving concrete results.
Kazakhstan’s new president vows to pursue controlled democratisation
Kazakhstan’s new President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered on Monday (2 September) his first major speech following his election last June, defining his policies in all fields of the economy and society.
Central Asia ministerial welcomes the EU’s new strategy for the region
Gathered in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, on Sunday (7 July), the Foreign Ministers of the five Central Asian countries welcomed the new EU Strategy on Central Asia recently adopted by the EU.
New Kazakh leader re-affirms Russia, China ties as EU criticises vote
While the European Union expressed its concerns about the 9 June elections in Kazakhstan, the newly elected leader, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has vowed to enhance cooperation with neighboring Central Asian countries, including Russia and China.
Tokayev set for victory as Kazakhstan transitions from Nazarbayev
When Kazakhs go to the polls for a presidential election on Sunday (9 June), they will face something of a novelty – the name of their first president, Nur-Sultan Nazarbayev, will not be on the ballot.
Tusk tests the waters in Central Asia
European Council President Donald Tusk did a tour of three Central Asia countries last week, including Tajikistan, where the melting Pamir Glaciers illustrate the impact of climate change and the difficulties of water management in this part of the world.Promoted content
China-Europe rail route through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus exceeds expectations in 2019, says UTLC ERA President
The China-Europe railroad shipment route that crosses Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus has become more popular due to the efforts of the United Transport and Logistics Company – Eurasian Rail Alliance (UTLC ERA) and participating countries, said President Alexey Grom.Promoted content
European Commission adopts strategy to deepen relations with Central Asia
The European Commission adopted on 15 May a new strategy on relations with Central Asia, meant to deepen relations and capitalise on the region’s growing influence.
At Nur-Sultan forum, leaders advise focus on education
Kazakhstan is investing in human capital and plans to become one of the world’s 30 most advanced nations by 2050. At a recent conference in the capital Nur-Sultan, leaders and economists offered advice, valid also for other countries as well: to focus on education.
CAREC economic corridors: Almaty-Bishkek and many more to come
The experience of the first economic corridor in Central Asia is Almaty-Bishkek, and the second in preparation, Shymkent-Tashkent-Khujand, were highlighted as blueprints for myriads of others to follow, at a debate in Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan.
Nazarbayev: I stepped down in the interest of the people of Kazakhstan
The first President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, was the main speaker and the centre of attention at the 12th edition of the Astana Economic Forum on Thursday (16 May). To a wide international audience, he provided explanations for his recent...Promoted content
Kazakh government kicks off campaign to encourage turnout in presidential election
The Kazakh government has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the June 9 presidential election and to encourage voter turnout.Promoted content
Eight candidates seek the office of Kazakh president
The Kazakh Central Electoral Commission (CEC) closed nominations on 28 April for the presidential election due on 9 June. The field, which began with nine nominees, was reduced by one after a candidate withdrew. The candidates’ registration stage will continue until May 11.
Kazakhstan elections puzzle the world
New candidates have emerged for the 9 June presidential elections in Kazakhstan, which take place after the first president of the country, Nursultan Nazarbayev, surprisingly resigned on 19 March. But many observers believe the long-serving leader is still calling the shots.
Kazakhstan’s transition takes place according to Nazarbayev’s plan
Kazakhstan’s ruling Nur Otan party unanimously nominated on Tuesday (23 April) Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as its candidate for the 9 June presidential election. The first President of the country Nursultan Nazarbayev said he had planned this move for years.
Kazakhstan to hold early presidential elections on 9 June
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev set on Tuesday (9 April) the date for the early presidential election for 9 June and said the vote was “absolutely needed” to ensure “continuity, predictability and stability” after the long-serving President Nursultan Nazarbayev resigned.
Kazakhstan advocates closer ties between EU and Eurasian Economic Union
A senior official from Kazakhstan, one of the five members of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), has called for greater cooperation between EEAU and the EU, ultimately aiming to create a single economic space from the Atlantic to Pacific. But a Commission spokesperson made clear it could only be a long-term goal, depending on political developments.