Political Will is Key to Kazakhstan’s Green Economy Transition, Says Latin American Expert

ASTANA – Political leadership and effective policies could be pivotal in driving Kazakhstan’s transition to a green economy, similar to the successful approach in Latin America, said...


Biopic on Kazakh Outstanding Figure Akhmet Baitursynov Set for Nationwide Release

ASTANA – The full-length biopic “Songy Ukim” (The Last Sentence in Kazakh), a historical drama about outstanding Kazakh educator, poet, linguist, and influential public figure Akhmet Baitursynov,...


SCAT Airlines Launches Astana-Prague Direct Flights

ASTANA – An opening ceremony for a new direct flight route from Astana to Prague, operated by SCAT Airlines, took place at Václav Havel Airport Prague, the...


Kazakhstan Co-Chairs Int’l Conference on Nuclear Security in Vienna

ASTANA – Kazakhstan co-chairs the International Conference on Nuclear Security: Shaping the Future (ICONS 2024) in Vienna on May 20-24 with Australia. Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Energy...


Evaluating EU’s Central Asia Strategy: Five-Year Mark and Future Expectations

It is time for the European Union to revise its strategy towards the Central Asian countries.  Its old strategy is already five years old and no longer...


Kazakhstan Proposes to Establish Center for Afforestation of Dried Aral Seabed

ASTANA — Kazakh Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nyssanbayev proposed creating an international center for afforestation of dried Aral seabed and semi-desert zones at a...


Forum in Almaty Explores Kazakhstan’s Financial Sector 

ASTANA—Almaty hosted a forum dubbed Financial Sector of Kazakhstan: 25 Years of Strategic Challenges on May 21, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Association of Financiers...


Kazakh President to Visit Singapore This Week

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, at the invitation of President of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam, will pay a state visit to Singapore on May 23-24, reported...


Kazakhstan to Launch Mass Alert Earthquake Warning System This Month 

ALMATY – The Mass Alert earthquake early warning system will be introduced in pilot mode in Kazakhstan by June 1. This was announced at a May 18...


Salam Air to Resume Almaty-Muscat Flights in June

ASTANA — Oman’s low-cost airline Salam Air plans to resume flights on the Almaty-Muscat route from June 18, the Kazakh Transport Ministry’s press service reported on May...


Kazakhstan Rises to 52nd in WEF Travel and Tourism Index 2024

ASTANA – Kazakhstan ranked 52nd among 119 nations in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024, published on May 21. In the previous 2021...


Kazakhstan’s National Bank Presents 2023 Report to President Tokayev

ASTANA — The National Bank of Kazakhstan presented its annual report for 2023 at a May 21 meeting chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reported the Akorda press...


Kazakh Movie Wins Award at LA Asian Pacific Film Festival 2024

ASTANA – Kazakh film “Madina” received a Special Recognition award at the 40th edition of the Visual Communications (VC) Film Fest/Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, as...


Turkic Investment Fund Holds its Inaugural Board of Governors Meeting in Istanbul

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and National Economy Minister Nurlan Baibazarov attended the inaugural meeting of the Turkic Investment Fund’s (TIF) Board of Governors in Istanbul...


Kazakhstan Suspends Digital Bridge 2024 Forum 

ASTANA – Following President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s directive to suspend major events due to the severe floods in Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry...


Kazakhstan is Part of the Plan

Biodiversity loss is one of the triple planetary crises that will determine the viability of our planet in the future. To address this crisis, the United Nations...


Astana Hosts SCO Foreign Ministers Council Meeting

ASTANA – Twenty-two resolutions regarding multilateral cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian sectors were signed at the meeting of the Council of Foreign...


Kazakhstan Increases Road Transportation to Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia

ASTANA — Kazakh Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev announced a significant increase in the number of additional permit forms for road transportation to European countries, particularly Latvia,...


Kazakh Government Supervises Flood Elimination Efforts

ASTANA – The Kazakh government is strictly overseeing efforts to mitigate the aftermath of recent floods and provide all possible assistance to affected citizens, Prime Minister Olzhas...


