20 years of Shanghai Cooperation Organization: a View from Kazakhstan

Over the past two decades, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which was founded on June 15, 2001 as one of the largest multilateral structures in the world,...


Nur-Sultan Hosts EU-Kazakhstan Discussion on Low Carbon Economy 

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan hosted the seventh meeting of dialogue on economic and business matters between the European Union and Kazakhstan, known as Business Platform,...


Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve Forum Summarizes First Achievements

NUR-SULTAN – The Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve Forum was held in Nur-Sultan on June 12, reported the press service of the Kazakh Ministry of Information and Social...


Kazakh PM Notes Strategic Cooperation between Kazakhstan, UAE

NUR-SULTAN – Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin noted the high level of strategic cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates during the visit of Emirati...


German Works Display Kazakhstan of 145 Years Ago and Now

NUR-SULTAN – The National Museum of Kazakhstan hosted June 11 an opening of the exhibition named “Welcome to the Great Steppe – with Alfred Brehm in Kazakhstan...


Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President with a Human Rights Agenda

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will certainly be remembered in history books as ‘the human rights leader,’ one of the first Eurasian rulers who put the interests and...


Astana Opera to Present Series of Open Air Concerts

NUR-SULTAN – Astana Opera House opens a summer season with a series of open air concerts in the Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan, reports the theatre’s press service. The...


More International Destinations Open Up to Kazakh Travelers

NUR-SULTAN – The Polish airline LOT Polish Airlines has resumed its flights between Warsaw and Nur-Sultan from June 10 with a frequency of one flight per week,...


Kazakh Tennis Players Alexander Bublik and Andrey Golubev Reach Men’s Doubles Final at French Open

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh tennis duo of Alexander Bublik and Andrey Golubev move on to the final of the French Open that will be held on June...


New Human Rights Reforms to Make Kazakhstan a Safer and More Equal Society

NUR-SULTAN – On June 9, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree “On further human rights measures in Kazakhstan” as part of his political modernization agenda. The...


President Tokayev Focuses on Economic Diversification, Greener Economy at Foreign Investors’ Council

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke about the need for greater economic diversification and greener solutions in the economy at the 33rd session of the Foreign...


Kazakhstan Elected to UN ECOSOC for Next Three Years

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan has been elected to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations for 2022-2024 at the 73rd plenary session of the UN...


Construction of Gas Processing Plant Kicks Off at Kashagan Oilfield

NUR-SULTAN – The gas processing plant will be built at Kashagan oilfield, PrimeMinister.kz reported on June 8. This was announced during the working visit of Kazakh Prime...


Gold and Foreign Exchange Reserves of Kazakh National Bank Grow by $2.2 Billion

NUR-SULTAN – The gold and foreign exchange reserves of the Kazakh National Bank increased by $2.2 billion in May amounting to $36.5 billion by the end of...


New Decree on Human Rights Helps Establish Effective Protective Mechanisms, Experts Say

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree “On further human rights measures in Kazakhstan” into law on June 9, reported the Akorda press service.  “An...


Only One Region Left in Red Zone, Says Kazakh Healthcare Minister

NUR-SULTAN – Though the coronavirus infection does not seem to be going anywhere, there are some signs of improvement in Kazakhstan. Only the Kazakh capital city of...


Kazakh Government to Focus on Inclusive Environment, Education

NUR-SULTAN – The rights and protection of people with disabilities is one of the most important tasks of the country.  According to the Ministry of Healthcare, there...


EU Special Representative Commends Central Asian Regional Development, Outlines Avenues for Future Cooperation

NUR-SULTAN – Peter Burian, European Union (EU) Special Representative for Central Asia, highlighted the progress of regional development in Central Asia and expressed a resolution to expand...


Two Years of Tokayev’s Presidency: Reforms Agenda amid Tackling Pandemic

June 9 marks two years since Kassym-Jomart Tokayev became the President of Kazakhstan following presidential elections in 2019. The last twelve months have undoubtedly been overshadowed by...


National Bank Updates Economic Forecast for Kazakhstan

NUR-SULTAN – The National Bank of Kazakhstan updated its forecast for the country’s economic growth to 3.6-3.9 percent in 2021 and at 4.0-4.3 percent for 2022, reports...


