CICA Flag Raised at 4,317 Meters Above Sea Level

ASTANA — Kazakh and foreign activists set a flag of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) on July 23 at the Kanysh...


Kazakh Athletes to Take Part in World Summer Universiade in China

ASTANA — Approximately 90 Kazakh athletes will take part in the 31st Summer World University Games (Summer Universiade/ FISU Games), which will be held from July 28...


Kazakh Citizens Can Travel Visa-Free to 29 Countries

ASTANA – Kazakh passport holders can travel to 29 countries without visa, the Foreign Ministry reported in response to a request from Kazinform on July 24. “Besides,...


Kazakhstan Films Animated Almanac Illustrating Folklore of Turkic People

ASTANA — The Kazakh Animation Сreative Association has started producing ten pilot animation projects about ancient legends of the Turkic-speaking people, reported the Kazakh Ministry of Culture...


Katon-Karagai National Park Upgrades UNDP-Sponsored Tourist Route

ASTANA – The Katon-Karagai State National Natural Park, one of the largest in Kazakhstan, opened an upgraded tourist route Orman Zholdary (Forest Route), in the East Kazakhstan...


Kazakhstan Moves Up in 2023 Henley Passport Index

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s passport ranked 67th, with 77 visa-free destinations, in the Henley Passport Index 2023, released on July 19. Last year, Kazakhstan ranked 73rd, with visa-free...


Kazakhstan Identifies Prospects for Cooperation with World Bank, IMF

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Ministry of National Economy identified the priorities of partnerships with the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on potential future projects...


Kazakhstan, UNICEF Address Improving Quality of Children’s Lives

ASTANA – Improving the quality of children’s lives was discussed at a July 23 meeting between Tamara Duisenova, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labor and...


Kazakhstan to Participate in International Cheese Competition in France This September

ASTANA – Kazakh entrepreneurs from the Mangystau Region will participate in the Le Mondial du Fromage international cheese competition for the first time, wrote the region akimat’s...


Kazakhstan Emerges as Uzbekistan’s Third Largest Trade Partner

ASTANA – Kazakhstan ranks as Uzbekistan’s third leading foreign trade partner with a turnover of $ 2.19 billion (7.5%) among 183 countries worldwide during the first half...


Azerbaijan Hosts Shusha Global Media Forum

ASTANA – The Azerbaijani city of Shusha hosted the Global Media Forum under the theme New Media in the Era of the 4th Industrial Revolution from July...


Swiss Initiative Promotes Water Cooperation in Central Asia

BERN – The awareness of the need for regional cross-border water cooperation in Central Asia has substantially increased in recent years. Its complexity requires smart solutions and...


Snow Leopard Released into the Wild After Rehabilitation at Almaty Zoo

ASTANA — A snow leopard has been released into the wild from the Almaty Zoo, the zoo informed. The leopard was initially found near the village of...


Short Guide to Visit Bozzhyra Gorge in Mangystau Region

ALMATY – The Bozzhyra gorge in the Mangystau region is one of Kazakhstan’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its unique, extraterrestrial landscape. The gorge is located...


Kazakh Cultural Center in Argentina Bridges Two Cultures

ASTANA – Irina Vagner, the founder of Centro Kazajo, a Kazakh cultural center in Rosario, Argentina, shared the inspiring story behind its creation and discussed successful past...


Kazakh Folklore Characters Come to Life in Beine Art Project

ASTANA – Beine, translated from the Kazakh language as an archetype image, is an art project that combines the stories and mythologies of the Turkic people in...


Kazakhstan Ranks 31 Out of 100 Nations in Coursera Global Skills Report

ASTANA – Kazakhstan ranked 31st in the recent Coursera Global Skills Report 2023, analyzing how over 124 million registered learners from 100 countries worldwide are strengthening business,...


Diverse Parliament Increases Transparency of Legislative Work, Says Mazhilis Speaker

ASTANA – Yerlan Koshanov, Speaker of the Mazhilis, the lower chamber of the Kazakh Parliament, reported on the work of the deputies (MPs) during the first session...


Kazakhstan Seeks to Raise Over $24 Billion in Investments This Year

ASTANA – Kazakhstan intends to attract $24 billion in foreign investments by the end of the year, said Chair of the Investment Committee at the Ministry of...


