AGP Executive Report

Defense Shake-Up: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed Defence Minister Dauren Kosanov after 14 servicemen died in Caspian Sea exercises and appointed Aidos Myrzakhmetov, commander of the Special Operations Forces, as the new defence minister. Accountability Drive: A Supreme Audit Chamber state audit has been launched to review Defence Ministry budget spending and logistics, while a criminal case and detentions of five officers are tied to alleged negligence and navigation-rule violations. Tribute & Honors: Tokayev posthumously awarded the “Aibyn” orders to the fallen servicemen, and decrees also granted medals to survivors. Regional Security: CSTO drills “Interaction-2026,” “Search-2026,” and “Echelon-2026” are underway in Russia with contingents including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Foreign Policy & Society: Kazakhstan is seeking to revive higher-education ties with Malaysia, including student mobility and possible Malaysian university branch campuses. Public Health: UNAIDS warns of a deepening HIV funding squeeze, noting Kazakhstan among countries supporting the response. International Spotlight: Kazakhstan’s Timur Turlov won the FIDE presidency, with Azerbaijan’s Mahir Mammadov re-elected as vice president.

Caspian Sea Tragedy: Kazakhstan marked a national day of mourning after 14 servicemen died during naval exercises in Mangystau; Defense Minister Dauren Kosanov visited bereaved families and said comprehensive state support is being provided, while investigations and detentions of five officials continue. International Chess Governance: Kazakh businessman Timur Turlov was elected FIDE president in Samarkand, with Viswanathan Anand confirmed as deputy president, as the vote focused on governance, financial independence, and Russia-related concerns. UN Diplomacy & Security: Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi told the UN General Assembly that conflicts must be resolved through diplomacy and condemned drone attacks on Kazakh crude oil export infrastructure in the Black Sea; he also urged pragmatic, coordinated engagement with Afghanistan via UN-led efforts. Foreign Policy Coordination: Kazakhstan’s diplomacy also featured bilateral FM talks with Cyprus, Georgia, and Romania, emphasizing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and Middle Corridor. Education Cooperation: Malaysia and Kazakhstan agreed to deepen higher-education ties through a five-pillar “knowledge partnership” covering mobility, research, digital education, culture, and human development. Regional Energy Links: Kyrgyzstan said it has secured electricity imports from Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan for the autumn-winter period to avoid outages.

Caspian Sea Tragedy Probe: Kazakhstan has opened a criminal investigation into the deaths of 14 servicemen drowned during naval drills in the Mangystau region, with five senior officers detained and officials accused of negligence over safety and command decisions. Government Accountability: The Defense Minister said families will be supported and those responsible will be punished under the law, as Kazakhstan also declared a national day of mourning. International Condolences: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev sent condolences to Tokayev, while other foreign leaders and organizations expressed solidarity after the incident. Regional Diplomacy: Kazakhstan joined a renewed Abraham Accords multilateral meeting in New York, signaling practical cooperation beyond normalization ties. Transport & Trade: Kazakhstan and China investment cooperation continues, including new deals presented at the Kazakhstan–China Investment Forum in Almaty, with projects spanning robotics, vehicles, pharma, and logistics. Higher Education Links: Malaysia’s Higher Education Minister visited Astana to push a “comprehensive knowledge partnership” with Kazakhstan and Central Asia, including student mobility and research ties. Visa Cooperation: Kazakhstan and Nepal signed an agreement on mutual visa exemptions for diplomatic and service/official passport holders. Space Cooperation: Roscosmos said it plans to continue cooperation with Kazakhstan on Baikonur, including joint rocket launches.

Caspian Sea Tragedy Probe: Kazakhstan says the death toll from the “Khazar Qorgany — 2026” naval drills has risen to 14 after two more bodies were recovered, with search operations concluded; President Tokayev ordered a government commission and a criminal investigation, and a national day of mourning was declared as flags were lowered and entertainment cancelled. Accountability Measures: Five Defence Ministry officials have been detained over alleged negligence and violations of navigation and safety rules, with investigators examining decisions on the exercise, hydrometeorological conditions, vessel condition, and rescue actions. UN Diplomatic Fallout: At the UN General Assembly, nearly 70 delegations walked out or left seats vacant during Netanyahu’s address, reflecting deep divisions over the Gaza war. Trade & Connectivity: Kazakhstan’s foreign minister met EU officials on expanding trade and logistics ties, while Kazakhstan and China pushed a transport-and-logistics agenda tied to the Middle Corridor. Capital Markets Reform: Kazakhstan is set to overhaul its securities market rules with a draft Capital Market Law aimed at making it easier for businesses to raise funds while strengthening investor protections.

