Kazakhstan Highlights Cooperation Priorities at OTS Foreign Ministers Meeting

ASTANA – Ahead of the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu participated in the Council...


National Economy Ministry Reports on Kazakhstan’s Public Debt

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s public debt stands at nearly 23% of its gross domestic product (GDP), while external debt amounts to around $20 billion. At the same time,...


President Tokayev, Hungary’s PM Orbán Discuss Strategic Cooperation in Budapest

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called trade, economic, and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and Hungary a priority area of the bilateral agenda during a May 20...


PepsiCo to More Than Double Investment, Build Central Asia’s Largest Snack Plant

ASTANA – PepsiCo plans to more than double its investment in constructing a snacks production plant in the Almaty Region, which is set to become the largest...


Kazakhstan: Central Asia’s AI Powerhouse

Kazakhstan is Central Asia’s undisputed leader in using artificial intelligence (AI) to boost programmer productivity. For the first time, the nation’s tech sector hasn’t just outpaced its...


Kazakh-American Expedition Returns to Akmola to Uncover Origins of Horse Domestication

ASTANA – A Kazakh-American archaeological expedition launched new excavations at the Krasny Yar settlement in Akmola Region on May 20 to uncover fresh evidence about the domestication...


Direct Astana-Belgrade Flights to Launch by Year-End

ASTANA – Direct flights between the capitals of Kazakhstan and Serbia will open by the end of 2025, the Civil Aviation Committee of the Kazakh Transport Ministry...


Kazakhstan Becomes Third-Largest Crude Oil Supplier to EU

ASTANA – Kazakhstan ranked third among the largest crude oil exporters to the European Union (EU), supplying 1.05 million barrels per day (Mb/d) in 2024, according to...


New York Film Academy Branch in Kazakhstan Hosts First Open Day

ASTANA – The newly launched Kazakhstan branch of the New York Film Academy (NYFA) hosted its first open day on May 17 in Kaskelen near Almaty, bringing...


Astana International Financial Centre Hosts Islamic Finance Forum

ASTANA – The Islamic Finance and Business Forum, held on May 19 at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), gathered over 200 participants from Kazakhstan, Central Asia,...


President Tokayev Praises Kazakhstan’s Culture and Art Workers

ASTANA – On the eve of Culture and Arts Workers’ Day, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev praised the contributions of Kazakhstan’s cultural figures on May 20, highlighting their role...


Central Asia Launches Scops Owl Counting Campaign

ASTANA – Residents of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan are invited to join a regional campaign to count scops owls — small nocturnal birds best...


Kazakh, Kyrgyz Aitys Artists Perform at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris for First Time

ASTANA – For the first time in history, UNESCO Headquarters in Paris hosted an international Aitys – the traditional poetic duel of improvisation – featuring Kazakh and...


FlyArystan Launches Almaty-Yining Charter Flights

ASTANA – Kazakh low-cost carrier FlyArystan has officially launched a direct charter passenger flight between Almaty and Yining, with the first flight carrying 160 passengers landing at...


Art Without Borders: Franco‑Kazakh Performance Lights Up Astana

ASTANA – A unique blend of modern choreography, experimental music, and Franco-Kazakh collaboration took center stage on May 16 in Astana. The performance, called Jubilé!, marked the...


What Turkic Leaders Are to Discuss at Informal Summit in Hungary

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will attend the Informal Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) on May 20 in Budapest,...


How Kazakhstan’s Youth Are Blending Tradition with Modernity

ASTANA — While youth around the world live in an era increasingly dominated by global trends and digital influences, the youth of Kazakhstan are redefining what it...


Kazakh Gymnastics Team Earns Historic Gold at Asian Championships

ASTANA – The Kazakh gymnastics team won the country’s first-ever gold medal in the group all-around event at the Asian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships held in Singapore on...


Who Will Build Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Power Plant? 

As Kazakhstan faces growing electricity demand, aging coal plants and ambitious decarbonization goals, the government has turned its focus to nuclear energy. In 2022, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev...


Astana Opera Premieres Three Ballets by French Choreographer Roland Petit

ASTANA – The Astana Opera audience was treated to a thrilling display of talent with a May 16 premiere of three one-act ballets by a world-renowned French...


