AGP Executive Report

Kurultai Update: Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission has registered all 145 deputies of the new Kurultai, including 110 from the pro-government Adilet party, with powers starting immediately after registration. Parliament Reform Watch: A roundtable in Bishkek discussed how Kazakhstan’s shift to a unicameral Kurultai could shape cooperation with Kyrgyzstan on trade, transport and energy, including a goal to raise mutual trade to $3 billion. Diplomacy: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulated Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Kurultai elections, citing high turnout as support for reforms, and Erdoğan accepted Tokayev’s participation in upcoming high-level meetings in Türkiye. Consular Cooperation: Kazakhstan and the UAE agreed to expand consular collaboration and share best practices, including Kazakhstan’s interest in the UAE’s Smart Mission system. Disaster Impact: Flash floods on the Nepal–China border have killed hundreds and left over 1,400 missing; Nepal says at least 517 foreigners are unaccounted for, with reports that dozens of Americans remain missing. Business & Trade: Kazakhstan is pushing to diversify exports to South Korea beyond commodities, with a business forum in Almaty pairing Kazakh producers with Korean importers.

Kurultai & Politics: Kazakhstan has elected its first single-chamber Kurultai under the new constitution, with the pro-presidential Adilet party winning 110 seats and turnout reported around 74%, while opposition and independents were not allowed to run. Economy Forecast: The government approved a 2027–2029 outlook and draft budget projecting average real GDP growth above 5%, driven mainly by non-oil sectors like manufacturing, construction, transport and agriculture. Energy & Trade: Kazakhstan is cutting its 2026 oil output target after CPC disruptions and is also moving to refine more oil at home, including processing Russian crude and supplying fuel back amid refinery outages in Russia. Migration Rules: Kyrgyz citizens currently do not need QazETA pre-entry approval to enter Kazakhstan, after Kyrgyz officials raised concerns over Kazakhstan’s planned digital entry-permit rollout. Air Connectivity: Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia agreed to raise permitted flights to 70 per week, with plans for direct Astana–Riyadh services. Green Transport: Astana opened CIS’s first solar-powered off-grid EV charging station, aiming to expand similar infrastructure nationwide. Regional Environment: A UN report warns Central Asia has degraded over 80 million hectares, threatening food security and livelihoods.

Education Reform: President Tokayev ordered a review of school textbooks, saying children must not be taught “imaginary heroes” or fabricated feats, after authorities found 700+ serious errors. AI & Digital Governance: The government approved a Digital Qazaqstan plan through 2029, pushing AI into education, healthcare, transport and public services, moving from pilots to wider rollout. Teachers Shortage: Tokayev said Kazakhstan has a shortfall of over 5,000 teachers and announced new scholarships and legal support, including amendments to the “Status of Teachers” law. Energy & Fuel Security: Kazakhstan is expanding refining capacity toward 40 million tonnes and is consulting on using the Baku–Supsa route after CPC disruptions; meanwhile, major refineries reportedly refused gasoline exports to Russia due to settlement and sanctions risks. Transport & Clean Tech: Astana opened a solar-powered autonomous EV charging station, designed to run off-grid. Diplomacy: Tokayev met Singapore’s Lee Hsien Loong, highlighting plans for a new Astana airport drawing on Changi’s experience and deeper AI cooperation. Public Safety: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry says no citizens are among those dead or missing in Nepal-China border floods. Sports: Kazakhstan won 26 medals at Central Asian Athletics Championships.

Qurultay Kickoff: Kazakhstan’s President has signed a decree to convene the first session of the new Qurultay on Aug. 28, 2026, setting the next step in the country’s updated parliamentary system. U.S.-Kazakhstan Ties: Tokayev met a U.S. congressional delegation after Trump’s message via House Budget and Tax Committee chair Jason Smith, with both sides pointing to deeper trade, investment, tech, education and nuclear security cooperation ahead of Tokayev’s G20 trip to Miami. Energy Watch: Kazakhstan’s Kondensat refinery will start processing Russian crude, with about 70% of gasoline and diesel output shipped back to Russia and up to 30% staying for Kazakhstan, with deliveries planned by rail during reconstruction. AI & Education: A new push is underway to weave AI into Kazakhstan’s education system, including plans for a specialized AI research university, as policymakers debate how to adapt curricula for a changing job market. Caspian Safety: Kazakhstan’s Emergency Situations Ministry received a new DAMEN fast rescue vessel to speed up search-and-rescue and oil-spill response in the Caspian. Autism Support: A Qatar-led Global Autism Advocacy Coalition is expanding internationally, adding Kazakh partners and focusing on diagnosis, policy, investment, technology and lifelong support.

