Kyrgyz Republic Warns of Melting Glaciers at UN Climate Meetings in Bonn

BONN—The Kyrgyz President’s Special Representative for mountainous regions revealed how melting glaciers in the Kyrgyz Republic are affecting the population of the whole Central Asian region at...


Understanding Kazakhstan’s Middle Power Status: The Crucial Role of Soft Power

Since the German Institute for International and Security Affairs ranked Kazakhstan as a middle power state in 2024, the topic has garnered significant attention among experts and...


Explore Day-Trip Adventures Beyond Astana’s Urban Core

ASTANA — While Astana exudes a modern, futuristic charm with its ever-evolving skyline, a short trip outside or around the city reveals untouched, picturesque landscapes and the...


Uniting Art: Kazakhstan-India Exhibition Opens in Astana

ASTANA — ​The grand opening of the “Uniting Art: Kazakhstan-India” exhibition, aimed at fostering bilateral cultural ties between Kazakhstan and India, took place at the Presidential Administration...


Leonardo da Vinci’s “La Bella Principessa” Brings Invaluable Historical Moment for Kazakh Capital

ASTANA — Leonardo da Vinci’s “La Bella Principessa” made its historic debut in Astana, marking an invaluable cultural moment for Central Asia on June 7. General Director...


Central Asian Expert Forum Sets Regional Cooperation Priorities

ASTANA — Astana hosted the seventh Central Asian Expert Forum, titled the Gravity of Trust, on June 14. The event brought together experts from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the...


Disney Brings Kazakh Voices to Global Hits: “Inside Out 2,” “Moana 2,” and “Mufasa: The Lion King”

ASTANA—Three animated films, “Inside Out 2,” “Moana 2,” and “Mufasa: The Lion King,” produced by Walt Disney Pictures, are to be dubbed in the Kazakh language this...


Inaugural US-Kazakhstan Business Forum Fosters Economic Relations

ASTANA – The first-ever United States (U.S.)-Kazakhstan Business Forum, held at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, DC on June 5, brought together distinguished speakers and key...


PepsiCo Sees Kazakhstan as Gateway to Central Asia’s Economic Promise

ASTANA — Central Asia holds significant economic potential, and Kazakhstan provides the necessary economic and geopolitical stability for projects to thrive, stated David Manzini, the president of...


Strategic Partnership Upgraded as South Korean President Wraps Up Visit to Kazakhstan

ASTANA – This week, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited Kazakhstan as part of his week-long Central Asia tour. In Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Yoon...


Kazakhstan, US Expand Trade and Economic Cooperation

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Katherine Tai, the United States (U.S.) Trade Representative, on June 14, emphasizing the significance of her visit in expanding trade...


News Digest: Foreign Media on South Korean – Kazakh Relations, Middle Corridor and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest includes high-level visits, Middle Corridor competitiveness, digital economy,...


Malaysian Senator Visits Kazakhstan to Reenergize Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue

ASTANA – Nur Jazlan Mohamed, deputy president of the Senate of the Malaysian Parliament, visited Kazakhstan this week to foster inter-parliamentary dialogue with Kazakhstan, a month since...


Kazakhstan Triumphs at First International Horseback Archery Masters Tournament in China

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan national team secured a full set of medals, including one gold, one silver, and one bronze at the First International Horseback Archery Masters...


Kazakhstan Wins Asian Road Cycling Championships with 15 Medals

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan national road cycling team won the 43d Asian Road Cycling Championships in Almaty with 15 medals, including six gold, three silver, and six...


COP29 Preview: Kazakh Ecology Ministry Shares Goals and Expectations at Bonn UN Climate Meetings

BONN — Climate financing, mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, Kazakhstan’s part in the global methane pledge, and loss and damage fund were among the key topics discussed...


Kazakh Chess Player Becomes World Junior Champion

ASTANA – Kazybek Nogerbek, a 20-year-old chess player from Kazakhstan, triumphed over 13 grandmasters (GM) to win the International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Junior Chess Championship 2024,...


Kazakhstan and Switzerland are Bridge Builders, Says Swiss Ambassador

ASTANA – Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan Salman Bal sheds light on the long-standing partnership and promising opportunities that lie ahead in an...


President Tokayev Unveils Strategies to Boost Kazakhstan’s Tourism

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the weaknesses in Kazakhstan’s tourism industry and outlined strategies to address them during a meeting with government officials on June 13....


