Foreign media on Kazakhstan: U.S. convenes critical minerals dialogue with Central Asian officials in Kazakhstan; 1,200 ancient petroglyphs and rare Turkic inscription found in Kazakhstan

The Times of Central Asia: U.S. convenes critical minerals dialogue with Central Asian officials in Kazakhstan

The United States launched a new round of critical minerals talks with Central Asian governments in Astana on June 10, signaling a broader effort by the Trump administration to deepen its economic engagement with the region, The Times of Central Asia reports.

Speaking at the first in-person C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue, U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs Sergio Gor said Washington sees Central Asia as increasingly important for global supply chains, connectivity, and industrial security.

“We care about this region, we want to be involved with this region, we want to identify win-win situations for the United States and your nations,” Gor said.

Kazakhstan used the meeting to promote its role as a future processing and logistics hub. Industry and Construction Minister Yersain Nagaspayev noted that a critical minerals memorandum signed during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s November 2025 visit to Washington had already produced practical results, including cooperation on tungsten projects and broader investment initiatives.

World Nuclear News: Japan, Kazakhstan extend cooperation on fast reactors

Japan and Kazakhstan have agreed to launch the EAGLE-4 project, a new phase of joint research aimed at improving the safety of next-generation sodium-cooled fast reactors, World Nuclear News reports.

The agreement was signed by Japan Atomic Energy Agency President Masanori Koguchi and National Nuclear Centre of Kazakhstan Director General Erlan Batyrbekov. The project builds on more than two decades of cooperation, during which the partners conducted about 200 preparatory tests, 11 reactor experiments, and over 65 out-of-pile tests.

According to the National Nuclear Centre, EAGLE-4 will include reactor experiments at Kazakhstan's IGR research reactor and studies supporting the safety assessment of advanced nuclear technologies. The sides are also discussing extending the program through 2031.

The previous EAGLE phases confirmed that molten fuel can be rapidly discharged from the reactor core during a severe accident, providing important data for future Generation IV fast reactor development.

South China Morning Post: Kazakhstan bank turns to Hong Kong as gateway to offshore renminbi finance

Kazakh companies are increasingly exploring Hong Kong's offshore renminbi market to raise long-term financing for infrastructure and development projects, according to Altyn Bank Chairman Murat Baisynov.

Baisynov told the South China Morning Post that three Altyn Bank clients are currently considering issuing dim sum bonds in Hong Kong. He said the city remains "the world's largest offshore renminbi liquidity hub" and offers Central Asian issuers access to long-term capital for infrastructure, transport, energy, and sustainable development projects.

The banker pointed to the Development Bank of Kazakhstan's 2 billion yuan ($281 million) dim sum bond issued in Hong Kong last year as evidence of growing regional interest in renminbi financing.

ijf.org: Kazakhstan strengthens link between judo and higher education

The International Judo Federation (IJF), Kazakhstan's Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and the Jenys International Sports Foundation have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote judo across the country's higher education system.

The agreement provides the introduction of judo programs at universities, the training of coaches and instructors, and the organization of student competitions and educational activities.

IJF President Marius Vizer said the initiative reflects judo's broader educational mission.

“Education has always been at the heart of judo. Jigoro Kano created judo not only as a sport but as a means of developing better individuals and stronger communities,” Vizer said.

The partnership aims to strengthen links between sport and education while creating new opportunities for students throughout Kazakhstan.

Greek Reporter: 1,200 ancient petroglyphs and rare Turkic inscription found in Kazakhstan

According to the Greek Reporter, archaeologists have documented more than 1,200 petroglyphs and a rare Old Turkic runic inscription in Burkhansai Gorge in Kazakhstan's Jambyl Region, revealing evidence of human activity spanning about 4,000 years.

Researchers identified rock carvings dating from the Bronze Age to the medieval period, depicting goats, one-humped camels, and hunting scenes. The site also contains three burial grounds believed to date to the Early Iron Age and Middle Ages.

One of the most significant discoveries is a five-character inscription written in the Talas variant of Old Turkic script. Specialist Vladimir Tishin interpreted the text as “Er atym Aba,” meaning “My name is Aba.”

Researchers say the inscription's personal nature makes it especially valuable, preserving the words of an ordinary individual who may have lived in the region more than 1,000 years ago.

BBC Sport: TV spidercam falls on to pitch during Hungary game

A TV camera suspended by wires fell on to the pitch during Hungary's friendly against Kazakhstan at Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, forcing a brief stoppage in play, BBC Sport reports.

Hungarian media reported the camera began smoking midway through the first half after fire damaged the cable supporting it.

The camera then plunged from a height of more than 20 metres and landed just inside the touchline near Hungary's warm-up area, two metres from a cameraman.

Nobody was injured and players took a drinks break in the 26th minute while the incident was dealt with.

Hungary went on to beat Kazakhstan 3-1, with Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai among the goalscorers.

You can read last week’s weekly digest here.