AGP Executive Report

Turkic Security Cooperation: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met OTS interior ministers in Astana, urging closer law-enforcement ties as global instability grows and announcing new security governance steps, including a Security Council Apparatus and a planned Halyk Kenesh. BRICS Diplomacy in India: New Delhi is preparing for the 18th BRICS summit on Sept 12-13, with Putin, Xi, Iran’s Pezeshkian and others arriving amid a focus on food, energy and supply-chain resilience; Kazakhstan’s Tokayev is listed among partner-country leaders. Kashagan Fine Pause: Kazakhstan’s Justice Ministry has temporarily suspended efforts to enforce a $5bn environmental fine tied to the Kashagan consortium, while signaling it still intends to recover the debt. U.S. Aviation Sanctions Reach Third Countries: Washington expanded Iran aviation sanctions, naming firms in Kazakhstan and other states as part of a broader push to isolate Tehran’s military and economic links. Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan Tourism Push: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan highlighted growing travel ties and new joint tourism products, including medical and pilgrimage tourism. Sports Note: Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina was celebrated for reaching world No. 1, while Kazakhstan is also set to feature in Asian Games basketball group play.

BRICS Security & Diplomacy: India is ramping up security for the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, deploying about 25,000 personnel and tightening movement around Bharat Mandapam and VVIP hotels as leaders including Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin are expected to arrive for a two-day agenda on resilience, innovation and cooperation. Kazakhstan in BRICS Orbit: Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev is listed among expected BRICS attendees, underscoring Astana’s continued engagement with the expanded bloc and its partner-country framework. UN Peacekeeping on the Golan: Kazakhstan’s UN peacekeepers report more than 2,000 explosive items destroyed since May 2026, as sappers continue demining and reconnaissance under UN Disengagement Observer Force duties. Investment Push: Kazakhstan’s foreign minister met Kazakh Invest and the MFA Investment Committee to set priorities for attracting FDI, including a National Digital Investment Platform and faster project implementation. Qurultay Rules Update: Kazakhstan’s Qurultay deputies approved new procedural regulations, including a three-reading process for most draft laws and defined roles for majority and a formal parliamentary opposition. Health Policy Debate: A Qurultay deputy renewed calls for a national lung cancer screening program, citing stalled AI work and asking for timelines and accountability. Energy Export Pressure: Kazakhstan is seeking oil export alternatives after CPC disruptions, with experts noting the scale gap versus potential routes like BTC. Culture & Media: Erlan Karin highlighted Golden Horde history translations into Kazakh, while journalist Yuriy Mizinov has died at 76. Sports Spotlight: Elena Rybakina secured world No. 1 after the US Open quarterfinal win, prompting congratulations from Tokayev.

Diplomacy & Governance: Kazakhstan and Switzerland held the 7th round of political consultations, with talks covering domestic reforms, trade and investment, and cooperation in water management, migration, and legal affairs. State Capacity & Finance: President Tokayev was briefed on Samruk-Kazyna’s 2026 investment plan (3.2 trillion tenge) and social projects, while Astana Finance Days featured a push for a unified national financial market strategy across AIFC and Alatau City. Capital Markets: KASE launched a new service for Islamic investors, using an AI screening workflow plus expert review and a Sharia board decision to identify compliant securities. Security & Infrastructure: Astana International Airport added new de-icing vehicles ahead of winter, boosting operational capacity in harsh wind and freezing conditions. Regional Politics: Kazakhstan’s foreign policy engagement also included consultations with the Swiss side, while broader Central Asian SCO/BRICS coverage continues to frame Kazakhstan’s multilateral positioning. Sports & Soft Power: Elena Rybakina’s US Open run secured Kazakhstan’s first-ever WTA world No. 1 ranking, prompting congratulations from President Tokayev.

