Foreign media on Kazakhstan: Brandenburg refinery set to receive oil from Kazakhstan for longer, WHO and UNDP to upgrade Kazakhstan’s virological labs
From the recent developments such as Germany’s biggest refineries set to receive crude oil from Kazakhstan for an extended period, the meeting of the five Central Asian heads of state with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Astana, and the WHO and UNDP announcing a strategic partnership to upgrade the country’s critical health infrastructure, Kazinform News Agency provides a weekly review of Kazakhstan’s coverage in foreign media.
Eurasianet: Central Asian leaders seek German expertise to build manufacturing base
According to Eurasianet, Central Asian leaders sent German Chancellor Olaf Scholz a clear and consistent message during his three-day visit to the region: ‘to get, you’ve got to give.’
The five Central Asian heads of state gathered in the Kazakh capital Astana on September 17 for a meeting with Scholz, with discussions focusing on expanding trade between the West and Central Asia. Germany is particularly interested in boosting natural gas imports from the region. No specific deals were announced at the meeting’s conclusion, but all sides were upbeat about the future, holding out the possibility that agreements can be reached in the not-too-distant future.
“Exchanges between our societies have never been so close, and they are constantly growing,” the DPA news agency quoted Scholz as saying.
The meeting’s host, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reciprocated the goodwill, saying “the thorough exchange of views that took place reinforced the mutual interest of the leaders in further deepening cooperation.” He also emphasized that energy issues will play a “key role” in guiding relations.
Tokayev outlined a roadmap for future trade, offering Kazakhstan and other regional states’ support in meeting Germany and the EU’s energy needs. However, Central Asia seeks more than money in return, aiming for German technological expertise to localize production and create high-value products in sectors like finance, agriculture, logistics, and IT.
Tokayev also emphasized Kazakhstan’s interest in German investment to advance the region’s green energy projects, including solar and wind power initiatives involving Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, inviting German participation.
DPA International: Brandenburg refinery set to receive oil from Kazakhstan for longer
One of Germany’s biggest refineries is set to receive crude oil from Kazakhstan for a longer period of time, the German Economy Ministry confirmed on Monday as Chancellor Scholz visited the Central Asian nation, reports DPA International.
The PCK refinery in Brandenburg sources some of its crude oil from Kazakhstan but has been running at lower capacity since 2023.
Now, officials are extending a contract with Kazakhstan through Rosneft Germany to secure supply and support operations at PCK Schwedt, Miro, and Bayernoil refineries. Kazakhstan provided 1 million tons of crude oil to PCK last year and will supply 1.4 million tons this year.
The contract, held by the refinery’s owners, extends oil deliveries from Kazakhstan until 2025, with potential for additional quantities. Scholz confirmed ongoing negotiations regarding the sale of Rosneft subsidiaries, which could impact a proposed €400 million pipeline expansion subsidy, depending on ownership changes.
Euronews: Tradition meets competition: Kazakhstan hosts the 5th edition of the World Nomad Games
In an episode of the Euronews program “Focus” the audience gets a behind-the-scenes look at the 5th World Nomad Games in Astana, Kazakhstan.
The event saw over 3,000 athletes from 100 countries compete in 21 traditional sports, including kokpar and archery on horseback.
With more than 100,000 international visitors, the Games provided a dynamic celebration of culture and sport.
From exciting competitions to displays of nomadic traditions, the event highlighted Kazakhstan’s rich heritage and growing global appeal, blending history with high-octane action.
The Times of Central Asia: WHO and UNDP to upgrade Kazakhstan’s virological labs
The Times of Central Asia reports that Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Healthcare, the World Health Organization (WHO) Office in Kazakhstan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have announced a strategic partnership to upgrade the country’s critical health infrastructure, supported by a three-year grant from the Pandemic Fund.
As reported by UNDP in Kazakhstan, the collaboration will better prepare Kazakhstan for potential pandemics by enhancing its management of response to infectious diseases.
Key components of the initiative include renovating and modernizing Almaty’s virological laboratory and the construction of another in Turkestan. Both facilities will incorporate SMART (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) as well as “green” technologies to ensure sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The project includes renovating the National Scientific Center of Especially Dangerous Infections in Almaty to enhance its labs and modernize quarantine checkpoints across Kazakhstan.
FIFA Futsal World Cup: Dominant Kazakhstan down Libya
Kazakhstan beats Libya 4-1, moving to four points from two matches at FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024, leaving their opponents on three, reports FIFA.
The match between Libya and Kazakhstan was played at the Andijan Universal Sports Complex in Andijan on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
Kazakhstan flexed their muscle to overpower Libya and storm on to four points from two games at the FIFA Futsal World Cup.
Mohamed Khamies netted a fine goal for the Mediterranean Knights, but the Hawks were always in control.
Libya will stay in Andijan to encounter Spain in their final Group D game on Saturday, while Kazakhstan will head to Tashkent to take on New Zealand.
