Kazakhstan Participates in First Ministerial Meeting Between Central Asia and G7 Countries

Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko took part in the first ministerial meeting of Central Asia – Group of Seven (G7) countries online on Nov. 8, reported the ministry’s press service.

Vassilenko noted the importance of expanding trade ties, increasing the involvement of the G7 economies in the region, and unlocking the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route in connecting key industrial hubs of Europe and Asia.

The minister reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to addressing modern global and regional challenges, particularly climate emergencies, food crisis, water issues, and the Aral Sea preservation.

He outlined the country’s plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

Vassilenko urged his counterparts to support Kazakh initiatives to establish a United Nations (UN) Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty and participate in the Regional Climate Summit under the UN auspices in Kazakhstan in 2026.

Central Asian representatives expressed their readiness to bolster cooperation for further regional development in priority areas.

G7 foreign ministers and High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell, said they are committed to the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Central Asian states following the UN Charter.

They noted the ongoing cooperation between individual G7 members with Central Asian countries through both bilateral and multilateral channels, calling for expanded collaboration in security, infrastructure development, trade, and economy.

The participants emphasized mutual interest in improving connectivity through regional projects within the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, a major G7 initiative to attract $600 billion for global infrastructure projects by 2027.

The delegates shared views on the impact of geopolitical turbulence on Central Asian countries, discussing challenges associated with global instability and disruptions in supply chains as well as strategies to overcome them.

As an association of leading economically developed countries, G7 comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, while the European Union also participates. 

The G7 countries are Kazakhstan’s major trade and investment partners, accounting for over 20% of the country’s foreign trade balance. Last year, G7 investments in Kazakhstan’s economy increased by 30%, surpassing $8 billion, and trade turnover reached $30 billion.

Astana Hosts Fifth Meeting of Kazakhstan-US Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue

The fifth anniversary meeting of Kazakhstan – United States (US) Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue (ESPD) took place in the Kazakh capital on Nov. 6, reported the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s press service.

“Kazakhstan is the only country with the status of the enhanced strategic partner of the US in Central Asia,” reads the statement.

The meeting, co-chaired by Kazakh First Deputy Foreign Minister Kairat Umarov and US Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, reviewed the outcomes of bilateral and regional cooperation over the past year and revealed future plans.

Umarov highlighted that political, cultural, and humanitarian interaction between Kazakhstan and the US intensified this year with an increased number of visits and meetings.

He also noted the progress in economic collaboration, including issues of trade and investment, energy, rare-earth metals, and climate change.

Umarov reiterated the significance of the political reforms and democratic transformations undertaken by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with a mission to build a “New and Fair Kazakhstan.”

Donald Lu commended the efforts taken by the Kazakh government in socio-economic development, regional security, and human rights. He emphasized successful cooperation both on the bilateral and multilateral tracks, particularly within the United Nations and the C5+1 dialogue platform.

Established in 2018, the ESPD is an Intergovernmental Commission with three committees on political cooperation and security, trade and economic cooperation, and humanitarian dimension.
 

First Local Mayor Elections See Over 60% Voter Turnout, Signaling Robust Civic Engagement

 The voter turnout for the first-ever direct elections of akims (mayors) in districts and cities of regional significance on Nov. 5 reached 62.79%, a figure that underscores a robust level of civil engagement, the Central Election Commission reported on Nov. 6. 

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spearheaded the initiative as part of a broader effort to enhance civic participation and decentralize governance.

The election process unfolded on an alternative basis, featuring 125 candidates. The regional maslikhats, or representative bodies, approved a list of 42 districts and three cities of regional significance – Kurchatov, Priozersk, and Rudny – for these elections. 

The newly elected akims have an average age of 46.7 years.

Observers from various segments of society, including nearly 8,500 representatives of candidates, media, and election observers, ensured that the electoral process adhered to the requirements of Kazakhstan’s election legislation.

Public observer Roza Kaldybekova emphasized the significance of these elections, stating that citizens must participate in the electoral process and take advantage of their constitutional right to vote, particularly in such distinctive elections. 

“There should be more self-nominated candidates, individuals who are truly representative of the populace. We need to engage those who abstain from voting, who have lost faith in the system, and who do not participate in the public life of their region, city, or village. The right to choose is a key aspect of a developed country,” she emphasized.

She noted it is “joyful” to see Kazakhstan on this path. “After all, civic engagement in elections can change our lives for the better. The future of one’s country and community will rest upon the stance of each citizen,” she said. 

Notably, President Tokayev’s reforms have aimed at expanding direct participation in governance, fostering dialogue, and promoting decentralization. This includes direct elections of rural akims initiated in 2021, on-site meetings between akims and the public introduced in 2022, and the recent maslikhat elections in 2023, which featured a mixed model of party lists and single-mandate districts. 

Bringing decision-making closer to the people

Daniyar Ashimbayev highlighted that Tokayev’s policy is not built on the principle of “reforms for the sake of reforms.” Photo credit: Kazinform.

According to Kazakh expert Daniyar Ashimbayev, these reforms are part of a broader strategy to empower local government bodies, bring decision-making closer to the people, and address local issues effectively. 