Energy Deal: Kazakhstan’s Kondensat refinery will process Russian crude and send up to 70% of gasoline and diesel output back to Russia, with 30% kept for Kazakhstan; deliveries will be by rail and depend on railway capacity. Power & Refining Disruptions: A voltage drop briefly hit the Shymkent Oil Refinery, but KazMunayGas says power was restored and output continued; separately, a fire was reported at the Atyrau refinery and later extinguished with no injuries. Politics & Elections: The CEC confirmed final Kurultai results: Adilet won 71.17% and 110 of 145 seats, with turnout at 74.08%; the EU noted OSCE concerns about limited pluralism and election irregularities. Digital Health: Carna Health and Level Up signed an MoU to expand preventive care in Kazakhstan using AI-driven risk prediction and point-of-care screening for cardio-kidney-metabolic conditions. Transport Tech: Kazakhstan is rolling out AI tools for transport networks, including route and infrastructure planning. Sports: Kazakhstan’s taekwondo and cycling teams added medals abroad, while basketball development got a boost as Tokayev met FIBA’s president.

Kazakhstan Politics: Kazakhstan’s pro-government Adilet party has won a landslide in the first Kurultai (unicameral parliament) election under the new constitution, with preliminary results pointing to about 71% of the vote and OSCE observers saying there was a lack of genuine opposition choice. Energy & Economy: The government is set to review the 2027–2029 socioeconomic development forecast and the 2027–2029 national budget, while also pushing major work for the heating season and energy-utilities upgrades. AI & Power Supply: A new “Data Center Valley” AI campus near Ekibastuz is raising questions about whether Kazakhstan can meet the electricity demand as generation modernization lags and imports have been needed. International Ties: Kazakhstan and Pakistan reaffirmed plans to expand bilateral cooperation, as regional diplomacy continues across Central Asia. Sports (Almaty angle): Elena Rybakina’s ranking fight is tied to US Open results, with Kazakhstan’s tennis star positioned to potentially reclaim world No. 1. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 4.9 quake was recorded in Pakistan, with Kazakhstan monitoring regional seismic activity.

Kurultay Vote Fallout: Kazakhstan’s pro-government Adilet party won a landslide in the first unicameral Kurultai election, taking about 71.17% of the vote and leaving four other parties just over the 5% threshold; turnout was about 74%, while OSCE/ODIHR observers said the race lacked real political pluralism and raised questions about turnout reporting and counting. Diplomatic Moves: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry named Askar Zhappar as chief of staff, while President Tokayev held calls with Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić and Armenia’s Nikol Pashinyan, focusing on trade, investment, and regional transport projects. Trade Finance Boost: IFC and Bank CenterCredit signed a trade finance partnership to expand cross-border financing for Kazakh importers and exporters. Weather Watch: Northern and eastern Kazakhstan brace for rain, thunderstorms, and possible hail, with warmer-than-usual late-summer temperatures. Earthquake Report: A quake was recorded in eastern Kazakhstan near Almaty, with low reported intensity in the epicenter area. Sports: Kazakhstan’s women’s volleyball team beat Australia 3-0 at the Asian Championship, and Kazakhstan also notched major results across regional and youth competitions.

Parliament Vote Update: Kazakhstan’s first Kurultai election under the new constitution is drawing to a close, with exit polls showing the pro-Tokayev Adilet party leading at about 70.7%–72.3%, while Auyl (around 6.2%–6.4%) and Respublica (about 5.2%–5.5%) follow; turnout reported by the CEC reached 74.19%. Diplomacy & Governance: President Tokayev urged a “new code of conduct” for greetings, calling for firm handshakes and discouraging embraces or kissing. Energy & Trade Finance: IFC and Bank CenterCredit partnered to expand trade finance access for Kazakh importers and exporters, including SMEs, via IFC’s Global Trade Finance Program. Infrastructure & Water Security: Kazakhstan is expanding gas access (piped gas up to 13.1 million people) and automating irrigation canals with digital water-management tools. Sports: Kazakhstan won historic mixed team gold at the World Cadet Judo Championships, and Assambek claimed bronze at the U20 World Wrestling Championships.

