This week in Astana and beyond, Qazinform News Agency presents a roundup of the top headlines that shaped the past seven days in Kazakhstan. 1. Head of State underscores historic significance King of the Belgians’ visit to Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed King Philippe and Queen Mathilde upon their arrival in Kazakhstan.
Tokayev described the visit as historic and said it would give a strong impetus to Kazakh-Belgian relations. 2. Tokayev highlights CICA’s special role in ensuring security in Asia President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the Seventh CICA Summit in Baku, highlighting the forum’s role in building trust and security across Asia.
He noted that CICA members cover almost 90% of the continent and welcomed Laos as a full member. 3. Tokayev, Aliyev launch Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Line Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan launched a 380-kilometer fiber-optic line across the Caspian Sea, creating a new digital route between Central Asia, China, and Europe.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described it as the “digital embodiment” of the Middle Corridor. 4. Tokayev calls for greater international cooperation to preserve biodiversity President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the COP17 Leaders’ Summit on Biodiversity in Yerevan, calling for stronger international environmental cooperation.
He warned that biodiversity loss, desertification, water scarcity, and land degradation threaten human well-being, economic resilience, and global stability. 5. Kazakhstan and Belgium identify new areas for bilateral cooperation President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and King Philippe adopted a joint statement outlining priorities for Kazakhstan-Belgium cooperation.
The document covers trade, critical minerals, transport, renewable energy, AI, agriculture, education, healthcare, and environmental protection. 6. Kazakhstan ranks 34th in World Population Review’s 2026 power list