Kazakhstan and China sign Khorgos security and driver's licence agreements

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Kazakhstan and China signed an agreement on security and law enforcement at the Khorgos International Center for Boundary Cooperation during Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov's visit to Beijing on September 7. The two sides also agreed to mutually recognize and exchange national driver's licences. The agreements aim to streamline procedures for citizens of both countries.
Key Facts
- Kazakhstan and China signed an agreement on security and law enforcement at the Khorgos International Center for Boundary Cooperation on September 7, 2026.
- The two countries also agreed to mutually recognize and exchange national driver's licences.
- Kazakhstan's Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov held talks with China's Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong in Beijing.
- The agreement on driver's licences allows exchange without retraining or passing qualification exams, subject to national legislation.
Security Agreement at Khorgos
Kazakhstan and China signed an intergovernmental agreement on security and law enforcement at the Khorgos International Center for Boundary Cooperation. The document establishes the procedure for interaction between the competent authorities of Kazakhstan and China. The new mechanisms are expected to prevent offences more effectively, respond to threats more quickly, and ensure the safety of citizens at the international center.
Driver's Licence Recognition
Kazakhstan and China agreed to mutually recognize and exchange national driver's licences. The agreement is intended to simplify procedures for citizens of both countries when using and exchanging driver's licences during travel. In late August, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Internal Affairs prepared a draft agreement with China on mutual recognition and exchange of driver's licences. The draft provided for the possibility of exchanging licences without retraining or passing qualification exams, subject to compliance with the legislation of the country where the exchange takes place. Kazakhstan's Ministry of Internal Affairs previously clarified that international driving permits are not issued in the country.