Korkyt Ata Special Economic Zone Opens in Kyzylorda Region

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov signed a decree on May 19 to establish the Korkyt Ata Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the Kyzylorda Region, reported...


Poetry and Music Take Center Stage at Astana Opera Charity Evening

ASTANA — The Astana Opera hosted UnBoring Poetry, a distinguished charity evening co-organized by the LikeMinded Foundation and acclaimed poet Gulnara Shakti, bringing together poetry, music, and...


IAEA Assists Kazakhstan in Selecting Safe Site for First Nuclear Power Plant

ASTANA – A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) arrived in Kazakhstan on May 19 for a five-day seminar focused on safety considerations for selecting...


Kazakhstan to Accelerate Construction of Gas Processing Plant at Karachaganak Field

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and President of Shell’s Exploration and Production Division Peter Costello stressed the importance of accelerated construction of a four billion...


Supercomputer With NVIDIA Chips Arrives in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has received Central Asia’s first supercomputer cluster with a capacity of approximately two exaflops, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry announced...


UNESCO Presents Kazakhstan with Certificate for Betashar Ceremony Inclusion in Heritage List

ASTANA – Director of the UNESCO Almaty Regional Office Amir Piric presented Chairman of the National Commission and State Counselor Erlan Karin with the original certificate confirming...


President Tokayev to Visit Hungary for Informal OTS Summit

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will visit Hungary on May 20-21 to participate in the Informal Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic...


Kazakhstan Records Lowest Birth Rate in Decade

ASTANA – Kazakhstan registered 77,300 live births from January to March, a nearly 16% drop compared to the same period last year and the lowest figure since...


Human Rights and AI: Is Legal Regulation Optional?

ASTANA — The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) poses urgent legal and ethical questions for governments worldwide. In an interview with Kazinform, Igor Rogov, the chair...


Kazakhstan’s Prominent Producer Highlights Booming Creative Industry, Strong Untapped Potential

ASTANA – Creative industries have received broad attention from the government in recent years, deemed as the next economic frontier and a soft power tool. For Yerkebulan...


‘Get Some Air’: Botanic Gardens Serve as Model for Urban Renewal

ASTANA – As urban development accelerates and soil turns to stone, one lesson keeps resurfacing: without green lungs, cities can not survive —we need space for nature...


Tuyuk-Su Glacier Shrinks by Ten Meters in Decade

ASTANA – The Tuyuk-Su Glacier in the Northern Tien Shan has lost ten meters of thickness over the past 12 years, according to a recent survey by...


From Silk to Solar: Kazakhstan’s Best on Display 

ASTANA — More than 350 Kazakh companies from across the country display thousands of locally made products from machinery and food to clothing and jewelry at the...


French Explorer Captures Kazakhstan’s Untamed Beauty

ASTANA – French filmmaker, photographer, and solo bicycle explorer Cédric Tassan has explored the unique landscapes of Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Region by bike twice. His first journey in...


Southeast Asia Rises as Favorite Vacation Spot for Kazakh Tourists

ASTANA – Travel abroad is becoming increasingly popular among Kazakh tourists, with a growing number opting for Southeast Asian destinations. According to industry experts, China has emerged...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Strategic Rise in Energy, Diplomacy and Innovation

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected key international media coverage on Kazakhstan this week. Today’s foreign media digest covers Kazakhstan’s pivotal role in the global AI...


Full-Fledged Free Trade Agreement Between EAEU and Iran Enters into Force

ASTANA – A full-fledged Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Iran officially came into force on May 15, reported the press service...


Air Astana Launches Direct Flights from Astana to Da Nang

ASTANA – Air Astana operated its first flight from Astana to Da Nang on May 14, expanding its route network across Vietnam, reported the airline’s press service....


Where to Go, What to See: Culture Guide This Week

ASTANA – Spend your evenings with meaning: art, music, theater – everything for your mood and new emotions. The Astana Times has curated a guide to events...


Kazakhstan Ranks Among World’s Top 10 Sunflower Oil Exporters for First Time

ASTANA – For the first time, Kazakhstan has entered the top 10 largest exporters of sunflower oil worldwide, taking eighth place in 2024, as was announced during...