Kurultai Election Update: Kazakhstan’s first unicameral parliamentary vote under the new Constitution is over, with turnout hitting 74.19% by 8:00 PM (9.35 million ballots counted), and counting underway after polls closed; Almaty city lagged at 43.23% while Turkestan topped at 92.16% and Kyzylorda reached 90.75%. Constitution in Action: The 145-seat Kurultai is elected entirely via party lists from seven parties, with no minimum turnout threshold for validity. Regional and International Signals: Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov congratulated Tokayev, while Italian observers said the shift to a single chamber could make political change easier to implement. Tokayev’s Next Steps: After voting, Tokayev said a vice president is expected to be appointed within 7–10 days and that the government will resign after the election. Diplomacy Watch: Kazakhstan-EU ties were highlighted in talks with EU leadership, with transport and logistics stressed.

Kurultai Elections Begin: Kazakhstan opened more than 10,400 polling stations Sunday for its first-ever vote for the new unicameral parliament, the Kurultai, with voting running 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. local time and overseas ballots cast at 79 sites in 61 countries; the Central Election Commission reported 17.96% turnout by 10:00, with Almaty city notably lowest at 9.96%. Constitutional Reset: The election is the first under Kazakhstan’s new constitution that replaced the bicameral system with a 145-seat Kurultai elected via party lists; seven parties are competing and must clear a 5% threshold. What’s at Stake: International observers total 777 from 42 countries and 13 organizations, while analysts and critics say the vote is set to further consolidate President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s power. Sports Spotlight: Kazakh wrestlers won medals at the World Qazaq Kuresi Championship in Baku, adding to Kazakhstan’s growing presence in international events.

Kurultai Election Prep: Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission says polling stations for the Aug. 23 Kurultai vote are fully ready, with accessibility corners, guarded ballots, voter invitations, and thousands of training seminars for commission members. Political Climate: President Tokayev urged citizens—especially youth—to vote, framing the election as part of broader reforms aimed at modernization amid geopolitical uncertainty. US Legal Shock With Kazakhstan on List: A US federal judge struck down a Trump-era policy suspending immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Kazakhstan, calling it “patently unlawful.” Economy Boost: S&P upgraded Kazakhstan’s sovereign credit ratings to BBB/A-2 with a stable outlook, citing resilient growth prospects and strong external and fiscal buffers. Energy & Water Push: Kazakhstan reported record water-sector investment of 677 billion tenge and said renewable power has grown to 3.8 GW+ capacity, with plans to add more projects in 2026. Cross-Border Trade: Horgos on the China-Kazakhstan border is seeing a summer rush, with daily visitors topping 30,000 and visa-free entry plus duty-free purchase limits driving e-commerce activity. Sports Spotlight: Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina withdrew from Cincinnati with an ankle injury, while Kazakhstan’s women’s judo saw Supygalieva win historic gold at a world championship.

Qurultay Election Countdown: Kazakhstan is entering a “day of silence” ahead of the first elections to the new unicameral Qurultay on Aug 23, with campaigning banned from Aug 22 and strict limits on media and social posts, plus fines for violations. Diplomacy & Trade: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry says talks in Astana between Minister Yermek Kosherbayev and Azerbaijan’s newly appointed ambassador focused on strengthening the Kazakh-Azerbaijani strategic partnership and alliance, including expanding non-resource exports and boosting the Trans-Caspian transport route. Uranium Deal Watch: Kazatomprom says it has agreed uranium supply contracts with Russia’s Uranium One Group and China’s SNURDC, pending shareholder approval later this year. Culture Abroad: Kazakhstan will showcase cultural heritage at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival 2027, with preparations discussed with Smithsonian partners. Weather Alert: Kazhydromet warns of heavy rain, dust storms, strong winds, and extreme fire danger across multiple regions, with heat up to 38°C in parts of the west and south. Sports (Kazakhstan in focus): Iga Swiatek advanced at Cincinnati after Elena Rybakina retired with an injury, raising fitness concerns ahead of the US Open.