GCC – Central Asian Summit Sets Unprecedented Regional Cooperation Model, Says KazISS Expert

ASTANA – The first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Central Asian countries summit provides a promising model of region-to-region cooperation, which will give a new impetus to...


News Digest: Foreign Media on GCC-Central Asia Summit, Kazakhstan’s Oil Exports to Europe and More

The Astana Times has picked a selection of articles on Kazakhstan published in international media across the world. This week’s foreign media digest includes articles on the...


Kazakhstan, US to Bolster Trade, Investment Ties

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the United States (U.S.) seek to enhance economic and commercial partnership, as Kazakh Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantyrov took part in a...


Kazakh Government’s Tree Planting Efforts to Create More Green Space in Astana

ASTANA – Kazakh officials intend to plant more trees and construct a sewage treatment plant (STP-2) in the Kazakh capital this year, reported the Prime Minister’s press...


Cargo Transshipment in Aktau Port Grows 23% in 2023

ASTANA – The volume of cargo transshipment in the Aktau port grew 23% to over two million tons so far this year, the Atameken Business reported on...


Kazakhstan, Switzerland Deepen Trade, Investment Cooperation in Emerging Sectors

GENEVA – Bridging East and West, Kazakhstan is now strengthening its position in political, economic and trade partnership with Switzerland. The willingness to expand bilateral cooperation and...


US Investments in Kazakhstan’s Economy Exceed $60 Billion

ASTANA – The United States, one of the largest foreign investors in Kazakhstan’s economy, has invested $62.7 billion since 1993, announced Ardak Zebeshev, chairman of the Investment...


Kazakhstan Establishes Organizing Committee for Fifth World Nomad Games

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov signed a decree dated July 13 on establishing the organizing committee to prepare for hosting the fifth World Nomad Games...


Best Chess Players Share $90,000 Prize Fund at International Chess Festival

ASTANA – The strongest chess players shared a record prize fund of 40 million tenge ($90,094) at the Astana Zhuldyzdary (Stars of Astana) International Chess Festival, the...


ADB Upgrades Kazakhstan’s Economic Forecast Amid Moderate Regional Growth

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s economy is projected to grow by 3.9% in 2023, according to the latest Asian Development Outlook report of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), an...


President Tokayev Sets Out Priority Areas for Closer Interaction Between Gulf Countries and Central Asia

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered his remarks at the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Central Asian countries summit, outlining top priorities for further cooperation on...


Tokayev Underlines Saudi Arabia’s Key Strategic Role for Kazakhstan in Arab World

ASTANA – Saudi Arabia is a key strategic partner of Kazakhstan in the Islamic and Arab world, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at a July 19 meeting with...


UK-Kazakh Relations Expanding in All Directions

ASTANA  – In a little more than three decades, diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom (U.K.) have emerged as one of the brightest examples of...


Astana Events: Vibrant Weekend Ahead

ASTANA — As the end of July draws near, the Kazakh capital city is gearing up for an exhilarating weekend packed with diverse events. The city’s cultural...


Kazakh Automotive Engineers Win Award for Positive Contribution at Shell Eco-Marathon

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s SU Racing student team of automotive engineers from Satbayev University received a Spirit of Shell Eco-marathon award for their contributions of passion, creativity, and...


President Tokayev Visits Saudi Arabia to Attend First Gulf Cooperation Council – Central Asia Summit

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Saudi Arabia to take part in the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Central Asian countries summit on July 19...


UNDP Delivers Equipment to Semei Ormany State Forest Natural Reserve

ASTANA – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provided radio equipment to the Semei Ormany State Forest Nature Reserve on July 19 to improve safety and productivity,...


Satisfaction Festival Unites International Talents, Showcases Kazakhstan’s Creative Industry 

ASTANA – Satisfaction open-air summer festival on July 15 attracted over 10,000 people from Kazakhstan, Central Asian countries and Europe, inviting top DJs and artists as headliners. ...


Kazakhstan’s Oil Refineries Resume Production After Overhaul 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s three oil refineries are restoring capacities after Pavlodar and Shymkent oil refineries completed planned repair works, said Deputy Chairman of KazMunayGas Dmitry Makeyev, Kazinform...


