President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has dismissed Defense Minister Ruslan Zhaksylykov and Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev, according to a statement from Akorda, the president’s official residence and workplace.
Although transportation plays a crucial role in the vast Central Asian republic, no replacement has yet been named for Karabayev. In contrast, Tokayev appointed Lt. Gen. of Aviation Dauren Kossanov, who previously served as vice minister of defense, as the new defense minister.
In a separate move, Tokayev named Assel Zhanasova, former CEO of KazPost, as an adviser to the president. Before taking the helm at the national postal service in the fall of 2022, Zhanasova served as vice minister of trade and integration and has extensive experience working in public agencies.
The reshuffle follows a May 14 meeting of the Security Council, at which Tokayev sharply criticized Karabayev for the poor state of roads and transport infrastructure nationwide. He cited delays in implementing major transit projects, low-quality work at border crossings and failure to meet schedules as major issues hindering the industry’s modernization.
Kazakhstan, which borders Russia, China and the Caspian Sea, holds significant transit potential. While it’s unclear whether the dismissals are directly tied to transport policy, the government has shown a clear interest in developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and advancing its role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
