Articles by Dana Omirgazy

ASTANA – VietJet Air plans to launch a new international route connecting Hanoi, Almaty, and Prague starting July 11. Flights will operate twice a week using Airbus A330 aircraft and will be conducted under fifth-freedom traffic rights, allowing the airline to carry passengers between Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation Committee reported on…

ASTANA – In Aktobe, traditional zhyrshy (epic storytellers) have begun performing folk epics around the clock in an effort to secure a place in the Global Book of Records GBR. The performances are taking place at the Aktobe Folk Art Center, where zhyrshy and dastan performers (narrators of traditional epic tales) present a structured, multi-part…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan ranked 82nd in the Global Soft Power Index 2026, improving its position by five places compared to last year’s 87th. The country scored 35.9 points, marking a 0.8-point increase.  Soft power is a nation’s ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion. It includes tools such as culture, business,…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan has adopted a new Constitution following a national referendum on March 15, in which 87.15% of participating voters voted in favor, according to the Central Referendum Commission. A total of 12,482,613 citizens were eligible to vote, with 9,127,192 people casting ballots, resulting in a turnout of 73.12%. Among those who voted, 7,954,667…

ASTANA — A total of 9,050 Kazakh citizens had cast their ballots abroad as of 7 p.m. Astana time during the nationwide constitutional referendum, Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Issetov said at a briefing of the Central Referendum Commission. Speaking about voting by citizens overseas, Issetov said that 71 polling stations were opened at Kazakhstan’s foreign…

ASTANA — Voter turnout in Kazakhstan’s nationwide constitutional referendum reached 64.43% as of 4 p.m., according to the Central Referendum Commission. By that time, 8,029,286 citizens had received ballots nationwide, representing 64.43% of those included on the voting lists. The highest participation was recorded in the Kyzylorda (82.02%), the East Kazakhstan (78.98%), the Aktobe (77.65%),…

ASTANA — Voter turnout in Kazakhstan’s constitutional referendum reached 37.54% as of 12 p.m. Astana time, according to the Central Referendum Commission. According to regional and city commissions, a total of 4,677,595 citizens had received ballots nationwide by midday. Turnout varied across the country’s regions and major cities. The highest participation levels were reported in…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is set to host major international performances this year, as the legendary Cirque du Soleil returns to the country for the first time in nine years and global pop star Enrique Iglesias announces concerts in Astana and Almaty. Cirque du Soleil brings OVO to Kazakhstan The world-famous Canadian entertainment company will present…

ASTANA — Kazakh Minister of Industry and Construction Yersaiyn Nagaspayev discussed a $1.1 billion investment project in the mining sector with Cove Kaz Capital Group CEO Dominic Heaton, focusing on developing major deposits in the Karagandy Region and expanding U.S.-Kazakhstan investment cooperation. The meeting focused on the implementation of a large-scale investment project to develop…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is preparing the second phase of the Northern Aral Sea Conservation Project, which aims to raise the sea’s water level to 44 meters by reconstructing the Kokaral Dam and modernizing irrigation systems across the Aral-Syrdarya basin. The project was developed by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan in cooperation…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan climbed 13 positions in the World Bank’s Human Capital Index Plus (HCI+), ranking 42nd out of 161 countries by the end of 2025, reflecting progress in education, health, and long-term economic potential. According to the World Bank, Kazakhstan scored 230 points in the HCI+ index, outperforming several countries in Europe, Asia, and…

ASTANA — Air Astana and FlyArystan have cancelled flights to Dubai until the end of March due to the tense situation in the Middle East. Air Astana cancelled regular flights from Almaty and Astana to Dubai from March 11 to 31 inclusive. Passengers on affected flights are offered a full refund without penalties or free…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan will operate 71 polling stations in 54 countries for the upcoming referendum, while suspending 11 stations in 10 countries due to security concerns, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yerlan Zhetybayev said at a March 10 briefing. The ministry has established a special headquarters to coordinate preparations for the referendum. Due to the escalation of…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will open its spring tourism season in March with two flagship events showcasing the country’s cultural and culinary heritage, attracting both residents and visitors. The cultural festival Amal Keldi – Zhyl Keldi, which conveys the idea of welcoming the new year with hope, unity, and renewal, will be held on March 13…

ASTANA – Kazakh Energy Ministry and Shell Kazakhstan have signed a contract for geological exploration at the Zhanaturmys field in the Aktobe Region, aiming to strengthen the country’s hydrocarbon resource base and support long-term energy security. The agreement, signed by Deputy Energy Minister Yerlan Akbarov and Shell Senior Vice President Suzanne Coogan, covers seismic exploration,…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan detailed its humanitarian contributions to the Board of Peace, an international initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to support stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yerlan Zhetybayev confirmed during a March 4 press briefing that Kazakhstan joined the Board without any financial obligation. “The voluntary contribution of $1…

ASTANA — Another group of Kazakh citizens has returned home from the Middle East. On the night of March 4-5, Air Astana and FlyDubai operated five flights to Kazakhstan, transporting 851 passengers. In addition, 34 Kazakh employees of the Zar Kuh company were evacuated from Iran via the Armenian checkpoint at Agarak with assistance from…

ASTANA — The Kazakhstan Institute of Public Development conducted a sociological survey on citizens’ awareness of the upcoming referendum on the draft of the new Constitution and their attitudes toward it, Kazinform reported on Mar. 4. According to the results of a telephone survey, 81.8% of respondents are aware of the planned referendum. Of these,…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan does not take sides in the escalating Middle East conflict and calls for disputes to be resolved exclusively through diplomatic means, Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakayev said at a March 3 government briefing. “Kazakhstan advocates resolving any military conflict at the negotiating table, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter,”…

ASTANA – Central Asian countries convened in Almaty on Feb. 25-27,  for a preliminary preparatory meeting ahead of the Regional Ecological Summit (RES) 2026, aiming to strengthen regional cooperation on biodiversity conservation, forest restoration, and transboundary environmental challenges. Organized by the Committee on forestry and wildlife of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources with…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry is operating in an enhanced mode amid escalating military and political tensions across the Middle East, prioritizing the safety of citizens abroad and preparing evacuation routes where necessary. Kazakh diplomatic missions in the region are closely monitoring developments, maintaining constant contact with local authorities and citizens, and providing consular and…

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with Nikolai Podguzov, chair of the Management Board of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), on Feb. 27 to discuss ongoing and upcoming investment projects in Kazakhstan and prospects for expansion of cooperation in key economic sectors. The discussion highlighted the EDB’s extensive portfolio in Kazakhstan, which includes…

ASTANA — Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Aleksandar Vučić reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Kazakhstan-Serbia strategic partnership during high-level talks on Feb. 27. The negotiations, held in both narrow and expanded formats, focused on expanding trade and investment, as well as cooperation in high-tech sectors, including artificial intelligence, information technology, energy and the defense industry.…

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected a roundup of articles on Kazakhstan featured in international media this week. Today’s foreign media digest highlights the launch of the Central Asia-UK partnership in London, a critical minerals deal with the United Kingdom, new U.S.-linked investments, tourism recognition, expanding regional air links and World Bank-backed rail development.…

ASTANA — In the International Year of Volunteers, UNICEF is launching a new digital platform for volunteers in Kazakhstan. Targeting youth aged 16 to 35, the platform aims to simplify engagement in children’s rights and sustainable development nationwide. The UNICEF Zhastary platform unites youth training, social participation, and leadership development in a single online space,…