Caspian Sea Tragedy: Kazakhstan’s Defence Ministry says the death toll from naval exercises off Mangystau has risen to 12, with 17 swept out to sea after sudden weather deterioration; three were rescued and two remain missing as President Tokayev declared Sept. 25 a national day of mourning. Government Response: Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov ordered a government commission to investigate the incident and the Prosecutor General’s Office opened a criminal case, with forensic work and an operational-investigative team deployed. International Condolences: Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Russia’s Putin all sent condolences to Tokayev and the families of the servicemen. Security & Courts: A Taldykorgan court is set to resume the trial of nine men accused of involvement in the banned Tabligh Jamaat, with the prosecution citing NSC “special measures” including hidden recordings. Foreign Policy: Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tleuberdi met counterparts at the UN General Assembly high-level week, discussing bilateral cooperation, political dialogue, and regional security. Regional Connectivity: Kazakhstan’s envoy says TRIPP is viewed as a logical extension of the Middle Corridor, aimed at diversifying routes to Europe via the South Caucasus and Turkey.

Caspian Tragedy Investigation: Kazakhstan has launched a government commission after 19 servicemen were swept into the Caspian Sea during naval drills in Mangystau; nine are confirmed dead, three rescued (one hospitalized), and searches continue, with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov ordering immediate work on the causes and support for families. Diplomatic Condolences: Azerbaijan’s defense ministry and foreign ministry also sent condolences to Kazakhstan and urged a positive outcome for the seven still missing. National Unity & Language: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev told the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan that provocateurs are trying to inflame interethnic tensions via language debates, stressing that Kazakh’s rise must not mean suppressing other languages. Public Safety & Governance: Tokayev linked urban cleanliness to rule of law, arguing that disorder and neglect breed legal nihilism and that “Taza Kazakhstan” should reinforce social consolidation. Aviation & Transit Push: Astana signed a framework deal with Singapore’s Changi Airports International to develop the capital’s airport infrastructure and strengthen its role as an international aviation hub. Regional Health Cooperation: Central Asian health officials met in Bishkek to coordinate immunization against outbreaks, citing measles risks and the need for sustainable funding and reliable information systems.

AI & Digital Governance: Kazakhstan’s AI Month is set to bring hackathons and investment forums nationwide, with NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang scheduled to visit for the event. Infrastructure Finance: Parliament approved a framework partnership with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, targeting about $6B in long-term financing for transport, energy, healthcare and green projects. Transport & Trade Corridors: Kazakhstan is pushing the Middle Corridor and TITR links, including a new MSC Group logistics partnership to build “Sarzha Logistics” and boost container flows via the Caspian. Energy Diplomacy: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan held the third round of talks on Kambar-Ata HPP-1, with some progress but unresolved issues on the intergovernmental agreement. Public Oversight & Cities: Prosecutors backed completion of a private eco-park project in Astana’s suburbs, while President Tokayev urged stronger urban planning and a national cleanliness push. Tourism & Aviation: Air Astana and Kazakh Tourism signed a 2027 strategic cooperation deal, and FlyArystan launched the first direct Chongqing–Almaty route. Regional Security: Kazakhstan and neighbors discussed border cooperation mechanisms, while Lithuania is closing residency permit centers in Central Asia over security risks. Sports (Kazakhstan-linked): A Kazakh MMA fighter comforted his Tajik opponent after winning Asian Games gold; Kazakhstan also reported a new ski-jumping bronze in Romania.

Energy & Industry: Kazakhstan’s PM Olzhas Bektenov says refinery capacity is set to rise from 17.5m to 28.8m tonnes annually by expanding Shymkent (to 12m), Pavlodar (to 9m) and Atyrau (to 6.1m), while work on a potential fourth refinery is due for a full assessment by year-end. Governance: President Tokayev approved the 126-member Khalyk Kenesi composition and has nominated Yerlan Koshanov as chair; he was elected after a secret ballot, with the council set to replace the Assembly of People and Kurultai functions and can initiate legislation. Security Council Reform: Tokayev signed new rules and tasks for the Security Council Office, stressing cybersecurity, AI, and law-and-order as priorities. Digital Economy: Kazakhstan moved crypto services further into regulation, with the National Bank licensing providers outside the AIFC framework, while public-sector tech continues to drive fintech adoption. Road Safety & Enforcement: Astana expands AI-based traffic enforcement and average-speed monitoring; officials report 5,000 penalties this year over substandard road maintenance. Health Policy: The health ministry says multiple pharmaceutical lines saw sharp price cuts after procurement and competition measures. Regional Trade & Transit: Central Asia intra-trade rose 25.4% in Jan–Jul 2026, led by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan; separately, the US is preparing the next step for the Trump Route (TRIPP) to connect Central Asia to Western markets via the Trans-Caspian corridor. International Aviation: Kazakhstan and Switzerland agreed new terms for more direct passenger flights and unrestricted cargo capacity.