Former Penal Institution Turned Into Art and Creativity Center in Almaty

NUR-SULTAN – A new art residence opened in a building with a rich history in Almaty. Aimed at developing the domestic creative economy, the new residence transformed...


Kazakhstan to Fine People Breaching Self Isolation Regime

NUR-SULTAN – People violating the self-isolation regime will face an administrative fine starting June 10, said the country’s Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control in a statement. ...


West Kazakhstan Region Offers Well-Developed Infrastructure and Benefit for Investors

NUR-SULTAN – The West Kazakhstan region observed positive trends in all main socio-economic indicators by the end of 2020. The region has been implementing major projects in...


International Youth Forum in Kazakh Capital Highlights Achievements of New Generation

NUR-SULTAN – The “We Are the Patriots” International Youth Forum dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Kazakh Independence was hosted in the capital June 4, reported...


President Tokayev, António Guterres Discuss Cooperation Between Kazakhstan, UN

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and UN Secretary-General António Guterres discussed priority areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United Nations during their June 4 virtual...


Kazakhstan Enters Green Zone as Epidemiological Situation Improves

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan has entered the low-risk green zone as the epidemiological situation improves in the country. Only two regions – the capital city Nur-Sultan and the...


Development Bank of Kazakhstan Celebrates its 20th Anniversary with Major Achievements in Non-Resource Financing

NUR-SULTAN – This year, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK), the national financial institution, is celebrating its 20th anniversary, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s...


Kazakh Tennis Player Elena Rybakina Upsets Serena Williams, Reaches Roland Garros Quarterfinals

NUR-SULTAN – 21-year-old Kazakh tennis player Elena Rybakina stunted three-time winner of Roland Garros Serena Williams with a 6-3, 7-5 victory in the fourth round of the...


Three New Universities to Be Built in Almaty

NUR-SULTAN – The Akim (Mayor) of Almaty Bakytzhan Sagintayev announced plans to build three new universities aimed at preparing information technology specialists during the recent press briefing. ...


Kasteev Museum of Arts Introduces Audio Description For People with Visual Impairments

NUR-SULTAN – Audio descriptions of more than 50 art and history exhibits for visitors with visual impairments were introduced at the Abilkhan Kasteev State Museum of Arts...


ECOJER International Congress Foregrounds Areas for Sustainable Economic Development

NUR-SULTAN – The first ECOJER International climate congress titled “Shape a Sustainable Future” was held in the Kazakh capital on June 3-4, reported the Kazakh Ministry of...


We Are at a Crossroads

World Environment Day, celebrated globally on June 5, is an opportunity for us to pause and reflect on the health of our planet. The race between the...


Kazakhstan Celebrates Day of National Symbols

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan is celebrating the Day of State Symbols on June 4.  The national symbols are one of the main symbols of the country, which embody...


Kazakhstan, Netherlands Sign $232 Million Agricultural Investment Deals

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan and the Netherlands signed agreements in the development of agriculture exceeding 100 billion tenge (US$232.5 million) during the visit of the Dutch delegation to...


President Tokayev, Armen Sarkissian Discuss Diplomatic Relations

NUR-SULTAN – Armenian President Armen Sarkissian visited the Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan June 3, where he met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the First President Nursultan Nazarbayev,...


Thank you Riga, Hello Helsinki and Tampere

OSLO – The preliminary matches of the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship has become one of the most sensational in the modern history of hockey. It...


Domestic Air Travel Fully Resumed in Kazakhstan, Says Kazakh Minister

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development Beibit Atamkulov reported on the aviation sector and said that domestic air travel has been fully resumed during...


Tourist Huts to Be Built in Almaty Mountains to Improve Hiking Safety

NUR-SULTAN – Some 15 huts for tourist shelter equipped with Wi-Fi, charging stations, first-aid kits are planned to be constructed in the Almaty mountain area, the tourist...


Uzbek Prime Minister Visits Kazakhstan

NUR-SULTAN – Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov visited the Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan, where he met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, his Kazakh counterpart Askar Mamin and other...


President Tokayev, Xi Jinping Commend Bilateral Ties

NUR-SULTAN –  Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chinese leader Xi Jinping commended the bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and China during their phone conversation on Wednesday, reports the...


Zhansaya Abdumalik Becomes First Central Asian Female Chess Player to Receive Man Grandmaster Title

NUR-SULTAN – Young Kazakh chess prodigy Zhansaya Abdumalik became the first ever female player from both Kazakhstan and Central Asia to receive the Man Grandmaster title on...


Government Presents Plan on Socio-Economic Development of Turkistan Region for 2021-2025

NUR-SULTAN – The plan on socio-economic development of the Turkistan region for 2021-2025 was presented at the June 1 government meeting headed by Prime Minister Askar Mamin. ...


Nur-Sultan Hosts Third Energy Saving Forum

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan hosted the third Energy Saving Forum on May 28 gathering government officials, representatives of international organizations, and experts, reports the Kazakh...


Kazakhstan Receives First Batch of China’s CoronaVac Vaccine

NUR-SULTAN – The first batch of China’s CoronaVac vaccine arrived in Kazakhstan on Tuesday, said Kazakh Minister of Healthcare Alexey Tsoy at the government meeting, reports Kazakh...


Center for Studying Golden Horde Era to Open in Karaganda Region

NUR-SULTAN – The Jochi Khan historical and cultural center will open its doors in the Karaganda region in the near future, the press service of the regional...


President Tokayev Addresses Seventy-Fourth World Health Assembly

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the closing session of the 74th World Health Assembly that ran from May 24 to June 1 and gathered delegations...


President Tokayev Reaffirms Commitment to Chair WTO Ministerial Conference in Fall

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed his country’s commitment to chair the 12th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference scheduled to be held in the end of...


Kazakhstan Celebrates International Children’s Day

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan marks the International Children’s Day with major events nationwide on June 1.   President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the Kazakh people on this day.  “Our strategic...


Snow Leopards Lost to Vikings, but Not Lose Hope for Playoffs

OSLO – Sport has always been interesting for its intrigue. We were convinced of this when the Kazakh national team played their final against the Norwegian team. With...


Zhambyl Region Continues Reconstruction of Tekturmas Historical Complex

NUR-SULTAN – The Zhambyl region tourism development map has hit another milestone with the continued reconstruction of the Tekturmas historical complex since its launch in 2018, reports...


Kazakh Foreign Ministry Predicts Rise of Foreign Direct Investment To Pre-Pandemic Level In Next Two Years

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects the level of foreign direct investment in Kazakhstan to rise back to the pre-pandemic level at the turn of...


Kazakhstan Honors Victims of Stalinist Political Repressions and Famine

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan marked on May 31st the Day of Remembrance of Victims of Political Repressions and Famine, the day when the nation remembers one of the...


WHO Director-General Commends Kazakhstan’s Vaccine Rollout

NUR-SULTAN – Director-General of the World Health Organization Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended Kazakhstan’s vaccine rollout during their virtual meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on May...


Kazakh Female Boxers Make a Splash at 2021 ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championship

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan’s national team won eight gold medals across 10 weight categories in the Asian Boxing Confederation’s (ASBC) Asian Elite Women’s Boxing Championships held in Dubai,...


Kazakhstan Crushes Italy and Rewrites History

OSLO – In the sixth match of the Ice Hockey World Championship, the national team of Kazakhstan defeated the Italian team with a crushing score of 11-3....


Ten Kazakh Films to Take Part in Eurasian Creative Guild Film Festival in London

NUR-SULTAN – Ten Kazakh films will be presented at the Eurasian Creative Guild Film Festival on June 24-28 in London. This year, a third ECG Film Festival...


Kazakhstan Gives Maple Leaves Chance to Play Offs

OSLO – On Friday the national team of Kazakhstan, after a hard fight with Canada, gives the Maple Leaves a playoff chance, losing 2-4.  Before the match,...


Leveraging the Power of Youth For a Better Peace

Over the past year, to be a United Nations peacekeeper in the field has meant adopting new levels of flexibility and resilience in the face of evolving...


The Dollar Mirage

Some years ago in Dubai, out to dinner, the barman explained how lucky I was because tomorrow all the drinks prices will be doubling. The place wasn’t...


One Million People Fully Vaccinated from Coronavirus in Kazakhstan

NUR-SULTAN – As of May 28, 1 million people in Kazakhstan have completed the full course of vaccination against COVID-19 by receiving two components of the vaccine,...


Kazakh Women Returning From Syria Given Special Rehabilitation For PTSD and Survivor’s Guilt

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh women who have been returned from Syria are in the process of reverse integration into the Kazakh society with the goal of developing a...