BRICS Diplomacy: Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is expected to attend the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12-13, as the expanded bloc pushes global governance reform and Global South priorities amid major-power tensions. Regional Security & Arms Control: Kazakhstan and four Central Asian states backed calls for new, verifiable nuclear arms control mechanisms, warning disarmament efforts are stalling after New START expired. Transport & Connectivity: Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are working to restart passenger ferry service across the Caspian between Aktau and Baku, while Kazakhstan’s transport officials also highlighted Middle Corridor digitalization plans, including a digital map of routes and a single-window approach. Green Finance: Astana hosted the 2nd Turkic Green Finance Council meeting, building on Tokayev’s initiative to turn green finance commitments into bankable projects. Public Health Regulation: Kazakhstan is considering restricting ads for high salt, sugar and saturated-fat foods on TV, radio, social media and billboards to curb unhealthy habits among children. Energy Transition: Kazakhstan outlined plans to expand renewables and energy storage, and discussed a Central Asia–Azerbaijan–Europe green corridor. Customs Modernization: Kazakhstan and the WCO discussed “smart border” reforms and data-driven customs cooperation tied to Trans-Caspian trade flows.

U.S.-Iran Sanctions: Washington imposed sanctions on 36 Iran-related targets, including 27 remaining active Iranian airlines, plus foreign intermediaries and logistics firms in Turkey, the UAE, Malaysia and Kazakhstan, accusing Tehran of using aviation to move weapons, personnel and illicit cargo under “Operation Economic Outcast.” Border & Migration Controls: Kyrgyzstan will introduce an automated system to track foreigners’ permitted stay and deny re-entry for overstays, mirroring Kazakhstan’s tightening entry rules and paid electronic permits for visa-exempt arrivals. Digital Governance: Kazakhstan’s Vice President Karin ordered improvements to regional citizen contact centers, citing delays and uneven performance in I‑Komek operations that push residents toward the national e‑Otinish platform. Energy & Climate: Kazakhstan plans a 1GW wind farm by 2029 with Masdar, including 300MW storage to stabilize supply in southern regions. Transport & Trade: Kazakhstan’s President met the WCO chief to discuss a “smart border” and customs modernization, aiming to streamline Eurasian cargo transit. Business & Aviation: Air Astana reported summer results, expanding China capacity and launching new routes, while Solidcore posted a sharp profit jump and announced a $1.2bn share buyback. Politics & Society: Kazakhstan’s education minister warned private schools could lose licenses if they allow hijabs, reinforcing the uniform rule banning religious clothing in schools.

Disinformation Watch: Kazakhstan’s Center for Combating Disinformation denied a fake quote attributed to Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan, saying his real words were altered and urging people to stop spreading unverified posts. Diplomatic Appointments: Ararat Mirzoyan called Kazakhstan’s new Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi to congratulate him and discuss bilateral ties and regional agendas. BRICS Diplomacy: India is set to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on Sept. 12-13 in New Delhi, with Putin, Xi and Iran’s president expected—raising the odds of major side meetings. Security Cooperation: Kazakhstan and China agreed on security and public-order procedures at the Khorgos International Border Cooperation Center, plus mutual recognition of driver’s licenses. Workforce Pressure: Kazakhstan plans to launch major industrial projects but faces a skilled-labor shortage; TVET reforms include adding new specialties and removing outdated ones. Economy & Finance: The EDB says Kazakhstan’s growth and buffers are helping it access global capital despite tighter conditions. Transport & Connectivity: Kazakhstan is pushing space ambitions as it positions itself as a Central Asian space hub, while regional logistics talks highlight the Middle Corridor’s digital push.

