NGOs are Reliable Partners of State, Says Kazakh President

ASTANA – Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are reliable partners of state, said Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his welcoming remarks to the plenary session of the 12th Civil...


The Guardian Lists Kazakhstan’s Satpayev Among World’s Brightest Young Footballers

ASTANA – Seventeen-year-old forward Dastan Satpayev of Almaty’s FC Kairat has been recognized among the world’s 60 best young football talents by The Guardian, which praised the...


Qazpost Drives Kazakhstan’s Postal Leap to 39th in Global Postal Ranking

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has made a significant leap in the global postal industry, with Qazpost advancing to 39th place in the Universal Postal Union (UPU) ranking among...


UK Trade Envoy Highlights Enduring Partnerships with Kazakhstan

ASTANA — Strengthening trade and investment across priority sectors with Kazakhstan is among the United Kingdom’s main objectives in the region, said Lord John Alderdice, U.K. Trade...


Kazakhstan Ranked Among World’s Top 30 Most Generous Countries

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has been ranked among the world’s 30 most generous nations, according to the World Giving Report 2025 by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). The...


Kazakhstan Hosts First World Inclusion Congress to Advance Global Dialogue on Inclusive Education

ASTANA – The first World Inclusion Congress (WIC 2025) opened in Almaty on Oct. 15, bringing together more than 1,200 experts, educators, and policymakers from 40 countries...


Kazakhstan, Italy Strengthen Strategic Partnership During Aqaba Process Summit in Rome

ASTANA – On the sidelines of the Aqaba Process Summit on West Africa, Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev held a series of high-level meetings aimed at deepening...


Bigger Ambitions: Strategic Vision Behind OTS+ Expansion

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Heads of State agreed to establish the OTS+ format, a flexible mechanism designed to enhance cooperation with external partners at the...


Eurasian Development Bank Reports 70% Growth in Central Asia’s Transit Flows

ASTANA — For years, Central Asia was known mostly as a landlocked region, often discussed in terms of its limitations. But according to the Eurasian Development Bank...


Kazakhstan, US to Strengthen Ties Through Economic Cooperation and Investment Opportunities

ALMATY – Kazakhstan presented its policy of proactive economic growth to US investors during a business roundtable organized by the business council (USKZBC) at the United States...


Astana Think Tank Forum Calls for Renewed Trust and Dialogue in Polarized World

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital hosts the two-day Think Tank Forum on Oct. 15-16, bringing together leading scholars, diplomats, and policymakers across the globe, from the United...


Civil Forum Spotlights Public Councils’ Rising Role in Strengthening Democratic Governance

ASTANA – Public councils are playing an increasingly important role in promoting transparency and accountability of state institutions and strengthening civic participation in decision-making, said experts at...


Qazaq Air Launches Direct Flights from Astana to Bishkek and Samarkand

ALMATY – Qazaq Air announced the launch of two new international routes connecting Astana with Bishkek and Samarkand, expanding the airline’s presence in Central Asia. Starting Nov....


BBC Showcases Mangystau Region’s Otherworldly Beauty

ALMATY – The stunning natural scenery of the Mangystau region has captured international attention, featuring in a new segment on the global platform.  The video was released...


Dimash Qudaibergen Premieres Song at ATP 250 Tennis Tournament in Almaty

ALMATY – World-renowned artist Dimash Qudaibergen performed at the ATP 250 Almaty Open on Oct. 14, presenting an international setlist featuring works by composers from France, the...


Kazakhstan, Italy to Strengthen Industrial and Energy Cooperation

ALMATY – Kazakhstan and Italy reaffirmed their commitment to expanding joint industrial and energy projects as part of high-level discussions held in Rome on Oct. 14. The...


Kazakhstan Shows Improvement in Investment Climate Amid Systemic Challenges

ALMATY – The Kazakhstan Investors Association (KIA) has released an analytical report on Oct. 6, assessing the positive dynamic of the country’s investment environment and outlining recommendations...


Kazakhstan Expands Renewable Energy, Increases Oil and Gas Production 

ALMATY – Kazakhstan has recorded a significant increase in oil and gas production in January-September 2025, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov reported at a government meeting chaired by...


Health Minister: Kazakhstan Among World’s Top 30 Countries in Cardiac Surgery

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is among the world’s top 30 countries for its achievements in cardiac surgery, said Health Minister Akmaral Alnazarova during her address at the first...


