Tokayev Calls for Renewed Global Trust, UN Reform and Stronger Middle-Power Role

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a landmark lecture at the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo on Dec. 19, becoming the first head of state from Central Asia...


Kazakhstan, Croatia Discuss Geological Exploration Cooperation

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s national oil and gas company KazMunayGas (KMG) and the Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency (CHA) agreed to strengthen cooperation in geological exploration. This was announced during a Dec....


Kazakhstan, Japan Expand Strategic Collaboration Across Critical Minerals, Smart Technologies, and Infrastructure

ALMATY — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official trip to Japan continued with a series of meetings with senior executives of leading Japanese corporations, resulting in new momentum for cooperation in...


ERG Increases Investment in Kazakhstan

ASTANA — Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), a Luxembourg-headquartered global metals and mining company, increased its investments in Kazakhstan to nearly $1 billion, according to the company. The projected investment...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Mobility Innovation, Academic Diplomacy, Interethnic Unity and More

ALMATY – The Astana Times has selected key articles from international media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest features Kazakhstan’s push into next-generation air mobility with plans...


Astana Becomes Hub for OIC Food Security Dialogue

ASTANA – The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) marked IOFS Day and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Food Security Day with a high-level roundtable on Dec.17 in...


Kazakhstan, Japan Boost Strategic Ties with Smart City Deal and Technology Partnerships

ALMATY – Kazakhstan and Japan elevated their cooperation in digital innovation, smart city development, and high-tech investment during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to on Dec. 18–19, which resulted...


How Kazakhstan is Expanding Dialogue Between State and Society

Kazakhstan has been strengthening state–society consultation over the past decade through a broad range of institutional and digital mechanisms. Efforts to enhance participatory governance include the establishment of public...


EDB: Kazakhstan to Grow Above 5% in 2026, Central Asia Among Fastest-Growing

ALMATY — Analysts at the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) expect Kazakhstan’s economy to maintain steady and resilient growth of nearly 5.5% in 2026, while Central Asia as a whole...


Kazakhstan, Japan Move to Deepen Strategic Cooperation

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Dec. 18 at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss prospects for bilateral cooperation, reported the Akorda...


EDB Expands from Central Asia to Abu Dhabi in 2025, Leading Non-Sovereign Investments

ALMATY — Over the past four years, the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has solidified its position as the regional leader in non-sovereign financing, with $8.8 billion in investments, representing...


Weekend Guide: Festive Performances, Winter Premieres and New Year Events in Astana and Almaty

ASTANA — As the holiday season approaches, residents of Astana and Almaty can enjoy a festive weekend full of concerts, children’s shows, theatrical premieres, and winter-themed activities. The Astana...


Tajikistan’s Population Surges to 10.7 Million

ASTANA – Tajikistan’s population increased by 26% over the past decade, reaching 10.7 million people, said Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in his annual address to parliament on Dec. 16,...


Astana Opens Ertegi Fest With Citywide Lighting of Over 40 New Year’s Trees

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital will light more than 40 New Year’s trees simultaneously across six districts on Dec. 19 as part of citywide celebrations held under the unified...


President Tokayev Meets Japan’s Emperor Naruhito During First Official Visit

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Emperor Naruhito of Japan on Dec. 18 during his first official visit to the country, reported the Akorda press service. During the...


Beyond Resources: How the UK Is Recalibrating Its Partnership With Kazakhstan

ASTANA — From venture capital and green startups to critical minerals, education, and cultural diplomacy, the United Kingdom (UK) is recalibrating its engagement with Kazakhstan. In an interview with...


Almaty’s FC Kairat Ranks Among World’s Top 500 Clubs, Outperforming All Central Asian Teams

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s FC Kairat has been recognized as one of the 500 best football clubs in the world, according to the global ranking of the International Federation of...


