The Archive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the International Council on Archives (ICA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at developing long-term cooperation in the preservation, study, and promotion of documentary heritage, as well as strengthening the professional capacity of the archival community in Central Asia.

The document was signed by Archive Director Aliya Mustafina and ICA President Josée Kirps on the sidelines of the III Congress of Archivists. The Memorandum opens new opportunities for the implementation of joint projects in the areas of digital transformation of archives, professional education, scientific research, international exchange of experience, and the introduction of best archival practices.

“Full integration of Kazakhstan’s archival sector into the international professional space is a strategic priority for us. We are confident that the signed Memorandum will open great opportunities for sharing best practices within the global archival community and will contribute to the sustainable development of the sector,” noted Aliya Mustafina.

For her part, ICA President Josée Kirps highlighted the importance of further strengthening regional cooperation and expanding the participation of the Central Asian archival community in international initiatives.

“For the International Council on Archives, Central Asia is of particular interest owing to its rich documentary heritage and unique archival collections. The signing of this memorandum opens new opportunities for expanding professional cooperation, strengthening international ties, and more actively engaging the region’s archival community in global initiatives for the preservation of documentary heritage,” stated ICA President Josée Kirps.

It is noted that particular attention within the framework of the cooperation will be given to supporting archival institutions in the region, developing expert networks, sharing knowledge, and creating new platforms for professional interaction.

Cooperation between the Archive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the International Council on Archives has been developing steadily since 2022, when the ICA supported the Archive’s initiative to hold the Congress of Archivists. The executive director of the International Council on Archives, Carlos Serrano Vasquez, participated in the work of the first Congress.

Since 2023, the Archive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan has been a member of this authoritative organization. That same year, a delegation from the Archive participated in the largest international ICA Congress in Abu Dhabi, and in 2025 in Barcelona.

A new milestone in the relationship between the institutions was the visit of ICA President Josée Kirps to the Archive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2025. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to further expand cooperation, and the Memorandum of Understanding signed today consolidated the intentions to implement joint projects in the fields of archival affairs, digitization, education, and international professional exchange.