Foreign media on Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan, Serbia strengthen ties; Prime Minister Orbán hails Kazakhstan as key partner in energy and economic growth
From recent news about Kazakhstan and Serbia enhancing trade and bilateral cooperation, Kazakhstan establishing itself as a key partner of Hungary in energy and economic growth, and securing $3.7 billion in green energy agreements at COP29, Kazinform News Agency presents a weekly review of Kazakhstan’s coverage in foreign media.
The Times of Central Asia: Kazakhstan and Serbia strengthen ties despite different geopolitical paths
According to the Times of Central Asia, Serbia and Kazakhstan have been strengthening ties. After months of preparation, Tokayev visited Serbia on November 18-19, meeting Vučić to discuss trade and bilateral cooperation.
“It is essential that we develop cooperation. We had constructive talks and reached important deals,” Tokayev said.
During the visit, officials signed several agreements, including a 2025 military cooperation plan. Vučić and Tokayev also attended a military exhibition near Belgrade. Military collaboration has been growing since 2017, with new agreements signed in 2023 and further defense discussions held this year.
Economic ties are also expanding. Trade between the two nations rose by 23% in 2023, reaching $91 million, with 36 Serbian companies operating in Kazakhstan. A recent business forum in Belgrade and plans to boost Kazakh exports to Serbia by $500 million reflect this growing relationship.
Serbia sees Kazakhstan as a key Central Asian partner, while Kazakhstan values Serbia as a gateway to Southeastern Europe. Both nations aim to establish direct flights between their capitals to further economic cooperation.
Although their economies differ—Serbia focuses on manufacturing and exports, while Kazakhstan relies on oil and raw materials—both are viewed by the West as vital resource hubs. Serbia offers lithium critical for green energy, while Kazakhstan supplies oil, uranium, and other essential materials.
“Kazakhstan, in addition to being rich in natural resources, plays a significant strategic role because it is located on one of the most important logistics routes of the next century, along the China-Europe corridor,” said Mihailo Vesovic of Serbia’s Chamber of Commerce.
Hungary Today: Prime Minister Orbán hails Kazakhstan as key partner in energy and economic growth
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited Budapest to strengthen ties with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and President Tamás Sulyok, reports Hungary Today. Discussions focused on economic cooperation, energy security, cultural connections, and EU-Kazakhstan relations, marking a deepening partnership.
Tokayev and Orbán highlighted Kazakhstan’s strategic role in Central Asia, agreeing to collaborate in sectors like energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and air connectivity. Trade between the nations has doubled in a decade, with Hungary’s MOL oil company active in Kazakhstan for over 20 years. Future projects include nuclear energy and water management, alongside a proposed EU-Kazakhstan visa agreement during Hungary’s EU Council presidency.
Cultural ties were celebrated, including Kazakhstan naming a street after Hungarian poet Sándor Petőfi. Seven agreements in energy, digitalization, agriculture, and education were signed, with Hungarian universities partnering with Kazakh institutions. Trade in goods has grown 2.5 times since 2010.
Energy cooperation remains a highlight, with MOL’s 27.5% stake in the Rozskovsky gas field and new initiatives like a seed factory and toll system involving Hungarian companies
Tokayev’s visit marked the 10th anniversary of the Kazakh-Hungarian strategic partnership, focusing on shared goals in economic growth, energy security, and cultural understanding.
Euractiv: Kazakhstan affirms commitment to global climate goals, secures billions in green energy deals at COP29
According to Euractiv, Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to combating climate change at COP29 in Baku, securing $3.7 billion in green energy deals and presenting its progress in climate reporting. The country highlighted its Biennial Transparency Report, which includes data on national climate goals, a greenhouse gas inventory (1990–2022), and emission projections.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized Central Asia’s vulnerability to climate risks, noting that despite contributing only 1% of global emissions, the region faces severe challenges.
“To improve the effectiveness of measures to respond to climate change, we must actively use advanced technologies and other digital tools that provide early warning and more effective management of water and land resources,” the Kazakh president said.
Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev signed agreements worth $3.7 billion, including a $2 billion partnership with China on renewable energy, a $1.5 billion wind power project with UAE’s Masdar, and collaboration with the Asian Development Bank to phase out coal and boost energy efficiency.
Central Asia’s susceptibility to natural disasters, such as floods and droughts, has caused $80 billion in damages and affected 25 million people in three decades. Tokayev announced plans for a comprehensive risk management system and an upcoming One Water Summit with France to address global water challenges, including saving the Caspian and Aral Seas.
Kazakhstan has set an ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, requiring significant technological transformations and international climate financing. Tokayev highlighted sustainable agriculture and “carbon farming” as areas where the country can lead. Additionally, Kazakhstan approved a new nuclear power plant, reinforcing its global energy role as the supplier of 43% of the world’s uranium.
Daily Sabah: Kazakhstan’s Aktau becomes cultural capital of Turkic world 2025
Kazakhstan’s coastal city of Aktau, located on the Caspian Sea, has been designated as the “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2025”, according to Daily Sabah.
The announcement came from the Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information following the 41st Permanent Council Meeting of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY), held in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.
During the meeting, which outlined TÜRKSOY’s activities for the upcoming year, the council decided to grant Aktau the prestigious title of “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2025.”
Thus, Turkmenistan’s city of Anev, which held the title of “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2024,” officially passed the honor to Aktau, Kazakhstan, in a ceremonial handover.
Aktau, which means “white mountain” in Kazakh, is located on the Mangistau Peninsula in southwestern Kazakhstan. It is the country’s only port city on the Caspian Sea and serves as the administrative center of the Mangistau Region.
Aktau’s strategic location on the Caspian Sea enables it to share maritime borders with Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Iran. Renowned for its rich archaeological and cultural heritage, the city serves as a significant hub for tourism and trade in the region.
Eurosport: UEFA Nations League: Erling Haaland hat-trick helps Norway secure promotion with win against Kazakhstan
Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick as Norway defeated Kazakhstan 5-0 to win promotion from Group B3 of the UEFA Nations League, reports Eurosport.
Norway finished two points above Group B3 rivals Austria after they conceded a late equalizer in their clash with Slovenia.
His hat-trick means Haaland is the top scorer in this season’s competition, having found the back of the net seven times in six appearances.
Haaland opened the scoring on 23 minutes. Antonio Nusa’s shot was well saved by Stas Pokatilov, but the ball fell at the feet of the forward, and the Manchester City star blasted home.
He got on the end of Nusa’s cross to score his second and double Norway’s advantage 14 minutes later.
It was 3-0 on the stroke of half-time as former Crystal Palace striker Alexander Sorloth found the bottom right corner.
Haaland completed his hat-trick with 19 minutes remaining with a driven effort from the edge of the box that nestled into the bottom-left corner.
Nusa added his side’s fifth to wrap up a comfortable victory at the Ullevaal Stadion.
