AGP Executive Report

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.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Kazakhstan joined other SCO leaders in adopting the Bishkek Declaration and a package of agreements spanning transport, energy security, counter-terrorism, trade facilitation, AI and climate policy, while the bloc also issued its first dedicated nuclear safety and security declaration. Kazakhstan–China ties: President Tokayev pledged to deepen the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership with China, as Kazakhstan and China moved to expand cooperation in science and education and discussed responsible AI development. Foreign policy & regional security: Kazakhstan’s role in Eurasian security and “human-centric” approaches was highlighted at SCO, with leaders also stressing that terror should not be treated as state policy and calling for stronger security priorities. Human rights case: UN Secretary-General António Guterres was asked to intervene in the Mansur Movlaev extradition case, where Kazakhstan’s courts had suspended extradition pending review. Education and people-to-people: Kazakhstan welcomed Azerbaijani students under the “Study in Kazakhstan” initiative, while Kazakhstan’s cultural center in Beijing marked its first anniversary with language, arts and community events. Sports diplomacy: Kazakhstan won early golds at the World Nomad Games equestrian marathon, with the Köçmön dörrü event’s first 50 km stage placing Kazakhstan in the lead.

SCO Summit Fallout: Leaders in Bishkek adopted the Bishkek Declaration, pushing deeper cooperation on security, AI, trade and sustainable development while calling for a more representative multipolar world order and rejecting “double standards” in counter-terrorism. Kazakhstan Diplomacy: President Tokayev used the SCO platform to stress sovereignty, non-interference and a human-centric security approach, while also signaling Kazakhstan’s readiness to further consolidate its strategic partnership with China. Kazakhstan Governance: Kazakhstan reinstated the vice-presidency after 30 years, appointing Erlan Karin, and the new Kurultai continues reshaping the political architecture. Foreign Policy Appointments: Kazakhstan named a new foreign minister, continuing personnel changes in the diplomatic bloc. Trade & Business Rules: Kazakhstan plans to simplify companies’ access to the stock market by creating a single digital process for issuing shares and bonds. Travel & Security Disruption: Flights into and out of Dubai and Abu Dhabi were delayed after US-Iran strikes, with knock-on effects across Europe, North America and Asia. Energy & Industry: ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies appointed new Kazakhstan heads as oil refining and industrial output targets move forward. Sports & Culture: Kazakhstan won its first gold medals at the World Nomad Games, while the SCO named Lahore Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026-27.