Tokayev Sets Out Ambitious Agenda to Strengthen Kazakhstan’s Energy Security

ALMATY — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has outlined a comprehensive set of priorities aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan’s energy sector, emphasizing large-scale infrastructure projects, energy independence, environmental modernization, and the development...


Tajikistan Highlights Border Accord as Foundation for Deeper Regional Cooperation

ALMATY – Tajikistan has entered a new stage of stability and regional confidence, President Emomali Rahmon said in his annual address to the parliament, emphasizing that 2025 marked one...


Kazakhstan Strengthens Grain Export Logistics Amid Record Harvest and Rising Stocks

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s grain exporters are encouraged to begin shipping new-season wheat before the end of 2025 to qualify for transport reimbursement payments scheduled for early 2026. More than...


Kazakhstan Boosts Air Connectivity with New Thailand, Georgia Routes, Plans 100 Extra Holiday Flights

ALMATY — Kazakhstan continues to broaden its international flight network, as the Ministry of Transport announced the launch of new air routes to Thailand and Georgia, alongside plans to...


Kazakhstan’s Capital Investments Expand as Economy Shows Growth

ALMATY — Capital investments in Kazakhstan increased by 13.3% year-on-year to reach 18.5 trillion tenge (approximately US$40.7 billion) in January–November 2025 period, driven primarily by private-sector activity, Deputy Prime...


Silent Rise: Untapped M&A Potential for Kazakh Companies and Funds

Kazakhstan, the Central Asian giant, is slowly but surely establishing itself as a key player on the global economic scene. Traditionally considered a former Soviet republic, Kazakhstan today is...


Kazakhstan’s Digital Impact Grows as TikTok Trends Reach Global Audiences

ALMATY – Kazakhstan became one of TikTok’s standout phenomena in 2025, inspiring creators from Indonesia, South Korea, Mexico, the United States and beyond. Users worldwide launched a dedicated trend...


Ulytau: New Growth Point of Independent Kazakhstan

Over the years of independence, Kazakhstan has undergone a profound transformation in nature conservation — from restoring populations of rare species to significantly expanding its network of specially protected...


Kazakhstan, China to Build Smart Water Technology Plant in Taraz

ALMATY – Taraz will host a new high-tech plant for smart water management and irrigation systems, established under a cooperation agreement between the Kazakh Ministry of Water Resources and...


Beyond West: Why Eurasia Will Shape New Center of Global Economic Gravity

Editor’s Note: This interview features insights from Joep Konings, Dean of the Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business and interim Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, whose work has appeared...


Kazakhstan to Expand Energy Capacity and Accelerate AI Integration in Utilities

ALMATY – Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov outlined Kazakhstan’s major achievements in the energy sector in 2025 and detailed upcoming reforms across oil and gas, electricity generation, and digitalization...


President Congratulates Nation on Independence Day

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the people of Kazakhstan on Independence Day on Dec. 16, emphasizing that the holiday reflects the nation’s voluntary and definitive choice in favor...


From Independence to Influence: Kazakhstan at 34

Kazakhstan turns 34 this December. Not a milestone that demands fireworks. For a country, this is still a restless, sometimes awkward age: old enough to carry scars, young enough...


KazAID Turns Five: Kazakhstan Strengthens Contribution to Global Sustainable Growth

ALMATY – The Kazakhstan Agency of International Development (KazAID) marks its fifth anniversary, underscoring the country’s evolution from a recipient of foreign aid to an emerging donor shaping global...


Kazakhstan, EU Expand Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Connectivity

ALMATY – The event marking the tenth anniversary of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kazakhstan and the European Union was hosted on Dec. 12 in Brussels. ...


FC Kairat Goalkeeper Tops SofaScore Champions League Player Rankings

ALMATY – Almaty’s FC Kairat’s goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov has reached a new milestone in his breakout season, taking the number one spot in the UEFA Champions League player rankings...


