Kazakhstan Evacuates 109 Citizens from Iran Amid Regional Tensions

ASTANA – Amid growing instability in the Middle East, Kazakhstan has evacuated 109 of its citizens from Iran, with 89 individuals transiting through Turkmenistan and 20 through...


New Report Explores Economic Potential of Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan Partnership

ASTANA – The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and the Institute for Development and Diplomacy (IDD) at ADA University have released a joint analytical report outlining prospects...


Dimash Qudaibergen Performs at Central Asia – China Summit, Highlights Cultural Ties

ASTANA – Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen performed the Chinese-language song “The Crown” at a ceremonial evening on June 17, as part of the second Central Asia –...


Kazakhstan to Donate 1,500 Saiga Antelopes to China for Species Restoration Effort

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the decision to donate 1,500 saiga antelopes to China for resettlement in the country’s western regions, supporting efforts to...


Kazakhstan to Build Central Asia’s First Tier IV Data Center

ASTANA – Construction has begun in the Kazakh capital on Central Asia’s first Tier IV data center, led by AKASHI DATA CENTER and set for completion in...


Kazakhstan’s Tompiyeva Secures Key Role at Global ICAO Meeting

ASTANA – Saltanat Tompiyeva, chair of Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation Committee, has been elected vice-chair of the 2025 ICAO EUR/NAT Meeting of Directors General of Civil Aviation, marking...


Kazakhstan, EU Reaffirm Strategic Partnership at Cooperation Committee Meeting

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the European Union (EU) reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic ties during the 22nd meeting of the Kazakhstan–EU Cooperation Committee in Political Configuration...


What’s Holding Talent in Caspian Region Back? INMerge 2025 Unpacks It

ALMATY – A shift is underway in the Caspian region. Innovation is no longer seen as a buzzword but a homegrown necessity. During a high-level session on...


Kazakhstan Rises to 34th in IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2025

ASTANA – The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) released its annual World Competitiveness Ranking 2025 on June 1, where Kazakhstan climbed one spot to 34th out...


China-Central Asia Relations Enter New Phase Amid Xi’s Visit

ASTANA — Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Kazakhstan and his participation in the Central Asia-China summit mark a new phase of strategic engagement, encompassing a...


Vanishing Sea: How Caspian Sea is Disappearing Right Before Our Eyes

AKTAU — I have been coming to Aktau, a city on Kazakhstan’s Caspian Sea coast, since I was a child. It is where I was born and...


China, Central Asia Sign Treaty, Outline New Paths for Cooperation

ASTANA – The second Central Asia-China summit concluded on June 17 with the signing of the Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation, marking a significant step...


Central Asia and China Reach Eternal Strategic Partnership, Says President Tokayev

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared that ties between Central Asia and China have reached the level of an eternal and comprehensive strategic partnership as he addressed...


How Kazakhstan Plans to Achieve 6% GDP Growth

ASTANA – All fields of the real sector must work in accordance with the established indicators to achieve 6% GDP growth in 2025, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister...


Kazakhstan Ranks Among Top Three in World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup 2025

ASTANA – Kazakhstan secured a top three finish in the overall standings at the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup 2025, held June 13-15 in Xi’an, China,...


Astana Launches Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The National Museum of Kazakhstan in Astana hosted a grand opening ceremony of the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan with the exhibition “Silk and...


Kazakhstan, China Sign Several Strategic Agreements Ahead of Second China-Central Asia Summit

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and China signed a series of landmark agreements in various fields on June 16 ahead of the second China-Central Asia Summit on June 17...


Central Asia, China to Sign $17 Billion in Deals at Astana Business Council

ASTANA – Central Asian countries and China are set to sign more than 35 memorandums worth over $17 billion during the second meeting of the China-Central Asia...


Kazakhstan, China Launch Silk Way Star Cultural Music Project

ASTANA — The Presidential TV and Radio Broadcasting Complex and China Media Group (CMG) have signed an agreement on June 16 to launch Silk Way Star, an...


China-Central Asia Ties Provide Certainty in Uncertain World

There’s already too much for us to worry about in today’s world. In the Middle East, while the war between Israel and Hamas continues, tensions between Israel...


Special Report: How Adults Can Support Children on Both Sides of Bullying

ASTANA – The Children’s Day, marked on June 1, reminds us that a child’s right to safety, dignity, and emotional support should be upheld every day. In...


Kazakhstan, China Deepen Strategic Partnership, Sign 24 Agreements

ASTANA — China never sets any political conditions in its cooperation with Kazakhstan, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who arrived...


KazChess Secures  Team Silver, Two Golds at World Blitz in London

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s national chess team KazChess won silver at the 2025 FIDE World Blitz Team Championship, held in London from June 10 to 16, with six...


