Kazakhstan's new Cabinet resumes work after reshuffle

MOSCOW

Kazakhstan's parliament on Tuesday approved the new Cabinet after sudden resignation of the government the day before.

Olzhas Bektenov, 43, former head of the presidential administration, assumed the position of prime minister.

Defense Minister Ruslan Zhaksalykov, Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu and Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov retained their posts.

Some deputy foreign ministers, the finance minister, and the head of the presidential administration were replaced.

Former lawmaker Madi Takiyev was appointed finance minister.

On Monday, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev accepted the resignation of the government headed by Alikhan Smailov, with no reasons given for this decision.