Kazakh, Egyptian Presidents Discuss Trade, Cooperation in Astana

ASTANA – Kazakh President Nazarbayev discussed bilateral cooperation in the trade, economic, agricultural, pharmaceutical, space and atomic spheres, as well as infrastructure construction and transport with Arab...


Kazakhstan Can Be Incubator for Public Service Innovation, Says UNDP’s Innovation Specialist

ASTANA – “Train on the job” and “learn by doing” were the ideas conveyed to Kazakh public employees during a Feb. 22 seminar about innovative trends and...


Relations with Egypt Set to Strengthen Further, Kazakh Ambassador in Cairo Says

In advance of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s visit to Astana on Feb. 26-27, Kazakh Ambassador in Cairo Berik Aryn answered a number of questions for The...


EXPO 2017 is a ‘Dialogue of the International Community,’ Says BIE Chief

ASTANA – EXPO 2017 preparations are well on track in terms of construction of facilities, lining up participation and removing hurdles for travel, while the event’s success...


Competition Leaves No Time for Boredom, Says Kazakh Quartet’s Cellist

ASTANA – A quartet is often considered to perform elitist music for the intelligentsia and casual listeners might not be attracted. The audience that desires chamber music...


Kazakh Human Rights Office Received 1,340 Requests for Assistance in 2015, Says New Report

ASTANA – Kazakh Commissioner for Human Rights Askar Shakirov presented a report of the National Ombudsman’s work in 2015 to President Nursultan Nazarbayev Feb.24, reported the press...


Nazarbayev, EEC Chairman Examine EAEU Strategy Given Global Economic Challenges

ASTANA – Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Tigran Sargsyan discussed the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) development strategy in the framework...


EXPO Preparations, Participant Privileges Discussed at Int’l Participants Meeting in Astana

ASTANA – More than 270 representatives of expo working groups from more than 100 countries took part in the second International Participants Meeting (IPM) in Astana Feb....


KTZ President, Iranian Transportation Officials Discuss Development of Eurasian Transcontinental Corridor

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy National Company Chairman Askar Mamin and a company delegation met with the heads of Iranian transportation companies in Tehran on Feb. 22 to discuss...


Kazakh Poet Presents New Collection of Poems in Astana

ASTANA – Kazakh poet Tamara Salimova and 40A Studio, supported by Marriot Hotel, held a presentation of a new book of poems in Astana on Feb. 11....


Hungarian Envoy: Foreign Trade, Cultural Expansion Among Priorities in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The Hungarian economy has seen constant growth since leaving behind the echo of the 2008 financial crisis, and the country’s embassy in Kazakhstan is now...


Barys Fails to Reach Gagarin Cup Playoffs for First Time in Eight Years

The Barys Astana hockey club has missed the Continental Hockey League (KHL) Gagarin Cup playoffs for the first time in eight years despite a Feb. 18 shootout...


Kazakh Journalists Promote 2017 Winter Universiade at Congress of International Sports Journalists in Qatar

DOHA – Qatar’s capital recently hosted the 79th congress of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). The latest annual event gathered more than 200 delegates from more...


Mazhilis Election Registration Closes, Six Parties and 234 Candidates Approved by CEC

ASTANA – The political party registration process for the March 20 parliamentary elections ended Feb. 20 with a six-party list that includes 234 candidates approved by the...


Experts Want More Kazakh Products Exported to China

ASTANA – Chairman of the KAZNEX INVEST National Agency for Export and Investment Borisbiy Zhangurazov called on enterprises to develop promising export destinations during a recent press...


Moscow Commemorates 170th Anniversary of Birth of Zhambyl Zhabayev

The Union of Kazakh Youth together with the Kazakh Embassy in Moscow organised a musical evening to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the birth of Kazakh poet...


Bulgarians ‘Sprinkled Kazakh Steppes with Sweat and Blood’, Community Leader Says

ASTANA – Although Bulgaria and Kazakhstan might seem to have little but the Soviet Union to link them, Bulgarians actually first arrived on the territory of modern...


Kazakh Epee Team Wins Silver at World Cup

Kazakhstan’s national men’s fencing team won silver medals at the recent Epee World Cup held in Vancouver, Canada. The Kazakh epeeists started the tournament with a confident...


Kazakhstan, China to Cooperate on JAC Vehicle Production, Other Industrial Projects

Kostanai region Akim (Governor) Arkhimed Mukhambetov announced plans to implement nine projects to attract foreign direct investments to the region during 2016. He noted the main inflow...


