It may not make headlines that the EU and Kazakhstan are upgrading relations, in the form of an enhanced Partnership and Co-operation Agreement (PCA), even as a delegation of government officials prepares to depart for Brussels for the next round of negotiations, on 30 June and 1 July.

Kazakhstan is striving to build a health system that aligns with the global primary care declaration made on its soil three decades ago. Sharmila Devi reports from the capital, Astana. Since the first international declaration underlining the urgency of primary health care was signed under WHO auspices in Alma-Ata in 1978, parts of the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan have changed almost beyond recognition.

A GOLD-CLAD warrior on a white horse trotted through the streets of Pavlodar in Kazakhstan in early June, at the head of a flag-waving procession on its way to a stadium, where thousands of young people joined a rapturous chorus of the national anthem. The jingoism marks an obscure holiday celebrating national symbols. But in this town, just 100km (63 miles) from the Russian frontier, it is also a response to Russian sabre-rattling.

During its big defense expo last month, Kazakhstan announced that it is buying air defense radars from French-American company ThalesRaytheonSystems.

It appears Russian President Vladimir Putin's imperial ambitions aren't limited to economics and politics. The master of the Kremlin also wants to advance his agenda via sports, namely with the creation of a new football super league comprising leading teams from Russia and other formerly Soviet republics.

This is the first in a two-part series on Kazakhstan focusing on issues of national identity. This installment explores Kazakhstan's relationship with Russia.