Road Safety Crackdown: Kazakhstan tightened rules for vehicle inspection centers and passenger transport, requiring special permits for technical inspection operators, raising penalties for violations, and warning of possible suspensions for “formal” checks; authorities also removed about 70,000 right-hand-drive vehicles from passenger services and are considering a ban on converted taxis. Disaster Response Cooperation: Kazakhstan will host a joint emergency services board meeting with Russia and Belarus in 2027, after the three sides signed documents and approved a 2027 work plan. Kazakhstan-China Recognition: First Deputy Prime Minister Nurlybek Nalibayev handed over the Dostyk Order to CITIC Group Chairman, citing strengthened Kazakh-Chinese ties and expanded cooperation. UN Diplomacy & Gaza: Trump thanked Kazakhstan among countries contributing to Gaza reconstruction and stabilization, naming Kazakhstan as part of the “Board of Peace” personnel and funding commitments. Digital Services Export: A Cambodia delegation visited Kazakhstan’s digital public service system, including e-government front offices and AI-enabled “Digital Citizens Offices,” to study how Kazakhstan scaled service delivery. Regional Connectivity Focus: Coverage highlighted the Middle Corridor’s growing role and Kazakhstan’s push for transport and trade links across the Caspian and South Caucasus.

China-Kazakhstan Talks: Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met Kazakhstan’s First Deputy PM Nurlybek Nalibayev in Beijing, agreeing to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, AI and green minerals. Autonomous Mobility: Kazakhstan plans driverless taxi services in 2027, with Yandex Qazaqstan testing an autonomous vehicle in Almaty and pilots planned for Astana and Kosshy. Transport Regulation Crackdown: inDrive Kazakhstan says it has blocked 70,000 right-hand drive vehicles after illegal conversions for intercity passenger transport; Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov says raids and penalties are underway. Rail Modernization: new Kazakh-built railcars are expected to enter service in late October/early November after safety testing delays. Road Safety Push: officials report fewer crashes and fatalities, while Interior and Transport ministries point to speeding and rule violations as key causes and expand speed-control systems. Crypto Growth: Kazakhstan’s regulated crypto market topped $10.58bn in 2025 trading turnover, with 215,000 users, as Web3 training and grants scale up. Energy & Geopolitics: oil prices face renewed pressure as Middle East disruptions persist, with Strait of Hormuz risks again in focus. UN Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s Saida Mirziyoyeva is set to represent her country at the UN General Assembly general debate.

AI Governance: A Europe-led declaration at the UN General Assembly calls for “frontier AI” to stay under human direction, oversight and control, but the US and China stayed out, leaving Kazakhstan and other partners to watch how rules may split along competing blocs. Security Council Office: President Tokayev approved a new structure and regulations for the Office of the Security Council, tightening the body’s status, powers and procedures under the president. Military Leadership: Tokayev appointed a new commander-in-chief of Kazakhstan’s Land Forces, signaling continued reshuffles in top command. Transport Deal: Kazakhstan and Turkey agreed to remove quantitative limits on electronic road transit permits and allow Kazakh carriers to collect freight directly in Turkish maritime ports. Health Fraud Case: An Astana court jailed urologist Boris Chen for five years after an audit found a scheme billing the Social Health Insurance Fund for impossible diagnoses, including uterine cancer billed for male patients. Environment Policy: Government moves to formalize a National Cleanliness Standard built on five pillars, citing major progress under Taza Qazaqstan. Aviation Access: Kazakhstan is undergoing a US FAA safety assessment that will determine whether carriers can get direct access to US airspace. Energy & Economy: Kazakhstan postponed solid mineral royalties and reported ongoing grain harvesting progress, while oil export logistics remain a key pressure point.

Military Leadership: President Tokayev appoints Kuanyshbek Ushtaev as commander-in-chief of Kazakhstan’s Land Forces, replacing Mereke Kuchekbaev. Foreign Policy: Tokayev congratulates Vladimir Putin on the “successful” State Duma elections, stressing broad support and continued Kazakh-Russian interparliamentary cooperation. Digital Skills Drive: Kazakhstan expands its free Tomorrow School programming and AI training to 14 regions, with 100,000+ university students completing advanced AI courses, though job-outcome data remains limited. Tech & Investment: Kazakhtelecom seeks billions for a Data Centre Valley computing infrastructure project; Qazaqstan Investment Corporation, IT Park Ventures, Mirae Asset Venture Investment and SparkLabs launch a Central Asia VC fund focused on Series A+ AI-native startups. Energy & Trade Risk: A new look at Kazakhstan’s oil logistics warns that higher global prices may not translate into gains due to export-route vulnerabilities and freight constraints. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Kazakhstan invites South Korea to invest in the Middle Corridor and targets capacity growth, while the FAA begins an International Aviation Safety Assessment for potential direct US flights. Water Security: Irrigation water-saving technologies now cover 702,300 hectares, nearly tripling since 2023, as the government pushes efficiency to cut losses.

