Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Concludes Kazakhstan Visit, Secures Agreements and Honors Volunteer

Deputy Foreign Minister's Working Visit to Kazakhstan

According to МЗС: From March 31 to April 1, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister, Oleksandr Mishchenko, undertook a working visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan. This trip, arranged to follow up on agreements between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, featured inter-agency consultations, meetings with government and parliamentary officials, the opening of a business forum, and the presentation of a state award. The visit underscores Ukraine's ongoing diplomatic outreach to key partners in Central Asia.

Key Meetings and Events

The agenda included substantive discussions on cooperation with Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin and Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev. A separate meeting took place in the Mazhilis, the lower house of Kazakhstan's parliament, where Mishchenko met with members of the 'friendship group' to discuss prospects for inter-parliamentary collaboration and the exchange of legislative expertise. During these talks, the Ukrainian representative briefed the Kazakh side on Kyiv's efforts to restore peace in Ukraine.

Mishchenko also participated in the opening ceremony of the Ukraine-Kazakhstan Business Forum, organized by the Ukrainian Embassy at the venue of the 'Kazakhstan Machinery Fair 2026' international exhibition. This builds on prior business engagement, as representatives from 12 leading Ukrainian companies visited Kazakh cities including Astana, Karaganda, Pavlodar, and Kokshetau in March-April 2023.

While meeting with the Ukrainian community in Astana, the Deputy Minister presented the Order of Princess Olga III degree to Kazakh activist Nina Horst in recognition of her personal contribution to volunteer activities and support for Ukraine. In his remarks, Oleksandr Mishchenko highlighted the significance of bilateral relations:

'Kazakhstan has been and remains a key partner for Ukraine in Central Asia. Our state highly values the consistent position of official Astana in supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. For our part, we have always respected the independence and national identity of the Republic of Kazakhstan.'

Oleksandr Mishchenko

The two-day visit concluded with both sides identifying specific directions for future cooperation, reaffirming their intent to boost mutual trade and collaboration in cultural and humanitarian spheres. This diplomatic engagement highlights the strategic importance both nations place on their partnership, particularly in fostering regional stability. The deepening of economic and cultural ties, alongside enhanced parliamentary dialogue, is poised to strengthen a mutually beneficial relationship for both countries.