Ashimbayev wrote in his Telegram post that the Nov. 5 elections were significant in terms of the development of democratic institutions. He highlighted that Tokayev’s policy is not built on the principle of “reforms for the sake of reforms” but is based on common sense and stage-by-stage processes.

“These developments are not only aimed at improving local governance but also increasing public understanding of the roles and responsibilities of various government bodies,” he said.

A more informed public

Political scientist Tair Nigmanov expressed optimism about the expanding election system. He believes that an increase in the variety of elected officials and bodies enhances public understanding of the specific competences of each entity.

“Why is this important? Learning to engage with authority is crucial. Each of us has diverse needs—whether it is infrastructure, education, or social services. Improving our political literacy enhances the electoral process. It means that candidates who align with the needs of the majority win. It is about Kazakh citizens becoming adept at articulating their demands and understanding their needs. Unfortunately, there is a prevalence of empty promises like ‘I will fix everything,’ and people continue to be swayed by such populism,” Nigmanov said. 

Experts agree that the direct elections of local mayors represent a significant step towards greater civic engagement and a more informed electorate. As the nation continually fine-tunes its democratic mechanisms, it is expected that a more active and politically savvy population will emerge, leading to better governance and improved local services.

Kazakhstan Introduces SpaceX Starlink Internet, Accelerates 5G Regionally  

The Kazakh government approved the Accessible Internet national project on Nov. 7, which aims to provide the population with broadband access to the worldwide network at a speed of at least 100 megabits per second (Mbps), reported the Prime Minister’s press service. 

October marked the first results as Kazakhstan introduced broadband internet in 10 rural schools using SpaceX Starlink technology in a test mode. It is now planned to provide 2,000 rural schools with high-speed Starlink internet, a satellite internet constellation operated by the American SpaceX aerospace company. 

The national project scheduled for 2024 – 2027 will receive a budget exceeding 1.5 trillion tenge (US$3.2 billion). Extra-budgetary contributions will be the primary source of funding. 

According to the Prime Minister’s press secretary Dinara Alimova, the construction of an extensive network of fiber-optic communication lines will be carried out with a focus on rural areas. They will be installed in more than 3,000 villages for a balanced development of digital infrastructure.

Alimova noted the government’s plans to set up 487 antenna-mast structures to extend mobile internet coverage along 17,000 kilometers of roadways. 

Kazakhstan will also continue to expand the 5G network within the project. 

During the Nov. 8 government meeting, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov instructed the officials to ensure high-speed internet in remote settlements, especially educational facilities, and eliminate regulatory barriers related to the simplification of equipment installation procedures and the timely provision of land plots. 

Kazakh Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry Bagdat Musin noted that more than 800 5G base stations have been installed nationwide.  

By 2025, Kazakhstan is gearing up to introduce 5G not only in cities of national significance but in all regional centers.

What’s Behind the Increased Diplomatic Push in Kazakhstan?

Bogged down in Ukraine, isolated from the West, and abandoned by some of its nominal allies, Russia seems to desperately seek to keep energy-rich Kazakhstan in its geopolitical orbit. Although the Central Asian nation at times appears to be attempting to distance itself from the Kremlin, Astana might soon be under pressure to show more loyalty to Moscow.

Since independence and following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan has pursued what it terms a “multi-vector foreign policy.” To this day, Astana attempts to balance its alliance with Russia, its economic ties with China, and its ambition to establish closer ties with the West. Moreover, Kazakhstan seeks to deepen integration with the wider Turkic world through the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

Indeed, on November 3 Kazakhstan hosted leaders of OTS members Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan, as well as Hungary and Turkmenistan as observers. The summit in Astana was an ideal opportunity for the Kazakh leadership to strengthen bilateral ties not only with neighboring former Soviet OTS members, but also with Turkey – the group’s de facto leader.

Quite aware that Ankara seeks to increase its presence in Central Asia – a region that has traditionally been in Moscow’s geopolitical orbit – Russia aims to preserve its influence in countries such as Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. It is, therefore, not surprising that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first trip abroad since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for him on March 17 over alleged crimes amid the invasion of Ukraine, was to Bishkek where he attended the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit on October 13.

Four weeks later, the Russian leader flew to Kazakhstan, where he met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Prior to the meeting in Astana on November 9, Tokayev stressed the importance of the Russian language as a “unifying factor in the CIS space.” He also emphasized that negotiations are underway on the creation of joint Kazakh-Russian educational organizations in the southern regions of Kazakhstan. It was a symbolic message that the authorities in Astana do not plan to implement a Ukraine-style derussification of the country, since such a move could have severe consequences for Kazakhstan’s relations with Moscow.

Russia is Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching a record $27 billion last year. More importantly, Kazakhstan’s energy export routes remain heavily dependent on its northern neighbor. Indeed, from the energy perspective, Russia is Kazakhstan’s major gateway to Europe, since 80 percent of its oil exports to the European Union are transported through Russian territory.

That, however, does not prevent Astana from seeking to establish closer political and economic ties with the West. Tokayev’s meeting with Putin came less than 10 days after French President Emmanuel Macron visited Kazakhstan. Russia, for its part, accused the West of “trying to pull Russia’s neighbors, friends and allies away from it.”