UN Officials Commend Kazakhstan’s Counter-Terrorism Efforts and Joint Action Plan

ASTANA – Vladimir Voronkov, Under Secretary-General of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office, and Natalia Gherman, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, commended...


208 Kazakh School Students Win Medals at Int’l Olympiads This Year

ASTANA – Kazakh school students have brought home some 208 medals, including 22 gold, 65 silver, and 121 bronze awards, from Olympiads worldwide since the start of...


More Middle Eastern Travelers Choose Almaty as Travel Destination

ASTANA – The city of Almaty is becoming very popular among business tourists and regular travelers from the countries of the Middle East, said the head of...


KazTransOil Increases Oil Transportation in First Half of 2023

ASTANA – KazTransOil national oil transporter delivered 21.3 million tons of oil in total through the main oil pipeline system in the first six months of this...


Kazakhstan’s Economy Cuts Energy Intensity by 37% Over Ten Years

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has cut the economy’s energy intensity by 36.7% to a 2008 level over a decade, announced Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Zulfiya Suleimenova...


Kazakhstan, UNDP Present New Initiative to Support Most Vulnerable Groups

ASTANA – The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Kazakhstan and the Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan to the United Nations (UN) presented a flagship initiative of their...


Astana to Host President’s Cup Tennis Tournament Next Week 

ASTANA – The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Challenger Tour and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Women’s Circuit will take place within the President’s Cup Forte series...


Return of Illegally Acquired Assets Will Address Social Issues, Say Kazakh Deputies

ASTANA – Following the signing by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the law on returning illegally withdrawn assets on July 12, Kazinform news agency has published the reaction...


Burabay Summer Camp Welcomes 200 Ethnic Kazakh Children From Abroad 

ASTANA – The Otandastar (compatriots) Foundation invited some 200 ethnic Kazakh children aged 12 to 17 from eight countries worldwide to take part in the Zhas (Young)...


Kazakhstan, US Confirm Intention to Strengthen Enhanced Strategic Partnership

ASTANA – Kazakh and United States officials confirmed their mutual interest in intensifying cooperation in politics, security, and trade areas and strengthening Enhanced Strategic Partnership dialogue during...


Kazakhstan to Participate at World EXPO 2025 Osaka in Japan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan signed an agreement to participate in the World Exhibition EXPO in 2025 in Osaka, Japan, on July 17, reported QazExpoCongress, a national company in...


Dimash’s Music Video Breaks Records in Czech Republic (VIDEO)

ASTANA – The music video for the song “Together” by Dimash and Abilmansur Kudaibergens holds the first line for the fifth week in a row at the...


Asia’s Age is Underway, Offering Ample Opportunities, Says KazISS Director 

ASTANA – Asia’s age is underway, bestowing ample opportunities, and Kazakhstan plays a pivotal role in it, said Yerkin Tukumov, director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic...


Terek Project Illuminates Power of Family Stories Across Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Driven by a shared vision of preserving the rich tapestry of family stories woven across Kazakhstan, Terek Story, run by Yingkar Bahetnur and Gulnaz Tulenova,...


Kazakh, EU Youth Can Bring Borders Closer and Build Cooperation Bridges

Editor’s note: The Astana Times has introduced a new section on the website that features articles by our readers. As a platform that values diverse perspectives and...


Satellite Images Show Level of Caspian Sea Dropping

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan Garysh Sapary national space agency revealed satellite images that show the Caspian Sea drying up, as the seabed in the northern part denuded,...


National Geographic Qazaqstan Explores Treasures of Mangystau Region

ASTANA — National Geographic Qazaqstan, a popular scientific, geographic magazine, published an article, Man Dala, Mangaz Meken, (Endless Steppe, the Place of Pride), which describes the natural...


Astana Ballet Celebrates 10th Anniversary Featuring Spectacular Program

ASTANA – Astana Ballet marked its 10th anniversary by presenting a special program that showcased highlights from its remarkable performances over the past decade. The program featured...


Experts Outline Security Challenges, Human Capital Development as Forum Wraps Up

ASTANA – Keynote experts of the inaugural Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum (CAF) spoke to The Astana Times on security challenges, human capital development and outcomes...


