INMerge 2025: Innovation Knows No Borders, from Baku to Almaty

BAKU — “Start-ups born in Baku can scale to Almaty or Tashkent. Ideas tested in Istanbul can reach Tbilisi or Samarkand. Innovation knows no borders, so should we,” with...


Kazakhstan, Myanmar to Strengthen Partnership in Trade, Transport and Technology

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with Myanmar’s Acting President Min Aung Hlaing on Sept. 27 during his working visit to Kazakhstan, focusing on ways to strengthen bilateral...


INMerge Investment Forum Launches in Baku as Regional Investment Gateway

ALMATY – The inaugural INMerge Investment Forum, organized by PASHA Holding and co-hosted by the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), gathered leading private capital leaders in Baku on...


Real Madrid Greets Kazakh Fans Ahead of Champions League Match in Almaty

ALMATY – Spanish football club Real Madrid arrived in Almaty on Sept. 29 ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash against FC Kairat. The team was greeted with a...


Kazakhstan Enacts AI Law, Parliament Weighs Opportunities and Risks

ASTANA – Kazakhstan adopted a law on artificial intelligence, followed by a Mazhilis (lower house of the Kazakh parliament) hearing to examine its opportunities and challenges. On Sept. 24,...


Carlsberg CEO Names Kazakhstan Future Top Market

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is set to become one of Carlsberg Group’s five largest global markets, said Carlsberg Group CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen in an interview with The Astana Times.  He...


Kazakhstan’s Economy Projected to Grow 5.7% in 2025, Says EBRD

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s economy is forecast to grow by 5.7% this year before slowing to 4.5% in 2026, according to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) latest...


Five Underground Mosques in Western Kazakhstan Up for UNESCO Listing

ASTANA – Five underground mosques in the Mangystau peninsula are to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Mangystau Region governor’s press service announced on Sept. 22....


Kazakh Rider Breaks World Record Standing on Two Horses at Full Gallop

ASTANA — Young Kazakh rider Yernur Zhasuzak has entered the World Book of Records and the Kazakhstan Book of Records after standing on two horses and galloping two kilometers...


Kazakhstan’s National Parks Draw 2 Million Visitors in Seven Months 

ASTANA – Nearly two million tourists visited Kazakhstan’s national parks in the first seven months of 2025, reported the Kazakh Tourism national company, a clear sign of a greater...


Tokayev Outlines Vision for Scientific and Nuclear Advancement at National Council Meeting

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the critical role of science, technology, and nuclear energy in Kazakhstan’s long-term development during the Sept. 26 meeting of the National Council on...


Kazakhstan Strengthens Role in ICAO, Advances Gender Equality Agenda in Montreal

ALMATY – Chair of Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakh Ministry of Transport Saltanat Tompiyeva was elected Vice-Chair of the Administrative Commission on Sept. 25, during the 42nd Session of...


Paris Hosts UNESCO Concert Honoring Nurgisa Tlendiyev’s Centenary

ASTANA – A celebratory concert marking the 100th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s legendary composer Nurgisa Tlendiyev took place on Sept. 24 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Kazakh Minister of Culture...


When September Ends: Your Guide to Weekend Ahead

ASTANA – September’s final weekend is no time to wind down. From fascinating exhibitions to lively concerts, there is something for everyone. The Astana Times has curated a lineup...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Tokayev’s Visit to NY, Energy Projects and More

ASTANA — The Astana Times has selected articles on Kazakhstan that were featured in international media worldwide this week. Today’s foreign media digest includes coverage of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s...


Backstreet Boys Share Warm Impressions of Kazakhstan After Sold-Out Concerts 

ALMATY – The American band Backstreet Boys has left Kazakhstan after their Sept. 21 concert in Astana, following the performance in Almaty on Sept. 19, but their impressions of...


Kazakhstan Approves Updated Plan for Almaty Superski Tourism Project

ALMATY – Kazakhstan has approved the updated master plan for the Almaty Superski tourism project, aimed at strengthening the city’s position as a leading winter and ecological tourism destination...


Astana Strengthens Position as Regional Financial Hub in Latest Global Ranking

ALMATY – The thirty-eighth edition of the Global Financial Centers Index (GFCI 38), released on Sept. 25, confirmed Astana’s continued leadership in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.  According to...


Kazakhstan Names New Foreign Minister 

ALMATY – Kazakhstan appointed Yermek Kosherbayev as a new foreign minister, the presidential press service announced on Sept. 26, in a series of government and administrative reshuffles made by...


Nuclear Test Ban Body Maintains Meaningful Engagement with Holdout States, Says CTBTO Chief

VIENNA – The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) continues meaningful engagement with nine states that have yet to ratify the treaty that prevents testing of nuclear weapons, said the...


Astana Hosts International Conference on Youth Employment and Skills Development

ASTANA – More than 100 experts from Central Asia and the European Union gathered in the Kazakh capital on Sept. 24–26 for the International Conference on Youth Employment and...


Silk Way Star Brings Together Artists from 12 Countries in Kazakhstan

ASTANA — The Silk Way Star international music competition has united talented singers from 12 countries on a single stage in the Kazakh capital. The project premiered on the...


Kazakh FM Holds Series of Bilateral Meetings on UNGA Sidelines

ASTANA — Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu held a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Cyprus, Oman, Togo and the United...


Foreign Citizens from 14 Countries Obtain Neo Nomad Visa in Kazakhstan

ASTANA — Twenty-seven foreign citizens from 14 countries have received Kazakhstan’s Neo Nomad Visa since its introduction last year. The largest number of visas were issued to citizens of...


