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Karim Massimov
Кәрім Мәсімов
Karim Masimov.jpg
Massimov in 2012
13th Chairman of the National Security Committee
In office
8 September 2016 – 5 January 2022
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
Nursultan Nazarbayev
Preceded by Vladimir Zhumakanov
Succeeded by Ermek Sağymbaev
Head of the Presidential Administration of Kazakhstan
In office
24 September 2012 – 2 April 2014
President Nursultan Nazarbayev
Preceded by Aslan Musin
Succeeded by Nurlan Nigmatulin
State Secretary of Kazakhstan
Acting
In office
21 January 2014 – 2 April 2014
President Nursultan Nazarbayev
Preceded by Marat Tazhin
Succeeded by Adilbek Zhaksybekov
7th Prime Minister of Kazakhstan
In office
2 April 2014 – 8 September 2016
President Nursultan Nazarbayev
First Deputy Bakhytzhan Sagintayev
Preceded by Serik Akhmetov
Succeeded by Bakhytzhan Sagintayev
In office
10 January 2007 – 24 September 2012
First Deputy Umirzak Shukeyev
(2009–2011)
Serik Akhmetov
(2012)
Krymbek Kusherbayev<
(2012–2013)
Preceded by Daniyal Akhmetov
Succeeded by Serik Akhmetov
Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan
In office
18 January 2006 – 10 January 2007
Prime Minister Daniyal Akhmetov
In office
27 November 2001 – June 2003
Prime Minister Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
(2001–2002)
Imangali Tasmagambetov
(2002–2003)
Minister of Economy and Budget Planning
In office
20 April 2006 – 13 October 2006
President Nursultan Nazarbayev
Prime Minister Daniyal Akhmetov
Preceded by Kairat Kelimbetov
Succeeded by Aslan Musin
Minister of Transport and Communications
In office
7 August 2000 – 27 November 2001
President Nursultan Nazarbayev
Prime Minister Daniyal Akhmetov
Preceded by Serik Burkitbaev
Succeeded by Abilay Mirzahmetov
Personal details
Born (1965-06-15) 15 June 1965 (age 60)
Tselinograd (now Astana), Kazakh SSR, Soviet Union
Nationality Uyghur
Political party Nur Otan
Alma mater Peoples' Friendship University

Karim Qajymqanuly Massimov (Kazakh: Кәрім Қажымқанұлы Мәсімов, Kärım Qajymqanūly Mäsımov; born 15 June 1965) is a Kazakh politician who held important roles in the government of Kazakhstan. He served as the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan twice, first from 2007 to 2012, and then again from 2014 to 2016.

Before becoming Prime Minister, he was a Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan from 2006 to 2007. He also worked as the Minister of Economy and Budget Planning, and Minister of Transport and Communications. Later, he became the chairman of the National Security Committee from 2016 to 2022.

Massimov is known for his work in managing Kazakhstan's economy during challenging times, including global economic downturns. He helped introduce new healthcare systems and led important modernization plans for the country.

Early Life and Education

Karim Massimov was born in Tselinograd (which is now Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan). His family has Tajik and Uyghur roots. His father, Qazhymqan Massimov, held various leadership positions.

Education Journey

In 1982, Massimov finished school at the Republican Physics and Mathematics Boarding School in Alma-Ata. He then studied Arabic at the People's Friendship University of Russia from 1985 to 1988. After that, he attended the Alma-Ata Institute of National Economy.

He also spent time in China, studying Chinese at the Beijing Institute of Language from 1988 to 1989. He taught at the Wuhan University School of Law from 1989 to 1991 and also studied at Columbia University in New York City. In 1999, he earned a doctoral degree from the Moscow State University of Technologies and Management.

Business Experience

Before entering politics, Massimov worked in business. From 1992 to 1995, he was involved in commercial activities in China and Hong Kong. He then became the chairman of the Board for the Almaty Trade and Financial Bank from 1995 to 1997. He also led the People's Savings Bank of Kazakhstan from 1997 to 2000.

Political Career

Karim Massimov started his political career in 1991, working in the Ministry of Labour.

On 7 August 2000, he was appointed as the Minister of Transport and Communications. Later, on 27 November 2001, he became a Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan. He held this role until June 2003, when he became an assistant to the President of Kazakhstan.

Massimov returned to the role of Deputy Prime Minister on 18 January 2006. At the same time, he also served as the Minister of Economy from April to October 2006.

International Relations

Massimov played a role in Kazakhstan's international relations, especially with countries like China, Iran, and Israel.