Space & Tech Policy: Kazakhstan plans to expand its Earth-observation satellite constellation to 14 spacecraft, with a 2030 target of nine satellites and KazSat-3R communications work funded at over 10 billion tenge. Tourism & Jobs: Kazakhstan says tourism investment has surged, with sector contribution reaching about $11bn by end-2025, 600,000 jobs, and 2024–2025 investment above $4.8bn, alongside thousands of accommodation facilities and new hotel projects. Parliament & Media Freedom: The Committee to Protect Journalists urges Kazakhstan’s new Kurultai to scrap rules limiting journalists’ movement and question scope inside parliament, citing a broader media crackdown. Cyberbullying Prevention: An EU-backed Nazarbayev University workshop trained teens to counter cyberbullying through values-based simulations and student video campaigns. International Security Cooperation: China and Central Asia discussed public security and internal affairs cooperation, with Kazakhstan’s internal affairs minister meeting China’s top security official. Sports Diplomacy: Kazakhstan was declared winner of the World Nomad Games overall medal standings after a technical medal-counting decision, with both sides stressing unity over rivalry. Finance & Capital Markets: S&P says stronger banking supervision is supporting stability as credit growth slows, while Kcell moves bond tranches into Chinese yuan terms. Geopolitics & Energy: Russia’s Caspian Pipeline Consortium-linked risks are raised amid claims of attacks tied to the wider Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Energy & Infrastructure: The EBRD is backing Kazakhstan’s grid modernization via a long-term loan of up to KZT 102 billion to Alatau Zharyk for smart meters, telemechanics, and upgrades to low- and medium-voltage networks under the MEKS program. Finance & Digital Payments: Kazakhstan’s National Bank and Binance signed an MoU to explore a regional settlement hub for international payments and digital-asset transactions, with plans for a Kazakhstan-licensed payment entity. Oil & Gas Policy: Kazakhstan plans to ramp up exploration and appraisal drilling, targeting about 80 wells in 2026 and up to 120 per year in 2027–2028, with auctions for underexplored basins and seismic work requirements. Governance & Diplomacy: Kazakhstan and Romania discussed expanding trade, logistics, and energy cooperation, including Kazakhstan’s oil role in European energy security. Public Life & Society: Kazakhstan launched applications for a national volunteer awards competition (15 categories) via qazvolunteer.kz. Regional Security/Defense: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan completed final border military inspections with China under force-reduction and confidence-building agreements. Peace Metrics: Kazakhstan improved its standing in the 2026 Global Peace Index, ranking 44th among 163 countries. Sports & Culture: Kazakhstan’s Aizada Seidan is set to face Sheetal Devi in the compound women’s final at the World Archery Para Series in Ahmedabad.

OPEC+ Oil Policy: OPEC+ (Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman) decided to keep crude output unchanged for October after six straight monthly increases, citing Iran-war uncertainty and Strait of Hormuz disruption; the group will review again on Oct. 4 as Brent hovers near $100. Border & Migration Controls: Kazakhstan is tightening entry rules for Russian citizens with a paid electronic authorization (QazETA) and a digital biometric profile starting Nov. 30, 2026, with rollout first at airports and later via rail and ports. Diplomacy: Belarus deputy foreign minister Pavel Utyupin met Kazakhstan’s ambassador to discuss political and trade cooperation and upcoming high-level events. Security Cooperation: Belarus and Kazakhstan began joint “Forest Brotherhood – 2026” reconnaissance exercises focused on tracking and neutralizing illegal armed groups in forest and swamp terrain. World Nomad Games: Kazakhstan topped the medal standings at the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, while kok-boru finals saw Kyrgyzstan dominate Kazakhstan in key matches; Tokayev congratulated Team Kazakhstan. Health Tech: Almaty oncology center introduced a robotic pharmacy system to automate medication handling and improve safety in cancer treatment. Culture & Media: Kazakhstan’s Gulder ensemble won Grand Prix at an ethno-dance competition tied to the World Nomad Games, and Silk Way Star season 2 premiered in China.

Parliament & Succession: Kazakhstan’s new unicameral Qurultay has started work after the August 23 vote, and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has appointed Erlan Karin as the country’s first vice president—sparking debate over whether it signals a successor path. Border Security: Kazakhstan’s Defense Ministry says CSTO members will run “Frontier 2026” drills Sept. 12–19 near the Afghan border, focusing on coordinated border operations and rapid redeployment. Energy & Markets: S&P upgraded its assessment of Kazakhstan’s banking sector, citing stronger supervision and risk controls; meanwhile, OPEC+ is set to keep October oil policy steady as Hormuz disruptions cloud supply dynamics. Migration Rules: Kazakhstan is introducing paid electronic QazETA permits for Russians entering by land from Nov. 30, with airports first and wider rollout later—while the interior ministry says QazETA is not yet mandatory. Regional Geopolitics: Armenia is pushing the TRIPP corridor idea with interest from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, but both are cautious about upsetting Russia. Trade & Finance: Kazakhstan Temir Zholy and Samruk-Kazyna-linked firms are eyeing Hong Kong IPOs as Astana seeks more diversified capital markets. Environment: A second Przewalski’s horse foal has been born in Kazakhstan’s Altyn Dala reserve, marking progress in the reintroduction program. Sports Diplomacy: At the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan beat Kazakhstan heavily in kok-boru finals, while Kazakhstan’s political spotlight remains on the Qurultay transition.