SCO Counter-Terror Push: At the Bishkek summit, SCO leaders adopted the “Bishkek Declaration,” calling “double standards” in the fight against terrorism “unacceptable” and urging action against financing, recruitment, safe havens and cross-border movement of terrorists. Water Diplomacy: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif told the SCO that water is the region’s “lifeblood” and must never be weaponised, tying the message to the Indus Waters Treaty dispute. Ukraine Peace Line: Vladimir Putin said Russia seeks lasting peace in Ukraine, not a “freeze,” while reporting that SCO leaders back ending the conflict quickly. Kazakhstan in the SCO Mix: Kazakhstan is listed among SCO members in the declaration coverage, with Tokayev and other regional leaders repeatedly framing the bloc as a multipolar platform. Kazakhstan-Related Business/Policy: Kazakhstan and Poland discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including interparliamentary ties. Digital Ruble in the Region: VTB began rolling out digital ruble use for customers from Sept. 1, signaling expanding payment interoperability across Russia-linked financial channels. Local Governance/Politics: Kazakhstan’s former independent editor was sentenced to eight years in prison, underscoring ongoing pressure on media freedom.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev said the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is not a military bloc and proposed faster Eurasian transport/logistics integration plus a SCO transport connectivity strategy to 2035. Terrorism & “double standards”: India’s Modi used the summit to call for dismantling the full terrorism ecosystem—financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens—warning against treating terrorism as a “strategic asset.” Water diplomacy: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif told leaders water must never be weaponised, tying the message to the Indus Waters Treaty dispute. SCO governance updates: Leaders adopted amendments to the SCO charter and approved rules for security bodies, but left the proposed SCO Development Bank unresolved. Kazakhstan domestic politics: Kazakhstan’s new Kurultai election is framed as a major step into a new political era after the Aug. 23 vote. Media crackdown: Former Orda editor Gulnara Bazhkenova was sentenced to eight years in prison, with journalists’ groups calling it an intensifying crackdown. Aviation safety: Kazakhstan moved to strengthen its national aviation accident investigation system via a cooperation memorandum aligned with ICAO standards.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is in Kyrgyzstan as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation marks its 25th anniversary, with Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and India’s Narendra Modi among the leaders meeting amid heightened regional tensions and US pressure. Kazakhstan-Russia Ties: Putin told Tokayev relations are a “two-way street,” praised Kazakhstan’s parliamentary election results, and highlighted growing trade and humanitarian links, including Kazakh students in Russian universities. Nuclear Test Ban Push: The UN warned that nuclear-armed states’ refusal to ratify the CTBT risks renewed testing and an arms race, as Kazakhstan’s Semipalatinsk legacy remains a key disarmament reference point. New Kazakh Vice President: Erlan Karin was appointed vice president after parliament approved the nomination, under the country’s new constitutional framework. Media Freedom Watch: Orda.kz announced it will shut down from September 1, citing financial strain, shortly after a court case involving former editor Gulnara Bazhkenova. Regional Connectivity & Trade: Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia signed an air services agreement aimed at expanding direct passenger and cargo links, while Türkiye’s trade with OTS partners—where Kazakhstan is a top player—keeps climbing.

Vice Presidency Shake-Up: President Tokayev appointed longtime adviser Erlan Karin as Kazakhstan’s vice president, after parliament approved the nomination; the post was created under the new constitution. Security Council Office: Tokayev also ordered the establishment of a Kazakh Security Council Office, directly subordinate to the president, and named Aida Balayeva deputy chair of the Security Council. SCO Diplomacy: As the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit convenes in Bishkek, leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi are set for multiple bilateral meetings; Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif arrived to attend the SCO Council of Heads of State and related events. Defense & Tech: Kazakhstan’s Air Defense Forces tested AI-powered automated command-and-control systems during drills, including layered air defense integration and new automated decision support. Science & CERN: Kazakhstan plans to expand scientists’ participation in CERN programs via a draft protocol enabling internships and experiment involvement. Culture: Kazakhstan showcased new-generation literature in China, with a national pavilion featuring about 100 books and cultural products.