Adlet Kozhanbayev Elected as First Directly Chosen Akim of Semei

ASTANA —  Adlet Kozhanbayev has been elected as the new akim (mayor) of Semei following Kazakhstan’s first-ever direct mayoral election held on Oct. 12. According to the...


Kazakh Startup Uses AI to Redefine How World Takes Exams

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s TrustExam.ai transforms how the world takes exams with its advanced AI supervision technology. The independent startup, which has grown without outside investment, recently won...


Dimash Qudaibergen Unites Hearts in Mexico: Cultural Bridge Between Kazakhstan and Latin America

ASTANA – Dimash Qudaibergen once again conquered Latin America, performing to a sold-out audience of 15,000 at the Palacio de los Deportes on Oct. 10, following his...


Astana Think Tank Forum Aims to Turn Analysis Into Action, Says KazISS Director

ASTANA – The upcoming Astana Think Tank Forum, set for Oct. 15–16 in the Kazakh capital and convened by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS), reflects...


Kazakhstan Advances Global Biosafety Agenda at BTWC Anniversary Seminar in Almaty

ALMATY – International experts discussed the challenges and opportunities for strengthening the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) and the establishment of the proposed International Agency for...


Tokayev Highlights Strategic Importance of Parliamentary Reform at First Working Group Meeting

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underscored the historic significance and complexity of Kazakhstan’s upcoming parliamentary reform during the first meeting of the working group on parliamentary reform...


Wings of Tradition: Falconry Festival Takes Flight in East Kazakhstan Region

OSKEMEN — The sacred land of the East Kazakhstan Region’s Ulan district hosted the Shygys Salburyny international festival on Oct. 8-11, bringing together 148 participants from seven...


Modern Alatau Tennis Center Opens in Almaty

ASTANA – The Alatau Tennis Center, the largest facility of its kind in Almaty, has officially opened its doors. The center is designed to serve both professional...


Forget Diplomacy. Think Deals

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...


Kazakh FM Opens National Room at FAO Headquarters in Rome

ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev met with FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu on Oct. 13 in Rome during his working visit to Italy, marking the official...


EU Allocates $1 Billion to Kyrgyz Republic for Kambar-Ata-1 Hydropower Project

ASTANA – The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will each provide $500 million to the Kyrgyz Republic for the...


K-pop Group Kandis Performs Kazakh Hit on Silk Way Star Project Stage

ASTANA – Popular K-pop group Kandis delighted audiences by performing the Kazakh hit “Dem Alam” (“I’ll Take a Rest” in Kazakh) during the fourth episode of the...


Diversification of Kazakhstan’s Oil Export Routes: New Opportunities and Challenges

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is seeking to diversify its oil export routes as global energy markets undergo shifts. The Astana Times breaks down the country’s current supply channels...


Kazakhstan Sets Guinness World Record with Camel Caravan in Almaty Region

ALMATY – A caravan of 1,000 one-humped camels that marched one kilometer through the village of Akshi in the Ili District of Almaty region on Sept. 20...


Kazakhstan Backs Regional Efforts to Enhance Security in the Caspian Sea

ALMATY – Naval commanders from Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Russia signed a security cooperation document on Oct. 8 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, that reinforces the principle of...


Kazakhstan Calls for Collective Action to Revive the Aral Sea and Strengthen Water Security 

ALMATY – More than 40 environmental projects are being implemented in the Aral Sea basin, as announced at the second meeting of the Board of the International...


Semei Holds Kazakhstan’s First Direct Election for City Mayor

ALMATY – Semei, an administrative center of Abai Region held its first-ever direct election for the city’s akim (mayor) on Oct. 12, marking a historic milestone in...


Kazakhstan, EU to Boost Green Energy and Infrastructure Projects

ALMATY — Kazakhstan has signed memoranda of cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) on Oct. 10 to...


Kazakhstan Plants 2.4 Million Trees as National Environmental Campaign Continues

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the Taza Kazakhstan environmental campaign on Oct. 11, joining volunteers and eco-activists in planting trees at the capital’s Botanical...


Kazakhstan Wins Top Award at World Expo 2025 Osaka

ALMATY – Kazakh national pavilion won first place in the Theme Development category among small pavilions at the World Expo 2025 Osaka, one of the most prestigious...


Trading Privacy for Convenience in Age of Biometrics

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...