Kurultay Countdown: President Tokayev calls Sunday’s first elections to the new unicameral Qurultay a “historic event,” urging citizens—especially youth—to vote as Kazakhstan pushes modernization amid tough global challenges. Election Logistics: The CEC says polling stations are ready nationwide, with 107 opening early abroad and at least 79 overseas sites voting ahead; voting starts 7:00am Aug. 23 (some at 6:00am). International Watch: Kazakhstan hosts election observers from the OTS and TURKPA, while Moldova’s CEC delegation discusses electoral process modernization and cooperation. Foreign Policy Update: Tokayev approved amendments to Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy Concept to align it with the Kurultay era and remove remaining Nazarbayev-era references. Education & Research Push: Kazakhstan plans to double PhD stipends over the next 3–4 years and expand AI education from schools to universities, including an AI university opening Sept. 1. Energy & Industry: Kazatomprom signed uranium supply deals with Russia and China; meanwhile, the government projects moving from electricity deficit to sustained surplus by 2029.

Sports Spotlight: Elena Rybakina’s Cincinnati Open run ended abruptly as she retired with a left ankle injury in her quarterfinal against Iga Swiatek, dashing her chance to reclaim the world No. 1 spot ahead of the US Open. Tennis Update: Swiatek advanced to the semis and will face Jessica Pegula, who beat Amanda Anisimova in a tight three-set match. Aviation & Trade: Cathay Pacific will launch the first direct Almaty–Hong Kong flights on Jan. 9, 2027, three times a week, boosting both passenger connections and cargo capacity. AI & Economy: Kazakhstan is pushing AI deeper into its modernization plan—building computing capacity, skills, startups, and Kazakh-language tech—aiming to move beyond adoption toward real capability. Media Freedom: Rights groups say Kazakhstani journalist Gulnara Bazhkenova’s sentencing reflects a wider crackdown on independent media ahead of parliamentary elections. Cybersecurity: A China-linked “SilkParasite” malware campaign reportedly targeted government bodies across Central Asia, including Kazakhstan.

Power & Grid Stability: Temporary outages hit Almaty again, with disruptions reported in Almaly district (4:20 p.m.) and later around Seifullin and nearby streets (6:10 p.m.), after a major blackout on Aug. 14 that also affected water pressure. Electricity Planning: Kazakhstan says it’s on track to fully cover domestic demand by Q1 2027, with a planned surplus of about 1.3 billion kWh, while KEGOC and a special commission investigate the Central Asia blackout chain. Renewables Forecasting: The Energy Ministry says Samruk-Energy will launch an AI system by end-2026 to forecast renewable generation and boost accuracy to 80%, aiming to cut losses from forecast gaps. Water Diplomacy: Kazakhstan’s ambassador to China pushed for coordinated water action, backing an SCO water study center in Kazakhstan and a UN-backed international water organization. Politics & Media Freedom: Kazakhstan’s court sentenced KazTAG editor-in-chief Amir Kasenov and CEO Aset Matayev to restricted liberty and banned them from journalism for five years, drawing criticism ahead of the Aug. 23 Kurultai election. Transport & Connectivity: Cathay Pacific will start direct Hong Kong–Almaty flights on Jan. 9, 2027, three times a week. Wildlife Update: A tigress named Ümit is adapting well after release, with monitoring confirming independent hunts including a wolf and wild boar. Sports: Kazakhstan’s wrestling team will compete across all weight categories at the Baku Qazaq Kuresi World Championships, while Kazakhstan’s chess players and taekwondo athletes continue to pick up medals abroad.

Aviation & Connectivity: Cathay Pacific will launch the first non-stop Hong Kong–Almaty passenger route in January, with three weekly flights starting Jan 9. Energy Security: Kazakhstan plans to add 845 MW of new power capacity in 2027, aiming to cover demand by early 2027 and pushing renewables alongside gas. Education & Health Infrastructure: Kazakhstan says it has built 217 schools and 655 rural healthcare facilities, expanding access for millions in remote areas. Sports & National Teams: Kazakhstan named its squad for the 2026 UEFA Nations League, with matches starting Sept 26, and Kazakhstan also tested domestic UAVs and UGVs at SHAIQAS-2026. Local Science: Researchers mapped 3D ground deformation across Almaty using satellite data, linking key patterns to the Central Almaty Fault. Diplomacy: Kazakhstan and the UN Volunteers discussed deepening cooperation, while Kazakhstan’s foreign policy and citizen protection overseas remain in focus. International Spotlight: Kazakhstan’s Qurultay election campaign enters final debates ahead of Aug 23 voting.