Parliament & Governance: President Tokayev opened Kazakhstan’s first Kurultai with a wide legislative agenda, expanding the new parliament’s role in appointing key constitutional bodies and shaping bills on AI in education, digital assets, and the Digital Qazaqstan strategy. Nuclear Policy: Tokayev marked the 35th anniversary of the Semipalatinsk test-site closure by calling for renewed nuclear talks and faster entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. SCO Diplomacy (Regional): Kazakhstan’s role in the SCO spotlighted as leaders converge on Bishkek for the 25th-anniversary summit, with Putin, Xi, Modi and Erdogan among expected participants and bilateral meetings on the sidelines. Energy & Supply Chains: A report on Kazakhstan’s place in the uranium market comes as the US boosts domestic output but still depends heavily on imports, including from Kazakhstan. Aviation & ESG: Air Astana became the first airline in Central Asia and the CIS to receive IATA’s Sustainable Procurement certification under the Integrated Sustainability Programme. Sports (Kazakhstan in focus): Kazakhstan won multiple golds at the Lausanne Deaf Judo Masters, while Kazakhstan also advanced in FIBA Asia Cup 2029 pre-qualifiers. Disaster Watch (Regional spillover): China’s Tibet mudslide aftermath continues, with 261 foreign nationals reported unaccounted for, including one Kazakh citizen.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: President Khurelsukh of Mongolia has departed to observe the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting in Bishkek (Aug 31–Sep 1), where leaders will exchange views on bilateral ties and regional cooperation. Kazakhstan’s Political Reset: Kazakhstan’s new constitutional era is taking shape after the Qurultay vote, with commentary focusing on how the new unicameral parliament will change the balance between presidential power, the executive, and the legislature in practice. Kurultay Leadership: Aibek Dadebay has been elected Speaker of Kazakhstan’s first Kurultai, alongside appointments including a vice speaker, as the new parliament begins work. Border Logistics Pressure: About 400 trucks queued at the Karasu checkpoint on the Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan border due to seasonal freight surges and Kyrgyz temperature limits; Kazakhstan says the situation is temporary and urges route planning. Air Force Modernisation: Reports say Kazakhstan could receive Russian Su-57 fifth-generation fighters within two years, as part of air defence upgrades. Regional Connectivity Talk: A proposed inland waterway linking China’s Xinjiang via Kazakhstan’s Irtysh to Russia’s Ob River is discussed as a contingency route around maritime chokepoints. International Disaster Fallout: China says 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries are unaccounted for after the Nepal–Tibet mudslide; Kazakhstan is listed among those missing. Aviation Incident: An 11-year-old FlyArystan Airbus A320 caught fire during maintenance at Almaty Airport; an employee was injured and later discharged, with the aircraft withdrawn pending assessment. Sports & Culture: Kazakhstan topped the medal table at the Lausanne Deaf Judo Masters, while Kazakhstan film projects are expanding abroad, including a feature shot in Paris.

Kurultai Power Shift: Kazakhstan’s newly elected unicameral Kurultai convened in Astana as President Tokayev framed the overhaul as a modernization push to keep Kazakhstan resilient amid a more chaotic world; under the constitution, the government stepped down ahead of the transition. National Fund Update: The National Bank reported National Fund returns of $2.92bn in Q2 2026, citing easing tensions and tech-sector growth, while lower oil and gold prices weighed on performance. Digital Cooperation Expansion: The Digital Cooperation Organization approved eight countries’ bids to join as member states, including Kazakhstan, with Tajikistan set as an associate member—aimed at shaping rules for data, AI, and cross-border trade. SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders from 17 countries and major international organizations are set for the Sept. 1 SCO summit and “SCO Plus,” with Tokayev among the expected attendees. Nuclear Test Remembrance: Kazakhstan marked International Day against Nuclear Tests, recalling Semipalatinsk’s closure on Aug. 29, 1991, and linking it to CTBT and the Central Asia nuclear-weapon-free zone. People-to-people & Education: Kazakhstan’s FIRST Global Challenge selection named a national robotics/engineering team for the Oct. 7-10 world event in Incheon.

Parliament & Power Reset: President Tokayev opened Kazakhstan’s first session of the new unicameral Kurultai, setting a legislative modernization agenda as the 145-seat chamber begins work with a major personnel turnover and a record share of women. Security Institutions: Tokayev signed a decree creating the Office of the Security Council as a state body directly under the President. Nuclear Policy: On the International Day against Nuclear Tests, Tokayev urged nuclear-armed states to resume negotiations and push the CTBT into force, recalling the Semipalatinsk closure and Kazakhstan’s renunciation of its former arsenal. Regional Diplomacy: Kazakhstan is expected to be represented at the SCO summit in Bishkek on September 1, with leaders including Tokayev, Xi, Putin, Modi and others. Trade & Economy: China has overtaken Russia as Kazakhstan’s top trading partner in the first half of 2026, with imports increasingly dominated by machinery and investment goods. Digital & Society: Kazakhstan is also moving on AI and digital governance themes, while international cooperation continues through ECO and DCO initiatives.

