Kazakhstan in May 2026: Technological Modernization, International Engagement, and New Infrastructure Initiatives

The past month marked a period of active advancement of Kazakhstan’s technological and foreign policy agenda. In May, the focus shifted toward artificial intelligence, digital transformation, the development of new urban and infrastructure projects, and the strengthening of international cooperation.

The key themes of the month included the second meeting of the Artificial Intelligence Development Council, the granting of a special legal status to the city of Alatau, the launch of the LRT system in Astana, and a series of high-level international meetings and visits, including the state visit of the President of Türkiye, the summit of the Organization of Turkic States, the visit of the President of Kenya, and negotiations with the President of Russia within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Forum.

Overall, May reflected a transition toward a more practical modernization agenda – from discussions of political reforms to the implementation of technological, infrastructure, and foreign economic initiatives. Below are the key events of the month presented in chronological order.

May 4 — Second Meeting of the AI Development Council Held in Almaty

The second meeting of the Artificial Intelligence Development Council was held in Almaty under the chairmanship of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The central topic of the meeting was the country’s digital transformation and the integration of AI into public administration.

The President stated that Kazakhstan must move from formal digitalization toward real technological transformation. Particular attention was given to the creation of a unified state data system, the development of the digital economy, and the reduction of bureaucracy through modern technologies. Tokayev also noted that traditional sources of economic growth are gradually being exhausted, making new drivers of development necessary.

May 6 — Draft Law “On the Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi” Accepted for Consideration

The Mazhilis accepted for consideration the draft Constitutional Law “On the Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi”. The document is intended to define the status, role, and powers of the new public-state institution.

May 7 — Founding Congress of the “Adilet” Party

The founding congress of the new political party “Adilet” was held in Astana. Delegates approved the party’s charter and program and outlined its key values and political agenda.

May 8 — Parliament Approves Draft Law on the Kurultai in First Reading

At a joint session of Parliament, lawmakers approved in the first reading the draft Constitutional Law “On the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Status of Its Deputies”. The document establishes the foundations of the future unicameral Parliament.

May 8 — Alatau Granted Special Legal Status

The President signed the Constitutional Law “On the Special Legal Regime of the City of Alatau”. The new status is intended to transform the city into an experimental platform for innovation, digital solutions, and investment attraction.

A separate governance and regulatory model will be introduced in Alatau across various sectors, ranging from entrepreneurship and digital assets to architecture and environmental policy. The city is expected to develop as a “smart city” with a unified digital system for infrastructure management and public safety. A special “Alatau resident” status will also be introduced for companies and citizens operating within the special legal regime.

May 9 — President’s Visit to Moscow

The President of Kazakhstan took part in commemorative events marking the 81st anniversary of Victory Day in Moscow. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the military parade on Red Square and laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Tokayev also met with Vladimir Putin, with the sides discussing bilateral cooperation, economic issues, and preparations for the future state visit of the Russian leader to Kazakhstan.

May 13–14 — State Visit of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Astana

One of the major international events of the month was the state visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Kazakhstan. The sixth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was held in Astana.

The parties agreed to expand trade and economic cooperation and increase bilateral trade turnover to 15 billion US dollars. Discussions focused on the development of transport routes through the ports of Aktau and Kuryk, the participation of Turkish companies in logistics projects, and the development of Almaty Airport as a regional hub.

Special attention was also paid to education and humanitarian cooperation. Turkish schools are expected to open in Kazakhstan, while a branch of Gazi University will be established in Shymkent. Türkiye also continues to invest in Kazakhstan’s pharmaceutical sector.

May 15 — Summit of the Organization of Turkic States Held in Turkistan

An informal summit of the leaders of the Organization of Turkic States dedicated to artificial intelligence and digital development took place in Turkistan. The meeting concluded with the signing of the Turkistan Declaration.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed that OTS member states mutually recognize electronic documents and digital signatures, while also developing joint projects in satellite technologies and artificial intelligence. Among the initiatives discussed were the creation of a common Turkic AI hub and a digital platform dedicated to the history and culture of Turkic peoples.

Plans were also announced to establish a new artificial intelligence university in Kazakhstan with scholarship opportunities for students from Turkic countries.

May 15 — Draft Law “On the Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi” Approved in First Reading

Parliament approved in the first reading the draft Constitutional Law “On the Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi”. The new institution is viewed as a platform for public participation and the development of proposals on domestic policy issues.

May 16 — LRT Officially Launched in Astana

The President officially launched the light rail transit system in Astana. The LRT project had been discussed in the country for many years and became one of the capital’s largest infrastructure projects.

Authorities have reportedly already begun considering the development of a second phase of the line. A separate dispatching service has been established to manage the system.

May 18 — Central Asia–China Security Meeting Held in Astana

A meeting of the interior ministers of Central Asian countries and China was held in the capital. The main topics included regional security, combating transnational crime, cyber threats, and extremism.

Tokayev noted that the development of transport corridors and growing cargo flows are accompanied by new risks ranging from smuggling to cybercrime. The President also highlighted the use of artificial intelligence for spreading illegal content and stressed the need to strengthen cooperation among regional law enforcement agencies.

May 19 — International Symposium on the Golden Horde Held in Astana

The international symposium “The Golden Horde as a Model of Steppe Civilization” took place in the capital, bringing together scholars and researchers from Asia, Europe, and North America.

The President of Kazakhstan emphasized the importance of rethinking the role of nomadic civilizations in world history and highlighted the need to preserve the country’s historical and cultural heritage. Particular attention was paid to the international significance of the manuscript “Genealogy of the Khans”, recognized in 2025.

May 20 — Constitutional Laws on the Kurultai and Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi Adopted

Parliament adopted constitutional laws defining the legal foundations of the Kurultai and the Kazakhstan Halyk Kenesi. These decisions became an important part of the practical implementation of the new Constitution.

May 20 — Visit of the President of Kenya to Kazakhstan

Kenyan President William Ruto paid an official visit to Astana. The sides discussed cooperation in trade, logistics, IT, energy, the space industry, and agriculture.

Following the talks, agreements were signed in the fields of digitalization, transport, tourism, and space technologies. Kazakhstan also proposed establishing a joint Business Council to expand trade and investment between the two countries.

May 27–29 — Visit of Vladimir Putin to Astana and the Eurasian Economic Forum

At the end of the month, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Astana. Kazakhstan and Russia adopted a joint statement “On the Seven Foundations of Friendship and Good Neighborliness” and signed several agreements in energy, transport, education, and digitalization.

The main topic of the negotiations was the construction of the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant. The parties signed documents on the construction and financing of the project.

Discussions also covered the development of transport corridors, the digitalization of cargo transportation, cooperation in the space sector, and educational initiatives. During the visit, an unmanned cargo route between Astana and Moscow was presented, and construction officially began on the “Kazakhstan–Sirius” educational center.

At the same time, the Eurasian Economic Forum was held in the capital, where leaders of EAEU member states discussed the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and the region’s place in the new technological race.

Overall, May became a month of practical technological and infrastructure-oriented policymaking, as well as active international positioning for Kazakhstan. Domestically, the main focus was placed on the development of artificial intelligence, the digitalization of public administration, the launch of new infrastructure projects, and the creation of special legal regimes for innovation-driven development.

At the same time, Kazakhstan continued strengthening its foreign policy ties across several directions — Turkic, Eurasian, African, and broader Central Asian regional cooperation. The visits of the leaders of Türkiye, Kenya, and Russia, the summit of the Organization of Turkic States, and the Eurasian Economic Forum demonstrated the country’s intention to use technological modernization as a foundation for expanding international cooperation, transport connectivity, and investment potential.