The foreign ministers of Kazakhstan and Burkina Faso met in Astana, marking the first such visit in history and setting the stage for deepened cooperation across various sectors, as Kazakhstan actively expands its engagement with the African continent.
In a landmark moment for bilateral relations, Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, hosted Karamoko Traoré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Burkinabè Abroad of Burkina Faso, for a working visit in Astana on June 3, 2025. This marks the first visit of a Burkinabè foreign minister to Kazakhstan, signalling a new era of cooperation between the two nations.
The high-level meeting saw extensive discussions across political, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. Both ministers emphasised enhancing collaboration in key areas such as logistics, mining, digitalisation, and the defence industry, highlighting promising avenues for future growth.
Minister Nurtleu underscored the growing importance of the African continent in Kazakhstan's foreign policy, stating, "The African direction occupies an important place in Kazakhstan’s foreign policy. Astana seeks to strengthen mutually beneficial and equal cooperation with the countries of the continent."
The Kazakh Foreign Minister also extended gratitude to Burkina Faso for its support in establishing the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty, showcasing a shared commitment to global initiatives.
Both ministers reaffirmed their mutual interest in expanding the legal framework for cooperation and intensifying visits at various levels. They also exchanged perspectives on pressing international and regional issues.
A significant outcome of the talks was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Political and Diplomatic Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries. This agreement is a crucial step in formalising and institutionalising the dialogue between the two ministries.
The visit by the Burkinabè foreign minister comes amidst a period of increasing engagement between Kazakhstan and African nations. In recent years, Astana has welcomed official visits from leaders of Togo, the Republic of Congo, Guinea-Bissau, and Rwanda, as well as foreign ministers from Sierra Leone, Benin, and Rwanda.
Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its diplomatic presence across Africa, actively promoting joint economic projects based on principles of equality and mutual respect, further solidifying its commitment to fostering strong partnerships on the continent.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party has won the Armenian elections, picking up nearly half the vote. With a majority in p...
Iran says the first wave of attacks on Israel since April's ceasefire has ended, but warned of further strikes if Israel continues military action in ...
Uzbekistan and Russia have agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, energy and food security following high-level meetings held during the St Pete...
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that the U.S. would bear direct responsibility for any escalation in West Asia a...
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedric...
Kazakhstan will require major businesses to introduce five-year water-saving plans as authorities warn that worsening shortages could threaten not only the environment but also the country's economy.
For much of the post-Soviet era, Russia and Kazakhstan have maintained one of Eurasia’s most stable bilateral relationships. Deep economic ties, shared history and strategic geography continue to bind the two neighbours together, but Astana is increasingly pursuing a more independent path.
Kazakhstan has invited Cyprus to take an active role in the Trans-Caspian transport route, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev saying closer cooperation could link Kazakhstan’s land infrastructure with Cyprus’s maritime network and boost trade between Central Asia and the Mediterranean.
Kazakhstan has used a high-level visit by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee to promote itself as a gateway to Central Asia, offering investors access to industrial projects worth more than $100 billion and a growing regional market.
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million people for the next few years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is hoping to fend off challenges from several pro-Russia candidates to secure a third term.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party has won the Armenian elections, picking up nearly half the vote. With a majority in parliament, Pashinyan is set for a third term as Prime Minister. But an opposition politican has said he will challenge the election results.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov. In a statement, it said four Azerbaijani citizens were killed and four others were injured.
The results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections will determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for the foreseeable future. But in Armenia, the final result is not decided by vote percentages alone. Here's how it works.
For about three decades after the Soviet collapse, Armenia anchored its foreign and security policy to Moscow.
Uzbekistan and Russia have agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, energy and food security following high-level meetings held during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that the U.S. would bear direct responsibility for any escalation in West Asia after Iran and Israel resumed strikes for the first time since the April ceasefire.
Four Palestinians, including an eight-year-old boy, were killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza on Monday (8 June), according to local health officials, as mediators continued efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Kazakhstan will require major businesses to introduce five-year water-saving plans as authorities warn that worsening shortages could threaten not only the environment but also the country's economy.
The United Nations has expressed concern over reports that women in western Afghanistan have been arrested and detained for allegedly failing to comply with Taliban dress requirements.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment