AGP Executive Report

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Kazakhstan’s SCO coordinators reviewed draft outcome documents ahead of the 1 September Council of Heads of State meeting, with Kazakhstan pushing for a stronger, more inclusive SCO and a Bishkek Declaration marking the bloc’s 25th anniversary. Nuclear diplomacy: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev marked the 35th anniversary of the Semipalatinsk test-site closure by calling for nuclear powers to resume talks, speed up the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty’s entry into force, and use nuclear energy only for peaceful purposes. Energy and sanctions ripple: Georgia’s Kulevi refinery has stopped processing Russian crude and is switching to supplies from Kazakhstan and Libya, with sanctions pressure tied to future compliance. Sports spotlight: Elena Rybakina says she’s on track to play the U.S. Open after an ankle injury, while Kazakhstan’s Dmitriy Panarin won bronze at a badminton tournament in Nigeria. Regional ties: India’s Modi arrived in Bishkek for the SCO summit, underscoring the growing Central Asia focus around security and connectivity.

Disaster Watch: China says 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries remain unaccounted for after the Aug. 26 mudslide at Gyirong Port on the Nepal–Tibet border, with Nepal (104) and India (49) the biggest groups; Kazakhstan is listed with one missing person as authorities continue cross-checking and notify embassies. Regional Logistics: About 400 trucks are stuck in a queue at the Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan Karasu checkpoint in Zhambyl region, with Kazakhstan urging carriers to plan for temporary delays and possible reroutes. Politics & Institutions: Kazakhstan’s new Kurultai parliament is moving into its first working phase after elections, reshaping the balance of power under the July constitutional shift. Air Force Modernization: Reports say Kazakhstan could receive Russian Su-57 fifth-generation jets within two years, marking a major step in air defense upgrades. Aviation Incident: A FlyArystan Airbus A320 caught fire during maintenance at Almaty Airport; no passengers or crew were onboard, and one employee was injured. Culture & Sports: Kazakhstan’s film push includes “Jamilya in Paris” shooting in France, while Elena Rybakina says her US Open heel injury is under control; Kazakhstan also notched a one-two equestrian finish in Poland.

SCO Diplomacy: Kazakhstan’s Tokayev is set to meet leaders including Xi, Modi and Putin at the SCO summit in Bishkek, with reports saying Putin will hold nine bilateral talks on the sidelines. Nuclear Memory: Kazakhstan marks Aug. 29 as the anniversary of the Semipalatinsk test site closure, with events highlighting the push for a nuclear-test ban and a nuclear-free Central Asia. Kurultai Politics: Tokayev opened Kazakhstan’s first session of the new unicameral Kurultai in Astana, framing modernization as key to navigating a more chaotic world order; the government stepped down ahead of the transition. Digital Cooperation: Kazakhstan is among eight countries approved to join the Digital Cooperation Organization, with Tajikistan set as an associate member. Kazakhstan in Sports: Rybakina says she’s on track for the US Open after a leg injury; in judo, Abylaikhan Zhubanazar won gold at a Grand Slam in Lausanne. International Community: Malaysia celebrated its National Day in Astana with the Malaysian community taking part in flag-raising and cultural events.

Kazakhstan Politics: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev opened the first session of the new unicameral Kurultai, setting a heavy legislative modernization agenda as the 145-seat chamber brings major personnel turnover and a record 33.8% women’s representation, with Aibek Dadebay elected speaker. SCO Diplomacy: Kazakhstan is set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek on September 1, with Tokayev among expected leaders, as the bloc marks its 25th year and weighs a wider “SCO plus” format. Energy & Trade: China has overtaken Russia as Kazakhstan’s top trading partner in the first half of 2026, with bilateral trade reaching $16.65bn, while Russia remains a major supplier of fuel and industrial inputs. Nuclear Policy: Tokayev marked the UN International Day against Nuclear Tests, recalling Kazakhstan’s 35-year anniversary since closing Semipalatinsk and calling for renewed nuclear-power talks and a ban on tests. Regional Security: CSTO states met in Aktau to prepare a new anti-drug operation targeting trafficking routes across the region. International Spotlight: Kazakhstan also appears in global sports and culture coverage, from Kurultai election observation to Kazakhstan-linked international events.