Ancient Land of the Caspian Sea Holds Secrets of the Past

ASTANA — The ancient land of the Caspian Sea is home to numerous legends and mysteries that have yet to be unraveled. One such place is the...


Kazakh Choral Artist Fosters Cultural Exchange at World Youth Choir

ASTANA – Ardak Bukharbekov became the first chorist from Kazakhstan to participate in the World Youth Choir (WYC), an international ensemble of the best young choral singers...


Fashion Show in Washington Displays Rich Cultural Heritage of Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C. hosted a fashion show highlighting Kazakh craft traditions as part of the Soul of Tengri program...


Central Asian Experts Call for Increased Synergy to Create Ethical, Secure AI  

ASTANA – New technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), human capital and prospects for innovative cooperation between Asian states was discussed by experts at a July 14 panel session...


President Tokayev Reaffirms Commitment to UN Principles

ASTANA – Kazakhstan remains committed to the United Nations Charter, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a July 14 meeting with senior UN representatives, emphasizing that all member...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum, Kazakhstan’s SCO Chairmanship and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has picked a selection of articles on Kazakhstan published in international media across the world. This week’s foreign media digest includes articles...


Kazakh PM Briefs President on Investigation of Power Outage Causes

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov briefed President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the results of the investigation into the causes of a power outage on July 3...


Kazakhstan Intends to Increase Grain Exports to China 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and China are planning to increase the volume of annual grain exports to China up to 1 million tons. This was discussed during the...


KASE Index Grows 10.9% Since Start of 2023

ASTANA – The value of the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) Index has increased by 353.11 points to 3,604.75 points, a 10.9% growth, since the beginning of the...


INTO Opens University Access Center in Almaty

ASTANA – INTO University Partnerships, a global education partnering organization launched its new University Access Center (UAC) in Almaty on July 11, bringing its study abroad program...


Second Day of Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum in Astana Begins

ASTANA – The Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum (CAF), which kicked off on July 13, continues on the second day in Astana. The second day will...


Security Challenges Require Global Cooperation, Say Foreign Experts at CAF

ASTANA – International experts highlight the importance of addressing security challenges at a global level on the sidelines of the Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum (CAF)...


General Session of CAF Addresses Key Cooperation Trends in Asia 

ASTANA – International experts considered ways to enhance greater engagement at a time of unprecedented geopolitical tensions, climate change and water crisis, as well as counterterrorism efforts,...


Foreign Minister Discusses Interregional Cooperation Between Central Asia and EU

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu met with European Union (EU) Special Representative for Central Asia Terhi Hakala to discuss further engagement...


Kazakh Officials Discuss Security Challenges with UN Representatives

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu held talks on July 12 regarding regional security issues with Vladimir Voronkov, United Nations...


President Tokayev and Foreign Minister Outline Regional Security Priorities at CAF

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has consistently adhered to the principle a “successful Central Asia means a successful Kazakhstan,” said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his remarks delivered by Deputy...


Kazakh AI-Based Startup Shares Insights from Silicon Valley Acceleration Program 

ASTANA – Astana Hub, a tech hub in Kazakhstan, hosted a meetup on July 11 with Seilbek Myktybekov, the CEO of Beyne.ai. Myktybekov shared his firsthand experience...


Exciting Lineup of Events in Astana 

ASTANA — The vibrant capital is set to host an extraordinary weekend filled with captivating events and experiences. From chess enthusiasts and music lovers to history buffs...


Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum Kicks Off in Astana

ASTANA – The two-day Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum (CAF), which aims to study challenges of Asia’s global security, kicked off on July 13. The CAF,...


Kazakh President Signs Law on Return of Illegally Acquired Assets

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed on July 12 the law on returning to the state illegally withdrawn assets, the day after the Constitutional Court certified it...


Kazakhstan Becomes First Central Asian Country to Introduce Operating Rules for Unmanned Aircraft

ASTANA – Kazakhstan became the first country in Central Asia to introduce rules for the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), following the signing of a letter...


Border Demarcation Agreement Between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Comes into Force

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan finalized an agreement on border demarcation, which came into force on July 4 after a 19-year process, Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Aibek...


