OSLO,Norway(Elena Petrova)- In anticipation of Kazakhstan’s Republic Day celebrations, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Oslo hosted a high-profile roundtable discussion on Tuesday, showcasing the nation’s ambitious reform agenda and strengthening bilateral ties with Norway.
The event, attended by a diverse cross-section of Norwegian stakeholders, brought together representatives from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, leading think tanks, non-governmental organizations, civil society leaders, business executives, and prominent media figures.
Ambassador Adil Tursunov opened the proceedings with a comprehensive overview of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s transformative reform program, as outlined in his recent annual Address to the Nation: “Kazakhstan in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Current Challenges and Solutions through Digital Transformation.”
Highlighting key political initiatives, Ambassador Tursunov detailed plans to transition to a unicameral Parliament, enhance democratic governance, and accelerate digital transformation to boost transparency and citizen engagement. “These reforms mark a new chapter in Kazakhstan’s journey toward inclusive, technology-driven development,” he emphasized.
The discussion also spotlighted the international “Born Bold” campaign, Kazakhstan’s strategic initiative to attract foreign investment and promote sustainable economic growth. Participants received detailed briefings on recent successes, including a 15% surge in foreign direct investment and expanded opportunities in green energy and technology sectors.
Adding a cultural dimension, Almagul Kalelova, founder of the Kazakh-Norwegian Cultural Center in Oslo, delivered a captivating presentation on Kazakhstan’s rich heritage and the vibrant Kazakh diaspora community in Norway. Her talk featured insights into traditional arts, modern contributions, and ongoing cultural exchange programs fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.
The roundtable concluded on an optimistic note, with participants commending the “remarkable dynamism” in Astana-Oslo relations over recent years. Norwegian officials expressed enthusiasm for expanded collaboration in energy, technology, and cultural sectors, while business leaders identified concrete opportunities for joint ventures.
“Today’s dialogue reaffirms our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and people-to-people connections,” Ambassador Tursunov said in closing remarks. “We look forward to even stronger Kazakh-Norwegian partnerships in the years ahead.”
The event underscores Kazakhstan’s proactive diplomacy ahead of Republic Day on December 16, positioning the Central Asian nation as a key partner for Norway in Eurasia.