Vice-Presidency Powers: President Tokayev signed a decree defining the Vice President’s authority, including setting strategic domestic and foreign-policy initiatives, representing the president in key state and political forums, and overseeing bodies tied to youth policy, state awards, and strategic research. Domestic Policy Execution: Vice President Yerlan Karin held a meeting on implementing domestic-policy priorities under Tokayev’s framework, stressing social cohesion, constitutional values, interethnic harmony, and regular follow-up instructions to government bodies. Energy & Industry: Kazakhstan approved an 881 billion tenge (about $1.9bn) 700 MW thermal power plant project in Kurchatov (two 350 MW units, staged commissioning by 2032) to boost electricity for the National Nuclear Center and related research infrastructure. Transport Infrastructure: Kazakhstan plans to raise maritime port cargo capacity from 21.8m to 30m tons by 2030, expanding Aktau and Kuryk terminals and fleet to strengthen the Trans-Caspian “Middle Corridor.” Regional Diplomacy via SCO: At the SCO summit in Bishkek, leaders—including Tokayev—backed a tougher line on terrorism and discussed peaceful nuclear energy, while Xi Jinping framed SCO multipolarity as irreversible. Nomad Games Spotlight: Tokayev pledged rewards for Kazakhstan’s World Nomad Games standouts, as the Kyrgyz-hosted event continues to blend sport and geopolitics.

Vice Presidency Powers: President Tokayev signed a decree defining the Vice President’s domestic and foreign-policy role, including representing the President in key state and political settings, heading the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, and coordinating major presidential commissions. Security Council Office Shake-up: Tokayev appointed Murat Baimukashev as Head of Kazakhstan’s Security Council Office, with Nurzhan Kadzhiakbarov, Ruslan Zhaksylykov, and Gennadiy Zuyev named to deputy roles. Maritime Security: Kazakhstan raised concerns with the IMO over Black Sea tanker attacks, stressing protection for vessels carrying Kazakh crude and pushing for secure routes and port modernization tied to the Middle Corridor. Aviation Security Week: Kazakhstan will host its first ICAO Aviation Security Week in Astana on Oct. 20–22, aiming to strengthen cooperation amid evolving threats. Digital Finance Push: Kazakhstan’s National Bank and AIFC signed MoUs with Binance to build a crypto-fiat gateway, explore stablecoin issuance, and modernize payment infrastructure. BRICS Justice Track: The BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum opened in New Delhi, with Kazakhstan’s CJI Surya Kant meeting judicial leaders including Kazakhstan to discuss mediation, arbitration, AI in courts, and cross-border enforcement. Agriculture Funding: Rice cultivation in Kyzylorda got a boost as officials highlighted water-saving tech and new budget allocations, positioning a national expertise center for rice research and practice.

Digital Economy & Crypto Policy: Kazakhstan’s National Bank signed an MoU with Binance to pursue a Category 1 non-bank Payment Service Provider license, aiming to connect crypto and fiat payments across Central Asia, with talks also touching on a possible Kazakhstan-issued stablecoin. AI & Tech Infrastructure: The government also met Binance leadership to discuss AI infrastructure projects like CryptoCity in Alatau and Data Center Valley, plus Binance Pay cooperation with Alatau City Bank and related memorandums. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: President Tokayev congratulated Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni on her historic tenure, while Kazakhstan’s new foreign minister Mukhtar Tleuberdi held a phone call with Azerbaijan’s FM Jeyhun Bayramov to review the strategic partnership agenda. Energy & Industry: Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister said oil output has been stabilized after CPC pipeline disruptions, with 2026 production projected near 96 million tonnes. Governance & Political Reform: Vice President Erlan Karin said Qurultay deputies are at the center of forming Kazakhstan’s first unicameral legislature, stressing regular dialogue with party factions. International Legal Cooperation: Kazakhstan was among the judicial leaders meeting at the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi, where arbitration, mediation, and AI for court efficiency were discussed. Environment: Tokayev tasked the new Ecology Minister with forest restoration, waste recycling, and waste-to-energy plans for Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent.

