Kazakh Football Team Beats Northern Ireland in Historic Win

ASTANA – The Kazakh national football team defeated Northern Ireland 1:0 in the qualifiers for Euro 2024, which took place in Belfast on June 19, bringing a historic victory...


Kazakhstan Outlines New Measures to Protect Consumer Rights

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will create a position of Ombudsperson on Consumer Protection as part of the draft law to protect consumer rights, said Minister of Trade and Integration Serik...


President Tokayev Commends Inter-Parliamentary Diplomacy Between Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev commended the development of inter-parliamentary diplomacy between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan at a June 19 meeting with Chairperson of the Uzbek Senate, Tanzila Narbayeva, reported...


Kazakh FM Pays Official Visit to Belarus

ASTANA – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu paid an official visit to Belarus on June 19, meeting President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, reported the Kazakh Foreign...


Kazakhstan Dominates Germany’s Foreign Trade with Central Asia

ASTANA – Kazakhstan accounts for more than 80% of Germany’s foreign trade with Central Asian countries, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a meeting with Germany’s Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier...


Kazakh Tourism Industry Exceeds Pre-Pandemic Levels

ASTANA – With the Kazakh tourism industry surpassing pre-pandemic levels last year, the Kazakh government is devising new strategies to enhance the country’s substantial tourism potential, reported the Prime...


Kazakh Pilgrims Travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj

ASTANA – Kazakh pilgrims have started arriving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, reported the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 17.  Hajj is an...


Citi Commits to Kazakhstan’s Economic Growth as Trusted Partner 

ASTANA – The Astana Times spoke with David Livingstone, Citi’s Chief Executive Officer in Europe, Middle East and Africa, about the company’s strategy in the region and expansion plans...


UN Diplomat Shares Insights on Multilateralism, Security Council Reforms

ASTANA – The significance of embracing a multilateral mindset is growing, yet recommitting to it through a crisis is a luxury the world cannot afford, said David Chikvaidze, Chef...


Uzbek Athlete Runs Marathon Along Aral Sea Bottom

ASTANA – Uzbek athlete and organizer of mass races Andrey Kulikov ran the Aral Eco Marathon with a distance of over 42 kilometers along the bottom of the Aral...


Creation of New National Quality is Key Part of Ideological Work, Says State Counselor

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined prospects for the spiritual and moral development of Kazakhstan’s society in his address at the National Kurultai (National Congress) meeting, proposing steps to implement the...


President of Germany to Strengthen Ties with Kazakhstan During State Visit

ASTANA – Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will be on a state visit to Kazakhstan on June 19-21, at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reported the Akorda press service...


Kazakhstan Among Leaders in Hosting Global Events in Central Asia and Caucasus

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is one of the leading countries in hosting international events in Central Asia and the Caucasus, according to the Country and City Rankings 2022 report by...


Twenty Mobilography Fest Winners in Kazakhstan to Undergo Internship in New York

ASTANA – Twenty winners of the Mob Fest mobilography festival organized in Kazakhstan for the first time will intern at the New York Film Academy, Kazinform reported on June...


French Expert Says Afghanistan-Related Challenges Loom Large for Central Asia as Geopolitical Competition Intensifies

ASTANA – Addressing the situation in Afghanistan remains on top of the agenda for Central Asia, said Michael Levystone, an associate research fellow at the Institut Français des Relations...


Aktau and Kuryk Ports Included in Seaport Aktau Special Economic Zone

ASTANA – The ports of Aktau and Kuryk have been incorporated into the Seaport Aktau special economic zone (SEZ) following a presidential decree to increase Kazakhstan’s transport and logistics...


Special Operation Rescues Hostages in Bank in Astana

ASTANA – Law enforcement agencies stormed the premises of Kaspi Bank in Astana on June 18, rescuing all hostages and neutralizing the hostage taker, reports the Ministry of Internal...


Ninety One: Beacon of Cultural Expression and Activism Through Music in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has witnessed a remarkable surge in its pop music scene over the past few years, with a new wave of talented artists emerging and captivating audiences....


First Illustrated Guide-Book About Almaty Is Available in English

ASTANA – “Salem, Almaty!” (Hi, Almaty) is not only the first illustrated guide about the city of Almaty but also a declaration of love for the city, as its...


President Tokayev Prioritizes Identity-Building and Youth Education at National Kurultai

ASTANA – Nurturing cultural and historical identity and prioritizing youth education are key pillars for fostering responsible citizenship to build a Just Kazakhstan, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the...


Explore Wonders of Naurzum: Kazakhstan’s Stunning UNESCO-Listed Reserve

ASTANA – The Naurzum national nature reserve is a protected area in northern Kazakhstan in the Kostanai Region. It covers an area of around 191,000 hectares and was established...


Astana to Host Third International Puppet Theater Festival

ASTANA – Kuralay International Puppet Theater Festival will take place in Astana on June 25-29, the Puppet Theater of Astana announced on June 13. The festival, named after Kuralay...


Camel Breeding Emerges in Kazakhstan’s Karagandy Region

ASTANA — Camels are being bred for the first time in the Bukhar-Zhyrau district of the Karagandy Region and now local residents produce their own shubat, a fermented camel...


World-Renowned Ludovico Einaudi Set to Perform in Kazakhstan in September 

ASTANA – Internationally acclaimed composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi is scheduled to take the stage in Kazakhstan this September in an eagerly awaited event for music enthusiasts in the...


Kazakhstan’s Aisultan Seitov Wins Best Director Award at Shanghai International Film Festival

ASTANA – Kazakh filmmaker Aisultan Seitov won Best Director Award for his “QASH” (Run) debut movie at the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival in Shanghai, according to Qara production’s press...