  • China: He is considered an expert on China. Kazakhstan and China have worked closely on developing energy resources. Massimov visited Beijing in 2006 to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
  • Iran: In 2002, Massimov announced plans for Kazakhstan to increase its wheat exports to Iran.
  • Israel: In 2006, Massimov met with Israeli leaders to discuss economic ties and cooperation in the Middle East. He spoke about Kazakhstan's interest in being involved in the region and creating stronger connections.

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan

First Time as Prime Minister

Appointment to Office

On 9 January 2007, President Nursultan Nazarbayev chose Massimov to become the new Prime Minister. The previous Prime Minister, Daniyal Akhmetov, had resigned. The Parliament of Kazakhstan strongly supported Massimov's nomination, and he officially took office on 10 January.

Leading the Government (2007–2012)

Dmitry Medvedev in Kazakhstan 5 July 2010-2
Massimov with President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev on 5 July 2010
Президент Казахстана Назарбаев Н. А. во время посещения Первого казахстанского автозавода
Massimov and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev on 4 July 2011

During his first term, Massimov's government faced the global Great Recession. To help the economy, the National Bank of Kazakhstan adjusted the value of the national currency, the Kazakhstani tenge. Massimov worked to keep prices stable and ensure economic growth. His government's efforts helped nearly double Kazakhstan's GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per person from 2008 to 2012, with the economy growing by about 5.5% each year.

He also oversaw the start of the Kazakh Unified National Healthcare System, which aimed to improve healthcare for everyone. Massimov was also involved in preparing for the 2011 Asian Winter Games, making sure sports facilities would be available for citizens to use.

On 24 September 2012, Massimov stepped down as Prime Minister. President Nazarbayev thanked him for his work, especially during the global financial crisis.

Second Time as Prime Minister

Returning to Leadership (2014–2016)

Reunión Bilaterial con el Primer Ministro de la República Kazajistán (14388229419)
Massimov with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador Ricardo Patiño on 4 July 2014
Secretary Kerry Shakes Hands With Kazakhstan Prime Minister Massimov in Astana (22697743995)
Massimov with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on 1 November 2015

Massimov was reappointed as Prime Minister on 2 April 2014. He took over during a time of new economic challenges, including a change in the value of the tenge and falling oil prices. He was known for his experience in handling such issues and for attracting foreign investment.

He also worked on improving Kazakhstan's relations with other countries. For example, he attended the inauguration of the Ukrainian President in 2014 to help normalize ties.

After the 2015 presidential election, Massimov and his cabinet resigned, but he was quickly reappointed as Prime Minister on 29 April 2015.

During this period, the world saw a drop in oil prices, which affected Kazakhstan's economy. Massimov's government made decisions to help the economy recover, including allowing the tenge's exchange rate to float freely. This led to some changes in prices, including for fuel.

Massimov was also very involved in the "100 Concrete Steps" plan, which was a major modernization program for Kazakhstan. He also oversaw the change to a 12-year education system in the country.

He also led Kazakhstan's bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics in Almaty. He spoke to the International Olympic Committee, highlighting Kazakhstan's ability to host the games. Although Almaty did not win the bid, Massimov's efforts showed Kazakhstan's ambition on the world stage.

He served as Prime Minister until September 2016, when he was succeeded by Bakhytzhan Sagintayev.

Post-Premiership Roles

Secretary Pompeo Meets With Kazakhstani National Security Committee Chairman Karim Masimov (40739810603)
Massimov with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on 26 April 2019

After his time as Prime Minister, Massimov continued to serve in important government positions. He was the Acting State Secretary of Kazakhstan for a short period in 2014.

On 8 September 2016, Massimov was appointed as the chairman of the National Security Committee (NSC), a key security agency in Kazakhstan. He held this position until January 2022.

Personal Life

Karim Massimov is of Uyghur background and is a citizen of Kazakhstan. He is very good at languages and can speak Kazakh, Russian, Chinese, English, and Arabic.

He is married and has three children. In his free time, he enjoys reading, skiing, rock climbing, golf, and practicing Muay Thai, a type of martial art.

Martial Arts

Massimov has a strong interest in martial arts. In 2010, he became the President of the Federation of Amateur Muaythai of Asia (FAMA). He was later chosen as the Vice President of the International Federation of Muaythai Amateurs (IFMA) and the President of the Muaythai federation in Kazakhstan. He also served as Vice-President of the World Muaythai Council (WMC).

In 2012, he was re-elected to lead the Asian federation, showing his dedication to the sport. He believes that Muaythai helps bring athletes together from different cultures.

See also

  • Government of Kazakhstan
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