Global Citizen’s Paradox: Belonging Everywhere, Rooted Nowhere

My mom used to tell me about the feeling of internal coherence she experienced whenever she stepped onto the land of her ancestors – the vast steppes...


Young Kazakh Confectioner Trains at Le Cordon Bleu to Redefine Pastry in Kazakhstan

ALMATY – For those who have a sweet tooth for fine pastries, there is promising news. Young Kazakh confectioner Sabina Tanatarova is honing her skills at France’s...


Stories Kazakh Heritage Sites Tell: Historical Places You Should Visit

ASTANA — Beyond their stone walls and ancient carvings, Kazakhstan’s heritage sites tell stories of trade, faith, conquest, and resilience, offering travelers more than just destinations to...


All-Female Crew Concludes Kazakhstan’s First Space Simulation Project

ASTANA – The National Space Center in Astana has completed SANA-1, a unique research project, marking Kazakhstan’s first experiment on long-term crew isolation in conditions simulating a...


Hiking Ecotourism Emerges as Growth Sector for Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Hiking-based ecotourism has become one of the world’s most popular forms of travel, according to the UN World Tourism Organization. The trend reflects growing demand...


Kazakhstan to Present New Passport Design

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will soon present its new national passport design, which has been under development since February. The updated document reflects the country’s national identity and...


New Museum of Art Opens in Astana, Showcasing Over 1,600 National Musical Instruments

ASTANA – A new Museum of Art has opened in Astana, featuring more than 1,600 national musical instruments, including rare and nearly forgotten ones such as the...


KazAID Strengthens Regional Cooperation Through Data Visualization Seminar in Astana

ASTANA — The Kazakh capital brought together representatives from across Central Asia for a regional seminar aimed at advancing data visualization practices and strengthening regional cooperation in...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Pristine Snow, Dimash Qudaibergen’s Global Triumph, AI Ambitions, and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest features reports on the country’s growing adventure tourism...


National Bank of Kazakhstan Raises Base Rate to 18% to Curb Rising Inflation

ASTANA – The Monetary Policy Committee of the National Bank of Kazakhstan has set the base rate at 18% per annum with a corridor of ±1 percentage...


Tokayev Calls for Stronger CIS Unity Amid Global Tensions

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called on member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to strengthen unity, expand economic cooperation, and coordinate actions to...


EBRD Backs Trilateral Effort on Central Asia’s Largest Hydropower Project

ASTANA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Ministries of Energy of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan have signed memoranda of understanding...


Almaty to Host ATP 250 Tennis Tournament This Month

ASTANA – The Almaty Open ATP 250 tennis tournament is set to take place from Oct. 11 to 19 at the Almaty Arena.  The Kazakhstan Tennis Federation...


What’s On This Weekend: Most Vibrant Events to Brighten Your Days

ASTANA – The weekend is calling, and it is packed with things to do. Catch some live music, stroll through an art show, or spend time with...


Tokayev Highlights Trade, Technology, and Transport as Pillars of Central Asia–Russia Partnership

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening multifaceted cooperation with Russia and Central Asian nations, emphasizing stability, economic integration, and technological partnership as key...


Ancient Wisdom for Sustainable Future: Lessons from Kazakh Steppe

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...


Decade after Paris Agreement: New Report Takes Stock of Global Progress, Spotlights Kazakhstan’s Path 

ASTANA – Ten years after the Paris Agreement, a new report from the Deep Decarbonization Pathways (DDP) Initiative takes stock of global progress. Analyzing 21 countries, including...


Kazakh, Tajik Presidents Reaffirm Strategic Partnership and Regional Cooperation

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan on Oct. 9 in Dushanbe, reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to strengthening their strategic...


Kazakh Artistic Swimmers Triumph at Asian Championships in India With 28 Medals

ALMATY – The Kazakh artistic swimming team from Karaganda achieved a historic triumph at the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships, held from Sept. 28 to Oct. 11 in...


President Tokayev Establishes Working Group on Parliamentary Reform

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree establishing a working group on parliamentary reform on Oct. 8, following the key proposal of transitioning Kazakhstan to...


First Kazakh Woman in Space Joins Blue Origin’s 15th Human Flight

ALMATY – The first-ever space journey by a Kazakh woman was marked by Danna Karagussova, who made history by joining the crew of Blue Origin’s New Shepard...


