Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan receives TURKPA International Referendum Observation Mission

On 13 March 2026, the International Referendum Observation Mission composed of parliamentarians from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye, as well as parliamentary staff, and representatives of the TURKPA International Secretariat led by Secretary General Ambassador Ramil Hasan and Chairman of the TURKPA Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations and Member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Mr. Osman Mesten, commenced official meetings in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, within the framework of a short-term monitoring of the referendum on the draft new Constitution in Kazakhstan.

Within the framework of these meetings, the delegation met with the Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan H.E. Maulen Ashimbayev. During the meeting, Mr. Ashimbayev expressed his gratitude to the delegation for visiting Kazakhstan on such a significant mission. Providing detailed information regarding the ongoing reforms in Kazakhstan, specifically the major Constitutional amendments and the referendum scheduled for March 15, Mr. Ashimbayev noted that these changes would contribute significantly to the future of Kazakhstan, the country’s development, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. He emphasized that this process is an essential part of both Kazakhstan’s history and the global transformations occurring in the modern world.

The Speaker stated that Kazakhstan would continue to develop and strengthen relations with all Turkic states and consistently support initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation within the Turkic World.

Chairman of the TURKPA Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations Mr. Osman Mesten, expressed his deep gratitude to H.E. Maulen Ashimbayev for the warm reception. He highlighted that since 2010, TURKPA has closely monitored all electoral processes and referendums in member states, actively participating in these processes as an international observer mission.

Member of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ms. Malahat Ibrahimgizi, and member of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Yrysbek Atazhanov wished brotherly Kazakhstan success in the referendum process. Expressing their confidence that the voting would be conducted under democratic conditions, they shared their satisfaction in participating in the process as part of the International Observer Mission.

In turn, Ambassador Ramil Hasan thanked H.E. Maulen Ashimbayev for the fruitful cooperation since 2010. The Secretary General emphasized that H.E. Maulen Ashimbayev has provided comprehensive support to the activities of TURKPA and made a significant contribution to the strengthening of international relations since 2011, during his tenure as Chair of the Senate Committee on International Relations, Defense, and Security. Ambassador Hasan also noted that the designation of the Kazakh Parliament as “Kurultai,” an ancient Turkic word, under the new Constitution carries both symbolic and profound significance for the Turkic world.

The Secretary General further noted that cooperation with the future Kurultai would grow even stronger and provided updates on recent developments regarding TURKPA obtaining the observer status in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. During the talks, Ambassador Hasan shared details about an upcoming high-level event to be held in Istanbul on 16 April 2026, within the framework of the 152nd Plenary Session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. He provided detailed information regarding the inaugural informal meeting of the Speakers of TURKPA member parliaments, to be hosted by the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş. Stating that the parliamentary speakers of Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Hungary have already given their verbal consent to participate, the Secretary General emphasized the importance of Kazakhstan’s participation in this meeting within the framework of its current TURKPA Chairmanship.

The Secretary General concluded his remarks with the statement, “A strong Kazakhstan means a strong Turkic world,” wishing the brotherly country success in its future endeavors. He also extended his congratulations to H.E. Maulen Ashimbayev on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, celebrated on 30 January this year, and presented a specially prepared commemorative plaque containing a congratulatory message.

TURKPA International Secretariat was also represented by Deputy Secretary General Talgat Aduov, the Secretary of the Commission Aynura Abutalibova, and the Secretary for organizational and administrative issues Alasgar Aghayev.