updates on Italian-Canada summit coverage, Kazakhstan's environmental policy focus, and further news including AIF.
Hangin' with the Hippos: International Media Digest on Kazakhstan
Let's dip our toes into the buzzing world of Kazakhstan this week. Here's a juicy lowdown on the hot topics from various international media sources, including the Italy-Central Asia Summit, Kazakhstan's climate policy, the Astana International Forum (AIF), and more!
Kazakhstan's Climate Game-Changer: A Tense Interview with Zulfiya Suleimenova at the AIF
During the AIF, Zulfiya Suleimenova, a high-ranking representative of Kazakhstan on Climate and Environmental Issues, sat down for a revealing chat with Eurasia Review. She opened up about the nation's evolving climate policy, energy transition plans, regional food security hubs, and international cooperation.
"We're not leaving anyone behind," Suleimenova emphasized as the country works towards a just and inclusive energy transition. To solidify this commitment, President Tokayev re-established the Ministry of Ecology shortly after taking office in 2019.
Environmental policy has become a cornerstone of the Tokayev administration, with Kazakhstan's leadership showing up in full force at COP29. Suleimenova's role is to ensure that the President's vision on the environment and climate comes to life within the country.
Kazakhstan's Call to Arabian Knights: Investing in the Next Silk Road
Kazakhstan is actively courting investments from Gulf states as it develops transportation routes reminiscent of the ancient Silk Road between Europe and China. Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko shared these insights during a conversation with The National at the AIF in Kazakhstan's capital.
Gulf countries have poured significant investments into Kazakhstan, and Vassilenko sees them as a valuable source of future investments. Emirati transport and logistics giants, like AD Ports Group and DP World, already operate hubs in Kazakhstan. The country is ramping up capacity on the Middle Corridor, a trade route linking China with Europe through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey.
Oman and Kazakhstan: Oil and Cement Between Friends
Oman and Kazakhstan have strengthened their economic, financial, and investment ties following a meeting between an Omani delegation and their Kazakh counterparts. The high-level discussions held during an official visit from May 29 to 30 aimed to deepen bilateral cooperation and explore mutually beneficial opportunities in various strategic sectors.
The Rail-Roader: Italy's Central Asia Connection
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted Italy's historic role as a bridge-builder and Europe's pioneer in engaging with Central Asia during a speech at the AIF. Under Meloni's leadership, Italy hosted the inaugural Italy-Central Asia Summit, Danilo Dolci reported. Meloni shared memorandums of understanding on energy, raw materials, and infrastructure and emphasized her country's mission to maintain dialogue with Central Asia, inspired by Marco Polo's legendary journey across the region.
AIF 2025: Is Kazakhstan the 21st Century's Powerhouse?
Central Asia is reshaping the global landscape, and Kazakhstan's capital, Astana, served as the hub for more than 5,000 international participants from over 70 countries at the second Astana International Forum, held on May 29 and 30. The forum addressed themes revolving around global security, the climate crisis, and economic transformation. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underlined the need to uphold international cooperation in the ever-changing geopolitical landscape.
Here are some key elements of Kazakhstan's climate policy and energy transition strategy:
- Commitment to Carbon Neutrality: A goal of 2060, with a target of 15% GHG reduction by 2030 compared to earlier baselines.
- Emissions Trading System: Operational since 2013.
- Green Economy and Sectoral Decarbonization: Strategy targets decarbonization efforts across various sectors like energy, transport, industry, and agriculture.
- Reduction in Gas Flaring: A reduction of 75% over the past decade.
- Access to Clean Energy: Near-universal electricity and clean cooking coverage.
- Inclusive Climate Action: Signed the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action.
Although Zulfiya Suleimenova's direct remarks at the Astana International Forum are not extensively detailed in available sources, these points serve as reflections of Kazakhstan's current climate and energy transition priorities, as articulated by other senior officials.
- In the interview with Eurasia Review at the Astana International Forum (AIF), Zulfiya Suleimenova, a high-ranking representative of Kazakhstan on Climate and Environmental Issues, emphasized the nation's commitment to a just and inclusive energy transition, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060 and a 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to earlier baselines.
- Suleimenova also highlighted Kazakhstan's implementation of an Emissions Trading System since 2013, and the focus on decarbonization efforts across key sectors such as energy, transport, industry, and agriculture to support the transition to a green economy.
- As part of the climate action, Kazakhstan has successfully reduced gas flaring by 75% over the past decade, and strives for near-universal coverage of electricity and clean cooking for its citizens.
- In aligning with international efforts, Kazakhstan has also signed the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action, emphasizing the inclusivity of climate action in the country's agenda.