Kazakhstan Politics: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree dismissing the government after Sunday’s legislative vote under the new unicameral Kurultai system; the first session opened in Astana with Adilet Party leader Aibek Dadebay elected speaker, as the CEC registered 145 deputies from five parties after 74.08% turnout. Parliament Watch: The Kurultai is set to approve key presidential nominees (vice president, prime minister, top court and audit posts) and elect Supreme Court judges on the president’s recommendation. Aviation Safety: A FlyArystan aircraft caught fire at Almaty airport during scheduled maintenance; no passengers were onboard, the blaze was localized, and one employee was injured. Regional Connectivity: Armenia proposed that Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan take 5% shares in the Zangezur Corridor/TRIPP and discussed possible transfer of Armenia’s railways management. Business & Industry: Kazakhstan and Germany advanced investment talks via the 17th Kazakhstan-Germany Business Council, with focus shifting toward concrete joint projects. Women in Politics: Women won one-third of seats in Kazakhstan’s Kurultai, continuing policy efforts to expand gender representation. Sports: Kazakhstan will host a Davis Cup tie against Thailand in Astana, with matches on Sept. 18-19. Disaster Impact: Nepal-Tibet flash floods remain deadly, with reports of thousands missing across the border, including hundreds of foreigners.

Nepal-Tibet Disaster: Flash floods and a glacier collapse on the Nepal–China border have killed at least 469 people and left about 1,500 missing, with hundreds of foreigners unaccounted for as rescue operations struggle with bad weather and access limits. Kazakhstan Politics: Kazakhstan’s government has resigned ahead of the new Kurultay session; the unicameral parliament is now set with 145 deputies, and President Tokayev has backed a bill to ban social media registration for children under 16, stressing enforceable mechanisms. Digital Governance: Tokayev urged faster rollout of the E-Parliament platform into Kurultay work and called for AI-backed lawmaking to improve quality and reduce corruption risks. International Outreach: Kazakhstan’s embassy in Bulgaria opened an exhibition in the Bulgarian parliament marking the International Day against Nuclear Tests, tied to the Semipalatinsk site closure. Regional Diplomacy & Culture: The Turkic World’s space push continued as OTS leaders highlighted youth space research at a Türkiye Space Camp closing in İzmir, while kok-boru teams were confirmed for the World Nomad Games in Issyk-Kul. Energy & Industry: Kazakhstan is preparing for major infrastructure and governance shifts as the new political cycle begins, alongside ongoing oil-sector adjustments amid regional supply pressures.

Kazakhstan-UAE Diplomacy: Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Issagaliyev met UAE officials in Abu Dhabi to deepen political dialogue, trade and investment ties, and consular cooperation, with the UAE noted among the top five investors in Kazakhstan; talks also covered preparations for the Dec. 8–10 UN water conference in Abu Dhabi and Tokayev’s push for an International Organization for Water Resources. New Kurultai Setup: Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission registered 145 deputies of the new Kurultai, including 110 from the Adilet party, with powers starting immediately after registration. Science Links: Four prominent foreign scientists were elected as foreign members of the Kazakhstan Academy of Sciences, aiming to boost international research cooperation, including an AI expert linked to Kazakhstan’s president. Culture Spotlight: Kazakhstan showcased its literary heritage in Guangzhou, featuring about 100 books and cultural products, including works on Abai and other national classics. Regional Humanitarian Watch: Kazakhstan is trying to locate at least one Kazakh tourist missing after Nepal-Tibet flash floods, as hundreds of people remain unaccounted for.

Qurultay Update: Kazakhstan has officially registered 145 deputies and formed the new Qurultay parliament after the CEC completed registration, with mandates starting from the moment of official approval. Digital Kazakhstan: The government approved a national digital action plan through 2029, including expanding eGov GPT so citizens can get 50 government services via chat without visiting service centers. Healthcare Upgrade: Kazakhstan is opening a new high-tech trauma center in Almaty to improve emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation, building a broader trauma network. Investment Holding Shift: Baiterek says it will keep annual business financing at 8 trillion tenge while gradually phasing out budget funding from 2029 as it moves toward private capital. Regional Development: Karaganda region says it has built 65 social projects using recovered assets, including healthcare facilities and drinking-water infrastructure. Air Connectivity: Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia signed an air services deal to raise permitted weekly flights from 28 to 70, with Astana–Riyadh direct service planned. Nepal Floods Impact: Nepal reports hundreds of missing after flash floods, including a Serbian citizen and also missing Kazakh nationals among foreign visitors.

