The Spaniard held discussions with the broadcaster's President Erlan Karin on the development of karate in the country and the sport's pending Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020.

WKF general secretary Toshihisa Nagura was also in attendance as well as Kazakhstan Karate Federation vice-president Jastalap Sanauov.

Astana held the Asian Karate Championships this month.

"The strong support that our sport is receiving in Kazakhstan shows the magnitude of the development of karate in the region," said Espinós, who is also the European Karate Federation President.

"We have to thank the Kazakhstan Karate Federation for their hard work, and their contribution is highly valued in the bright future of our sport. 

"The discussion we had was really encouraging and I am excited about the future of karate here in Kazakhstan. 

"We have a clear strategic plan and I am convinced that the WKF will help the sport reach its immense global potential in years to come."

Karin said that karate was now a popular sport in Kazakhstan.

"The fact that the Asian Championships took place in Astana for the first time is an honour for us," he said.

"It is very gratifying for us to see the important participation of Kazakhstan athletes in the tournament as it is a unique opportunity for them to show their level."