Sports Diplomacy & Regional Presence: Kazakhstan’s role in major international events stays visible as Astana prepares to host the World Wrestling Championship (Oct 24–Nov 1), with Cuba confirming a nine-wrestler team. International Sports Hosting: Vice President Erlan Karin attended Astana’s WTT Star Contender table tennis event (160 athletes from 29 countries), calling it preparation for Kazakhstan’s 2027 World Table Tennis Championships. Energy Market Spillover: Global oil tightness remains a concern after Saudi moves to restore disrupted exports, but analysts warn physical crude scarcity could keep pressure on prices—an issue that also matters for Kazakhstan’s budget planning and energy security. Kazakhstan–France Cultural Ties: Kazakhstan and France deepened cultural cooperation via mutual tours, training and museum projects, including Louvre-related plans to showcase artifacts in Kazakhstan. Turkic Cultural Integration: The Turkic Union of Composers was founded in Baku, aiming to connect composers, conservatories and performers across Turkic states. Governance & Public Life: Kazakhstan continues implementing “Taza Qazaqstan” cleanliness efforts and urban development priorities, with President Tokayev pushing stronger environmental and city planning standards.

Kazakhstan Diplomacy & Regional Ties: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met Oman’s ambassador after receiving his credentials, exchanging greetings and reaffirming plans to deepen bilateral cooperation. Environmental Governance: Tokayev pushed to turn the “Taza Kazakhstan” clean-up drive into a regulated national cleanliness standard, citing 600 ecological events, 7 million participants, 130,000 hectares cleared, and 1.3 million trees planted since the start of 2026. Astana Urban & Civic Messaging: In a speech tied to the Taza Qazaqstan campaign, Tokayev urged volunteers and citizens to protect social stability and well-being, framing environmental work as part of national resilience. Kazakh-Korean Cooperation: Tokayev told a Seoul roundtable that Kazakhstan and South Korea already have 230+ university agreements and should expand investment in healthcare, pharma, biotech, and medical equipment. Sports & Soft Power (Kazakhstan in the spotlight): Kazakhstan won bronze in the Asian Games men’s triathlon, while the wider Asian Games coverage also highlighted Kazakhstan’s presence in the medal table.

Environmental Governance: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev says Kazakhstan will move “Taza Qazaqstan” from voluntary cleanups to a national cleanliness standard, citing 600 ecological events, 7 million participants, and 130,000 hectares cleared since the start of 2026. Urban Policy & Local Enforcement: Tokayev also urged stronger urban planning and tougher rules against graffiti and vandalism, with Astana mayoral action flagged as a model. Social Guarantees: In remarks on Kazakhstan’s constitutional commitments, Tokayev stressed the state’s guaranteed free medical assistance and broader social guarantees as core to the “social state.” Diplomacy: Tokayev received Oman’s ambassador, who delivered Sultan Haitham’s greetings and discussed further growth in Kazakhstan–Oman ties. Regional Culture Diplomacy: Kazakhstan joined the establishment of the Turkic Union of Composers in Baku, formalized by the Baku Declaration, creating a long-term professional platform for Turkic music institutions. International Context: Turkey detained 201 people in a cross-border fraud probe linked to an alleged Israel-connected currency investment scheme, with suspects including Kazakh nationals.

Presidential Cleanliness Push: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev told eco-activists and youth to raise a national “cleanliness standard,” framing it as a civic duty under the Constitution, while also calling for tougher rules against graffiti and vandalism in cities and planting a tree at the Presidential Park in Astana. Urban Improvement Agenda: Astana Mayor Zhenis Kassymbek reported greening and upgrades across courtyards, parks and a planned Yessil River green corridor, alongside nationwide Taza Qazaqstan cleanup figures. Diplomatic Credentials: Tokayev received Oman’s new envoy, Sheikh Dr. Salah Salim Jaaboub, formally starting the latest push to deepen Kazakhstan–Oman ties. Security Council Coordination (OTS): Security council secretaries from Turkic states met in Baku, including Kazakhstan’s deputy chair Aida Balaeva, focusing on regional threats and AI-related national security cooperation. Cross-Border Payments: Kazakhstan is moving toward interoperable cross-border QR payments, with India listed among 11 potential partner countries. Regional Mobility & Migration: Kyrgyzstan’s ambassador met Kazakhstan’s foreign minister Mukhtar Tleuberdi to discuss migration, transit and employment conditions. Environment Risk in the Region: A new study links human-driven Himalayan warming to higher risks of rock-ice avalanches and floods, relevant to Central Asia’s climate resilience planning.