EU Needs ESG Focus for Central Asia’s Raw Materials

The EU’s leaders arrived in Samarkand this April with a €13.2 billion ($15.18 billion) Global Gateway package and a clear message: Europe can be more than a distant...


Kazakhstan Returns 74 Citizens from Iran Amid Escalating Situation

ASTANA – Six Kazakh citizens who were on a business trip in Iran had been assisted in returning home via Azerbaijan, and 68 other citizens were transported...


Kazakhstan, China Sign Key Deals in Energy, Technology, Infrastructure

ASTANA — As Kazakhstan and China enter a new golden era of strategic partnership, both countries are focused on real projects that will transform the energy system,...


Kazakhstan to Fully Own and Control Operations of First Nuclear Power Plant

ASTANA – Russia’s Rosatom was announced on June 14 to lead an international consortium to build Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant. Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency Chairman Almassadam...


Kazakhstan Launches Construction of Center-West Highway to Boost Connectivity 

ASTANA — The construction of the strategically important Center – West highway corridor has been launched in the Kostanai Region, as part of Kazakhstan’s efforts to develop...


UNESCO Opens Exhibition in Paris Honoring 100th Anniversary of Kazakh Composer Nurgisa Tlendiyev

ASTANA — The UNESCO Headquarters in Paris hosted the official opening of an exhibition honoring the legacy of Nurgisa Tlendiyev, the outstanding Kazakh composer and conductor, on...


Kazakhstan Receives Regional Help in Evacuating Citizens from Middle East Conflict Zone

ASTANA – Amid escalating military conflict in the Middle East, neighboring countries, such as Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, assist Kazakhstan in evacuating its citizens from high-risk zones, offering...


Kazakh-American Ties Could Benefit from Jackson-Vanik Amendment Repeal, Says US Expert

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the United States have strong potential to deepen trade and investment ties, particularly with the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik amendment, said Daniel Alan...


From Silk Road to Shared Future: Significance of China-Central Asia Cooperation

In anticipation of the second Central Asia-China summit, scheduled for June 17, we present the article outlining the key areas of regional cooperation.  Once upon a time,...


How Kazakh Designers Reclaim History’s Fragments, Crafting Powerful Stories

ASTANA — What does it mean to carry the Kazakh spirit into fashion? For designers like Aigul Kuandykova from Mechanical Piano and Zhanar Shuraeva from Quraq Korpe...


Otyrar’s Rise and Ruin: Oasis at Historical Crossroads

Editor’s Note: The Astana Times continues its Forgotten Cities of the Silk Road series, exploring Kazakhstan’s tentative UNESCO World Heritage sites. In this edition, we turn to...


Kazakhstan Reports Rare Nesting of Red Book Imperial Eagle

ASTANA – The local researchers have recorded the successful nesting of the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), one of the world’s most endangered birds of prey, in...


Rosatom to Lead International Consortium for Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Project

ASTANA – Kazakhstan selected the Russian Rosatom state atomic energy corporation as the leader of the international consortium for the construction of the country’s first nuclear power...


Kazakhstan Suspends Flights Over Middle East

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Aviation Administration has announced a ban on flights over six countries in response to heightened regional tensions in the Middle East. “Due to the...


Business Drives Social and Sustainable Development in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The business strategy is anchored in three core pillars: contributing to the economy, maintaining environmental standards and investing in human capital. That’s the philosophy of...


French-Kazakh Telescope Joins Global Asteroid Defense Effort

ASTANA – A new telescope designed to track potentially dangerous space objects has been installed at the Assy-Turgen Observatory in the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains, Khabar TV channel...


Kazakh Footprints in US: New Book Unearths Forgotten Histories

ASTANA – The National Museum hosted the presentation of the book “America Ashkan Kazaktar” (Kazakhs Who Discovered America) on June 5, authored by journalist and researcher Duisenali...


Alternativa Film Festival to Spotlight Global South Voices in Colombia

ASTANA – Filmmakers from Latin America and Central Asia are invited to submit entries for the 2026 Alternativa Film Festival, which will be held in Colombia in...


Kazakhstan Backs Over 500 Non-Resource Enterprises in Expanding into Foreign Markets

ASTANA – Five hundred fifty-seven Kazakh enterprises from the non-resource sector received support to enter the foreign markets during the first five years of the Export Acceleration...


News Digest: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy, AI, Middle Corridor and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has curated a selection of articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest includes topics such as Kazakhstan’s...


Kazakhstan, US Set to Boost Trade in Tech and Mineral Sectors

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the United States express shared commitment to developing trade and investment in IT and critical minerals, during Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister – Minister...


Kazakhstan Ranks 37th in Coursera Global Skills Report, Leads in Gender Inclusivity

ASTANA – Kazakhstan ranked 37th in Coursera’s Global Skills Report and 51st on the AI Maturity Index, reinforcing its stable position in the global landscape of digital...


