Foreign media on Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan-Mongolia sign cooperation memorandum in nuclear energy sector, Kazakhstan’s Astana was full of surprises
From recent news about Kazakhstan and Mongolia signing a cooperation memorandum in the nuclear sphere, ADB approving a $291.49 million loan to “KazAvtoZhol,” and Astana’s tourist attractions for foreigners, Kazinform News Agency offers a weekly review of Kazakhstan’s coverage in foreign media.
Trend News Agency: Kazakhstan, Mongolia sign cooperation memorandum in nuclear energy sector
On October 29, Kazakhstan and Mongolia have formalized their partnership in the field of nuclear energy with the signing of a memorandum of cooperation, Trend reports.
The agreement was finalized between Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy and the Executive Office of the Nuclear Energy Commission of Mongolia, following President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s recent visit to Ulaanbaatar.
During the visit, President Tokayev emphasized the significant natural resources possessed by both countries, stating, “We will work together on the exploration and development of iron, phosphate, bauxite, and rare mineral deposits. Kazakh entrepreneurs are ready to explore the potential of Mongolia’s mining sector.”
In addition to the nuclear energy agreement, the two leaders signed a Joint Declaration establishing a strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Mongolia. This was marked by a ceremonial exchange of the signed documents.
The signing comes on the heels of the first meeting of the Business Council held in Ulaanbaatar, where entrepreneurs from both nations signed major commercial agreements and several other documents aimed at fostering business collaboration.
Moreover, it was recently announced that on October 6, Kazakhstan held a referendum regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant, with the date for the referendum being announced by President Tokayev on September 2, 2024.
In 2023, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy identified four main contenders for nuclear power plant construction: China’s CNNC, South Korea’s KHNP, France’s EDF, and Russia’s Rosatom. International organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), are also expected to be involved in the project to ensure additional oversight and compliance.
Euractiv: Nuclear energy, Kazakhstan’s golden opportunity to engage the West
Euractiv reports that Kazakhstan’s recent approval of a nuclear power plant, backed by over 70% of voters in an October referendum, offers Western nations a crucial chance to strengthen their role in Kazakhstan’s nuclear sector. As one of the world’s largest uranium producers, providing 43% of global supply in 2022, Kazakhstan holds strategic importance in nuclear energy.
Several companies are vying for partnership in the new project: Russia’s Rosatom, China’s National Nuclear Corporation, South Korea’s Hydro & Nuclear Power, and France’s EDF. While Kazakh officials have yet to confirm a lead partner, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for an international consortium with advanced technology to oversee the plant’s construction. This open stance provides the West an opportunity to support Kazakhstan’s nuclear ambitions.
Kazakhstan’s close ties with China, which relies heavily on its uranium supply, are deepened through partnerships like a joint fuel fabrication plant. Kazakhstan’s uranium industry remains under local control via Kazatomprom, maintaining significant ownership despite foreign collaborations. This local agency allows Kazakhstan to secure technology, investment, and market access while balancing Western and Eastern interests.
Tokayev’s vision invites balanced international engagement, as Kazakhstan explores energy cooperation with other nations, including recent talks with South Korea.
The Times of Central Asia: Kazakhstan’s energy ministry discusses nuclear plant construction with South Korea
From October 22 to 25, a delegation from Kazakhstan led by Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliev visited South Korea. As part of the visit, meetings were held with representatives of leading Korean energy companies and government agencies, reports the Times of Central Asia.
The key topics of the talks were cooperation issues in the nuclear power industry. In addition, at the meeting with the South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy, they discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in the oil and gas sector and renewable energy.
Satkaliev also met with the management of major Korean companies, including Doosan Enerbility, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC), and Samsung C&T.
During the talks, the parties considered the prospects of Korean companies participating in an international consortium, which Kazakhstan is studying as a model for implementing the project to build a nuclear power plant. As the minister specified, the final decision on this issue is expected in 2025.
Negotiations with Doosan Enerbility concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding. This document provides for studying opportunities to localize the Korean company’s operation in Kazakhstan and establish a representative office of the plant in Astana.
Doosan Enerbility is partnering with Kazakhstan to build a 1000 MW gas turbine power plant in the Turkestan region and, along with KEPCO KPS, is conducting a technical audit to reduce emissions and extend equipment life.
Asian Development Bank: ADB loan to help improve connectivity, road safety in Kazakhstan
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a local currency loan of up to $291.49 million to “KazAvtoZhol” National Company JSC for reconstructing 208 km of road in central Kazakhstan. This project aims to enhance domestic and regional connectivity, improve road safety, and support national and international trade, reports ADB.
The upgrade will transform the current two-lane highway between Kyzylorda and Zhezkazgan, the administrative center of the Ulytau region, into a climate-resilient road, reducing travel time from 4 to 2 hours and providing all-weather access.
ADB’s Director General for Central and West Asia, Yevgeniy Zhukov, highlighted that the project addresses critical infrastructure issues impacting Kazakhstan’s economic growth and regional development, while also leveraging its geostrategic location.
Kazakhstan, as Central Asia’s largest economy, has significant potential as a bridge between Asia and Europe, though challenges remain in transport costs, logistics inefficiencies, and high traffic fatalities, with a rate of 12.2 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021. Safety measures in the project, such as rumble strips and safer pedestrian crossings, aim to reduce accidents along the corridor.
Additionally, the project will connect key trade routes under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, strengthening Kazakhstan’s regional integration. KazAvtoZhol will also gain institutional capacity in climate resilience, gender equality, and financial sustainability, with professional development training provided for female staff and local female students.
Euro News: Monumental mosques and a futuristic museum: Kazakhstan’s Astana was full of surprises
While Almaty is Kazakhstan’s cultural hub, Astana impresses with unique architecture, friendly locals, and nomadic influences. Rather than art galleries, Astana’s scene highlights theaters for drama, ballet, and opera, reports a Euro News correspondent visiting the city.
Astana, the world’s second coldest capital, can freeze from November to April. Visit in summer for warmer weather around 30°C, or in early autumn for milder temperatures. September averages 19°C, but pack layers for cool mornings and evenings.
Kazakhstan offers good value for European visitors; meals cost around €20-25 per person. Air Astana has direct flights from Frankfurt, and connections from London and Amsterdam.
The Grand Mosque, Central Asia’s largest, stuns with its architecture and ornate interiors. Visitors can see the world’s largest hand woven carpet and views from the minarets. The Baiterek monument offers city views and a handprint of Kazakhstan’s first president. You can also visit the Nur Alem Museum for an interactive look at sustainable energy, great for families.
Kazakh food is meat-heavy, with dishes like “beshbarmak” (horse meat with noodles) and “plov” (meat and rice). Vegetarian options include aubergine salads and local bread. Don’t miss a bar of Kazakh chocolate as a sweet souvenir.