British Superb Films to Shoot Genghis Khan Movie in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Sports and British company Superb Films have agreed to cooperate in the field of culture and film arts, according to...


Astana Opera Dedicates Project to 25th Anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence

ASTANA – The Astana Opera Theatre will release an anthology of symphonic music by Kazakh composers of the 20th century to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s...


Domestic Oncology Not Perfect But Developing, Expert Says

ASTANA – While Kazakh cancer care is not yet delivered in five-star surroundings, the quality of treatment has improved by leaps and bounds in the last few...


Excitement Builds for Broadcast of ‘Kazakh Game of Thrones’

It has been an extraordinary hit. With fans in 170 countries and said to be the most pirated programme in TV history, the team behind Game of...


Kazakh Senate Ratifies Free Trade Agreement between EAEU and Vietnam

ASTANA – Members of the Kazakh Senate have adopted a law “On ratification of the free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and its member...


Successfully Hosting EXPO 2017 Is Very Important for Kazakhstan

Astana EXPO 2017 is a priority project for Kazakhstan. This is the first time an international exhibition of this kind will be held in the former Soviet...


Crimean Artist Creates Sand Animation about Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Famous Crimean artist and sand animation performer Kseniya Simonova has dedicated her new film to Kazakhstan, reported Kazpravda.kz on Feb. 9, citing Argumenty I Fakty...


Hungarian Books Reflecting Historic Ties with Turkic Peoples Presented in Astana

ASTANA – The scientific legacy of Hungarian orientalists and the Magyar people’s historical ties with Turkic-speaking peoples were discussed at a roundtable in the city’s International Turkic...


Kazakhstan Takes Bronze at Euro Futsal 2016

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s national team caused a sport sensation, taking bronze in their debut at the European Futsal Championship (Euro Futsal 2016) held in Belgrade Feb. 2–13....


Kazakh Painter Conquers European Art Scene, Brings Inspiring Story to World

ASTANA – Almaty native Tolkyn Sakbayeva, 25, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child. Yet the artist has overcome her physical challenges to allow her talent...


Tea vs. Coffee: Comparing Cultures and their Role in Kazakh Society

ASTANA —  Kazakhs have been drinking tea for thousands of years, while some are only starting to drink coffee. Why do residents prefer one hot drink over...


Historic Meeting to Help Eliminate Misunderstandings and Suspicions

“Historic” is an adjective all too often applied to many events, occasionally even in this newspaper. But no one can doubt the historic nature of the meeting...


Kazakhstan’s Major Banks Seek Innovations with ‘Hackathons’

ASTANA – The development time for new technologies dictates its rules to the financial sector. The country’s two major banks – Halyk Bank and Kazkommertsbank – organised...


Kazakhstan’s First McDonald’s to Open in 2016

ASTANA – For quite a long time it was uncertain if McDonald’s would appear in Kazakhstan. After many years of debate, two McDonald’s fast-food restaurants will now...


Young Kazakh Entrepreneurs Seek to Save Aport Apple

ALMATY – Two Almaty entrepreneurs are using new media and technology in their quest to restore Kazakhstan’s famous, but threatened, Aport apples. The young businessmen launched an...


Nazarbayev Pushes for Almaty’s Better Preparedness for 2017 Universiade

ASTANA – Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev instructed the government in collaboration with the 2017 World Winter Universiade organising committee and Almaty’s akimat (city administration) to take all...


FM Idrissov: The World Supports a Vision of a Nuclear-Weapons-Free Planet

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly session last September, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev put forward a number of major international initiatives, including adopting the Universal Declaration...


Mysteries of One of Capital’s Creepiest Escape Rooms

ASTANA – They say only great despair may bring light to treasures of the human intellect, but what if aside from despair alone, you’re being chased by...


EBRD Loans $103 Million to Upgrade Almaty-Astana Highway

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has extended a $103 million loan to support upgrades to a stretch of the highway that connects Kazakhstan’s capital with...


New Online Store Sells Products Made by the Physically Challenged

ASTANA – InvaMade, a new online store launched Feb. 5 in Almaty, is hoping to serve as a window of opportunity for Kazakh citizens with physical challenges...


Almost One Million People Receive Kazakhstan Citizenship since 1992

ASTANA – A total of 963,540 people received Kazakhstan citizenship from 1992-2015, with the vast majority (858,661) being ethnic Kazakhs wishing to immigrate back to Kazakhstan (known...


OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission Head Pledges Objective Monitoring, Stresses Focus on Process

ASTANA – Observers from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) will monitor Kazakhstan’s March 20 early parliamentary...


France Supports, Seeks Inspiration from Astana EXPO 2017

France stands by Kazakhstan in the perspective of the upcoming international exhibition in Astana in 2017, whose candidacy has always been supported by my country to the...


Kazakhstan Committed to Competitive, Transparent and Fair Elections, Foreign Minister Says

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is committed to holding competitive, transparent and fair elections, Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov said at a Feb. 17 meeting with the head of the...


Election Commission Releases Early Mazhilis and Maslikhat Nomination Information

ASTANA – The Central Election Commission (CEC) held a briefing Feb. 12 devoted to the election campaign of deputies of the Mazhilis (lower house of Parliament) and maslikhats...


More than 6,000 Kazakh Citizens Received Microcredits in 2015

ASTANA – The Employment Road Map programme functioning since 2011 is already bearing fruit, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection Bauyrzhan Nurymbetov said recently at a...


Short Film by Kazakh Director to be Shown at Cannes

ASTANA – “Tragiometry,” a short film by Kazakh director Tatyana Kim, will participate in Short Movie Corner (The Court Metrage) within the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival....


Kazakh Khanate Series Shows World Historic Period before Independent Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Inspired by popular television series like “Game of Thrones,” “Genghis Khan” and “Magnificent Century” with thought-provoking screenplays, battle scenes and palace intrigue, the makers of...


A Touching Documentary on Children Who Defeated Cancer Filmed in Almaty

ASTANA – A film created with the assistance of the Amila public fund, which assists cancer patients, has been produced within the framework of a project for...


Iran Introduces Protective Duties for Kazakh Grain Imports

ASTANA – The Iranian government recently introduced protective duties for the import of Kazakhstan grain to protect its domestic market, according to President of Aktau International Seaport...


Kazakhstan, Russia Fight Together Against Agricultural Pests

Kazakh and Russian experts held a meeting on plant protection and locust control in cross-border regions on Feb. 9 in Aktobe, reported the press service of the...


India Willing to Demonstrate its Innovation-Led Growth at EXPO 2017

Indian officials told EXPO 2017 Commissioner and Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Rapil Zhoshybayev during his Feb. 12 visit that India, one of the top 10 states...


Astana Pro Team Cyclist Andriy Grivko Wins La Méditerranéenne

ASTANA – Astana Pro Team rider Andriy Grivko won the overall standings of the stage race La Méditerranéenne, which recently took place on the roads of Spain,...


‘Khorgos-Eastern Gate’ Intends to Create Favourable Business Environment for Investors

The Khorgos Dry Port on the border with China plans to update its operations to better attract investment to the region, reported the press office of the...


Independent Athlete’s Anti-Doping Commission Set Up in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – An independent anti-doping commission (AIC) has been created in Astana, according to the Kazakh National Olympic Committee’s (NOK) press office. The main purpose of this...


Nature, Health Therapy Combine at Country’s Top Therapeutic Wellness Resorts

ASTANA – Health and wellness resorts are an excellent getaway from a dusty, noisy and stress-driven urban life. Many residents living in the capital and other big...


Country Secures 20 Lillehammer Youth Olympic Games Slots

ASTANA – Twenty bids have been won by Kazakhstan for the Youth Olympic Games in Norway in nine events. The former Winter Olympics city of Lillehammer hosts...


Samsung Becomes Official EXPO 2017 Partner

ASTANA – The Astana EXPO 2017 National Company and Samsung Electronics Central Eurasia have signed a memorandum of cooperation making the South Korean multinational electronics company an official partner of...


Kazakhstan Changes Army’s Style of Marching

ASTANA – Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev has ordered a new way the country’s soldiers should march. Nazarbayev issued a decree on Feb. 3 saying that from now...


Iran to Buy Kazakh-Made Commodities, Ready to Establish Joint Investment Fund

ASTANA – As a result of the large-scale Kazakh-Iranian business forum held Feb. 6-8 in Tehran, the two nations have agreed on a supply of Kazakh-made train...


New Kazakh Education and Science Minister Brings Private Sector Experience

ASTANA ­– Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev appointed Erlan Sagadiyev new Minister of Education and Science, the Akorda press service reported Feb. 10. Sagadiyev believes it is necessary...