Kazakh Chess Grandmasters Play Historic Match at British Parliament

ASTANA  – In a historic first, Kazakhstan’s leading chess players competed in a symbolic match inside the Palace of Westminster, facing off against members of the British...


Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan to Boost Innovation Ties at INMerge Almaty 2025

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are set to deepen their cooperation in technology and innovation at the upcoming INMerge Almaty 2025 forum on June 17 in Almaty....


Where to Be This Weekend in Astana and Almaty 

ASTANA – A weekend is perfect for spending time with family or friends and exploring unique cultural events. The Astana Times has curated a guide to events...


We Are Here to Achieve Better World through Cooperation, Says OSCE Chair-in-Office

ASTANA – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is willing to work with Kazakhstan in achieving a “better world through cooperation,” said Elina Valtonen,...


Kazakhstan Climbs to 60th Place in UNDP Human Development Index

ASTANA – Kazakhstan ranks 60th out of 193 countries and territories in the latest Human Development Index (HDI) published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This...


Kazakhstan, EU Discuss Economy Collaboration, Green Deal Implementation 

ASTANA — Kazakhstan and the European Union announced plans to expand partnership during a June 10 Kazakhstan-EU cooperation committee meeting, reported the Trade and Integration Ministry. The...


Kazakhstan, Starlink to Launch Satellite Internet Access Nationwide

ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry and Starlink (a subsidiary of SpaceX) signed an agreement on Starlink’s compliance with the requirements...


Tokayev Reaffirms Commitment to Turkic Unity and Cooperation at TurkPA Meeting 

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with the heads of parliaments of the member countries of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TurkPA)...


Kazakhstan to Launch Tourism Destination at Baikonur Space Station

ASTANA – Kazakh Tourism National Company has introduced a draft of its сoncept for the development of tourism at the Baikonur complex, aiming to reposition the historic...


Kazakhstan’s GDP Grows by 6% in January-May

ASTANA – According to preliminary data from the Bureau of National Statistics, Kazakhstan’s gross domestic product (GDP) for January-May increased by 6% compared to the same period...


Kazakhstan, Slovakia Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthening Strategic Partnership

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who arrived on his first official visit to Kazakhstan on June...


Social Facility Funded by Returned Assets Opens in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – A new medical outpatient clinic, the first social facility in Kazakhstan built with returned assets, was officially opened in Arnasai village, Arshaly district of the...


Human Capital Investment is Crucial for Kazakh Demographic Future, Says UNFPA Top Official 

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s population is steadily increasing, with almost one-third under the age of 15, placing the country at a pivotal demographic turning point. According to Florence...


Journalists Call for Stronger China-Central Asia Media Ties

BEIJING – In the lead-up to the second China–Central Asia Summit, a special episode of Media Chats, produced by CGTN Radio, brought together journalists from across the...


Kazakh Parliament Approves Draft Law on Amnesty Marking 30 Years of Constitution

ASTANA – The Mazhilis, the lower house of Kazakhstan’s Parliament, has approved a draft law granting amnesty to individuals convicted of crimes that do not pose a...


Kazakhstan’s AIFC Presents Casebook on 18 Green Projects

ASTANA – The Astana International Financial Centre’s (AIFC) Green Finance Centre has published the Comprehensive Casebook on Sustainable Financial Instruments, showcasing 18 flagship projects with a total...


EU Keen to Deepen Work with Central Asia on Human Capital Dev’t

BRUSSELS – Education has been a key aspect of the relations between the European Union (EU) and Central Asia. Pilvi Torsti, director of the European Training Foundation,...


Slovakia Among Kazakhstan’s Reliable Partners in Europe, Says Tokayev 

ASTANA – Slovakia is an important and reliable partner for Kazakhstan in Europe, said Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he welcomed Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico during...


EU Council’s COEST Delegation Visits Kazakhstan, Reinforces EU-Kazakhstan Partnership

ASTANA – A delegation from the Council of the European Union’s Working Party on Eastern Europe and Central Asia (COEST) visited Kazakhstan on June 8-10, demonstrating a...


Wild Horses Return: Journey of Second Herd Reintroduced to Kazakh Steppe

ASTANA —  In a major step for wildlife conservation, seven Przewalski’s horses, the world’s last truly wild horse species, arrived in Kazakhstan on June 3, marking the...


Kazakh PM Outlines Strategic Role of Investment in Central Asia at Tashkent Forum

ASTANA – Attracting investment is a key factor in the economic development of the Central Asian region, said Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov during his speech at...


Chinese Leader to Pay Official Visit to Kazakhstan Next Week 

ASTANA – President of China Xi Jinping will make an official visit to Kazakhstan on June 16-17 at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reported the Akorda...


