Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during a meeting with rectors of leading German universities in Berlin, announced plans to increase the country's spending on scientific research to 1% of GDP. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

Artificial intelligence — a new level of cooperation

The President also focused attention on the field of artificial intelligence, which he said opens prospects for taking cooperation to a new level.

Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan's achievements, including the launch of the alem.cloud supercomputer cluster, the AI-Sana artificial intelligence training program and the opening of a specialized research university, proposing that German companies use Kazakhstan as a testing ground for Industry 4.0 technologies.

"Under the AI-Sana program, more than 700,000 students have acquired certified skills in the field of AI. We have deployed the alem.cloud supercomputer cluster, opened a specialized research university in this field and adopted one of the region's first laws on AI. All these efforts are complemented by advanced supercomputer technologies. This creates new opportunities for cooperation with German scientific institutions and industry. Our young, technology-oriented generation can become a reliable partner for German companies and researchers. Kazakhstan, in turn, can provide a platform for testing applied digital solutions and Industry 4.0 technologies," he emphasized.

Abai and Goethe — an intellectual bridge

Tokayev separately noted the historical connection between Kazakh and German intellectual traditions, mentioning the translation by the great Kazakh poet and thinker Abai Kunanbaiuly of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's poem "Wanderer's Night Song" into the Kazakh language.

According to him, this translation became one of the first intellectual bridges between the two peoples.

Three main directions

In conclusion, the head of state called on the leaders of leading universities and scientific institutes of Germany and Kazakhstan to unite the potential of the two countries to implement new projects.

Earlier, Kursiv wrote that Tokayev advocated educational exchange with Germany.

The head of Kazakhstan also identified three main directions for deepening the partnership:

  • 01**Academic exchange and diplomas:** Expanding joint educational programs and double-degree programs, as well as creating conditions for joint work of students and researchers.
  • 02**Linking science and industry:** Transition from a raw-materials model to high technologies. An example is the TiBeRIUM project (development of low-carbon chains for titanium and beryllium) involving EKTU, the Ulba Metallurgical Plant and the Freiberg Mining Academy.
  • 03**Technology transfer:** Tokayev called on German business to open engineering laboratories and technology transfer centers at joint institutions, promising state co-financing.