Kazakhstan to Launch $160 Million PepsiCo Snack Production Plant in 2026

ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to launch a full-scale snack production plant, based on American multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation PepsiCo and valued at $160 million of...


Accreditation Open for Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit

ASTANA—The Kazakh Foreign Ministry has opened accreditation for international and local media to cover the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit (SCO) Summit. The event will take place on...


Discover Weekend Wonders: Ballet, Music, and Exhibitions in Astana and Almaty

ASTANA — As the weekend approaches, it’s the perfect time to indulge in relaxation and entertainment through a variety of enriching activities. Whether you’re drawn to captivating...


Kazakhstan Ready to Implement High-Level Agreements with South Korea

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is poised to advance its trade and economic partnership with South Korea, and the government is ready to implement high-level agreements swiftly, said Prime...


Top South Korean Universities to Launch Advanced Study Programs in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Leading South Korean universities will train in-demand professionals for Kazakhstan through dual-diploma international programs and open branches nationwide. During the Kazakh-South Korean business forum held...


Kazakh President, South Korean Business Leaders Explore Cooperation Prospects 

ASTANA—Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held several bilateral meetings with Korean business leaders on the sidelines of the June 12 Kazakh-South Korean business forum, reported the Akorda press...


Houses of Kazakh Parliament to Convene on June 14

ASTANA — Yerlan Koshanov, the chairman of the Mazhilis, a lower house of the Kazakh Parliament, signed a decree to convene a joint meeting of the houses...


President Tokayev Aims to Boost Trade and Business Ties with South Korea

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in the Kazakh-Korean business forum alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on June 12, reported the Akorda press...


Kazakhstan Stresses Regional Cooperation for Aral Sea Revitalization

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev emphasized the need for concrete steps to address water issues at the third high-level international conference on the International...


Kazakhstan and South Korea Agree on New Areas of Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and South Korea have agreed to further develop their expanded strategic partnership by identifying new areas of collaboration, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated at a...


Astana International Financial Centre Court and IAC Achievements and Future Plans Unveiled

ASTANA – The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Court and International Arbitration Centre (IAC) hosted a panel session on June 12 featuring AIFC Court Chief Justice, The...


Kazakh Athletes Achieve Complete Victory at Asian Championship on Tenge Ilu

ASTANA – Kazakh athletes have achieved a complete victory at the Asian championship on tenge ilu, a traditional Kazakh equestrian sport involving picking up coins while riding...


Kazakhstan Signs Agreement on Construction of Kambar-Ata Hydroelectric Power Plant

ASTANA — The energy ministers of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan signed an agreement to prepare for the construction and operation of the Kambar-Ata-1 hydroelectric power...


Kazakhstan’s Trade with BRICS Sees Significant Growth, Surging by 55%

ASTANA — Last year, Kazakhstan’s trade turnover with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) increased by 55% to over $70 billion, Deputy Prime Minister and...


US Embassy in Kazakhstan Updates Visa Services to Enhance Efficiency

ASTANA – The United States (U.S.) Embassy in Astana and the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty announced that they moved to a new visa services provider on...


National Kurultai Welcomes Prominent Kazakh Journalists, Broadens Its Scope

ASTANA – The National Kurultai (Congress) announced a rotation in its composition on June 12 on its Telegram channel, welcoming new public representatives. Karlygash Dzhamankulova, President of...


Kazakhstan, South Korea Reaffirm Commitment to Expand Strategic Partnership

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol reaffirmed their intention to elevate bilateral relations to a new level within...


Coordination Platform for Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Launched in Astana 

ASTANA – Astana hosted the launch of a coordination platform for the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) on June 12. The platform is designed to facilitate projects...


Kazakhstan to Compensate for Overproduction of Oil

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will compensate for exceeding its oil production obligations by 45,000 barrels per day in May, the Energy Ministry reported on June 12. The country...


Kazakhstan’s Aviation Sector Aims to Secure Its Strong Position

ASTANA – The Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK), responsible for technical control and oversight of civil aviation safety and security in Kazakhstan, has strengthened its regional leadership...


Atlético Madrid to Build Football Academy in Almaty Region

ASTANA – President of Atlético Madrid Football Club Enrique Cerezo Torres presented a project to open the Atletico Madrid football academy in Kazakhstan during a June 11...


