Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has appointed longtime adviser Erlan Karin as vice president, filling a newly created position under the country’s new constitution.
Karin, who has worked closely with Tokayev since 2019, will serve as Kazakhstan’s first vice president under the country’s new constitution, while Tokayev remains eligible to seek another seven-year presidential term, with his current term ending in 2029.
Kazakhstan, Central Asia’s largest economy, is a major exporter of energy and minerals and maintains relations with Russia, China and Western countries, giving the country an important position in regional and international affairs.
Tokayev described Karin as an experienced public servant with extensive knowledge of government affairs and a strong commitment to Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan’s parliament approved the appointment, along with Tokayev’s proposal to reappoint Olzhas Bektenov as prime minister, a position he has held since 2024.
The creation of the vice presidency follows constitutional changes adopted earlier this year as Kazakhstan continues to reshape its political system.
