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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.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
Japan remained on high alert Saturday as Typhoon Mekkhala approached the eastern coast after Typhoon Higos weakened into a tropical depression. Authorities warned of continued heavy rain, flooding, and landslides, according to media reports.
A tanker reported being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Britain's maritime security agency said, after the United States and Iran each launched strikes in the worst escalation since they signed their interim peace deal.
Iran had a stoppage-time goal disallowed as they drew 1-1 with Egypt in their final Group G match at Seattle Stadium on Friday.
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has accused World Cup co-host the United States of treating his team "very unfairly", saying logistical restrictions have disrupted the team's tournament.
The U.S. and Iran have agreed to 'stand down' and resume technical talks, allowing vessels allowed to move freely under the interim peace deal, a U.S. official said.
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Fourteen people were killed on Sunday after a helicopter belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco crashed in Ras Tanura, according to Saudi state media.
Lebanon says Israeli air strikes and ground operations have damaged or destroyed historic landmarks across the country's south, raising fears that parts of its cultural heritage have been lost forever.
Civilians were killed on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine border on Saturday as drone and artillery attacks continued despite no sign of a slowdown in the fighting.
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