Kazakhstan Expands Non-Commodity Exports

ASTANA – The number of exported non-commodity goods from Kazakhstan increased by 278 positions in 2023, Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev said at a May...


Kazakhstan Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening SCO’s Potential

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is making every effort to enhance the potential of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during its chairmanship, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a May...


Kazakhstan’s Oil Transportation Volume Grows 14.2% in First Quarter of 2024

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s mainline and sea oil transportation volume increased by 14.2% to 21,541 tons in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the same period last...


Kazakh President Ratifies Treaty on Allied Relations with Uzbekistan

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law on the ratification of the treaty on allied relations with Uzbekistan on May 20, reported the Akorda press...


Kazakh Prime Minister Addresses Accelerated Restoration As Flood Peak Passes

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting on the implementation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s instructions on eliminating the consequences of floods and expediting restoration...


Kazakhstan Increases Uranium Shipments via Trans-Caspian International Transport Route

ASTANA – The volume of Kazakhstan’s uranium transportation via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) increased by 4.5% in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to...


Swedish Truck Manufacturer Expands Operations in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The Scania CV AB, a Swedish company specializing in producing industrial and marine engines, trucks, and buses, embarked on a significant endeavor by initiating truck...


Kazakh Climbers Triumphantly Return Home After Conquering Everest

ASTANA—Kazakhstan proudly welcomed home its triumphant Everest conquerors, Maksut Zhumayev, Anar Burasheva, and Almir Kymbatbayuly, at Almaty airport on May 20, the Kazinform agency reported. The expedition,...


Kazakhstan, China Set to Advance Bilateral Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met on May 20 to address prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation, reported the...


Kazakhstan, Türkiye Seek to Enhance Strategic Partnership

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chair of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Numan Kurtulmuş discussed strengthening the expanded strategic partnership during a May...


Kazakhstan, US Maintain Constructive Dialogue on Human Rights, Democratic Reforms

ASTANA – Assistant to the President of Kazakhstan for International Affairs Erzhan Kazykhan and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra...


US Under Secretary of State Uzra Zeya Visits Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya arrived in Astana to co-chair the third annual United States-Kazakhstan...


China Seeks to Expand Agricultural Trade with Kazakhstan, Says Chinese FM

ASTANA – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted China’s interest in increasing investment and trade, particularly in agriculture, during the press briefing with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister...


President Tokayev Expresses Condolences Over Death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed condolences over Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s death on May 20 after his helicopter crashed in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, reported the...


Kazakhstan’s Role in Shaping Trans-Caspian Transport Route 

ASTANA — Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye are committed to developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) to improve joint transport capabilities. Also known as the Middle...


Astana to Host SCO Foreign Ministers Council Meeting This Week

ASTANA – The Council of National Coordinators (CNC) of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened in the Kazakh capital to discuss the upcoming...


Kazakhstan Joins UN Commission on Crime Prevention, Criminal Justice

ASTANA — Kazakhstan joined the United Nations (UN) Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) for 2025-2027 for the first time during its 33rd session, which...


UNDP Advisor Proposes Flood Preparedness Strategies Amid Climate Change

ASTANA – Amid warnings of the effects of climate change, flood maps and early warning systems could be introduced to make Kazakh people safer from future flood...


Ust-Kamenogorsk – Gateway to East Kazakhstan’s Beautiful Nature

Editor’s Note: The Astana Times introduces a new series, Exploring Kazakhstan, City by City. We are setting out to unveil the rich diversity of Kazakhstan’s cities. Starting...


Fitch Affirms Kazakhstan’s Rating at BBB with Stable Outlook

ASTANA – The Fitch credit rating agency affirmed Kazakhstan’s long-term foreign currency issuer default rating (IDR) at ‘BBB’ with a stable outlook, according to the Fitch ratings...


Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions Sets Example of Peaceful Coexistence, Says Brazilian Writer

Osvaldo Conde, the renowned Brazilian writer and a member of the Theosophical Society and the Haqqani Naqshbandi Order in Brazil, recently discussed the mission of religions worldwide...