Kazakh Foreign Ministry Announces Contest for Foreign Journalists

ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with Kazakhstan’s Chief Editors’ Club, announced the call for applications for the ninth edition of Kazakhstan through...


Kazakhstan Improves Position in Speedtest Global Index Ranking

ASTANA – Kazakhstan moved up 23 places on the Speedtest Global Index, from 95th in December 2022 to 72nd in December 2023, putting it ahead of neighboring...


London-Based Satellite Operator OneWeb to Open Gateway Station in Almaty Region

ASTANA — London-based satellite operator OneWeb plans to open a gateway station on the territory of the Kokterek Space Communications Center (SCC), said Chairman of the Kazakh...


Kazakhstan Exports Products for Sustainable Batteries

ASTANA – Kazakh scientists have launched the industrial production of mixed vanadium oxides in the Kyzylorda Region for export, reported the press service of the Ministry of...


Kazakhstan Intensifies Measures to Combat Locust Outbreaks

ASTANA — Several regions of Kazakhstan have suffered from gregarious locust outbreaks this year, which pose a danger to farmland and crops. Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Serik...


KazAID Launches Program to Train Central Asian Diplomats 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan Agency for International Development KazAID is training 14 diplomats from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on June 10-12 within the Dostyk...


Kazakhstan, Congo Ready to Strengthen Ties 

ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed the country’s readiness to strengthen ties with Congo during a June 10 meeting with Françoise Joly, the personal representative of...


World Bank Releases Monthly Economic Update for Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The World Bank has released its monthly economic update for Kazakhstan for May, covering changes in economic activity, inflation and bank lending. “Real gross domestic...


Kazakhstan’s Goodwill Ambassador Adam Breaks Boundaries with Music

ASTANA—Kazakh singer Mirkhiday Mirfarukh, known as Adam, became a sensation on social networks with his song “Zhurek” (Heart), gaining over 74 million views on YouTube and inspiring...


Kazakhstan’s Confectionery Sensation Opens Its First Branch in US

ASTANA – Initially a single home-based bakery, Kazakhstan’s confectionery sensation Happy Cake has expanded to a network of over a hundred stores and has now opened its...


Kazakhstan Has Perfect Recipe for Renewable Energy Transition, Says ACWA Power’s Head for Central Asia

ASTANA — With abundant wind and sun resources, Kazakhstan has the perfect recipe for transitioning to renewable energy, said Abid Malik, the Geo Head of Central Asia...


Kazakhstan-China Cargo Transport Reaches Record 28 Million Tons

ASTANA – Cargo transportation between Kazakhstan and China increased by 22% compared to 2022, reaching a record level of over 28 million tons, as was reported during...


Kazakhstan’s Citix to Upgrade Fuel Stations in Middle East and Africa

ASTANA – Citix, a leader in smart city technologies in Kazakhstan, has signed a tripartite agreement with MEMA, a division of Al Hajiry Holding, and Oman Oil...


Dimash Kudaibergen Participates in Chinese TV Project

ASTANA – Kazakh popstar Dimash Kudaibergen participated in a new episode of the “Beauty and Harmony” project, which aired on China Central Television-1 (CCTV-1) on June 8,...


Almaty to Host 26th Asian Youth Chess Championships

ASTANA – Almaty is hosting the 26th Asian Youth Chess Championships from June 9 to 21, announced the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. In an interview with Kazinform, grandmaster...


Iconic Beijing-Paris Rally Passes Through Kazakhstan

ASTANA – This year’s Beijing-Paris rally, which runs from May 18 to June 23, traversed the territory of Kazakhstan, reported the Kazakh Tourism national company’s press service....


Kazakhstan’s Growing Working-Age Population Unlocks Economic Gains 

The demographic landscape of Kazakhstan is evolving, impacting nearly all societal support systems. These changes affect the labor and consumer markets, as well as the education, healthcare,...


Alatau Smart City to Implement Comprehensive Digitization and Automation

ASTANA – Alatau will be a smart city, where digitization and automation will cover all necessary processes, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev...


Kazakh Cyclist Wins Gold at Asian Road Cycling Championships in Almaty

ASTANA – Yevgeniy Fedorov, a road racing cyclist from Kazakhstan, clinched the gold medal at the 43d Asian Road Cycling Championships in Almaty, the National Olympic Committee’s...


