Foreign media on Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan, Russia chart new path for bilateral co-op in key sectors; Kazakhstan plans to begin construction of new oil refinery in 2032
From recent news about Kazakhstan hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin on a state visit, the country’s plans to begin construction of a fourth oil refinery in 2032, and the opening ceremony of the XVII Eurasia International Film Festival in Almaty, Kazinform News Agency presents a weekly review of Kazakhstan’s coverage in foreign media.
Trend News Agency: Kazakhstan, Russia chart new path for bilateral co-op in key sectors - follow-up to President Putin's visit to Astana
Kazakhstan and Russia share a long-standing strategic partnership rooted in historical, economic, cultural, and political ties, Trend News Agency reports.
“With the longest land border in the world linking the two countries, their historical, economic, cultural and political ties form the foundation of their close relationship. Currently, Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a state visit to Kazakhstan - his second this year - a testament to the ongoing strength and importance of the bilateral relationship,” the article states.
Economic ties between the two countries are thriving. Trade turnover has reached $28 billion, close to the ambitious goal of $30 billion. Russian investments in Kazakhstan amount to $13 billion, with over 23,000 Russian companies operating there. In 2023 alone, mutual investments exceeded $6 billion. Joint efforts span energy, industry, transport, logistics, and agriculture, with more than 90 projects completed and 49 ongoing.
Energy remains a cornerstone of cooperation. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium facilitates 80% of Kazakhstan’s oil exports via Russia. Key projects include the $6 billion “Kalamkas-Sea – Khazar” offshore development and Central Asia’s largest polypropylene production facility. Plans for a polyethylene plant and a butadiene facility further underscore their collaboration.
Kazakhstan and Russia are also advancing gas transit projects, including agreements to supply gas to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Long-term plans focus on enhancing regional energy security.
Kazakhstan is also upgrading its rail network and building new corridors to link with Russia and China. Joint logistics hubs, such as the center in Seljatino, Russia, are streamlining trade across Eurasia.
Kazakhstan and Russia’s partnership is stronger than ever, marked by evolving political dialogue, growing trade, and cultural exchange. Recent agreements, including the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Program, set the stage for deeper collaboration. This alliance promises to shape Central Asia's future, benefiting both nations for years to come, the article concludes.
Report News Agency: Kazakhstan plans to begin construction of new oil refinery in 2032
According to Report News Agency, Kazakhstan plans to begin construction of a new, fourth oil refinery in 2032, Energy Minister Almassadam Satkaliyev said while presenting a report during a government hour in the Majilis.
“Due to the expected shortage of light petroleum products in 2036, it is necessary to begin designing a new oil refinery with a capacity of 10 million tons/year no later than 2030, with construction starting in 2032,” said the minister.
According to him, the construction of the new refinery will meet the country’s fuel and lubricant needs from 2040 to 2050 and allow for exports to the rapidly developing markets of Central, South, and Southwest Asia.
Currently, Kazakhstan operates three major oil refineries - Atyrau (ANPZ), Shymkent, and Pavlodar Petrochemical Plant (PNHZ).
The Times of Central Asia: XVII Eurasia International Film Festival kicks off in Kazakhstan
On November 24, Almaty hosted the opening ceremony of the XVII Eurasia International Film Festival, which will run until November 30, the Times of Central Asia reports. The event brings together representatives from more than 15 countries, highlighting its global significance.
As part of the competition, audiences will enjoy 12 films from around the world, including entries from Bangladesh, South Korea, Austria, and Qatar. Participants from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East will showcase their works, delving into universal themes through a regional lens.
Kazakhstan’s President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, addressed festival participants in a congratulatory letter.
“This year’s event coincides with two significant anniversaries: the 110th birthday of Shaken Aimanov, a pioneer of Kazakhstani cinema, and the 90th anniversary of the Kazakh film studio. This is symbolic, as cinematography unites society, fosters creativity, and strengthens intercultural ties,” the letter stated.
Tokayev emphasized the growing recognition of Kazakhstani cinema on the international stage.
“I am confident that the Eurasia Festival will provide a platform for outstanding projects that will resonate deeply with audiences and inspire reflection on important topics,” Tokayev concluded.
The Eurasia International Film Festival is Central Asia’s largest film forum and holds accreditation from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). Established in 1998 with support from the Government of Kazakhstan, the festival was initially hosted in Almaty before moving to Astana in 2018. This year, the festival returns to Almaty, providing a rich program designed to serve as a cultural bridge between East and West.
Daily Sabah: Kazakhstan weighs major boost in Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil exports
Daily Sabah reports that Kazakhstan plans to significantly increase its oil exports through Türkiye’s Ceyhan port via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev announced on Monday. The proposed expansion would raise shipments from the current 1.5 million tons per year to 20 million tons, reducing Kazakhstan’s reliance on routes that currently transit over 80% of its oil via Russia.
“This year, Kazakh oil transported through the BTC pipeline is expected to be around 1.5 million tons. We are evaluating the prospects of increasing this volume to 20 million tons per year in the future,” Satkaliyev stated, though no specific timeline was provided.
He emphasized mutual interest in expanding the route from both Kazakhstan and its Azerbaijani partners, describing the BTC pipeline as a “promising route”.
Kazakhstan sends crude oil by tanker across the Caspian Sea to the BTC pipeline, which spans from Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, through Georgia, and ends at Türkiye’s Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. Inaugurated in 2006, this pipeline offers a key alternative to Russian export routes.
This year, Kazakhstan aims to produce 88.4 million tons of oil, with 68.8 million tons slated for export. Of these, 55.4 million tons will go through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) to Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiisk, while smaller amounts will be shipped via pipelines to China, Germany, and other destinations. Developing alternative export routes, such as the BTC and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, remain a strategic priority for Kazakhstan.
By 2026, Kazakhstan plans to increase oil production to 100 million tons annually while achieving full domestic fuel demand by 2035. Kazakh exports currently account for more than 1% of the world’s supply.
Olympics.com: FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers: Indian basketball team beats Kazakhstan for first time in 27 years
The Indian men’s basketball team achieved a historic 88-69 victory over higher-ranked Kazakhstan in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers at Chennai’s Nehru Indoor Stadium, Olympics.com reports.
“The landmark win, India’s first against Kazakhstan in a major FIBA competition in 27 years, also keeps them alive in the competition,” the article states.
India, ranked 76th in the world, is currently second in Group E with five points, trailing Iran, who leads with six points and a game in hand. Only the top two teams advance directly, while the third-placed team enters a separate qualifying event.
After a slow start and trailing 18-9 in the first quarter, India turned the game around with a strong second quarter led by Kanwar Sandhu’s three triples. The team gained a 37-33 lead at halftime, dominated the third quarter with a 10-point burst, and sealed the game with a 19-point margin.
Pranav Prince and Kanwar Sandhu were joint top scorers with 17 points each, while Vladimir Ivanov led Kazakhstan with the same tally. India will face Iran and Qatar in their final group matches in February 2024.