Bilateral Diplomacy: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Astana, with both sides adopting a joint statement and signing documents including Astana–Vientiane twin-city ties; Kazakhstan also positioned itself as a trade and logistics bridge for Lao goods, while prosecutors in both countries signed a memorandum on asset recovery. Monetary Policy: Kazakhstan’s National Bank cut the base rate by 0.5 point to 16.25% as annual inflation eased to 9.8% in August, but warned inflation risks still constrain further easing. Regional Connectivity: Kazakhstan completed the track connection on the Moiynty–Kyzylzhar railway line (323.3 km), aimed at boosting Middle Corridor freight capacity and shortening routes by 149 km. Security & Governance: Tokayev tasked the culture ministry with strengthening cultural heritage, expanding Kazakhstan’s cultural presence abroad, and reinforcing the state information policy, including updates to legislation for the digital era. Legal Cooperation: Kazakhstan and Laos prosecutors agreed to expand cooperation on tracking and repatriating illicit assets, including information exchange and training. Trade Measures: Kazakhstan introduced a temporary ban on apple imports from Sept. 3 to Dec. 31, 2026 to protect domestic producers (transit shipments excluded). Information Space: The president assigned actions to reinforce Kazakhstan’s information space.

Nuclear Energy & State Policy: Kazakhstan signed a contract with Rosatom for construction of its first nuclear power plant, with the deal framed as a long-term energy-security move. Foreign Policy: President Tokayev tasked a newly appointed foreign minister with strengthening protection of Kazakh citizens abroad and pushing economic diplomacy, while Kazakhstan also welcomed Switzerland’s new ambassador, Christine Honegger. Regional Diplomacy (SCO): At the SCO Bishkek summit, leaders adopted the Bishkek Declaration and backed expanded cooperation on connectivity, energy security, economic ties, AI, and climate policy—though member priorities still differ. Economy & Finance: EBRD approved a €25M loan to Kazakhstan’s TBF Holding Group to support seasonal working capital for agricultural commodity supply chains, including organic exports. Tech & Education: Kazakhstan launched an AI University with 500 students and supercomputer access, and opened QAIRU, an AI-focused training and research institute. Transport & Trade: Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan discussed expanding logistics and transit of Kazakh energy through Azerbaijan, including intermodal terminal plans at Alat. Aviation Safety: ICAO warned civilian aircraft face growing risks from drones, long-range weapons, and GPS interference, echoing Zelensky’s warning about GPS jamming over Russia. Public Safety/Outages: Major AI services including ChatGPT reported outages worldwide, with Kazakhstan users among those affected.

Diplomatic Ties: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith adopted a Joint Statement during Sisoulith’s official visit, highlighting decades of cooperation and Laos alumni trained in Kazakhstan. BRICS Judicial Cooperation: India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant will hold bilateral meetings with judicial leaders from 10 countries at the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi, with Kazakhstan among the scheduled counterparts. Government Reshuffle: Tokayev reappointed several ministers and approved new appointments via the Qurultay committees, including a new Industry and Construction minister candidate, reappointments in water resources/irrigation, trade, justice, culture, tourism and sports, plus a new emergency situations minister. Nuclear Power Deal: Russia’s Rosatom and Kazakhstan signed an engineering, procurement and construction contract for the Balkhash nuclear power plant, covering two VVER-1200 units totaling 2.4 GW. Energy & Industry: Kazakhstan’s refining expansion plans face a key policy question: whether incentives will make domestic processing competitive versus crude exports. Rare Earths Push: Lindian Resources signed a long-term offtake and services deal with Carester for an oxide separation facility in Kazakhstan, targeting a feasibility study completion in Q4 2026. Security Council Structure: Aida Balaeva was appointed Deputy Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Security Council as the council apparatus is reorganized under the president. Culture & Soft Power: Kazakhstan marked the first Kazakh Tazy Day internationally, with events tied to the breed’s FCI recognition.