Kazakhstan, EU Seek to Enhance Bilateral and Regional Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu met with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Tourism, Nuclear Energy Agency and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest covers Kazakhstan’s tourism industry, nuclear energy agency, AI development and...


Dimash Fan Club’s Nauryz Celebration: Unique Board Game and Kazakh Feast

ASTANA – The Polish fan club of Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen marked Nauryz on March 22 with a series of festive activities, with the highlight being the unveiling of...


Kazakh Tourists in Thailand Unaffected by Myanmar’s Earthquake

ASTANA – Tourism Rights Protection System administrator has reported no tremors at popular Thai resorts and no evacuation requests from Kazakh tourists following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on...


Kazakhstan, EU Discuss Strengthening Cooperation, Visa Facilitation in Almaty Meeting

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy – Vice-President of European Commission Kaja Kallas discussed the prospects of cooperation between Kazakhstan...


Final Weekend of March? Here’s What Not to Miss in Astana and Almaty

ASTANA – March is wrapping up. Prepare for an exciting weekend with unique events and experiences in Astana and Almaty. Whether you are in the mood for an exhibition,...


Eight More Przewalski’s Horses to Arrive in Kostanai Region This Year

ASTANA — Eight more Przewalski’s horses are supposed to arrive in the Kostanai Region in May-June, said Kazakh Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Nurken Sharbiyev at a...


Kazakhstan’s Life Expectancy Hits 75.4 Years, With Women Living 8 Years Longer Than Men

ASTANA — According to the Bureau of National Statistics, life expectancy in Kazakhstan has risen to 75.4 years in 2024, up from 75.09 years the previous year.  There are...


Preparations for Central Asia-European Union Summit Discussed at Ashgabat Meeting 

ASTANA — Kazakh Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Roman Vassilenko took part at the Central Asia-European Union 20th Ministerial Meeting on March 27 in Ashgabat.  The leadership of the...


Central Asia’s Growth to Hit 5.7% in 2025, Surpassing China, Says EBRD Chief Economist

ASTANA – Economic growth in Central Asia is projected to reach 5.7% in 2025 before easing to 5.2% in 2026. The outlook comes despite a global subdued growth, driven...


Tokayev: Kazakhstan Welcomes Draft Peace Agreement Between Yerevan and Baku

ASTANA – Kazakhstan welcomes the completion of negotiations on the draft Agreement on Peace and the Establishment of Interstate Relations between Yerevan and Baku, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at...


Kazakhstan Among the Happiest Countries in the World

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has been recognized as the happiest country in Central Asia, securing 43rd place in the World Happiness Report (WHR) 2025. In the Eurasian region, Uzbekistan ranked...


New Turanian Tigers Set to Join Kazakhstan’s Conservation Efforts

ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to bring three to four additional Turanian tigers from Russia this year, Kazakh Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nyssanbayev announced at a March...


Kazakhstan Leads Central Asian Countries in GDP Growth

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is projected to lead Central Asia in economic growth, with its GDP expected to rise by 5.5% in 2025, an increase of 1.5 percentage points from...


Kazakhstan Considers South Korea for Nuclear Technology Partnership

ASTANA – Almassadam Satkaliyev, the chairman of Kazakhstan’s newly established Nuclear Energy Agency, completed negotiations with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) President and CEO Whang Joo-ho, a potential...


Kazakh-Chinese Strategic Partnership on Rise, Says President Tokayev

ASTANA – The Kazakh-Chinese eternal comprehensive strategic partnership is on the rise, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during a March 26 meeting with Liu Jianchao, the head of the International...


EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs to Visit Kazakhstan This Week

ASTANA – Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the Vice-President of the European Commission, will visit Almaty on March 28 to meet...


Kazakhstan, Sweden Deepen Long-Standing Partnership, Unlock New Opportunities

ASTANA – As Kazakhstan and Sweden mark 33 years of diplomatic relations this April, Swedish Ambassador to Kazakhstan Ewa Ulrika Polano reflects on the growing partnership between the two...


Kazakhstan Introduces National Ecotourism Standard to Promote Sustainable Tourism

ASTANA – A new national ecotourism standard, set to take effect on June 1, aims to minimize the environmental impact of tourism in Kazakhstan while ensuring the preservation of...


Kazakhstan, World Bank Forge New Partnership Strategy for 2026-2030

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin met with World Bank representatives to discuss the new Partnership Strategy for 2026-2030, ratification of the...


Kazakhstan Participates at Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, Strengthens Ties with German Partners

ASTANA – Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to hydrogen development, regional climate cooperation, and enhancing partnership with Germany at the 11th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD) on March 18-19 in...


CPC Continues Restoration of Kropotkinskaya Pumping Station After Drone Attack

ASTANA – The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) is working to restore operations at the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station following a recent drone attack, the company’s press service reported to...


Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar to Visit Kazakhstan Next Week

ASTANA – President of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar will make an official visit to Kazakhstan on March 31- April 1, meeting with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to discuss...


New Medical Facilities To Be Built in Akmola Region Using Returned Assets

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s government will allocate illegally withdrawn assets from the Special State Fund to enhance social infrastructure, with 1.7 billion tenge (US$3.4 million) allocated to construct new medical...


Kazakhstan Emerges as Leading Tech Hub, Growing 18x Since 2019

ASTANA – Dealroom.co report released on March 25 highlights Kazakhstan’s remarkable transformation from a resource-based economy to one of the fastest-growing tech hubs globally, with significant growth in its...


Kazakhstan’s Top Math & Physics School Becomes Central Asia’s First Apple Training Center

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s National School of Physics and Math (FIZMAT) became the first in Central Asia to receive the Apple Authorized Training Center for Education (AATCE) status, reported the...