Astana to Host AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championship

ASTANA – More than 300 professional female boxers will have a chance to take part in the 2016 AIBA Women’s World championship in the Kazakh capital May...


Spain Too Strong for Kazakhstan in Futsal Euro 2016 Semi-Final

Team Kazakhstan gave way to Spain, losing 5-3 in the semi-final of Futsal EURO 2016 underway in Belgrade, Serbia. Who would have thought before the tournament that...


Perfetto, Kazakhstan!

Team Kazakhstan became the main sensation of Futsal EURO 2016 continuing in Belgrade, Serbia. In the quarterfinal, the debutants crushed reigning champion Italy, 5-2. “We want to...


Kazakh President Orders New Massive Investments in Economy

ASTANA – President Nursultan Nazarbayev ordered the government to make way for huge investments into Kazakhstan’s economy as it continues to deal with twin negative effects of...


EXPO 2017 to Select Best Achievements in Energy

ASTANA – Selection of best practices in the field of energy for a pavilion “Energy Best Practices Area” (eBPa) has started on the website http://www.ebpa2017.org/ebpa. The idea of...


Team Kazakhstan Reaches Quarter Final in Futsal Euro Debut

ASTANA – The Kazakh national futsal team reached the quarterfinals in its first-ever appearance at the UEFA Futsal Championship (Futsal Euro), which is taking place this year...


Photosafari Photographers Document Wild Kazakhstan, Hope to Help Visitors do the Same

ASTANA – Undiscovered Kazakhstan, an exhibition created by Photosafari Group photographers, was presented in South Korea in December with the support of the Foundation of the First...


More Work Ahead, Says Central Election Commission Chairman

Since President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed the decree Jan. 20 to hold early election for the Mazhilis, Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has been actively preparing for the...


Kazakhstan Takes Fourth Place in World Bandy Championship

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan national bandy team lost to Sweden 0:4 in the bronze medal game at the 36th World Bandy Championship in Ulyanovsk, Russia on Feb....


Barys Ninth in East Conference with Two Games Left

ASTANA – The risk that the Barys hockey club will miss its first Continental Hockey League’s (KHL) Gagarin Cup playoffs is near materialising. Since Feb. 26, the...


Where and How to Holiday in Kazakhstan

How do economic difficulties impact the choices of Kazakhs regarding travel destinations? What are the prospects for stronger domestic tourism development? What are attractive elements of visiting...


Astana Debate Community Face Off Against World’s Best, Hope for More Support

ASTANA – The Astana Debate Community has earned respect in Central Asia for its achievements in argument, with speakers defending the honour of Kazakhstan in many global...


Russian, Kazakh Leaders Discuss Crisis in Turkish-Russian Relations

President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and President of Russia Vladimir Putin discussed bilateral ties, the situation in Ukraine and the deterioration of Russian-Turkish relations in a Feb....


Kazakh Economy Improves Ranking on Index of Economic Freedom

Kazakhstan climbed one place from last year’s position in the annual ranking of the Index of Economic Freedom, reported the Washington-based Heritage Foundation. In the global ranking,...


Destination – Kazakhstan. What Should I Know?

Experienced travellers looking for something new and different may find themselves exploring the opportunities Kazakhstan can offer. Visitors can take a train and watch the endless Kazakh...


First Test Train Passes the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route

The first test container train following the route Ukraine-Georgia-Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan-China reached the Aktau port in Kazakhstan on Jan. 24, reported the press service of the Kazakhstan Temir Zholy...


Kazakh-Turkish Bilateral Relations Discussed in Astana

ASTANA – The main directions of bilateral cooperation, such as strengthening political dialogue and a cultural exchange, development of relations in the field of transport, energy, tourism...


Kazakhstan-Iran Business Forum Showcases Kazakh Interest in Iran

Kazakhstan is interested in expanding bilateral trade and economic relations with Iran. The issue was raised during the Kazakhstan-Iran business forum on Feb. 6-8 in Tehran. Some...


‘I Found My Soul in Photography,’ Says High-Flying Wedding Photographer

ASTANA – A wedding day is one of the most important days in lives of most of people. Memories connected to that day depend on the hidden...


National Bank to Remain in Almaty, Plans for Relocation to Astana Cancelled

The Kazakh President recently halted plans to relocate the country’s National Bank from Almaty to Astana. The government had planned to move the bank in 2017. “In...