Dimash Qudaibergen to Premiere Biggest Concert Ever with Global Icons in Budapest

ALMATY – Budapest will host a landmark musical event on April 18, 2026 at MVM Dome as Dimash Qudaibergen, Placido Domingo, and Hauser, will share a stage for the...


KazTransOil Increases Oil Supply to Kyrgyz Republic, Resumes Transit to Uzbekistan

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s national oil transporter KazTransOil, a subsidiary of national company KazMunayGas, announced an expansion of export routes with increased supplies to the Kyrgyz Republic and the resumption...


Kazakhstan’s SME Sector Reaches New Economic Milestones

ALMATY – Supporting small and medium-sized businesses remains one of Kazakhstan’s top priorities. As a result of sustained policy measures, Kazakhstan has seen consistent growth in the SME sector...


Kazakhstan Secures Six Medals, Finishes Second at IBA World Championships

ALMATY – Kazakhstan delivered a powerful performance at the 2025 IBA Boxing World Championships in Dubai on Dec. 4-13, securing second place in the overall medal standings with a...


President Tokayev to Pay Official Visit to Japan This Week

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will pay an official visit to Japan on Dec. 18-20, according to the Akorda press service. During the visit, Tokayev will hold high-level meetings...


Kazakhstan Releases First Textbook on Using Development Aid as Soft Power Tool

ALMATY – The Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID), in partnership with Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU), has released the country’s first comprehensive textbook dedicated to Official Development Assistance...


Turkic Heritage Takes Spotlight on Global Cultural Stage

ASTANA – This Sunday, Dec. 15, marks World Turkic Language Family Day, a date established by UNESCO to celebrate and promote the Turkic language family spoken by more than...


Kazakh Family Preserves Generations of Tazy Breeding

ASTANA — A family in the Kerbulak district of Kazakhstan’s Zhetisu Region has spent decades preserving and developing the tazy, an ancient Kazakh sighthound prized for its speed and...


Kazakh Unity and Warrior Courage Define Survival in Dzungar Wars, Historian Says

ASTANA – The courage of Kazakh warriors, known as batyrs, and the people’s unity were decisive in ensuring the Kazakhs’ survival during the centuries-long Kazakh–Dzungar wars, a conflict that...


Kazakhstan to Launch Restoration Works on 39 Historical and Cultural Sites in 2026

ALMATY – The Ministry of Culture and Information Committee has approved an updated list of historical and cultural monuments scheduled for scientific restoration in 2026. The national plan includes...


Almaty’s Cultural Landmarks You Shouldn’t Miss

ASTANA – Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, is often described as the nation’s cultural capital. Its vast network of museums, galleries and contemporary art spaces continues to strengthen this reputation,...


Astana Airport Launches Automated Border Control System to Speed Up Passenger Clearance

ALMATY – The Astana International Airport has introduced a new Automated Border Control System (ABCS), designed to significantly reduce processing times and improve the overall travel experience for passengers....


Kazakh Scientists Develop Ice Cream and Yogurt Made From Camel Milk

ALMATY – Scientists at the food safety research laboratory of the Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian and Technical University have developed innovative dairy products, including ice cream and yogurt...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Diplomacy, Green Energy, Cultural Recognition and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected key articles from international media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest highlights President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Kazakhstan, growing strategic...


Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan Strengthen Regional Push for Connectivity and Peace

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Ashgabat on Dec. 11 to participate in a high-level forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day...


Kazakhstan’s National Bank Reserves Rise to $62.1 Billion as Gold Portfolio Expands

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s gross international reserves rose to $62.1 billion in November, driven by a sharp increase in the National Bank’s (NBK) gold holdings, even as the tenge continued...


Kazakhstan, Holy See Advance Interfaith Cooperation in Peacebuilding and Global Ethics

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s Senate (Parliament’s upper chamber) Chairperson Maulen Ashimbayev led a parliamentary delegation to the Vatican on Dec. 11, where he personally delivered President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official invitation...