Kazakh Weddings and Illusion of Wealth: Are We Celebrating or Competing?

Editor’s note: The Astana Times continues a section featuring articles by our readers. As a platform that values diverse perspectives and meaningful conversations, we believe that this new section...


Guardians of Kazakh Steppe: Unveiling Silent Legacy of Ancient Stones

ASTANA – Balbals, the ancient stone sculptures of the Turkic people, stand as silent witnesses to history, culture and tradition. Carved from stone, they have preserved the artistic and...


Kazakhstan Maintains Leadership in Central Asian Venture Market 

ASTANA– Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its position as Central Asia’s leading venture capital hub, securing $71 million in investments in 2024, which accounted for 74% of all regional deals,...


Kazakh Fairy Tales: Heroes, Villains, and Timeless Legends

ASTANA — Long before the emergence of Marvel and DC comics, Kazakhs had their own superheroes. Instead of spandex suits, they were decked in shining armor, wielding swords, and...


Kazakhstan Reports Growth in Foreign Investment in 2024

ASTANA — In recent years, Kazakhstan has achieved notable results in attracting foreign investment, driving sustainable economic growth and enhancing its global standing. The government prioritizes creating a favorable...


Kazakh Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka to Highlight Culture, Innovation, and Sustainability

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will showcase its rich heritage and modern achievements at Expo 2025, which will take place between April 13 and Oct. 13 in Osaka, Japan.   Located alongside...


Tea Ceremony Remains at Heart of Kazakh Hospitality 

ASTANA – Tea holds a special place in Kazakh culture, serving as a centerpiece of hospitality and social gatherings. Families often unite over tea, and these occasions can last...


From East to West: Over 140 Collectible Dolls on Display at Almaty Exhibition

ASTANA — The Central State Museum of Kazakhstan in Almaty opened an exhibition on March 19 showcasing over 140 collectible dolls. The exhibition features unique creations by 21 artists...


Kazakhstan’s Film Industry: Domestic Productions Dominate Box Office

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s film industry is experiencing remarkable growth, with domestic productions driving a 30% surge in box office revenue in 2024. Once overshadowed by foreign films, local cinema...


Kazakhstan Celebrates Nauryz with Eco Initiatives

ASTANA – The final day of the Nauryznama decade, observed on March 23 as the Day of a Pure Mind and Intentions, is dedicated to environmental awareness. This national...


Nauryz Brings Feeling of Renewal, Hope, and Return to Roots

ASTANA – It is March 22 and preparations are wrapped up for the Nauryz holiday at homes and public squares across Kazakhstan. Grand concerts, traditional feasts, music and games...


Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Strengthen Strategic Partnership

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu discussed multifaceted cooperation with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov at the first meeting of the Council of Foreign...


New Exhibition Unites Finest Uzbek Embroidery Pieces from Six Museums

ASTANA – The art of Uzbek embroidery was presented at “The Heritage in Stitches” exhibition at the National Museum of Kazakhstan in Astana on March 19. For the first...


World Bank Backs Crucial Kambarata HPP Project for Central Asia

ASTANA – The Kyrgyz Republic will receive an $11 million concessional loan and a $2.6 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank to provide...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Investment Climate, Middle Corridor, Oil Exports and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest covers the Middle Corridor, Kazakhstan’s oil exports and more. Kazakhstan’s...


Kazakhstan Celebrates Solidarity Day Highlighting Unity on Nauryz 

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is marking Nauryz with the ten-day Nauryznama celebration, which began on March 14. As part of these festivities, March 21 has been designated Solidarity Day, a...


Top Events to Embrace Spirit of Nauryz in This Long Weekend

ASTANA – March brings not only the first signs of spring but also one of Kazakhstan’s most cherished holidays – Nauryz. Celebrated from March 21-25, this holiday marks an...


Kazakhstan, Expertise France Boost Cooperation in Tech, Transport, and Health

ASTANA — Kazakh-French relations continue to strengthen with the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation between the government of Kazakhstan and the French Development Agency (AFD). Jérémie Pellet, Director General...


Kazakhstan’s Agriculture Exports Reach 16.1 Mln Tons in 2024

ASTANA – Kazakhstan exported 16.1 million tons of agricultural products worth $5.1 billion in 2024, a 3.9 % increase from the previous year, the Prime Minister’s press service reported...


Kazakhstan Marks 90 Years of Kazakh Poet and First Anthem Co-Author Tumanbai Moldagaliyev

ASTANA – Kazakhstan celebrates 90 years of Kazakh poet Tumanbai Moldagaliyev on March 20, revered for love and nature-themed works, including Kazakhstan’s first national anthem. Through his poetic mastery,...


Recovered Assets to Build New Hematology Center in Oskemen

ASTANA – The Kazakh government allocated returned illegally acquired assets from the Special State Fund to finance the construction of commissioning the Hematology Center in Oskemen worth 33.6 billion...


Tokayev Meets with US Congresswoman Miller to Discuss Strategic Partnership

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasizes the strong and reliable partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States (U.S.) since the country’s independence during a March 20 meeting...


CPC Confirms Oil Shipments Uninterrupted Despite Reported Drone Attack

ASTANA – The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) has confirmed that oil shipments continue as usual despite ongoing repairs at the Kropotkinskaya pumping station. Russian media and Telegram channels reported...


Kazakh National Music Goes Global on Apple Music, Spotify

ASTANA – State Counselor Erlan Karin attended the launch of the Assyl Mura (Precious Heritage) audio collection, the largest national music archive in Kazakhstan’s history, now available on over...