Transformation and Rebirth: Exhibition of Gauhar Bisengalieva in Astana

ASTANA — Gauhar Bisengalieva, a Kazakh metamodern artist, presented her “Transformation and Rebirth” exhibition at Sal Seri art gallery in Astana on May 15. Gauhar Bisengalieva began...


Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports Announces Expectations for Olympics in Paris 

ASTANA — With three months remaining until the start of the Olympic Games in Paris, Yermek Marzhikpayev, Kazakh Minister of Tourism and Sports, shared his expectations for...


Kazakhstan, Malaysia Sign Agreements Worth More Than $350 Million

ASTANA – Kazakh and Malaysian businesses signed agreements and memorandums totaling over $350 million at a May 17 investment roundtable chaired by Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov...


Kazakhstan Increases Agricultural Exports to China   

ASTANA — Exports of Kazakh agricultural goods to China increased by 84% over the year. This was announced during a May 16 meeting between Kazakh Prime Minister...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, Central Asian Cooperation and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest covers the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport...


Kazakhstan to Register New Political Party

ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Justice confirmed the acceptance of the application for the Yntymaq political party’s registration, Vice Minister of Justice Botagoz Zhakselekova said at...


Malaysian PM Commits to Build on Existing Ties with Kazakhstan and Central Asia

ASTANA – Malaysia is committed to further enhance cooperation with Kazakhstan in priority areas of trade and investment, education and digitalization, said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim...


Kazakhstan to Participate in Central Asia-Italy Meeting in Rome

ASTANA – Antonio Tajani, the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, will meet with foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic,...


EBRD to Support Modernization of Kazakhstan’s Mining Sector

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Industry and Construction Kanat Sharlapayev and First Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Jürgen Rigterink signed a...


Kazakhstan, UAE to Cooperate in Leadership Training in Public Services

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to collaborate in leadership training in public administration. This was announced at a meeting between Minister...


Flood-Affected Families in Kazakhstan Receive Housing

ASTANA —  Some 202 Kazakh families received houses and apartments to replace their homes destroyed by the recent floods as of May 17, the Prime Minister’s press...


Kazakhstan to Strengthen Cooperation with Malaysia

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is ready for closer and more productive interaction with Malaysia, which plays an important role in the Southeast Asian region, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said...


Kazakh Business Executives Meet with German Delegation 

ASTANA — Kazakh companies presented prospective investment projects to the German business delegation during a roundtable on May 16, highlighting the nation’s investment potential and initiatives to...


Building Bridges between Continents: Malaysia and Kazakhstan’s Strategic Partnership and Shared Values

Malaysia and Kazakhstan, separated by vast distances, share a surprising common ground. Both nations are multi-ethnic democracies striving for sustainable development and regional peace. Prime Minister Datuk...


World Bank Releases Monthly Economic Update for Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The World Bank has published its monthly economic update for Kazakhstan for April, covering trends in economic activity, inflation, bank lending, and budget spending. Real...


President Tokayev Meets With Malaysian Prime Minister

ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on May 16, reported the Akorda press service. Ibrahim was on an official visit to...


Vibrant Weekend in Astana and Almaty

ASTANA — Enjoy a cultural weekend escape with your loved ones, embracing a diverse array of activities. From enchanting museum evenings to thrilling ballet performances, seize the...


Kazakhstan, Latvia to Strengthen Economic Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko paid a working visit to Latvia on May 16, where he met with Latvian officials to discuss key areas...


Kazakhstan, China Pledge to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chinese Vice Premier of the State Council Liu Guozhong expressed their commitment to enhancing ties in all areas of strategic...


Berlin Eurasian Club Boosts Investment Prospects in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital hosted the 40th meeting of the Berlin Eurasian Club (BEC) focusing on enhancing investment attractiveness on May 15. The event brought together...


President Tokayev Outlines Key Pillars for Central Asian Security

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined the main pillars to strengthen security cooperation between Central Asian countries and expressed gratitude to neighboring countries for helping Kazakhstan during...


Kazakhstan Reports Significant Increase in Oil Shipments to Germany

ASTANA – From January to April, KazTransOil national oil transporter delivered 420,000 tons of Kazakh oil to Germany, which is 330,000 tons more compared to the same...


