Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, 1 July 2026 – H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Group, held a series of high-level meetings with senior officials of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana, focusing on the next phase of cooperation in economic diversification, industrial development, transport connectivity, water security, private sector growth, and Islamic finance.

H.E. Mr. Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and IsDB Governor for Kazakhstan, met with H.E. Dr. Al Jasser. H.E. Mr. Madi Takiyev, Minister of Finance of Kazakhstan, also joined the meeting.

The discussions reviewed the expanding cooperation between Kazakhstan and the IsDB Group, with cumulative approvals exceeding US$4.24 billion, including three major approvals since 2024 totaling US$2.5 billion.

Both sides explored ways to further expand the partnership across priority sectors, while emphasizing high-quality project delivery, the use of country systems, and stronger local ownership to deliver lasting development impact.

H.E. Dr. Al Jasser also met with H.E. Mr. Yersaiyn Nagaspayev, Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, for discussions on industrial development, economic zones, infrastructure, investment promotion, and private sector growth.

The meeting highlighted the US$1.3 billion Development of Economic and Industrial Zones Project, which supports Kazakhstan’s efforts to strengthen industrial platforms, attract investment, create jobs, and advance economic diversification.

At the Ministry of Transport, H.E. Dr. Al Jasser was received by H.E. Mr. Nurlan Sauranbayev, Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The meeting focused on Kazakhstan’s transport modernization agenda, including multimodal connectivity, logistics, regional trade corridors, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Discussions also covered the 462 km Kyzylorda–Saksaulsk corridor, a strategic route expected to support Kazakhstan’s growing role as a transit and logistics hub linking Asia and Europe.

H.E. Dr. Al Jasser was later received at the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation by H.E. Mr. Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The meeting focused on water security, irrigation modernization, climate resilience, and sustainable water resource management. Discussions highlighted IsDB’s US$1.15 billion support for Kazakhstan’s Climate Resilient Water Resources Development Project, which aims to strengthen water systems, improve resilience, and support communities, agriculture, and economic activity across the country.

The meetings reaffirmed the IsDB Group’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Kazakhstan through the forthcoming Member Country Partnership Strategy, with a focus on sustainable infrastructure, transport connectivity, water security, economic diversification, private sector development, Islamic finance, and human capital.