Kazakhstan Flood Recovery: Thousands Compensated, Tokayev Urges Swift Action

ASTANA – To date, 4,521 families in Kazakhstan have received compensation worth 57.4 billion tenge (US$126.6 million) for repairs and restoration of their homes, Deputy Prime Minister...


Scientists Optimize Athletes and Horses for Fifth World Nomad Games

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s National Sports Association has established two scientific groups focused on horse breeding and athlete training for national sports in preparation for the fifth World...


Kazakhstan’s Economic Shift: From Oil to Industry

ASTANA – Recently, Kazakh First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar discussed the country’s industrial development and economic growth in an interview with the prime minister’s press service....


EDB to Present Concept for Eurasian Transport Network in Almaty

ASTANA — The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is preparing a concept for the Eurasian Transport Network to enhance connectivity across Eurasia and stimulate economic development, trade and...


Discover Kazakhstan: “Beshbarmaq” One Dish, Many Stories

Editor’s note: The Astana Times presents a new section Discover Kazakhstan dedicated to exploring the rich cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. Each article explores different aspects of Kazakh...


Taraz City – Cradle of Islamic Civilization and Trade with Great Artisan Past

Editor’s Note: The Astana Times continues its series of articles, Exploring Kazakhstan, City by City, this time focusing on Kazakhstan’s oldest city Taraz. We are setting out...


Experts Warn of Growing Threat to Khoja Ahmed Yassawi Mausoleum

ASTANA – Increased moisture from the irrigation of lawns around Kazakhstan’s architectural heritage, the Khoja Ahmed Yassawi mausoleum in the Turkistan Region, might threaten its integrity, according...


Kazakh Diplomat Elected to UN Committee on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women

ASTANA – Kazakh diplomat Madina Dzharbusynova has been elected to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) for 2025-2028 during the 23rd meeting...


Kazakh Startup Project Achieves UN’s Digital Public Good Status

ASTANA — CodiPlay, a leading startup in educational technologies, was awarded the status of a digital public good (DPG) by the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA), supported...


Kazakhstan Launches Global Chess Mentorship Initiative 

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KazChess) has been implementing a coaching assistance program for colleagues from Oman, Tajikistan, and Sri Lanka for the past two months,...


Officials in Brussels Highlight Strong and Diversifying Kazakhstan-EU Relations

ASTANA – On June 5, Brussels became the stage for an insightful panel session on the evolving and dynamic relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union (EU)....


Kazakh Senate Adopts Amendments to Law on Renewable Energy

ASTANA – Senate, the upper chamber of the Kazakh Parliament, adopted amendments to the law on renewable energy, allowing citizens to install solar panels of no more...


Kazakhstan Welcomes Leonardo da Vinci’s La Bella Principessa for First Time

ASTANA – Leonardo da Vinci’s La Bella Principessa has settled into its temporary new home at the National Museum of Kazakhstan for the first time in the...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation, Political Reforms, and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest includes topics such as Kazakhstan-European Union cooperation, the...


Astana to Host WPC Energy Congress in 2028

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital won the right to host the 26th World Petroleum Council (WPC) Energy Congress in 2028, reported the KazEnergy association’s press service on...


Kazakh Energy Ministry Launches 60 Investment Projects

ASTANA — The Kazakh Ministry of Energy has formed a pool of 60 investment projects worth 17 trillion tenge (US$38.1 billion), the ministry’s press service reported on...


Nearly Ten Million Foreign Tourists Visit Kazakhstan in 2023

ASTANA — Nearly 9.6 million foreign tourists visited Kazakhstan last year, two times more than the previous year, said Nurtas Karipbayev, chairman of the Tourism Industry Committee...


Vibrant Events to Spark Your Weekend

As our cities continue to host an array of captivating world events and exhibitions, we are fortunate to welcome historical treasures like the «La Bella Principessa» exhibition,...


South Korea’s President to Visit Kazakhstan Next Week

ASTANA — At the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol will pay a state visit to Kazakhstan from...


Turkic States Address Environmental Challenges in Baku  

ASTANA – Chairman of the Mazhilis, the lower house of the Kazakh Parliament, Yerlan Koshanov, took part in the 13th meeting of the Council of Parliamentary Assembly...


Kazakh Foreign Ministry Launches Goodwill Ambassadors Project

ASTANA—The Kazakh Foreign Ministry hosted a ceremony on June 6 to award Kazakhstan’s Goodwill Ambassadors, the ministry’s pioneering project to recognize and honor citizens who have made...


