Kazakhstan and Russia are set to launch 27 new joint projects worth $8 billion, signalling a notable expansion in bilateral economic cooperation.
The announcement was made during Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov’s official visit to Moscow on April 21, where he met with his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Mishustin.
“This is a historic figure,” Bektenov said, referring to the $4 billion in Russian investment Kazakhstan received in 2024—a 32% increase over the previous year.
Currently, more than 23,000 companies with Russian participation operate in Kazakhstan, making up nearly 40% of all foreign enterprises in the country. These companies are active in critical sectors such as mechanical engineering, metallurgy, and chemicals. Notably, one in every three foreign-capital enterprises in Kazakhstan involves a Russian partner.
Bilateral trade reached $27.8 billion in 2024, and both nations aim to raise that to $30 billion in the near term. Over the past 20 years, Russian investors have poured $26 billion into Kazakhstan, while Kazakh businesses have invested approximately $9 billion in Russia.
Moscow continues to underscore Kazakhstan’s role as a strategic partner in the Eurasian region, with nearly 70% of trade conducted through direct cooperation between regional authorities.
Meanwhile, European interest in Central Asia is growing. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to visit Uzbekistan on April 25–26, followed by a trip to Astana to participate in the inaugural “Central Asia–Italy” summit. Leaders from all five Central Asian nations are expected to attend.
Italy’s engagement with Kazakhstan is especially robust. Italian companies, active in the country since 1992, are involved in energy, agriculture, mechanical engineering, and hydropower projects. The country is already one of Kazakhstan’s top three trading partners and ranks fifth in foreign direct investment. In 2024 alone, bilateral trade has approached $20 billion.
This European outreach follows the recent Central Asia–EU Summit in Samarkand, where the European Union unveiled a €12 billion investment package aimed at deepening economic ties with the region.
Kazakhstan’s global importance is also rising due to its vast reserves of rare earth minerals. Just days before the EU summit, Kazakh authorities announced the discovery of a major rare earth deposit in the Karaganda region, estimated to hold nearly one million tons of critical elements such as cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, and yttrium—materials vital to digital and green technologies.
The “Central Asia plus one” format has become a popular diplomatic tool for Western countries — whether it’s the EU, Germany, the United States, Japan, or now Italy. As global competition for influence intensifies, Central Asia is emerging as a focal point of international diplomacy. And each new summit is no longer just a formality — it’s part of a broader geopolitical contest for the heart of Eurasia.
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has arrived in Kazakhstan for an official visit, paving the way for stronger bilateral relations.
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Kazakhstan and Vietnam have taken a significant step toward strengthening their bilateral relationship, with General Secretary To Lam announcing Kazakhstan as Vietnam’s first strategic partner in Central Asia during his visit to Astana.
Kazakhstan has partnered with China for a significant oil exploration project in the Caspian Sea.
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has arrived in Kazakhstan for an official visit, paving the way for stronger bilateral relations.
Eurovision hopefuls hit the turquoise carpet in Basel as Switzerland hosts the song contest for the first time since 1989—setting the stage for a week of music, unity, and glitter.
Qatar has denied reports of gifting a luxury jet to President Trump for use as Air Force One, stating the matter is still under legal review with no final decision made.
Hamas has released a hostage, identified as Alexander, in what it described as a goodwill gesture toward U.S. President Donald Trump. The confirmation came late Sunday from Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff in a message to the Associated Press.
U.S. and Chinese officials reported "substantial progress" in tariff negotiations held in Geneva, though specific details remain scarce. A joint statement is expected to be released on Monday.
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For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
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Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano. AnewZ covered the event, with journalist Maria Rodriguez Abalde on-site. She witnessed the occasion firsthand and documented key moments. More images and footage will be available soon.
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has arrived in Kazakhstan for an official visit, paving the way for stronger bilateral relations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has welcomed Russia’s latest signal for renewed peace talks with Ukraine, offering Istanbul once again as a venue for direct negotiations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted a late-night press conference at the Kremlin on Saturday, the first of its kind in the country's history.
Ukrainian authorities are unwilling to engage in talks to resolve the conflict with Russia, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with ABC News.
On May 10, Azerbaijani Army positions near Chambarak were fired upon, prompting a response from Azerbaijani forces, according to the Ministry of Defense.
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has arrived in Kazakhstan for an official visit, paving the way for stronger bilateral relations.
Eurovision hopefuls hit the turquoise carpet in Basel as Switzerland hosts the song contest for the first time since 1989—setting the stage for a week of music, unity, and glitter.
Qatar has denied reports of gifting a luxury jet to President Trump for use as Air Force One, stating the matter is still under legal review with no final decision made.
Hamas has released a hostage, identified as Alexander, in what it described as a goodwill gesture toward U.S. President Donald Trump. The confirmation came late Sunday from Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff in a message to the Associated Press.
U.S. and Chinese officials reported "substantial progress" in tariff negotiations held in Geneva, though specific details remain scarce. A joint statement is expected to be released on Monday.
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