At the same time, Russia reached a deal with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to build out the Southern Transport Corridor, which would in effect bypass Kazakhstan by routing goods from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan via Turkmenistan and the Caspian Sea on to Russia and beyond. Could that be Moscow’s reaction to Astana’s “flirting” with the West, as well as to its participation in the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the Middle Corridor, which bypasses Russia?

On October 19, Kazakh Deputy Trade and Integration Minister Kairat Torebayev said that his country has “stopped exporting 106 different products to Russia due to Western sanctions,” including military goods like drones, specialized electronics, chips, and similar items. Previously, in July, Kazakhstan reportedly prevented the illegal shipment of drones from Kyrgyzstan to Russia, which indicates that Astana is trying to make good on its assurances to the United States and the European Union it that does not allow Russia to circumvent Western sanctions. But in spite of that, Putin sees Kazakhstan as Moscow’s “closest ally.” Tokayev described his meeting with the Russian leader as “historic,” which is exactly the same rhetoric he used following Macron’s visit to Astana. 

Putin undoubtedly seeks to preserve the status quo in Russia’s relations with Kazakhstan – and in the mid-term possibly even increase Russian presence in the Central Asian state. Tokayev continues implementing Astana’s decades-old multi-vector foreign policy, trying not to jeopardize the current balance of Kazakh-Russian relations.

Following series of debacles in Ukraine, as well as Armenia’s ambitions to establish close ties with the West and leave the Russian zone of influence, Moscow cannot afford to lose Kazakhstan – the largest country in Central Asia – as an ally. That is why, in the coming months, Putin and Tokayev will continue holding meetings. The two leaders are expected soon meet again in Minsk at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit, then at the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit, as well as at the informal pre-New Year meeting of the leaders of the CIS countries in St. Petersburg.

Finally, given that energy is one of the major drivers of Russia’s foreign policy, it is entirely possible that the Kremlin will pressure Astana to allow Russian energy giant Rosatom to build a nuclear power plant in the Central Asian nation – if voters there give the green light in a referendum for Kazakhstan to go nuclear. In September 2022, Kazakh officials said that companies from China, United States, and South Korea might participate in the construction of nuclear powers plants in the country, while on November 9, during the Tokayev-Putin summit, Kazakh Minister of Energy Almasadam Satkaliyev pointed out that “Russian nuclear technologies are the safest, the most efficient, and the cheapest in terms of construction.” Could such rhetoric be interpreted as a signal that Astana is willing to allow Rosatom to play a crucial role in Kazakhstan’s nuclear future?

One thing is for sure – Russia will not give up what it sees as its backyard without a fight. But neither will Astana, despite potential pressure from Moscow, stop developing close economic, political, and even military ties with the West.

In the coming months and years, the battle for influence in Kazakhstan may intensify. Astana will have plenty of partners to chose from.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Invests $36 Million to Power Kazakhstan’s Green Economy

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) finalized a significant $ 36 million loan agreement on Nov. 7 for developing, constructing, and operating the Shokpar 100 MW Wind Power Plant in the Zhambyl Region, the bank’s press service reported. 

This partnership signifies a collaborative effort between China Power International Holding and Visor International DMCC, further reinforced by co-financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The project is poised to receive significant financial support. It is slated to obtain $10 million in concessional financing from the Green Climate Fund, an entity operating under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and headquartered in Incheon, South Korea. Additionally, an extra $5.7 million will be allocated from the Clean Technology Fund, a component of the Climate Investment Funds. This fund was established in 2008 at the behest of the G8 and G20 to finance pioneering initiatives in developing countries.

These funds will play a vital role in facilitating the construction and seamless integration of the power plant into the existing power grid.

Building this wind power facility not only marks a significant stride in developing renewable energy in Central Asia but also promises to bolster Kazakhstan’s renewable energy capacity substantially. This step is projected to significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the region, with the fully operational plant expected to help cut the country’s emissions by over 200,000 tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent annually on average.

The AIIB’s Vice President for Investment Operations Konstantin Limitovskiy, emphasized the institution’s support for Kazakhstan’s shift to a green economy. 

“Our second investment into wind power in Kazakhstan underlines AIIB’s support for the Government of Kazakhstan’s transition to a green economy. This project aligns seamlessly with AIIB’s Energy Sector Strategy and priorities. It will further strengthen Kazakhstan’s renewable energy infrastructure and reduce the carbon intensity of its energy supply,” he said.

The Shokpar 100 MW Wind Power Plant project follows the successful implementation of the 100 MW Zhanatas Wind Power Plant that sits on an adjacent land plot. AIIB approved the Zhanatas project in 2019, and all its 40 turbines have been fully operational since 2021.

The AIIB is a multilateral development institution committed to financing sustainable infrastructure projects. Launched in Beijing in January 2016, the institution has expanded to include 109 approved members globally. With a capitalization of $100 billion and a Triple-A rating from major international credit agencies, AIIB collaborates with partners to meet clients’ infrastructure needs, focusing on green, technology-enabled projects that promote regional connectivity.