Foreign media on Kazakhstan: assistance to Afghanistan, Emmanuel Macron’s visit, Republic Day

From Kazakhstan’s assistance to Afghanistan, upcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to the celebration of the Republic Day, Kazinform presents a review of foreign media coverage about Kazakhstan this week. 

Euractiv: Kazakhstan’s enduring commitment to the Afghan population

Euractiv, a European news website specializing in EU policies, published an opinion piece by Alibek Bakayev, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, on October 23.

The deputy minister discusses Kazakhstan’s commitment to assisting people in Afghanistan.

“Kazakhstan was quick to respond to the series of devastating quakes in Herat province of Afghanistan, guided by compassion, a timeless principle that should guide our actions in times of crisis,” writes Alibek Bakayev.

He said Kazakhstan’s operational search team “promptly acted, demonstrating our unwavering dedication to helping those in dire need. Importantly, none of our fellow citizens, including those involved in the rescue efforts, sustained injuries during their mission.”

“Our commitment to the Afghan people is not tied to the ever-changing political landscape. It stands as a testament to the enduring nature of our support, reflecting Kazakhstan’s dedication to providing humanitarian assistance and fostering strong ties,” he wrote.

BFM TV: EMMANUEL MACRON SE RENDRA DÉBUT NOVEMBRE AU KAZAKHSTAN

BFM TV, a French news broadcast television and radio network, published an article on October 26 about the upcoming visit of French President Emmanual Macron to Kazakhstan next week.

The agency quotes Kazakh President’s press service.

“According to the same source, the two will hold negotiations on ‘strengthening trade, economic, investment and energy cooperation’ and will address various ‘international and regional’ issues,” reads the article.

“Allied with Russia and moving closer to China and Türkiye, Kazakhstan, the ninth largest country in the world, is trying to diversify its partnerships, taking advantage of its strategic position between Europe and Asia,” reads the article.

Agenzia Nova: Kazakhstan, Tokayev celebrates Republic Day: "Committed to building a more just country"

Agenzia Nova, an Italian news agency, published an article on October 25, quoting President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s remarks regarding the Republic Day.

“Republic Day is celebrated today in Kazakhstan, on the occasion of which the citizens of the Central Asian country commemorate the declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Today. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wrote in a message to the nation– a dream of freedom pursued for generations is celebrated," reads the article.

“In fact, Tokayev recalled how the idea of ​​a Kazakh state can be traced back centuries ago, to the time of the Turkish khanates and the Golden Horde. Above all, the head of state paid tribute to the ‘determination of the patriots’ who ‘defended national interests’ during the ‘crucial period’ of independence, ‘fighting to overcome all the problems and difficulties’ related to the dissolution of the Soviet Union,” reads the article.

Caspian News: Astana Marks Republic Day with Grand Celebrations

Caspian News, a Baku-based news agency, published an article on October 26 about the celebrations taking place in Kazakhstan dedicated to the Republic Day on October 25.

“The capital city, Astana, played host to over 200 cultural, educational, sports, and social events, symbolizing the nation's stride towards independence after over seven decades of Soviet rule. The festivities, which began on October 23, spanned three days featuring an eclectic mix of events, including concerts, car rallies, exhibitions, excursions for children to iconic sites, round tables, and national sports tournaments, among others,” reads the article.

Arab News: Kazakhstan aims to raise trade exchange with UAE to $1bn, says minister

Arab news, Saudi Arabia based leading English newspaper in the Middle East, reported on October 22 that Kazakhstan plans to boost its trade exchange with the United Arab Emirates to $1 billion from $632 million recorded last year, citing Kazakh Trade and Integration Minister Arman Shakkaliyev.

Referring to the Emirates News Agency, to which Arman Shakkaliyev spoke, the agency writes that both countries have discussed investment objectives to boost bilateral trade relations.

“We discussed investment in environmental, social and governance and climate change agenda, and as a representative of Kazakhstan, I showed our plans about new trade roads from the Caspian Sea to Abu Dhabi and Dubai ports in the UAE,” writes Arab News, quoting Shakkaliyev as saying on the sidelines of the eighth investment forum of the UN conference on trade and development held in Abu Dhabi.

Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Kazakhstan is New Switzerland

Russia’s Nezavisimaya Gazeta published an opinion piece by political analyst Andrei Vypolzov, who discussed President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s foreign policy.

“The foreign policy credo of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev continues to cause heated debate in the public space. Many do not understand and do not accept the position when, in the conditions of what seems to be a fierce confrontation between the West and Russia, Russia’s closest neighbor is ‘playing chess,’ developing and strengthening political relationships with each of the rivals on this global black and white board. The phenomenon of Tokayev in today's seething geopolitical flow is truly unique,” writes Vypolzov.

He writes that international observers say in recent years Kazakhstan has established itself as a “global neutral negotiating platform,” and in the context of geopolitical hyper turbulence, the country is trying on the role of a global peacemaker.

Coda Story: The smart city where everybody knows your name

Coda Story, a New York–based news media, published an article on October 26 about the small city of Aqkol in the Akmola Region, which is turning into a smart city embracing innovations and technologies.

“At first glance, Aqkol looks like most other villages in Kazakhstan today: shoddy construction, rusting metal gates and drab apartment blocks recall its Soviet past and lay bare the country’s uncertain economic future. But on the village’s outskirts, on a hill surrounded by pine trees, sits a large gray and white cube: a central nervous system connecting thousands of miles of fiber optic cables, sensors and data terminals that keeps tabs on the daily comings and goings of the village’s 13,000 inhabitants,” reads the article.