Kazakhstan, Vietnam Explore Cooperation Prospects

ASTANA – Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin spoke about the possibilities of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and large lithium deposits in Kazakhstan during a May...


ICRC for Europe and Central Asia Encourages Kazakhstan’s Voice in Humanitarian Law Reinforcement

ASTANA — Global challenges call for international humanitarian law reinforcement adhering to the fundamental principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence. In this landscape, the International Committee of...


Kazakh President Condemns Assassination Attempt on Slovak PM

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev strongly condemned and rejected the horrific act of terrorism following the assasination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in the...


Almaty Region Launches Alatau Hub Innovation Center

ASTANA – The Alatau Hub regional innovation center was officially launched on May 15 in Konayev town, the Almaty Region, reported the press service of the Astana...


Uzbekistan to Launch New Bus Routes to Astana and Turkistan

ASTANA – Uzbekistan plans to launch new bus routes to Kazakhstan’s cities of Astana and Turkistan this year, the Uzbek Transport Ministry’s press service reported on May...


Kazakhstan’s New Legislation Takes Stand for Women’s and Children’s Safety

ASTANA – Anna Ryl, the head of Korgau crisis center, discussed the role of human rights organizations and the societal actions necessary for the effectiveness of the...


Astana to Host Summit of Central Asia + Japan Dialogue This Summer

ASTANA – The senior officials of the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue convened for their 16th meeting on May 14 to discuss preparations for the upcoming summit...


Central Asian National Trade Committees Develop Joint Action Plan

ASTANA – The National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) have developed a joint action plan to streamline trade procedures throughout Central Asia at the 11th NTFCs regional meeting,...


Kazakhstan Can Emerge As Drone Hub in Central Asia, Says Official

ASTANA – A reciprocal partnership with South Korea in drone production has the potential to elevate Kazakhstan’s status as a drone hub in Central Asia, Vice Minister...


EBRD Forecasts Kazakhstan’s GDP to Grow 4.5% in 2024 Despite Severe Floods

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s GDP is projected to increase by 4.5% in 2024 despite severe floods that hit the country this spring, according to the latest Regional Economic...


German Direct Investment in Kazakhstan Hits Record $770 Million in 2023

ASTANA – Last year, German direct investment in Kazakhstan grew 64% to a record high of $770 million, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a meeting with Chair...


Kazakh Costumes Decorate Exhibition in Washington

ASTANA — The costumes made by Kazakh designer were showcased at the Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace exhibition at the historic House Museum of American President Woodrow Wilson...


KazPost, China’s YTO Express Group to Build International Warehouse in Almaty

ASTANA – KazPost and China’s YTO Express Group are set to establish a high-tech Class A warehouse with an area of approximately 40,000 square meters in Almaty,...


Life Expectancy of Kazakh Citizens Increases

ASTANA – Life expectancy of Kazakh citizens at birth reached 75.09 years in 2023, marking the highest figure recorded in the past 25 years, the Bureau of...


Dimash Kudaibergen Announces Solo Concerts in Prague and Düsseldorf

ASTANA – Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen will give solo concerts in the Czech Republic and Germany this fall, DimashNews.com reported on May 13. On Nov. 22, the...


World Bank Ready to Assess Flood Damage in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The World Bank Group (WBG) proposed providing grant support for assessing the damage caused by extensive floods in Kazakhstan during a May 14 meeting between...


Roche’s Bold Vision: Revolutionizing Kazakhstan’s Pharmaceutical Landscape

ASTANA — Toylan Senel, the head of Roche in Central Asia, spoke about the company’s ambitious mission to maximize its influence, focusing on Roche’s commitment to providing...


Kazakhstan Strengthens Trade Turnover with Central Asian States

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s trade turnover with Central Asian countries totaled $7.7 billion in 2023, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Kairat Torebayev said at the 13th Central...


Fertilizer Producer to Build Chemical Complex in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – EuroChem, a subsidiary of the Swiss fertilizer producer EuroChem Group AG, and China National Chemical Engineering Company signed a contract for the design, construction and...


