President Herzog’s visit to Kazakhstan highlights AI cooperation, growing strategic ties

Israeli President Isaac Herzog embarked on a historic state visit to the Central Asian Republic of Kazakhstan this week, meeting with local Jewish community leaders to pay homage to their efforts at building bridges between their country and Israel. His visit also included a trip to one of the region’s largest and most powerful Artificial Intelligence data centers, highlighting a growing partnership rooted in diplomacy, innovation and regional cooperation.

On Tuesday morning, Herzog visited Beit Rachel Synagogue in Astana, where he met with Jewish leaders from across Kazakhstan and Central Asia, including Chief Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen and Astana Rabbi Shmuel Karnauch. 

“I am moved to be here as the President of the State of Israel. The Jewish story of Kazakhstan spans hundreds of years, which today translates into a modern and developing relationship,” Herzog said. “I thank President Tokayev for inviting me on this state visit, and I was delighted to meet him, the senior leadership, and the flourishing and thriving Jewish community.”

“It is my great hope that this visit will bring momentum to the relations between Israel and the nations of Central Asia," he continued. "The fact that I am here, certainly at this time, is not to be taken for granted, and it instills in me the hope that we will develop these ties for the benefit of the entire region, with the great light that our nation spreads throughout the world.”

Herzog's next stop was the national Artificial Intelligence Center in Astana, where he was hosted by Zhaslan Madiyev, Kazakhstan’s deputy prime minister and minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry.

Herzog is leading a delegation of Israeli officials and business leaders in high-tech, artificial intelligence and related technologies, reflecting strong mutual interest in expanding cooperation in these sectors.

“The fact that I am the first official guest in this project is a testament to the unique relationship between Israel and Kazakhstan, and to the cooperation between two nations striving for progress and doing good,” he said, highlighting the growing importance of AI.

“The world is undergoing tremendous change. Artificial intelligence is the great revolution that will shape our lives in ways entirely different from what we know today…a nation that seeks success and a sustainable future must be at the forefront of these developments and seize the moment to advance.”

The Israeli president also accepted an invitation from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva to visit the National Museum of Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country, borders Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. It also has a limited coastline along the Caspian Sea, an inland body of water with no direct access to the world’s oceans.

The former Soviet Republic is home to a small Jewish community of some 3,500 people. Rich in natural resources – including uranium, oil and coal – Kazakhstan also serves as a key transit hub, with major highways and rail lines linking East Asia and Europe.

Israeli strategic analysts have praised Herzog’s visit, viewing closer ties with Kazakhstan as an important component of Israel’s broader economic and diplomatic strategy.