Kazakhstan Reveals Top Five Hidden Gems Off Mass Tourist Routes

ASTANA – On May 15, the Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports unveiled a list of five little-known but unique destinations to showcase Kazakhstan’s lesser-explored natural and...


U.S. and Caspian Region Deepen Green Energy Cooperation

ASTANA – The United States (U.S.) – Eurasia Energy and Environment Forum took place on May 14 in San Francisco, bringing together officials from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and...


U.S. Treasury Lifts Restrictions on Oil Services for CPC and Tengizchevroil Projects

ASTANA – The United States (U.S.) Department of the Treasury issued a general license on May 15, authorizing the provision of oilfield services for the Caspian Pipeline...


Tapestry Woven Together with Threads of History and Tradition 

Volunteering in Central Asia—historical heritage to modern-day practices Like a tapestry woven together with threads of history and tradition—that’s Central Asia for you—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and...


Astana to Host Regional Climate Summit 2026 as Central Asia Unites for Climate Action

ASTANA — The Kazakh capital is set to host the Regional Climate Summit 2026 (RCS 2026), a landmark event aimed at boosting regional cooperation on climate change....


Kazakhstan, OSCE Set to Boost Cooperation in Economic and Environmental Fields

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the OSCE have expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the economic and environmental sectors, with a particular focus on sustainable development, climate...


Kazakh Tazy Gains Global Spotlight in Euronews’ Modern Nomads

ASTANA — Euronews released a new episode of Modern Nomads highlighting the Kazakh Tazy — an ancient sighthound breed now earning international recognition for its cultural and...


Uzbekistan, China to Launch Mutual Visa-Free Travel from June 1

ASTANA – Uzbekistan and China will introduce a mutual visa-free regime effective June 1, enabling citizens of both countries to travel without a visa for up to...


Kazakhstan to Host Over 40 Major International Sport Events This Year

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is set to host up to 40 major international sporting events across Olympic, Paralympic, non-Olympic, national, and inclusive sports disciplines by the end of...


Kazakhstan Attracts $1 Billion in Geological Investment, Uncovers Major Rare Earth Deposit

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has attracted approximately $1 billion in private investment into its geological sector over the past five years, and recently discovered a major rare earth...


Kazakhstan Ranks 70th in Global Human Progress Index

ASTANA – Kazakhstan ranked 70th out of 196 countries in the annual Human Progress Index (HPI) quality of life ranking, published by CEOWORLD magazine on May 11....


Kazakhstan’s Int’l Reserves Hit $104.7 Billion as National Bank Reports 2024 Gains

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s international reserves have reached $104.7 billion, a figure that represents a solid buffer of stability amid ongoing global economic challenges. Timur Suleimenov, chairman of...


Kazakhstan and China to Launch Joint Vocational College

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and China have agreed to establish a joint vocational and technical college, which is set to become a leading center for training specialists with...


Kazakhstan Unveils Plan for 100 Energy-Independent Eco-Villages with Major Chinese Investment

ASTANA – Kazakhstan presented the concept of an eco-village project aimed at building 100 autonomous eco-settlements according to BREED and LEED standards at a B2B investment forum...


Ecotourism in Kazakhstan Grows 40% Over Three Years

ASTANA – The number of ecotourists in Kazakhstan reached 2.8 million last year, 40% more than the two million registered in 2022, the Ministry of Tourism and...


Kazakhstan, China Eye Investments in Grain, Livestock, Infrastructure 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and China plan to launch a grain processing investment project focused on starch sugar production, as was reported during a May 13 meeting between...


National Fund for Children Allocates Nearly $12 Million for Housing, Education

ASTANA – As of May 1, young Kazakh citizens have used $11.49 million through the National Fund for Children program, reported the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund’s (UAPS)...


Kyrgyz Republic Approves Procedure for Granting Digital Nomad Status to Foreigners

ASTANA – The Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers has approved regulations outlining the procedure for granting Digital Nomad status to foreign nationals, Kazinform reported on May 13. The...


Royal Jordanian Airlines to Launch Flights to Kazakhstan in June Next Year

ASTANA – Royal Jordanian Airlines plans to begin direct flights to Kazakhstan starting June 2026, with a frequency of two flights per week, Jordanian Ambassador to Kazakhstan...