Kazakhstan–Singapore Deal Push: Astana and Singapore signed agreements on sustainable water management, multimodal transport, trade facilitation and digitalization, with both sides highlighting AI and education cooperation after a sharp jump in bilateral trade. Energy Pressure from the CPC Disruptions: Kazakhstan is revising its 2026 oil output plan downward after attacks on Caspian Pipeline Consortium infrastructure, while Kazakhstan’s Condensat refinery is set to process Russian crude and ship up to 70% of gasoline and diesel back to Russia. Ukraine War Hits Regional Fuel Flows: Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil assets—including a major refinery hit by drones—are worsening shipping and export disruptions, feeding into broader fuel and grain supply concerns. AI Diplomacy Under US–China Tension: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are signaling reluctance to follow a US demand tied to AI cooperation rules, as both countries weigh participation in competing AI initiatives. Green Transport Milestone: Kazakhstan opened CIS’s first solar-powered, off-grid EV charging station in Astana, with plans to replicate similar autonomous chargers along highways and industrial sites. Education and Scholarships: Tokayev ordered a review of history textbooks to remove “imaginary heroes,” while 232 Kazakhstani students received Bolashak international scholarships. Politics: Kazakhstan’s Kurultai election results confirmed Adilet’s win and a new unicameral parliament, reshaping the country’s domestic and EU-facing legislative landscape.

Kurultai Kickoff: President Tokayev has set the first session of Kazakhstan’s new unicameral Kurultai for Aug. 28 at 11 a.m., after Aug. 23 elections confirmed Adilet’s dominance with 110 of 145 seats and 74.08% turnout. Education Push: Tokayev and education officials highlighted rapid school expansion and rural teacher support, including tripled education funding to 6.4 trillion tenge over seven years, plus 49 more rural schools under construction in 2026. AI in Industry: Kazakhstan is rolling out AI tools to guide major drilling and improve transport operations, aiming for faster decisions and better safety across energy and logistics. Border Trade Upgrade: The ADB plans a regional $400 million financing mechanism to modernize border crossing points across CAREC countries, including Kazakhstan, with digitalization and faster freight procedures. Energy Corridors & Shocks: With conflicts hitting over 43% of global oil supply, Kazakhstan’s role as a refining and transit connector remains in focus amid ongoing disruptions. Regional Diplomacy: Tokayev is set to participate in major international events this fall, including World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, as SCO ties deepen. Weather Watch: Forecasts point to a midweek temperature drop, with +12°C possible in parts of Kazakhstan while the south stays much warmer.

Caspian Safety Upgrade: Kazakhstan’s Emergency Situations Ministry has accepted a new DAMEN Fast Crew Supplier 2710 vessel to speed up search-and-rescue and oil-spill response in the Caspian, where shallower waters raise accident risks. Energy Pressure Relief: Kazakhstan will refine Russian crude at the Kondensat refinery and send back about 70% of diesel and gasoline to Russia, keeping up to 30% for domestic supply, with crude delivered by rail. Elections and Diplomacy: President Tokayev met U.S. House Ways and Means Committee chair Jason Smith and lawmakers, calling Qurultay elections a historic step in political modernization and promising deeper parliamentary dialogue. EU Scrutiny: The EU said it takes note of Kazakhstan’s Kurultay election preliminary results, citing OSCE concerns about limited pluralism and legal gaps. Oil Market Watch: Oil prices slid to a one-week low as traders focused on U.S. sanctions on Iran being seen as less disruptive than feared. Sports: Tadej Pogačar dominated Vuelta stage four with a solo win in Andorra, extending his overall lead. Health Tech Deal: Carna Health signed an MoU with Level Up to expand preventive cardio-kidney-metabolic care in Kazakhstan.

Kurultai Election Results: Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission says turnout hit 74.08% and the new unicameral Kurultai will be dominated by Tokayev’s Adilet party, which won 71.17% and 110 of 145 seats; Auyl (10), Respublica (9), Ak Zhol (8) and OSDP (8) also cleared the threshold, while People’s Party and Baitaq failed to enter parliament. Energy Security: With CPC pipeline attacks continuing, the energy ministry says Kazakhstan cut its 2026 oil output target to 96mn tons and is weighing faster use of the Baku–Supsa route; Karachaganak maintenance is set for mid-September, with an estimated 400,000–450,000 ton loss. Power Outage Response: Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov ordered action after a southern blackout, citing grid upgrades and new generation coming online, including in Almaty and Turkestan. Health Care Expansion: Cancer screening coverage rose to 41.7% in the first half of 2026, with more PET/CT and proton therapy capacity added nationwide. Border Modernization: Kazakhstan plans to add nearly 200 more biometric Q-Gate terminals by 2028 to speed passport control at checkpoints, including Astana and Almaty.

