There have been many publications about Kazakhstan in a number of foreign media this week. Articles about the state visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Azerbaijan, about the B5+1 business forum, and about our country as a new culinary destination for tourists were published on the pages of the world press. What else has the international press written about Kazakhstan.
Trend: President Ilham Aliyev and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the first meeting of the Kazakh-Azerbaijani Supreme Interstate Council
The Azerbaijan news agency Trend reported that the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in a meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council as part of his state visit to Azerbaijan, which took place on March 11-12, 2024.
- ...Now we are starting the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Council. The decision to create the council is itself historic. This once again emphasizes the high level of our relations and serves as evidence that both sides are committed to strengthening the potential for mutual cooperation. We believe that the results of the visit and the meeting of the Intergovernmental Council will largely determine the future agenda of our relations, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was quoted as saying by Trend.
The article notes that Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have been actively cooperating for more than 30 years both within international institutions and in a bilateral format. Recently, the dynamics of mutual visits are very indicative, which indicates that bilateral relations have received a new impetus.
In turn, the Head of State thanked the President of Azerbaijan for his opening speech with kind words addressed to Kazakhstan.
- ...First of all, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the hospitality shown to us and, taking this opportunity, once again congratulate you on your very convincing victory in the presidential elections. This victory is evidence of high trust and popular support for your strategic course,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was quoted as saying by Trend.
Azernews: A joint Kazakh-Azerbaijani investment fund will stimulate the pumping of Kazakh oil through the BTC
The Azernews agency published an article about the opening of a new chapter in relations between the two Turkic-speaking countries of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. It is noted that the two states are planning to create an investment fund that will finance very responsible projects.
- Chairman of the Kazakh National Welfare Fund “Samruk-Kazyna” Nurlan Zhakupov noted that the fund will also provide financing for priority projects in various sectors of the economy of Central Asia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Turkey. He added that the fund will strengthen Kazakhstan’s partnership with Azerbaijan, the article says.
The Times of Central Asia: High-ranking speakers opened the B5+1 forum in Almaty
The Times of Central Asia news portal reported that the B5+1 platform - a group of countries that includes the five Central Asian republics and the United States - has taken an important step forward by opening the first B5+1 forum in Almaty on March 14, 2024.
The article states that the forum's topics focused on growing economic integration in the Central Asian region, business prospects in the region, and government support for expanding public-private dialogue.
According to the portal, the Center for International Private Entrepreneurship (CIPE), whose goal is to develop public-private partnerships in the Central Asian region, played an instrumental role in the formation of the B5+1 group. This new business platform has been created to help international and local companies benefit from global business and trade opportunities, while helping the governments of the six countries attract more foreign direct investment.
Daryo: Kazakhstan's venture capital market exceeded $110 million in 2023
The Uzbek news agency Daryo writes that recent results of a comprehensive study conducted by RISE Research in collaboration with partners and government organizations showed that the venture capital market in Kazakhstan has experienced significant growth.
- The volume of venture capital funding has increased more than fivefold over the past five years. The total volume of venture transactions in the region in 2023 exceeded $110 million, according to Daryo research results.
The article notes that in this way Kazakhstan became the leader in venture capital transactions in 2023 in the region. Eric Aubakirov, CEO of EA Group Holding, one of RISE Research's partners, called the research an important milestone for the region's venture ecosystem, noting its potential for attracting international investors and promoting local startups on the global stage.
Euronews.travel: Pilaf, beshbarmak and new nomadic cuisine: will Kazakhstan become the next big culinary destination in Central Asia?
Euronews.travel has published an article about Kazakhstan as a new culinary destination for tourists in Central Asia.
- The gastronomic scene of Kazakhstan is experiencing a moment when “neo-nomadic cuisine” has become the center of attention. Traditionally an under-explored destination for international travellers, Kazakhstan offers adventure-seeking travelers a rich culture, snow-capped mountains and stunning architecture, says a Euronews.travel article.
As the publication notes, traditions are still an integral part of the country, and the Kazakh people, known for their warmth and hospitality, are proud of their nomadic heritage. This is reflected in their customs and their developing cuisine.
- The dishes largely reflect the traditional nomadic food that was consumed by tribes wandering in the harsh steppes. This cuisine has long consisted of such staples as meat, dough and onions, but is now evolving and modernizing while maintaining authentic Kazakh elements, the article notes.
According to the Chairman of the Board of JSC National Company KazakhTourism Kairat Sadvakasov, which is cited in the article, Kazakh cuisine is the most underrated cuisine in the world.
“Outside the country, Kazakh dishes and signature dishes have yet to be discovered on the world culinary stage,” Euronews.travel quotes Kairat Sadvakasov.
Travel and Tour World: AirAsia X is the first Southeast Asian airline to fly direct to Kazakhstan
Travel news portal Travel and Tour World reported that AirAsia X (AAX) has announced its first venture into Central Asia with the launch of direct flights to Almaty.
“This significant achievement makes AAX the first Southeast Asian airline to launch a direct route to Almaty, Kazakhstan's bustling commercial and cultural hub. The introduction of this route underscores AAX's commitment to strategic network expansion and its commitment to providing convenient access to growing markets while meeting the growing demand for seamless and cost-effective travel between Southeast Asia and Central Asia, the article said.