Kazakhstan Becomes Regional Leader in Times Higher Education Rankings 2026

ALMATY – Kazakhstan has entered the world’s top 500 universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. The report, released on Oct. 9, highlights...


Kazakhstan, Germany Agree on Strategic Partnership to Foster Water Management

ALMATY – Kazakh Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the German Water Partnership (GWP) signed a strategic partnership agreement on Oct. 8 to strengthen cooperation in...


Kazakhstan Increases Budget Revenues as Digital Reform Advances

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s state budget revenues grew by 23.4% in 2025, reaching 21.6 trillion tenge (approximately US$40 billion). It was revealed during the Oct. 8 meeting between...


‘Capture Moment,’ Says Kai-Fu Lee on Kazakhstan’s AI Ambitions

ASTANA – Artificial intelligence pioneer Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, founder of Sinovation Ventures and author of “AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order,” believes Kazakhstan...


President Tokayev Voices Support for Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his support for the recently reached agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages during indirect...


OECD Survey Shows Notable Progress in Kazakhstan’s Education System

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has seen positive improvements in its education system, according to the latest Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) by the Organization for Economic Cooperation...


Kazakhstan, France, China Advance Nation’s Largest Renewable Energy Project

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital took a step toward a greener future as TotalEnergies, in partnership with Qazaq Green Power and KMG Green, has completed supplier selection...


Health Minister: Over 80,000 Foreign Patients Choose Kazakhstan for Medical Treatment

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has welcomed over 80,000 foreign citizens seeking medical treatment in the country since the beginning of the year. High-quality cardiac, neurosurgical, dental, and in...


Air Astana CEO Foster to Retire in March 2026, Ibrahim Canliel Named Successor

ASTANA – Air Astana Board of Directors announced on Oct. 8 that Peter Foster will retire from his position as Chief Executive Officer and from the board...


World Bank: Investing in Jobs Key to Boosting Productivity and Growth in Europe and Central Asia

ASTANA – Economic growth in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) has slowed but remains resilient amid global and regional challenges, according to the World Bank’s Europe and...


How Digital Tenge Could Start Changing Life in Kazakhstan Next Year

ASTANA –  Starting in 2026, Kazakhstan will begin the phased transition of all government budgets to the digital tenge. It is not just another payment tool –...


Kazakhstan Pushes Global Action to Strengthen Humanitarian Law

ASTANA – International humanitarian law (IHL) should be reinforced to protect civilians and ensure accountability in war, said government officials, humanitarian organizations, and International Committee of the...


Kazakh FM Urges Swift Launch of Turkic Investment Fund to Boost Regional Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev called on Turkic states to accelerate the launch of the Turkic Investment Fund, highlighting its potential to become a key...


Kazakh Entrepreneur Drives Ambitious Mission to Build 100 Eco-Friendly Villages

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is set to launch a large-scale project to build 100 green villages, an initiative led by entrepreneur and BIRCH CEO Vladimir Rich, who calls...


Kazakhstan Accelerates Shift to Cashless Economy as Digital Payments Hit Record High

ALMATY – The Kazakh National Bank reported robust growth in the country’s digital financial infrastructure from January to June 2025, with daily transactions through its payment systems...


Kazakhstan Travel Forum Highlights Safety and Growth in Tourism Sector

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan Travel Forum is taking place in Astana on Oct. 6-8, gathering major tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, airports, tourism associations, government agencies, and...


Turkic World Film Festival Awards Top Prizes in Aktau

ALMATY – Korkyt Ata Turkic World Film Festival held a closing ceremony on Oct. 4, announcing the winners among 47 films and bringing together filmmakers, cultural leaders,...


President Tokayev Proposes Expanding Integration at OTS Summit

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of unity in addressing global challenges, proposing initiatives to enhance political, economic, and cultural cooperation at the 12th summit...


Kazakhstan Chosen as Filming Location for Jackie Chan’s Upcoming Blockbuster

ALMATY – The fourth installment of the cult franchise “Armour of God: Ultimatum” starring Jackie Chan will be filmed in Kazakhstan, Salem Entertainment media company announced on...


Kazakhstan Leads Central Asia in Life Expectancy

ALMATY – Kazakhstan has achieved the highest life expectancy in Central Asia, reaching 75.4 years, following the introduction of the Compulsory Social Health Insurance (CSHI), Minister of...


FlyArystan to Launch Direct Flights from Aktau to Dubai in November

ALMATY – Kazakh low-cost airline FlyArystan will launch a new direct route connecting Aktau and Dubai on Nov. 29, offering travelers a convenient and affordable link to...