Youth Development Index to Be Introduced By the End of 2021

NUR-SULTAN – The Youth Development Index aimed at unifying various approaches to implementing and monitoring youth-related policies will be developed and introduced to the Parliamentary legislation by...


Turkish Airlines Launch Flights From Turkistan

NUR-SULTAN – Turkish Airlines launched flights from Turkistan to Istanbul on May 22, reports the Civil Aviation Committee. The launch of the new route is dedicated to...


Pavlodar Region Identifies Priority Sectors for Investments, Creates Favorable Conditions for Businesses with Access to Neighboring Markets

NUR-SULTAN – The Pavlodar region has identified its priority sectors for attracting investors. They are machine manufacturing, metallurgy, petrochemistry, construction materials, and food processing.  The Pavlodar region...


LaDiplomatie.fr: “Kazakhstan Facilitates Diplomatic Relations Between Europe and Asia”

From India to Crimea, through Syria, Iran and Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan has been using its resources for the benefit of peace on both continents for many years. This...


Kazakhstan to Increase Share of Renewable Energy to 15 Percent by 2030

NUR-SULTAN – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the government to bring the share of renewable energy in the nation’s total energy grid to 15 percent by 2030 at...


Bokeyorda Nature Reserve to Be Built In West Kazakhstan

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev confirmed a decision to create the Bokeyorda and Ashiozek nature reserves with a total area of 657,000 hectares after a meeting...


Kazakhstan Stops Germany’s Machine at Ice Hockey World Championship

OSLO – In the fourth game of the World Championships using every weapon in its arsenal, the national team of Kazakhstan ended Germany’s winning streak at three...


Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources to Focus on Landfill Solutions

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources presented its plan to create an energy waste utilization plant, according to a May 25 report...


Каzakhstan to Allocate Nearly $702 Million in 2021 to Its Employment Program

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan will allocate 300 billion tenge (US$701.7 million) to its Employment Road Map program in 2021, said Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Mamin at a May...


Reform Processes Continue in Kazakhstan Despite Pandemic, Says Expert

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan has managed to minimize the negative impact of the pandemic, said Assistant to the President of Kazakhstan, Chairman of the Kazakhstan Council on International...


President Tokayev Calls for More Sustainable Solutions in Extractive Industry

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the High-Level Global Roundtable on Extractive Industries May 25. The meeting was initiated by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and attended...


Kazakhstan Approved to Begin Selling on Amazon

NUR-SULTAN – E-commerce giant Amazon has added Kazakhstan to its list of countries accepted to register for selling on Amazon on May 20, the Kazakh Trade and...


New Law on Elections Aims to Engage Kazakh Citizens in Political Institutions, Experts Say

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh President Kassym Jomart Tokayev signed “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts on Election Issues of Kazakhstan” into law on May 25, reports...


Kazakh PM Instructs Government to Accelerate Vaccine Rollout

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Mamin has instructed his government to accelerate the vaccine rollout during a May 25 government meeting, as more than two million...


Kazakh Music Star Dimash Kudaibergen Celebrates 27th Birthday

NUR-SULTAN – Popular Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen, also known as Dimash, celebrated his 27th birthday on May 24. Kudaibergen received heartfelt congratulations from all over the world,...


Imanbek Wins Billboard Music Award for Top Dance Song

NUR-SULTAN – In another milestone for the Kazakh music industry, Imanbek Zeikenov, known as Imanbek, won the 2021 Billboard Music Award for Top Dance/Electronic Song for his...


Kazakh, Tajik Businesses Sign Agreements Worth $100 Million in Dushanbe

NUR-SULTAN – Following last week’s official visit by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Dushanbe, the businesses of the two countries signed agreements worth $100 million, said Kazakh Minister...


Kazakhstan Beats Defending Champion Finland at Ice Hockey World Championship

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh national ice hockey team stunned defending champion Finland with an unprecedented success and 2-1 final score at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF)...


Ashyq App Gives Hope to Businesses to Reopen

NUR-SULTAN – Since the outbreak of coronavirus last year in March, businesses in Kazakhstan have been reeling from the consequences, but the recent launch of the Ashyq...


President Tokayev Chairs Supreme Eurasian Economic Council Meeting

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting on May 21 , reports the Akorda press service. The Supreme Eurasian Economic Council...