UAE Investor Plans to Develop Aerotropolis in Astana

ASTANA – Terminals Astana Airport Limited, part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Terminals Holding, will invest $1.1 billion to develop an aerotropolis at Astana International Airport,...


Kazakhstan Expands Transplant Services Amid Rising Needs

ASTANA — More than 4,000 patients in Kazakhstan await organ transplants, with kidneys accounting for over 90% of all cases. In this article, The Astana Times delves...


UN Volunteer Subregional Office for Central Asia to Open in Almaty

ASTANA – The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program announced the opening of its Subregional Office for Central Asia in Almaty, during the first meeting of Kazakhstan’s National...


Central Asia-China Focus on Education Cooperation

ASTANA — Kazakh Minister of Education Gani Beisembayev took part in the first China-Central Asia Education Ministers’ meeting on May 13 in Urumqi. The event focused on...


President Tokayev Reviews National Bank’s 2024 Performance

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired a meeting on May 13 to review the 2024 performance report of the National Bank of Kazakhstan. The meeting covered...


Kazakhstan, UAE Strengthen Strategic Partnership in Logistics and Food Security

ASTANA – Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, the national railway company, dispatched the first train carrying a shipment of Kazakh wheat to the port of Jebel Ali in the...


Kazakhstan Participates in Six-Party Talks to Boost China–Europe Rail Corridor

ASTANA – Tehran hosted a high-level six-party meeting on May 12 with the participation of railway representatives from China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan. The talks...


More Flights Launch in May to Connect Kazakhstan to Ten Countries

ASTANA – Beginning in May, Kazakhstan is launching new air routes to ten countries, including Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, the Kyrgyz Republic, South Korea, Türkiye, Uzbekistan,...


Kazakhstan’s GDP Grows 6% in January-April

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s economy grew by 6% in January-April, according to preliminary data from the Kazakh Bureau of National Statistics. The figures indicate an acceleration in development...


UAE, Kazakhstan Deepen Energy Ties with Renewable and Battery Storage Agreement

ASTANA – Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar and Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund signed collaboration agreement related to the development of renewable energy and...


Air Astana to Resume Delhi and Mumbai Flights After Temporary Suspension

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s largest airline, Air Astana, will resume KC 907/908 and KC 963/964 regular flights on the Almaty-Delhi-Almaty route starting May 19, with the route and...


What It Takes to Work with Ancient Artifacts But Leave History Intact

ASTANA – Imagine restoring a thousand-year-old door in a centuries-old mausoleum, a feeling as if you are touching the past. In an interview with The Astana Times,...


‘Golden Empire’ Series Nears Completion with Final Filming in Zhetisu

ASTANA – Production of “The Golden Empire” a six-part documentary drama about Jochi Khan has entered its final stages, the Dara Foundation of Presidential Initiatives reported on...


Kazakhstan Invests in Science, But Will It Inspire Next Generation?

ASTANA – The development of science is a strategic priority for Kazakhstan, viewed as a key driver of economic growth. While the nation continues to invest in...


Kazakhstan, UAE Ink Fresh Deals in AI, Logistics, Education

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) concluded a few more commercial agreements on the sidelines of the Kazakhstan-UAE business forum on May 12 during...


Kazakhstan Advances Nearly $10 Bln in Chemical and Metallurgical Projects

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has been implementing five major industrial projects worth nearly $10 billion, expected to create over 8,700 permanent jobs, Minister of Industry and Construction Yersayin...


Kazakhstan, UAE Sign Over $5 Billion in Agreements During Crown Prince’s Visit

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed the signing of more than 20 commercial agreements worth $5 billion during the official visit of the Crown Prince of Abu...


Kazakhstan’s Investment Appeal Surges in Early 2025

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s investment appeal surged in early 2025, with seven investment agreements worth $14 billion signed in the first four months of the year, compared to...


What to Expect From Visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The official visit of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Kazakhstan on May 11-12 is seen...


Earthquake of Magnitude 4.2 Hits Tengiz Oilfield Area

ASTANA – A magnitude 4.2 earthquake occurred in the area surrounding the Tengiz oilfield at 11.44 a.m. on May 11, reported VolcanoDiscovery. The epicenter was located approximately...