Kazakhstan Tops Global Gold Purchases in August Amid Record Prices

ALMATY – Kazakhstan emerged as the world’s leading gold purchaser in August, acquiring eight tons of the precious metal and surpassing other central banks, according to data...


Kazakhstan to Increase Oil Supply to Germany in 2026

ALMATY – Kazakhstan will expand oil exports to Germany in 2026 following an agreement between KazMunayGaz (KMG) and Rosneft Deutschland GmbH, the companies announced on Oct. 7....


How Armenia-Azerbaijan Deal Reconfigurates Eurasia’s Connectivity, Balance of Power

ASTANA – On Aug. 8, Armenia and Azerbaijan signed an agreement in Washington, D.C. under the mediation of the United States to normalize relations after decades of...


Dimash Meets Cultural Leaders Following Madison Square Garden Triumph in New York

ASTANA — World-renowned Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen met with prominent cultural figures and representatives of organizations promoting Kazakh culture and music in the United States at Kazakhstan’s...


Shaidorov Claims Gold at Denis Ten Memorial Challenge in Almaty

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s figure skating team leader Mikhail Shaidorov won the gold medal at the Denis Ten Memorial Challenge in Almaty. Shaidorov won both the short program...


Kazakhstan Opens Third UEFA-Standard Stadium in Kyzylorda

ASTANA – The Kaisar Arena, a new multifunctional complex featuring an 11,000-seat UEFA-standard stadium, has opened in Kyzylorda. Covering over 20,000 square meters, the facility includes venues...


Kazakhstan and Madrid Forge Digital Partnership to Boost GovTech and AI Collaboration

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s National Information Technologies (NITEC) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Digitalization of the Autonomous Community of Madrid on Oct. 3 to...


Almaty Receives World Craft City Status, Showcases Global Artistry at ALA CRAFT 2025

ALMATY – When warmth and care are needed, people return to childhood memories – where a handwoven carpet guarded sleep, a wooden toy chased away dark spirits,...


Kazakhstan Boosts Film Ties with Turkic Nations at Korkyt Ata Festival

ASTANA – As part of the Korkyt Ata International Film Festival of the Turkic World in Aktau, the State Center for National Cinema Support of Kazakhstan strengthened...


OPEC+ Eight to Boost Oil Output by 137,000 Barrels per Day in November

ASTANA – Eight leading OPEC+ countries, Algeria, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, have agreed to raise oil production by 137,000...


Kazakh PM Highlights AI and Technological Transformation at Digital Bridge 2025

ASTANA – Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov reiterated the nation’s commitment to achieving a new technological breakthrough during the plenary session of the Digital Bridge: Generative...


Almaty Museum Hosts Serbian Exhibition to Celebrate Women’s Role Across Centuries and Nations

ALMATY – Woman carries many missions in life – she nurtures, she inspires, she perseveres. Even in a world where some girls are denied opportunities, the stories...


Astana Leads Conversation on Peace and Faith

This September, Astana once again became the meeting point for faiths and cultures as it hosted the eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. What...


Scottish Bagpiper Marks Kazakhstan as 116th Country in Global Journey

ASTANA – Kazakhstan became the 116th country for Ross Jennings, a Scottish traveler and musician on a mission to play the bagpipes in every nation. Dressed in...


Kazakhstan Expands Wildlife Conservation Efforts: Growing Populations and Updated Red Book

ALMATY – Kazakhstan is strengthening its biodiversity conservation policies through new reintroduction projects, population monitoring of rare species, and updates to its Red Book of endangered animals....


Seven Startups Win at Astana Hub Battle During Digital Bridge 2025

ASTANA —  Seven startups from Central Eurasia secured $25,000 prizes each at the Astana Hub Battle, the region’s largest startup competition, held during the Digital Bridge 2025...


Ed Catmull at InMerge 2025: How Pixar Turned Impossible into Reality

BAKU — Imagine needing 100 supercomputers worth $10 million each just to make your movie. That was Pixar in the 1980s, a tiny team with a gigantic...


Kazakhstan’s Oldest Resident Turns 115 as Number of Centenarians Reaches 448

ALMATY – Kazakhstan counts 448 citizens aged 100 and over, with the oldest resident, a woman from the Ulytau Region, marking her 115th birthday, according to recent...