Kazakhstan’s Critical Minerals Landscape Explored at AMM Congress

ASTANA – The prospects, challenges and the current state of critical minerals and mining sectors in Kazakhstan were discussed at the 14th Astana Mining and Metallurgy (AMM)...


Kazakh Cyclists Win Gold Medal at Asian Championship

ASTANA — Kazakh cyclists won a gold medal at the Asian Road Cycling Championship, which is taking place between June 6 to 12 in Almaty, reported the...


Central Asia, EU Review Prospects for Political and Security Cooperation

ASTANA—The European Union (EU) headquarters hosted the 11th Meeting of the High-Level Political and Security Dialogue between Central Asia and the EU on June 5 in Brussels...


Kazakhstan Advances Gender Equality, Combats Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking

ASTANA – The Human Dimension Dialogue Platform consultative and advisory body convened on June 3 for a regular meeting to discuss the implementation of the recommendations of...


Kazakhstan Redirects Billions in Recovered Assets to Social Projects

ASTANA— The Asset Recovery Committee of the Prosecutor General’s Office approved claims for the return of illegally obtained assets worth over 325 billion tenge (US$727 million), including...


Kazakhstan’s Increasingly Powerful Passport Has Become Source of National Pride 

The expansive list of non-CIS countries that have either streamlined or done away with entry requirements for Kazakh citizens is a by-product of Astana’s internationalist outlook. Shortly...


President Tokayev Visits Exhibition at Kazakhstan’s National Museum

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited the National Museum of Kazakhstan to view an exhibition of domestic and world fine art works on June 6, reported the...


Kazakh Cultural Center to Open in China

ASTANA — The Majilis (a lower house of the Kazakh Parliament) adopted the law to ratify the agreement between Kazakhstan and China on mutual establishment of cultural...


UK’s Magazine Wanderlust Includes Kazakhstan in Travel Green List

ASTANA – British magazine Wanderlust has included Kazakhstan in its Travel Green List 2024, the Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ press service reported on June 5....


Kazakhstan’s Constitution Published in Braille for First Time

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Court presented the Constitution in Braille for the first time on June 6, reported the court’s press service.  This project, supported by the...


Kazakh President Tours Capital’s Facilities

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev toured a sports center and two medical facilities to familiarize himself with the capital’s social infrastructure on June 5, reported the Akorda...


Kazakhstan, PACE Reaffirm Commitment to Shared Values of Human Rights, Democracy 

ASTANA — The President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Theodoros Rousopoulos, and Chairman of the Senate, the upper house of the Kazakh...


Kazakhstan’s Schools Lead Way with EU’s Energy Efficiency Labels

ASTANA – Two schools in Kazakhstan earned Energy Efficiency Labels during the second Interregional Forum of Environmental Initiatives, jointly organized by the ECOJER Association and the Sustainable...


State Counselor Karin Outlines Core Principles of Tokayev’s Political Vision

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s State Counselor Erlan Karin unveiled the transformative vision of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s political course, emphasizing a bold new direction for the nation in an...


Astana to Host SCO Summit in July 

ASTANA — Astana will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on July 3-4, reported Akorda press service. The heads of the SCO member states will discuss political,...


Kazakhstan Partners with Netherlands and France to Tackle Water Issues

Water is a precious commodity, and due to climate change, population growth, and inter-state rivalries and tensions, access to water will become even more vital in the...


Kazakhstan, Egypt Focus on Development of Parliamentary Diplomacy

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Egyptian Speaker of the Senate Abdel Wahab Abdel Razeq focused on the development of parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation prospects in trade...


Przewalski’s Horses Land in Kazakhstan, Mark New Chapter in Biodiversity Conservation

ARKALYK – In a landmark event for biodiversity conservation, the Czech Air Force aircraft delivered three Przewalski’s horses to Arkalyk city in northern Kazakhstan in the early...


XXXIV Asian Road Cycling Championship Commences in Almaty 

ASTANA—The XXXIV Asian Road Cycling Championship commenced in Almaty and will be held from June 6 to 12, reported the Kazinform news agency.  The championship program includes...


Kazakhstan Offers to Act as Logistics Hub on Eurasian Transport Corridors

ASTANA—Kazakhstan offers to act as a reliable logistics hub on the Eurasian transport corridors. Introducing new opportunities will boost transport and economic connectivity, reduce business costs and...