Kazakh Scientists Reveal Two Major Routes of Satellite-Tagged Steppe Eagles

NUR-SULTAN – The Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan released information about the routes of the satellite-tagged steppe eagles (Aquila nipalensis), according to the association’s...


Swiss Photographer Captures His Pre-Pandemic Train Journey Across Kazakhstan

NUR-SULTAN – Berlin-based Swiss photographer Mario Heller has always loved trains and their liminal space. It almost seems like a frivolous yet strong enough reason for an...


UN General Assembly Commits to Support Initiatives to Revive Aral Sea

NUR-SULTAN – The United Nations General Assembly adopted a May 19 resolution on the Aral Sea region declaring it a zone of ecological innovations and technologies and...


Kazakhstan Senate Passes Voting Reform to Give Citizenry More Options at Ballot Box

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh Senate ratified the amendment to return the “against all” option to voting ballots in elections on all levels. The decision to confirm amendments...


First Modular Housing Building is Unveiled in Kazakh Capital

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Prime Minister Askar Mamin has committed to increasing the availability of modular housing in the country during his visit to the first modular residential...


Kazakhstan’s Air Travel Resumed With Thirteen Countries

NUR-SULTAN – As summer is just around the corner, Kazakhstan is gradually increasing international travel, giving people hope for a summer vacation. The nation has resumed air...


Kazakh Women Are More Involved in Entrepreneurship Since Start of Pandemic

NUR-SULTAN – Visa presented the results of a study indicating higher Kazakh women’s participation in the field of entrepreneurship since the start of the coronavirus crisis and...


Almaty Hosts United Nations Staff Officer Course for Military Personnel

NUR-SULTAN – The United Nations Staff Officer course kicked off on May 19 at the Peacekeeping Training Center in Almaty, according to the press service of the...


Kokshetau Named Cultural Capital of Kazakhstan in 2021

NUR-SULTAN – Kokshetau became the cultural capital of Kazakhstan in 2021 as a result of the Ruhani Kazyna national festival dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Kazakh...


Kazakhstan, Tajikistan Agree to Boost Trade, Strengthen Political Dialogue

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev began his two-day visit to Dushanbe May 19 meeting with Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon and other senior officials, reports the Akorda...


Project on National Digital Currency Requires Well-Developed Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Norms, Says Expert

NUR-SULTAN – The National Bank of Kazakhstan released a May 5 research report dedicated to the introduction of the digital tenge concept into the public forum of...


Epidemiological Situation Steadily Stabilizing in Kazakhstan, Says Kazakh Healthcare Minister

NUR-SULTAN – The epidemiological situation in Kazakhstan is gradually stabilizing and the incidence rate declined 20 percent in the past two weeks, Kazakh Minister of Healthcare Alexey...


FC Kairat Allows Spectators Back Into Stadium For the First Time Since Start of Pandemic

NUR-SULTAN – Almaty-based FC Kairat beat FC Aktobe at the Central Almaty arena with the 4:2 final score on May 18, reports the press service of the...


Kazakh Innovative E-Agricultural Platform Becomes Champion of WSIS Prize 2021

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh digital agricultural platform Supervision Technology Digital Land Monitoring became one of the 5 final champions of the World Summit on the Information Society...


Humanitarian Aid from Kazakhstan Arrives in Kyrgyzstan

NUR-SULTAN – The first batch of humanitarian aid from Kazakhstan arrived on May 18 in Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek, reported the press service of the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign...


Kazakhstan Commits Greater Effort to Preserving Saiga Antelope Population

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan is set to take more measures to preserve the saiga antelope population, said Kazakh Minister of Ecology, Geology, and Natural Resources Magzum Mirzagaliyev during...


Gennady Golovkin Beats Out Legendary Muhammad Ali on Top Boxer’s List

NUR-SULTAN – The Boxrec website dedicated to holding records of professional and amateur boxers has compiled a list of the best boxers of all time. Pound for...


Identity Documents and Other Public Services Now Available on Mobile App in Kazakhstan

NUR-SULTAN – The pandemic has accelerated the pace of digitalization, said Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry Bagdat Mussin  at the May 13 press conference...


Kazakhfilm Begins Implementation of 3-Year Modernization Plan

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhfilm studios have begun the modernization process that is expected to last 3 years and incorporate new technical equipment, reconstruction of engineering networks and buildings...