Week in Brief: 10 key developments shaping Kazakhstan this week

1. Kazakhstan and Montenegro set to expand bilateral relations

The Head of State expressed confidence the visit of Jakov Milatović would give a new impetus to bilateral relations. He noted that many Kazakh citizens travel to Montenegro and return with positive impressions. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Montenegro on the 20th anniversary of its independence, highlighting the good relations established over the years.

2. Tokayev calls for new approaches to regional development in four regions

The President instructed the governors to take concrete measures aimed at strengthening the economic potential of their regions and addressing social issues that directly affect citizens’ interests. Tokayev also called for accelerating the construction of social infrastructure facilities for children and youth, children's rehabilitation centers, clinics, and hospitals.

3. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hosts chairs of OTS Supreme Courts

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Azerbaijan Inam Karimov, Chair of the Kyrgyz Supreme Court Mederbek Satyev, President of Türkiye’s Court of Cassation Ömer Kerkez, President of the Council of State of Türkiye Zeki Yiğit, and First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan Alisher Usmanov, who arrived for the second conference of the Supreme Courts of the OTS member states.

4. Kazakhstan to completely modernize public administration system, says Tokayev

In the new Constitution, the development of human capital, education, science, and innovation is recognized as a strategic direction of the state's activity. Our Basic Law introduces, for the first time, a provision on the protection of citizens' personal data, including their private information in the digital space. Furthermore, a separate article on the advocacy was added, said Tokayev.

5. Kazakhstanis turn to online libraries: 3.6 mln views recorded

One of the key instruments for access to the national written legacy is the Kazakh National Digital Library. It features books, rare documents, manuscripts, periodicals, dissertations, archival materials, audio and video files, maps and other digital resources. The number of remote users reached 295,116 and downloads hit 891,551 electronic copies.

6. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev calls for large-scale renovation of healthcare infrastructure

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that over 14,000 healthcare facilities in the country have exceeded their service life limits, requiring urgent renovation. The President emphasized that the Government must undertake a massive overhaul of the entire healthcare infrastructure, updating equipment, facilities, and technical resources.

7. Kazakh scientist discovers new bacterial species

Kazakh scientist Serik Bakiyev, together with a team of scientists, has found a new bacterium named Aeromonas oralensis. The new species was discovered in 2025 during studies in microbiology and aquatic ecosystem ecology.

8. Dimash Qudaibergen to headline major Turkic cultural festival in Altay

This summer, the East Kazakhstan region will host the major event “Altay – The Golden Cradle of the Turkic World,” which will bring together elements of rich history, heritage, nature, and contemporary culture. The festival’s main event is scheduled for July 11, featuring Dimash Qudaibergen as the headlining performer.

9. Jackie Chan in Kazakhstan: Filming of Armour of God 4: Ultimatum begins in Mangistau

One of the main filming locations was the world‑famous Bozzhyra tract, where a crew of 35 worked from June 7 to 12. Filming is scheduled to be completed this year, with the movie set for release in February 2027.

10.Kazakhstan to host around 20 major international sports events in 2026

Among the year's highlights are the Judo Grand Slam tournament in Astana, the ISSF World Cup Shotgun in Almaty, the Asian Paracanoe Championships in Turkistan, the Boccia World Cup in Astana, the Asian Karate Championships in Almaty, and the World Taekwondo Grand Prix Final.

You can read last week’s 10 key developments shaping Kazakhstan here.