Girls for Girls Program Helps Women in Central Asia Find Strength via Mentorship

ASTANA – In a world where girls and women struggle with personal doubts and societal pressures that hold them back, what makes a difference is often the helping hand...


Kazakhstan Delivers Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan

ASTANA — Kazakhstan delivered a large shipment of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan by rail on Sept. 24. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, with the support of the Kazakhstan Agency...


PwC Study Highlights Risks in Central Asia’s Push for Green Energy

ASTANA – Coal is projected to remain Kazakhstan’s dominant energy source through 2035, accounting for more than 40% of the country’s energy mix despite ongoing decarbonization efforts, according to...


Harry Potter Train to Take Passengers on Magical Journey from Astana

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Passenger Transportation company announced the launch of the Potter Train, a new cultural and entertainment show that will debut on Oct. 5. For the first time...


EDB Report Shows 17% Slide in Eurasian IFI Investments, Points to Green Shift and Central Asia Boom

ASTANA – International financial institutions (IFIs) have reduced their real-term investments in Eurasia by 17% over the past 17 years, according to a new report from the Eurasian Development...


World Forum of Central Securities Depositories Kicks Off in Almaty

ALMATY – The World Forum of Central Securities Depositories (WFC2025) opened in Almaty on Sept. 24, marking a landmark event for Kazakhstan and Central Asia. The forum, hosted by...


Tokayev Backs China’s Global Initiatives as Path to Fairer World Order

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev voiced strong support for China’s Global Development and Global Governance Initiatives, calling them timely responses to growing geopolitical and economic challenges during a...


President Tokayev Holds High-Level Bilateral Meetings on Margins of UN General Assembly in New York

ASTANA – On the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a series of meetings with...


It is Time for Serious Conversation, Says Tokayev at UN

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for comprehensive UN reform, stronger global cooperation, and urgent steps toward peace, sustainability, and digital equity in a time of mounting instability...


Kazakh President Calls for UN Security Council Reform in State Address 

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his recent state-of-the-nation address, highlighted the significance of the United Nations’ 80th anniversary, calling it an indispensable platform for negotiations. At the...


What to Expect from UN High-Level Week in New York

ASTANA – It is this time of year when world leaders are gathering in New York for the United Nations General Assembly’s High-Level Week, an annual diplomatic marathon that...


Kazakhstan Deepens Global Partnerships at UN General Assembly in New York

ALMATY – On the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a series of high-level meetings with world leaders on Sept....


Kazakhstan to Partner with FIFA on Youth Football and Infrastructure

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss the future of football development in Kazakhstan on Sept. 22 in New York. Tokayev...


CICA Ministers Convene in New York to Establish Finance Summit, Women’s Council

ASTANA – An informal meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) will take place in New York on Sept....


Kazakhstan to Strengthen Innovation Ties with Amazon, Meta and OpenAI

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a series of high-level meetings with American technology and business leaders, including representatives from Amazon, Meta, Wabtec, and OpenAI, on Sept. 22 in...


Kazakhstan to Deepen Ties with US as Tokayev Engages Business Leaders in New York

ALMATY –  President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during his working visit to the United States, addressed a high-level roundtable with representatives of leading American companies on Sept. 22.  In his speech,...


How to Buy Tickets for Kairat vs Real Madrid Match: Prices and Rules Announced

ALMATY – Ticket sales for the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League match between Kazakhstan’s Kairat and Spain’s Real Madrid, held on Sept. 30 in Almaty, begins today.  Organizers emphasized...


AI, Agri-Science, and International Students Drive Ualikhanov University’s Rise in Kokshetau

ASTANA — Kazakhstan has been rebranding its universities to enhance educational standards and position the country as a hub for learning in Eurasia. In today’s turbulent world, it aims...


Kazakhstan’s Migration Flows Lean Strongly Toward Cities

ASTANA – Cities in Kazakhstan are expanding at record speed, reshaping the nation’s economy and society, but straining infrastructure and deepening the divide between booming megacities and shrinking small...


Astana Fans Sing in Unison as Backstreet Boys Deliver Timeless Hits

ASTANA – The Backstreet Boys lit up Astana Arena on Sept. 21, performing for around 30,000 fans, including more than 12,000 international visitors from 45 countries. Organized by Astana Concert...


Kazakh Company with UK Driving Instructors Association to Modernize Testing

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s IT company TrustExam.ai (operating locally as Oqylyq.kz) has formed a strategic partnership with the UK’s Driving Instructors Association (DIA) to digitally transform the theoretical driving exam...


Kazakh Athlete Brings Historic Gold in Greco-Roman Wrestling

ASTANA — Aidos Sultangali secured the gold medal in the men’s 60-kilogram weight category in Greco-Roman wrestling on Sept. 20 at the World Championships held in Zagreb, Croatia, defeating...


Wabtec to Open First Diesel Engine Plant Abroad in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Wabtec, a global leader in locomotive manufacturing, confirmed plans to launch production of new diesel engines at the Astana Diesel Service plant in 2026 – the first...


Kazakhstan Joins Global Leaders in Appeal to Uphold Humanitarian Law

ASTANA – The leaders of Kazakhstan, Brazil, Jordan, China, France, and South Africa, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), issued a statement calling for action to...


Smithsonian to Bring US Artisans to Almaty Festival Under New Cultural Exchange Program

ASTANA – The Smithsonian Institution is preparing several cultural exchange initiatives with Kazakhstan, including the participation of U.S. artisans in an international crafts festival in Almaty next month, as...


Tokayev Holds High-Level Meetings with Global Business and Educational Leaders in New York

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev began his working visit to New York with a series of high-level meetings on Sept. 21. With Cameco Corporation CEO Tim Gitzel, President Tokayev...