Foreign media on Kazakhstan: King Abdullah, Kazakh president discuss bilateral ties; Hungary and Kazakhstan strengthen diplomatic and economic relations

The Jordan Times: King, Kazakh president discuss bilateral ties, regional developments

According to the Jordan Times, King Abdullah met with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Wednesday at Al Husseiniya Palace to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments, with Crown Prince Hussein in attendance.

The leaders reaffirmed the strong ties between Jordan and Kazakhstan and explored opportunities for expanded cooperation, particularly in economic sectors. They witnessed the signing of an agreement and four memorandums of understanding to enhance collaboration in investment, industry, trade, energy, and media. Jordan and Kazakhstan have previously signed agreements in areas such as trade, transportation, mining, higher education, technology, culture, tourism, health, agriculture, and the environment.

Their discussions also addressed key regional issues, including the situation in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, and Lebanon. President Tokayev expressed Kazakhstan’s support for Jordan’s stance against the displacement of Palestinians and commended its humanitarian efforts in delivering aid to Gaza.

At the meeting, King Abdullah highlighted Kazakhstan’s efforts in strengthening investment cooperation, emphasizing the importance of deepening economic ties and expanding collaboration between the private sectors of both countries.

As a gesture of appreciation for King Abdullah’s role in strengthening bilateral ties, Tokayev awarded him Kazakhstan’s highest honor, the Altyn Qyran (Order of the Golden Eagle), and extended an invitation for an official visit to Kazakhstan.

World Nuclear News: Kazakhstan, Jordan team up for uranium studies

Kazakhstan’s national atomic company, Kazatomprom, has signed a MoU with Jordan Uranium Mining Company (JUMCO) to explore uranium mining opportunities in Jordan, World Nuclear News reports.

Signed during Kazakh President Tokayev’s visit to Jordan, the agreement focuses on assessing uranium deposits using heap leaching technology while ensuring environmental sustainability and economic feasibility.

Kazatomprom highlighted the project’s potential to boost Jordan’s nuclear industry, create jobs, develop infrastructure, and engage local contractors. For Kazakhstan, the partnership expands its global uranium presence and strengthens bilateral economic ties.

Kazatomprom CEO Meirzhan Yussupov emphasized the collaboration’s role in expanding international cooperation and enhancing resource utilization. JUMCO General Manager Mohammad Al-Shannag said the MoU would accelerate Jordan’s path to commercial uranium production through knowledge exchange with Kazatomprom.

JUMCO, the commercial arm of the Jordanian Atomic Energy Commission, has been developing the Central Jordan Uranium Project, where a pilot plant became fully operational in 2021. According to a 2022 report, Jordan has an estimated 62,000 tU in inferred uranium resources, with additional reserves in phosphate deposits.

Hungarian Conservative: Hungary and Kazakhstan strengthen diplomatic and economic relations

According to the Hungarian Conservative, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó of Hungary travelled to Astana, Kazakhstan to meet with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Murat Nurtleu of Kazakhstan on Monday, 17 February. The objective of the meeting was to find ways to deepen strategic ties and economic cooperation between the two nations.

‘Kazakhstan, along with Hungary, is pursuing a political strategy based on normality and common sense. Our respective national interest comes first. We have been on the side of peace for three years and have spoken out in every possible forum in favour of an early peace deal in Ukraine. It has been an honour to review with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the new world political reality brought on by the recent US presidential election, which is bringing positive changes for both of us,’ Minister Szijjártó posted on his Facebook page following his meeting.

President Tokayev visited Budapest, Hungary in November 2024. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary travelled to Astana in November 2023. The frequent high-level diplomatic visits show strong ties between Hungary and Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is a major exporter of crude oil and gas, so it can be a very important strategic ally in terms of energy policy.

News.az: Kazakhstan plans to complete AZAL crash investigation report by year-end

The Kazakh authorities must complete a final report on the causes of the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) passenger plane near the city of Aktau by December 2025, Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev said at a briefing, News.az reports.

“According to the requirements and standards of the recommended practice of International Civil Aviation Organization - one year of investigation. Accordingly, the final report on the investigation should be completed by December of this year,” Lastayev said, answering a question about the time frame for the investigation of the plane crash near Aktau.

The Times of Central Asia: Kazakhstan introduces new visa categories to attract foreign professionals

On February 18, 2025, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed diplomats on its new visa categories: the Neo Nomad Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and Residence Visa, the Times of Central Asia reports.

Updated in November 2024, Kazakhstan’s visa regulations aim to attract business immigrants, skilled professionals, and tourists. The Digital Nomad Visa offers long-term residence for freelancers, entrepreneurs, IT specialists, and startup founders, while the Neo Nomad Visa is for remote workers traveling internationally, requiring a $3,000 monthly income, health insurance, and a clean record. The Residence Visa targets professionals in medicine, science, innovation, education, and the creative industries, allowing a 90-day stay.

Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko emphasized the expanded opportunities for foreign nationals:

“Our country provides the necessary conditions to attract international professionals by offering visa-free entry to citizens from more than 80 countries and a simplified electronic visa for 109 countries. By expanding air connectivity, Kazakhstan now operates over 700 international flights per week to more than 30 countries. Additionally, we are actively developing digital infrastructure, creating smart cities, and ensuring access to high-speed internet,” he said.

He added that a flexible visa policy benefits both Kazakhstan and its partners through tax revenues, remittances, and skill exchange.

Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerzhan Yerkinbayev highlighted the initiative’s relevance:

“Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its position as an open and accessible destination for international visitors. This commitment to openness has been a key factor in the growth of tourism. In 2024, 15.3 million people visited Kazakhstan, marking a 66% increase from the previous year.”

Forbes: 6 adventures you shouldn’t miss in Kazakhstan

Forbes reports that Kazakhstan, the world’s ninth-largest country, is an emerging travel destination with a booming tourism sector, welcoming 15 million visitors in 2024. Thanks to a strong economy, modern infrastructure, and top-tier hospitality, the country offers seamless travel experiences.

Nature lovers can explore Kazakhstan’s renowned Tein Shan mountains, home to the Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake, a surreal flooded forest formed by a natural dam. The Charyn Canyon, Central Asia’s “Grand Canyon” offers breathtaking hikes and remote camping opportunities.

Almaty’s metro doubles as an underground art gallery, with stations showcasing Kazakh culture and history. In Astana, futuristic landmarks like Baiterek Tower, Khan Shatyr, and the Palace of Peace & Reconciliation reflect the city’s bold architectural vision.

For space enthusiasts, Baikonur Cosmodrome offers guided tours, including rocket launches and visits to historic space facilities.

Turkish Airlines and Air Astana provide international and domestic connectivity, while guided tours, such as those by Walking Almaty and Kazakhstan Guided Tours, offer curated experiences in the country’s cultural and natural wonders.

“Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its position as an open and accessible destination for international visitors,” reports Forbes, highlighting the country’s rapid tourism growth and unique appeal.

You can read last week’s weekly digest here.