Central Asia Trade Forum Promotes Regional Prosperity Through Collaboration

ALMATY — The 13th Central Asia Trade Forum kicked off in Almaty on May 14 with a resounding call to enhance trade across Central Asia to catalyze...


Kazakhstan Expands Cooperation Within OTS

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakayev took part in an online meeting with leaders of Turkic cooperation organizations on May 10 as part of Kazakhstan’s...


Almaty to Host Silk Way Music Festival Next Week

ASTANA – The Silk Way music festival will take place May 22-25 in Almaty. This was announced during a May 11 briefing at the Secretariat of the...


Kazakhstan Provides Financial Support to 20,600 Flood-Affected Families

ASTANA – Some 20,600 families have received one-time payments in the total amount of 7.5 billion tenge (US$16.9 million), Kazakh Vice Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev said at...


Kazakhstan Becomes First CIS Country to Join ICAO Program on Sustainable Aviation Fuels

ASTANA – Kazakh Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev and Regional Director for the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) European and North Atlantic Office Nicolas Rallo signed...


Kazakhstan Sees Record Tourism Indicators in 2023

ASTANA – Last year, Kazakhstan fully recovered from the pandemic and has reached an all-time high in key tourism indicators, Minister of Tourism and Sports Yermek Marzhikpayev...


Kazakhstan Provides Training Opportunities to IT Specialists from Tajikistan

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID) transferred 100 vouchers to the Embassy of Tajikistan on May 10 for the training of IT specialists as...


SCO Foreign Ministers’ Council to Convene in Astana 

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu will chair a regular meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization...


Kazakhstan Concludes Clean Cities Campaign

ASTANA — The final week of the Taza (Clean) Kazakhstan environmental campaign, which focused on clearing debris from the surroundings of water bodies such as river lakes,...


Akmola Region with Diverse Nature Reserves Emerges as Prime Travel Destination

ASTANA – The Akmola Region is recasting itself as a promising travel destination, with its diverse landscapes and nature reserves, said its Akim (Governor) Marat Akhmetzhanov during...


Fair Sentence in High-Profile Murder Case: Bishimbayev Gets 24 Years in Prison

ASTANA – A jury trial found Kuandyk Bishimbayev, the former Kazakh Minister of National Economy, guilty of torturing and murdering with extreme cruelty his common-law wife, Saltanat...


Kazakh, American Experts Launch Venture Fund for Innovative Medical Technologies

ASTANA — The first Kazakh-U.S. venture fund for innovative medical technologies, FutureMED Ventures KZ, was launched in the state of Delaware, reported Kazinform on May 13. The...


South Korean University to Open Drone Industry Department in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – South Korean professors will train personnel for the drone industry in Kazakhstan. This was announced during the Kazakh Ministry of Industry and Construction delegation’s visit...


First Kazakh Woman Reaches Mount Everest

ASTANA – The Kazakh Everest Team, consisting of Kazakh skyrunner athlete Anar Burasheva and legendary Kazakh climber Maksut Zhumayev, climbed the highest mountain peak in the world...


Kazakhstan Increases International Flights, Launches New Routes

ASTANA – Kazakhstan continues making international agreements to expand its flight destinations and their frequency. Some 567 foreign flights from Kazakhstan are operated weekly on 121 routes...


Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Address Transport Cooperation Priorities

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev met with Uzbek Minister of Transport Ilhom Makhkamov to discuss priority areas of cooperation and its advancement, as reported...


Housing Restoration After Floods Continues in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Some 54,755 people returned to their homes and 5,291 people remain in temporary accommodation centers as of May 12. Nearly 130 families have received houses...


Armenia, Azerbaijan Thank Kazakhstan for Initiating Peace Talks in Almaty

ASTANA – Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan expressed appreciation to the Kazakh side for hosting the negotiations between Azerbaijan...


Eight Must-Visit Sights to Discover Karagandy

Editor’s Note: The Astana Times introduces a new series, Exploring Kazakhstan, City by City. We are setting out to unveil the rich diversity of Kazakhstan’s cities. Starting...