No Referendum on Nuclear Power Plant Construction in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan will not be put to a referendum, Vice Minister of Energy Zhandos Nurmaganbetov said on the sidelines...


Gennadiy Golovkin Renounces All Championship Belts

ASTANA – Kazakh legendary boxer Gennadiy Golovkin officially relinquished the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) middleweight title, the last belt he had since vacating the World Boxing Association (WBA) and...


Experts Say AIF Made Valuable Contributions to Global Debate on Pressing Issues

ASTANA – The Astana International Forum made a valuable contribution to addressing today’s most pressing issues, offering a broad spectrum of topics for discussion, including environment, energy security, and...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakh-EU Ties, IMF Regional Center in Almaty,  Middle Corridor and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has picked a selection of articles on Kazakhstan published in international media across the world. This week’s foreign media digest includes articles on Kazakhstan’s...


Indispensable Work of Forest Officers as Wildfire in Abai Region Localized

ASTANA – Wildfires that were raging in the Abai Region since June 8 have been localized, leaving smoldering fires to be extinguished. Evacuated residents of adjacent villages have returned...


Central Asia, European Union Seek to Strengthen Interregional Ties

ASTANA – Central Asian and European Union officials reaffirmed their willingness to deepen interregional cooperation during the tenth anniversary meeting of the Central Asia-EU High Level Political and Security...


Forum on Future: Exploring Central Asia’s Opportunities and Relationships

Washington, DC is a city synonymous with both American History and modern political power. It is also the frequent host of international visitors, as countries around the world interact...


Air Astana Launches Almaty-Tel Aviv Flights in September 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s national carrier Air Astana plans to launch Almaty – Tel Aviv flights starting from Sept. 7, reported the Civil Aviation Committee’s press service on June 15....


List of Events for Special Weekend in Astana 

ASTANA — Relax this weekend after a working week by visiting amazing concerts, sporting events and shows in the Kazakh capital. The Astana Times editorial team has prepared a...


In Brussels Experts and Diplomats Scrutinize EU Objectives in Central Asia

BRUSSELS – The European Union (EU)-Kazakhstan cooperation goes beyond political arrangements, forging solutions in easing visa restrictions, removing trade barriers, promoting sustainability, and transferring new technologies. Brussels-based EURACTIV media...


Kazakhstan, EU Review Bilateral, Interregional Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu met with European Union (EU) Special Representative for Central Asia Terhi Hakala and Deputy Secretary General of the...


AIFC Attracts $8.3 Billion of Investment Since 2018

ASTANA – The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has attracted more than $8.3 billion of international investment since its launch in 2018, said AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov during a...


Firefighters Localize Wildfire in Abai Region

ASTANA – Forest fires that covered 60,000 hectares in the Abai Region were localized at 9 p.m. on June 14, reported the Kazakh Ministry of Emergency Situations. The ministry...


World Bank Allocates $2 Million to Support Kazakhstan Resilient Landscapes Restoration Project

ASTANA – The World Bank has prepared a $2 million grant to support the Kazakhstan Resilient Landscapes Restoration Project, said World Bank Country Manager for Kazakhstan Andrei Mikhnev. International...


Trade Turnover Between Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Reaches $1.1 Billion in January-March

ASTANA – The trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan has reached $1.1 billion in the first three months of this year, a 5.2% increase from the same period of...


Kazakh Officials Sign Major Investment and Partnership Projects at Astana International Forum

ASTANA – Significant agreements and deals were signed during the Astana International Forum on June 8-9 to boost Kazakhstan’s investment and economic growth. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Claudio...


Middle Powers Face Down Great Powers at Astana Forum 

At the Astana International Forum on June 8-9, Kazakhstan launched a new diplomatic initiative that calls for dialogue among the Middle Powers as a way “to amplify voices for...


Coursera CEO Talks Top Course Preferences of Kazakhstan’s Users

ASTANA – Coursera CEO Jeff Maggioncalda shared insights into Kazakhstan’s user preferences for online courses, emphasizing the remarkable surge in enrollments and praising Kazakhstan’s unwavering dedication to human capital...


Kazakh Animated Film Wins at Indian Festival

ASTANA – Kazakh short animated movie “Besik Zhyry” (Lullaby) was recognized as the best animated film at the Roshani International Film Festival 2023 in India, the Culture and Sports...


Time For Reform Is Now, and Rewards Are Boundless, Says Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Strategic Planning Agency 

ASTANA – Following Kazakhstan’s political reset and in the context of its economic landscape, The Astana Times interviewed Aset Irgaliyev, Chairman of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms,...


Wildfire in Abai Region Decreases Significantly, Local Administration Says

ASTANA – The area of the fire in the Abai Region has significantly reduced in recent days, akim (governor) of the region Nurlan Urankhayev informed, stressing that the operation...


From Pathway to Highway in Eurasia

2,500 kilometers – a drive from Astana to Almaty and back – is the average distance that can be saved by using the Middle Corridor to transport goods from...


Kazakhstan’s Economy Grows 4.5% in First Five Months of 2023

ASTANA – The economy of Kazakhstan has grown 4.5% over the first five months of this year, Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantyrov said at the government’s meeting on...


EBRD President Reaffirms Support for Kazakhstan’s Energy Transition, Women’s Representation

ASTANA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will support Kazakhstan, recognizing its significant capacity to develop renewable energy and increase transit potential through Middle Corridor, in...


Roubini Highlights Kazakhstan’s Maneuver Among Major Countries, Its Role as Middle Power

ASTANA — The Astana International Forum featured a June 9 presentation of a book titled “The New Kazakhstan: Steering The Steppe Amid A Global Storm,” with renowned American economist...