Based on recent developments, including the entry into force of Kazakhstan's new Constitution, plans to increase oil exports through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, and the announcement of a snap parliamentary election on Aug. 23, Qazinform News Agency presents its weekly review of foreign media coverage.
According to Reuters, Kazakhstan’s new Constitution entered into force on Wednesday, marking the start of sweeping political reforms, including the creation of the post of Vice President and the election of a new, smaller Parliament in August. Addressing Parliament, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the reforms would reshape the country's political system.
"We intend to carry out a major overhaul of the foundation of Kazakh statehood, the foundation and load-bearing structures of the country's independence," he said. The Constitution, approved by referendum in March, was drafted within weeks and has fueled speculation over Kazakhstan's political future.
The new Vice President will become first in line to succeed Tokayev, whose single presidential term ends in 2029. Political analyst Rustam Burnashev described the constitutional changes as "a new mechanism for handing over power from the second president to the third." Kazakhstan and Georgia agreed to deepen economic and strategic cooperation during talks in Astana, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announcing plans to increase oil exports through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, Euronews reports.
"We plan to increase oil shipments through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. Work is already underway within the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation," Tokayev said. The leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in transport, agriculture, investment, digital technologies and tourism as Kazakhstan continues to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan has invested more than $500 million in Georgia and proposed a bilateral roadmap covering key sectors. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze described Kazakhstan as "a very important partner for Georgia" and welcomed the strategic partnership.
The visit concluded with the signing of a Joint Statement on Strategic Partnership and three memoranda on culture, AI and digital development, and tourism.