Kazakh, Malaysian Think Tanks Advance Strategic Cooperation

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) and the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, a leading Malaysian think tank, are set to...


Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation Reaches 82% Compliance with ICAO Requirements

ASTANA – Kazakhstan achieved 82% compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) flight safety standards, which is comparable to the average indicator of the European Aviation...


Astana Opera’s Choir to Perform Beloved Melodies of Kazakh Composers

ASTANA – The Astana Opera’s chamber choir will present a music concert by Kazakh composers at the Kulyash Baiseitova Chamber Hall on July 14, reported the theater’s...


LSE Professor Talks Regional Development in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Rapid economic growth might sound like a success story, but more often than not, it comes with rising inequalities and regional disparities. It is a...


Kazakh Economy Maintains 5% Growth Rate in First Half of 2023

ASTANA – The economy of Kazakhstan grew 5% in January-June this year, seeing the positive dynamics in the real sector by 4.8% and the service sector by...


Kazakh Officials Address Implementation of G4 City Project in Almaty Region

ASTANA – The G4 City special economic zone in the Almaty Region is set to become a new economic and global tourism center along the new Silk...


Kazakh President Highlights Astana’s Development Challenges, Sets Priorities

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined key areas for the development of the Kazakh capital during a July 11 meeting, focusing on problems and setting tasks...


Kazakhstan Plays Pivotal Role in Fostering Regional Stability, Says OSCE Secretary-General

ASTANA – Helga Schmid, the Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), highlighted Kazakhstan’s vital role in promoting regional security and fostering economic...


Kazakhstan Intends to Make Tourism Key Driver of Economic Growth

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has adopted the Tourism Development Concept for 2023-2029 to make tourism a priority for the country’s economic development, Kazakh Minister of Culture and Sports...


Kazakhstan Increases Tengiz Oil Shipment Through Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline

ASTANA – KazTransOil oil transportation company has shipped 347,100 tons of oil from the Tengiz field via the Baku (Azerbaijan) – Tbilisi (Georgia) – Ceyhan (Türkiye) oil...


Shakarim Kudaiberdiuly: Guiding Moral Compass of Kazakh Nation for 165 Years

ASTANA – Kazakhstan commemorates 165 years of Shakarim Kudaiberdiuly, a prominent poet and thinker who sought to uplift the conscience of the 19th-century Kazakh nation by delving...


International Chess Festival Kicks Off in Astana

ASTANA – Astana Zhuldyzdary (Stars of Astana) International Chess Festival, dedicated to the capital’s 25th anniversary, is taking place on July 11-19, according to the tournament’s website....


Astana to Host Energy Week Central Asia and Mongolia 2023 in September

ASTANA – The Energy Week Central Asia and Mongolia 2023 renewables investment conference will take place in the Kazakh capital on Sep. 19-20. The conference aims to...


Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina Advances to Wimbledon Quarterfinals

ASTANA — Elena Rybakina, 24, made it to the Wimbledon 2023 quarterfinals on July 10 in London after her opponent Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil, 27, was...


Kazakhstan Participates in Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu took part in the seventh online ministerial-level meeting “Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug...


KazISS to Host Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum This Week

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) under the President of Kazakhstan will host the Central Asian Security and Cooperation forum under the theme Asia...


Kazakh Government Outlines Measures to Combat Drug Addiction and Trafficking

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov signed a July 5 government decree approving the Comprehensive Plan to Combat Drug Addiction and Drug Trafficking for 2023-2025, reported...


President Tokayev Congratulates Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Election Win

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his victory in Uzbekistan’s snap presidential election, the Akorda press service reported on July 10. In a telephone...


Kazakhstan Climbs in Global Gender Gap Ranking: UN Women Applauds Progress, Calls for Further Measures

ASTANA – This year, Kazakhstan ranked 62 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap, climbing three positions, according to the latest report published by the...


Kazakhstan Enters Top Five Recipients of FDI Inflows in 2022

ASTANA – Kazakhstan entered the top five recipients of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2022, with an 83% increase to $6.1 billion, according to the World Investment...


Kazakhstan to Establish Semipalatinsk Nuclear Safety Zone

ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to create a nuclear safety zone at the former Semipalatinsk test site and surrounding territories exposed to excess radioactive contamination, following the law...