Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom have agreed to deepen cooperation in archival science, digital preservation, and artificial intelligence applications in record management.

The agreement was signed during the International Congress of Archivists and the Digital Archive EXPO held in Astana, where the Archive of the President of Kazakhstan and the UK National Archives formalized a Memorandum of Understanding to expand collaboration, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

The memorandum outlines a wide range of joint initiatives, including professional exchange programs, training for archivists, collaborative research in archival preservation, and the development of digital solutions such as AI-based systems and electronic records management. It also covers educational activities, including seminars, webinars, and outreach programs aimed at strengthening expertise in the field.

The document was signed by Aliya Mustafina, Director of the Presidential Archive of Kazakhstan, and John Sheridan, Chief Digital and Information Officer at the UK National Archives.

During discussions, both sides highlighted the importance of digital transformation, the preservation of electronic records, and the need to strengthen global cooperation in archival science.

Mustafina stressed the importance of expanding international partnerships to address the growing challenges of preserving digital heritage in the modern era. Sheridan, in turn, emphasized the role of archives in safeguarding collective memory and the need for innovative approaches in the digital age.

The cooperation builds on years of engagement between the two countries, including joint seminars, expert consultations, and professional exchanges.

UK representatives also participated in the third Congress of Archivists this year, with Andrew Payne set to lead a seminar on artificial intelligence in education and the use of archival resources in modern learning environments.

The new agreement follows a similar memorandum recently signed between Uzarchive under Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Justice and the Archive of the President of Kazakhstan.