Kurultai Election Results: Kazakhstan’s first unicameral Kurultai vote is over, with preliminary turnout at about 74% and the pro-government Adilet Party taking 71.17% of the vote, winning a dominant share of the 145 seats; five parties cleared the 5% threshold, while OSCE observers said the race lacked meaningful opposition. Foreign Policy Appointments: Kazakhstan named a new chief of staff at the Foreign Ministry, Askar Zhappar, as part of broader post-election staffing. Regional Diplomacy: Tokayev is set to visit Armenia in October, with both sides also discussing transport projects; meanwhile, Kazakhstan and Moldova pushed for deeper economic cooperation after talks in Astana. Energy Shock in Central Asia: Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries are blamed for fuel shortages and price spikes across Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as Moscow restricts exports. Weather Watch: Northern and eastern Kazakhstan brace for rain, thunderstorms, and possible hail, while an earthquake was also reported in eastern Kazakhstan.

Kurultai Election Results: Kazakhstan’s new one-chamber Kurultai election ended with the pro-government Adilet party winning 71.17% of the vote, with turnout at 74.08% (9.35 million ballots cast). Four other parties cleared the 5% threshold: Auyl (6.26%), Respublica (5.56%), Ak Zhol (5.21%) and the Nationwide Social Democratic Party (5.11%), while People’s Party (3.11%) and Baytak (1.07%) fell short. International Observers: A CIS observer mission said the vote was fair, competitive and open, and an SCO observer team reported no complaints or remarks during polling and counting. Education & Youth: President Tokayev praised Kazakhstan’s top students after awards for winners of international Olympiads, saying the country’s future depends on gifted and educated youth. Judicial Leadership: The chairman of Kazakhstan’s Supreme Judicial Council was reappointed, according to coverage. Energy Security: KazMunayGas said refinery maintenance schedules are being adjusted to avoid localized fuel shortages and keep supplies reliable. Aviation Decarbonization: KBR won a contract tied to Kazakhstan’s first sustainable aviation fuel plant, licensing PureSAF technology for an alcohol-to-jet project.

Kurultai Elections Wrap-Up: Kazakhstan’s first elections for the new 145-seat unicameral parliament, the Kurultai, ended Sunday at 8 p.m. local time, with preliminary turnout at 74.19% (9.35 million voters) after polling stations closed and counting began. Exit Polls & Party Standings: Exit polls released after the vote put pro-presidential Adilet (Justice) at about 70.7–72.3%, with Auyl around 6.4%, Respublica about 5.2–5.5%, OSDP near 5%, Ak Zhol about 5.1–5.4%, while People’s Party of Kazakhstan and Baytaq Green were below the 5% seat threshold; “against all” ranged roughly 2.1–2.6%. Regional Turnout Snapshot: Highest participation was reported in Turkistan (92.16%), Zhetysu (91.19%) and Kyzylorda (90.75%), while Astana (51.67%) and Almaty (43.23%) lagged. International Reaction: Uzbekistan’s Mirziyoyev and Kyrgyzstan’s Japarov congratulated Tokayev, praising the reforms and the strengthened role of parliament. Diplomatic Voting Abroad: Polling continued at Kazakhstan’s overseas missions, including in Washington, where voters described the day as a civic milestone. Culture & Sports Glance: Kanye West’s Almaty concert reportedly drew 31,000 people and boosted tourism/hotels; Kazakhstan’s Dastan Satpayev made his Burnley debut on loan.

Kurultai Election Launch: Kazakhstan has opened more than 10,400 polling stations 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 79 stations abroad in 61 countries. Turnout Snapshot: By 10:00 a.m., turnout hit 17.96%, and by noon it reached 37.05%—with Almaty city the lowest at 17.87% and Kyzylorda region the highest at 47.59%. Political Stakes: The snap election follows constitutional changes that abolished the previous two-chamber system and is widely expected to consolidate President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s power, with only seven state-approved parties competing and no independent candidates. Diplomatic Calendar: Singapore’s Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong is set to visit Kazakhstan Aug 24–27, meeting Tokayev and Prime Minister Bektenov, as ties expand in trade, digital cooperation, and research.