About Qasym-jomart Toqayev
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Astana on May 27, 2026, for a state visit. During the talks, Tokayev described the visit as having "huge significance" for the development of strategic partnership and allied relations between the two countries, as well as for security and stability on the Eurasian continent. He noted the signing of a joint declaration on the "seven foundations" of strategic alliance and an agreement on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. Tokayev stated that Russia is the leader in direct investment in Kazakhstan's economy, at $29 billion, and that bilateral trade is approaching a record $30 billion. He also cited International Monetary Fund projections that Kazakhstan's economy would reach $360 billion in 2026.
Earlier, on May 6, 2026, Tokayev addressed the second meeting of the AI Development Council at GITEX AI Kazakhstan in Almaty. He stated that control over computing power, data, and communication channels determines the level of national independence, and that Kazakhstan should prioritize building its own infrastructure base for artificial intelligence and cloud services, including a "data center valley" cluster. He also announced the introduction of a "golden visa" program offering long-term residency and tax exemptions to strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a regional hub.
Source: AI-verified profile updated from Qasym-jomart Toqayev's recent appearances.
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Narrator0:11
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Kenya William Ruto took part in the Kazakhstan-Kenya Business Forum. The head of state highlighted the opportunities of Kazakhstan and put forward proposals to expand the partnership. Kazakhstan is the largest economy in Central Asia, as confirmed by GDP growth dynamics of 6.5%. In addition, the country has developed an institutional framework to ensure the protection of investors' rights and interests, a solid foundation laid in the new constitution. The establishment of the Kazakhstan-Kenya Business Council, the organization of regular trade missions, and the exchange of experience are concrete steps that can strengthen practical cooperation between the two countries.
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Qasym-jomart Toqayev0:51
To appoint honorary consul of Kazakhstan in Kenya to serve as a focal point on business issues for strengthening practical engagement between our entrepreneurs. To establish a group of experts to figure out potential and promising ways of upgrading transport and logistics connectivity. I'm confident that these measures will lay a solid foundation for the establishment of an intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation on the ministerial level with no delay. Expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation will be driven primarily by the transit and transport sector. Today, Kazakhstan is a key Eurasian transit hub. 85% of all overland transit shipments between China and Europe pass through the country's territory. In turn, Kenya serves as a key logistics gateway to East Africa, providing access to a market of 300 million people. Linking with the middle corridor with the ports of Mombasa and Lamu will make it possible to increase trade turnover. Agriculture is also a priority. Kazakhstan can expand its grain exports, while Kenya can increase supplies of tea, coffee, and flowers. According to the president, another important area of bilateral cooperation is the mining industry and geological exploration. Representing state and private sector, we believe there is significant potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of geology, exploration, mining, and processing. Kazakhstan stands ready to share its expertise and experience in these fields. We particularly welcome the signing of the agreement between Samruk Kazyna and Namiko on the implementation of investment projects in Kenya, including the identification, assessment, and advancement of initiatives in the fields of subsoil use and geological exploration. The parties outlined prospects for cooperation in digitalization, artificial intelligence, and space technologies. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation between the financial centers of Astana and Nairobi. In turn, William Ruto expressed confidence that Kazakhstan and Kenya could jointly create a new economic bridge between Central Asia and Africa.