Parliament Reset: Kazakhstan’s new unicameral Kurultai held its first session in Astana, with Aibek Dadebay (Adilet) elected speaker; the chamber is set to approve key presidential nominees and elect top judges under the July 1 constitutional shift. Government Shake-Up: President Tokayev signed a decree dismissing the government after the legislative vote, with the cabinet staying in place until a new one is approved by the Kurultai. Women in Politics: Kazakhstan reported women now hold one-third of seats in the Kurultai, pointing to gender-equality programs and regional advisor roles as the policy backbone. Eurasian Diplomacy: As the SCO summit nears in Bishkek, Russia’s Putin is set to meet Xi and also hold talks with Tokayev on Aug. 31–Sept. 1, with Ukraine and Black Sea issues on the agenda. Regional Transport Politics: Armenia proposed that Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan take 5% shares in the Zangezur Corridor/TRIPP and discussed possible transfer of Armenia’s railways management, with Tokayev confirming an October visit. Business & Investment: Kazakhstan and Germany pushed concrete joint projects at the 17th Kazakhstan-Germany Business Council meeting in Berlin, spanning industry, energy, transport, and critical materials. Aviation Incident: A FlyArystan aircraft caught fire during maintenance at Almaty Airport; no passengers were on board and an employee was injured. Humanitarian Shock: Nepal-Tibet flash floods have left at least 586 dead and about 2,478 missing, including hundreds of foreigners from 30+ countries.

Kurultai Power Shift: Kazakhstan’s new unicameral parliament officially begins work in Astana, with President Tokayev backing Aibek Dadebay as Kurultai chairman and calling the launch a new stage for political modernization. Parliament-First Government Reset: Tokayev’s decree dismisses the government ahead of the Kurultai session; the cabinet stays in place only until a new government is formed and nominations for vice president and prime minister are submitted. Digital Governance Push: Tokayev orders the E-Parliament platform to be integrated into Kurultai work and calls for AI to improve lawmaking while stressing that digital tools can’t replace legal expertise. Child Safety Online: The president supports a bill to ban social media registration for children under 16, but insists enforcement mechanisms must be built. Social Media + Energy Tech Bills: He also directs drafting laws on AI, digital assets, migration policy, and technological resilience for the energy sector. International Diplomacy: Kazakhstan marks the International Day against Nuclear Tests with an exhibition in Bulgaria’s parliament, tying it to Semipalatinsk’s closure and broader nuclear non-proliferation anniversaries. Sports Governance Audit: Kazakhstan tightens rules on Olympic delegation staffing after an audit found unclear limits on accompanying personnel and potential overspending. Regional Trade Connectivity: Middle Corridor operators are urged to cut delays by modernizing ports, rail links, and digital tools to make the route more reliable.

Kurultai Power Shift: Kazakhstan’s constitutional reform is being framed as a new “architecture of power,” with experts in Bishkek stressing the unicameral Kurultai’s role in making legislation faster and deputies more accountable, while the system’s effectiveness will hinge on deputy quality and oversight of the executive. Parliament in Practice: The Central Election Commission has registered all 145 Kurultai deputies, including 110 from the Adilet party and smaller delegations from Aul, Ak Zhol, Respublica, and the Nationwide Social Democratic Party. Diplomacy & Governance: Ambassador Abylkair Skakov says Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan inter-parliamentary cooperation should help translate leader-level agreements into concrete action, especially on trade, transport, investment, and removing barriers. Foreign Policy Focus: Kazakhstan and the UAE reaffirmed strategic partnership in Abu Dhabi, including consular cooperation and preparations for the UN water conference in December. Tenge Watch: The tenge’s strong 2026 performance is being linked to oil-price support despite CPC export disruptions. Disaster Response: Nepal-Tibet flash floods have killed hundreds and left over 1,400 missing, with Kazakhstan officials seeking at least one unaccounted Kazakh tourist. Security Posture: Kazakhstan has offered troops for a Gaza mission as part of an international security presence.