Shymbulak Hosts First Eco Festival 

ASTANA – The first-ever EcoDay environmental culture festival took place on May 10 at the Shymbulak ski resort, a one-day event that combined ecological education, sustainable lifestyle,...


Kazakhstan Marks 95th Anniversary of Prominent Historical Novelist Anuar Alimzhanov

ASTANA – On May 12, Kazakhstan celebrates the 95th anniversary of Anuar Alimzhanov, a prominent Kazakh journalist and historical writer whose works brought to life key figures...


Just Transition: Industrial Regions Must be Included in Push Towards Green Energy 

This year, Almaty was ranked as having the highest pollution levels globally, according to IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company. With the air quality index reaching...


Top Czech Official Hails Comprehensive Cooperation with Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic are keen to expand and diversify bilateral ties. A Czech delegation, led by Vice Minister of Industry and Trade Martin...


People Behind Exhibits Reveal Work That Keeps Museums Alive

ASTANA – There is something satisfying about wandering through the cool and silent museum halls, but behind the scenes there is an equally interesting noise, bustle, and...


Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to Pay Official Visit to Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will pay an official visit to Kazakhstan on May 11-12, reported Akorda...


Fireworks and Drones Illuminate Astana and Almaty Skies for Victory Day Celebrations

ASTANA – Night skies across Astana and Almaty lit up with a spectacular firework display and drone show, celebrating Victory Day on May 9 in honor of...


Kazakhstan Voices Concern Over India-Pakistan Tension

ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its profound concern over the escalating tensions between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan...


Kazakh Comedian Launches First English Stand-Up Special

ASTANA – Shugyla Sagynbekova, a comedian and stand-up producer, has become the first Kazakh woman to record a stand-up comedy special in English. She released the show...


President Tokayev Holds Talks with Serbian, Myanmar, and Venezuelan Leaders

ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held several bilateral talks on May 8 in Moscow, reported Akorda. During the meeting with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, Tokayev...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Ties with Vietnam, Military Parade and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest features Kazakhstan’s relations with Vietnam, a military parade...


China, Russia, Italy Remain Kazakhstan’s Top Foreign Trade Partners in 2024

ASTANA – China, Russia, and Italy led Kazakhstan’s foreign trade in 2024, accounting for the largest shares of both exports and imports, the Trade and Integration Ministry’s...


Kazakhstan to Present National Review on Sustainability at UN Forum

ASTANA – In July, Kazakhstan will present its third Voluntary National Review at the high-level political forum on sustainable development at the UN Headquarters in New York,...


Kazakhstan, Hungary Strengthen Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Within PACE

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu met on May 6 with a delegation from the National Assembly of Hungary, discussing enhancing inter-parliamentary...


Participatory Budgeting as Tool for Improving Quality of Life

In 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, with financial support from the Ministry of Economy, launched the regional program Sustainable Development: Overcoming Local Disparities...


Air Astana Suspends Flights to India Amid Airspace Closure

ASTANA – Air Astana has suspended its flights between Almaty and the Indian cities of Delhi and Mumbai starting May 8, following the closure of airspace between...


What’s on This Long May Weekend 

ASTANA –  May 9 brings Victory Day celebrations to life in both Astana and Almaty. With a rich historical significance, this day honors the sacrifices made during...


Kazakhstan, Vietnam Set to Strengthen Trade and Economic Ties

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Tô Lâm reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade...


Vietnamese, Kazakh Leaders Highlight Ties Through Shared Traditions

ASTANA – General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Tô Lâm participated in the Kazakh tradition of tusaukeser, a symbolic cutting of...


Kazakh Deaf Dance Troupe Wins Big at International Festival in China

ASTANA – The Kazakh Sensitive Theater of deaf dancers claimed three Grand Prix awards at the second International Competition-Festival of Culture and Arts “Lace of Tianjin 2025,”...


Austrian Envoy On Mission to Put Kazakhstan on Austrians’ Mental Map

ASTANA – Ambassador of Austria to Kazakhstan Andrea Bacher embarked on her mission in January. A few months into her tenure, she finds her agenda packed with...