Theatrical Festival Showcases Seven Plays from 2015

ASTANA – International Performing Arts Festival Otkrovenie (Revelation) showed seven vivid plays of the past year Feb. 1-7 in Almaty, according to a Jan. 27 news report...


Carrefour to Enter Kazakh Market during First Quarter of 2016

ASTANA – Carrefour, the French chain of supermarkets, plans to enter the Kazakh market early this year, Kazpravda.kz reported Jan. 22 with reference to the Almaty akimat...


Road Accidents Decrease 10 Fold on Kazakh Highway

ASTANA – The General Procurator’s Office announced recently that modernisation of state road Astana – Shchuchinsk and the Western Europe – Western China highway has decreased road...


Emerging Kazakh, Silk Road Musical Talents Being Discovered Internationally

ASTANA – CNN.com, an American news network, published a list Jan. 27 of the emerging music artists of the modern Silk Road countries. It featured Azerbaijani jazz...


Astana Key Maker Discusses Keys for Survival in Turbulent Times

ASTANA – Small businesses can be hard to maintain during unstable economic periods, and Astana’s key makers are feeling the same pinch as the rest. The Astana...


Birlik (Unity) Party Announces Participation in Early Mazhilis Election

ASTANA – On Feb. 5, the second extraordinary congress of Birlik (Unity) announced the party’s intention to run in the upcoming election for the Mazhilis (lower house...


Story of 13-Year-Old Kazakh Eagle Huntress Girl Shown at Sundance Film Festival

ASTANA – A documentary film “Berkutchi” (Eagle Huntress) was produced about a famous Kazakh girl eagle huntress from Mongolia, Tengrinews.kz reported Jan. 26. The producer of the...


Experts Comment on Sports and Show Business Star Nominations for Mazhilis

ASTANA – Experts commented on the promotion of sports and show business stars to the Nur Otan party list for the upcoming election during a Jan. 29...


KazISS Is among Top Three Think Tanks in Central Asia

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KazISS) has been nominated in four categories of the Global Go...


National Universiade to Check Readiness for Winter Universiade 2017

Kazakhstan’s National Universiade, a nationwide university sport competition taking place Feb. 6–13 in Almaty, will help test out preparations for the 2017 World Winter Universiade also to...


Kazakh Snowboarding – Young and Promising, Says Head of Almaty Federation

ASTANA – Snowboarding, one of the most fascinating and breath-taking winter sports, is relatively new in Kazakhstan but already very promising. President of the Almaty Federation of...


Golovkin: Match against Alvarez Might Take Place in September

ASTANA – During a recent press conference in Astana, Gennady Golovkin named Mexican Saul Alvarez as a potential opponent this year. “I think that the fight against...


New Semey Store Accepts Payments in the Form of ‘Thank You ’

ASTANA – A new store has opened in Semey where certain customers don’t need money to make a purchase. The store called “All for Thanks” allows residents...


Giant Robots – Pavlodar’s New Landmark

Iron giants created by a group of car mechanics are now guarding one of Pavlodar’s auto repair shops. The idea to creatively convert waste parts into robots...


Samruk Kazyna Expects $25 per Barrel of Oil, 400 Tenge per Dollar Exchange Rate

ASTANA – The best-case scenario of the Samruk Kazyna National Welfare Fund is the cost of oil at $35 per barrel and an exchange rate in the...


Air Astana President Reveals New Routes, Cost Mitigation Measure in Corporate Social Responsibility Report

Air Astana presented its 2015 corporate social responsibility report Jan. 27 in Astana. The document focused mainly on environmental and safety issues, economic contributions, services and community-based...


Nazarbayev Urges Intensification of Foreign Economic Activities

ASTANA – President Nursultan Nazarbayev placed great emphasis on strengthening the economic component in the work of Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry and its missions abroad at an extended...


Astana Snowmobile Rental Allows Capital Residents to Enjoy Nature

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital, which is widely-known for its frosty winters, has plentiful entertainment during its six-month winter, such as skating, skiing and even swimming in...


President Sets Country on Course toward Oil and Gas Independence, Urges Wealthy to Return Money to Country

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed the government goal of making Kazakhstan independent of oil and gas imports by 2018, urged the entire business community...


Over 3,000 Saiga Horns Seized in 2015

ASTANA – According to Chairman of Committee of Administrative Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan Maksat Baibolov, the damage from the poachers in 2015...