ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with NVIDIA co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang in Astana on Oct. 23 to discuss cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, highlighting Kazakhstan’s ambition to become an AI-driven nation.
From L to R: NVIDIA co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Photo credit: Akorda.
During the meeting at Akorda, Tokayev emphasized the importance of Huang’s visit in strengthening bilateral cooperation and expressed gratitude for his personal contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s AI ecosystem.
“This visit is of great importance to us in terms of giving serious momentum to our cooperation with NVIDIA. I would like to personally thank you for your contribution to strengthening our partnership and for what you are doing for Kazakhstan,” Tokayev said.
President Tokayev identified AI development and digitalization as national priorities, noting that 2026 has been declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan.
Tokayev also welcomed NVIDIA’s partnership with Higgsfield, saying Kazakhstan was proud to see the company involved in a domestic technology project.
Huang praised Kazakhstan’s strategic ambition to become an AI nation, describing it as a goal set at the beginning of a new industrial revolution.
He also proposed positioning Kazakhstan as a global hub for physical AI, a field that combines artificial intelligence with physical systems, including robots, autonomous machines and industrial equipment.
“AI development requires, first and foremost, energy resources, as well as people with knowledge in science, mathematics and technology. Kazakhstan has significant potential to develop each of these areas,” Huang said.
The NVIDIA chief also highlighted progress in the company’s cooperation with Kazakhstan over the past year, particularly in building ties with local technology businesses.
He praised the work carried out jointly with Kazakhstan and expressed gratitude for the country’s decision to partner with NVIDIA, describing the cooperation as the beginning of a long-term journey.
Following the meeting, Tokayev awarded Huang the Order of Dostyk (Friendship) in recognition of his contribution to the development of artificial intelligence in Kazakhstan.