Kazakhstan to Provide 99% of Rural Areas With Internet by 2027

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will provide 99% of the country’s rural settlements with high-speed internet by the end of 2027, as the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and...


Kazakhstan, Meta Discuss AI Partnership and Child Online Safety

ASTANA – Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiyev met with Simon Milner, Meta Vice President, to discuss prospects for cooperation in...


Kazakh-French Festival Brings Spirit of Exploration and Cross-Cultural Dialogue

ASTANA – The first Kazakh – French Adventure Festival, titled Under the Sky of Tengri, brought together scientists, explorers, filmmakers and nature enthusiasts on June 6 in...


Kazakhstan Strengthens Ties With Finland, OSCE

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, on June 10, expressing support for her efforts amidst extremely difficult situations...


Uzbekistan Joins Forces with Turkic States to Assemble Scientific CubeSat Satellite

ASTANA – Specialists from Uzbekistan are actively involved in assembling the CubeSat satellite, a collaborative project among the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTG),...


Uzbekistan Positions Itself as Rising Hub of Human Capital

The editorial team continues a section featuring articles by our contributing writers and readers. As a platform that values diverse perspectives and meaningful conversations, we believe that...


Kazakhstan Upgrades Tourist Experience as Summer Season Begins

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabossynov reported on ongoing efforts and proposed new measures to enhance the comfort and experience of travelers in...


New Water Code Sets Framework for Smarter Resource Use in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has introduced a new Water Code developed by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, aimed at enhancing water security and sustainable management of...


Poti TransTerminal Launch Marks Key Step for Middle Corridor Trade

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s first multimodal terminal officially opened at the port of Poti, Georgia, on June 9, serving as a key facility within the Trans-Caspian International Transport...


Kazakhstan, North Macedonia Strengthen Strategic Partnership

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia Timcho Mucunski met on June...


OSCE Chairperson-in-Office to Visit Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, will visit Kazakhstan on June...


Kazakhstan, Bulgaria Outline Economic Cooperation at Business Forum

ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Bulgaria identified new opportunities for cooperation in transport, energy, agribusiness, digital technologies, and pharmaceuticals during the Kazakhstan-Bulgaria Business Forum held June 9 in...


From Glaciers to Farms: How Regional Cooperation is Shaping Central Asia’s Water Issues

In a major show of regional cooperation, Central Asia’s five countries recently agreed to a new water-sharing framework for the Syr Darya and Amu Darya, glacier-fed rivers...


Uranium Countdown: Could Global Reserves End by 2080?

ASTANA — The world’s identified uranium reserves could run out by 2080, according to a new report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In an analytical...


HasSak Band, Astana Opera Dazzle in Nomad Inspiration Gala 

ASTANA – The Astana Opera Ballet and HasSak ethno-folk group united classical choreography and traditional Kazakh music during the “Nomad Inspiration” gala concert held as part of...


UN Establishes Global Day Honoring Horses

ASTANA – The United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming July 11 as World Horse Day during its 79th session on June 3, with 169...


Central Asia Poised for Boom in Islamic Finance, New Report Finds

ASTANA — Islamic finance in Central Asia is set for substantial growth over the next decade, according to a new report, The Future of Islamic Finance in...


Kazakh, Chinese Officials Discuss $10 Billion Green Industry Project

ASTANA —  Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with Liu Yongxing, the chairman of the board of China’s East Hope Group, on June 9 to discuss prospects...


Kazakhstan, Bulgaria Deepen Ties in Transport, Investment and Diplomacy

ASTANA —  President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev issued a joint press statement on June 9 in Astana, reaffirming the countries’ shared commitment to strengthening...


‘Kazakhstan is Key and Priority Partner in Central Asia’,  Bulgaria’s President Radev Says During Visit 

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev on June 9 in Astana during his official visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations, boosting trade...


President Tokayev on UN System: Modernize Multilateralism, Empower Regional Leadership

ASTANA — As the United Nations (UN) marks its 80th anniversary this year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan is urging the global community to strengthen the organization...


EU Citizen Granted Kazakhstan’s Neo Nomad Visa

ASTANA – Jorge Rosa Filho, a European citizen, has received Kazakhstan’s Neo Nomad Visa, which allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up...


Kazakh FM Visits Iran to Bolster Bilateral Ties

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu paid an official visit to Iran and held talks with Iranian top officials on June 7,...


Slovak Prime Minister to Pay Official Visit to Kazakhstan 

ASTANA – At the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico will pay an official visit to Kazakhstan on June 10-11, reported the...


US Expert: Why Trump’s Visit to Kazakhstan is More Likely Than You Think

ASTANA — As we were walking towards the shooting area where The Astana Times YouTube channel’s cameras were ready to roll, Daniel F. Runde Senior, Vice President...


Kazakh Runners Open Up About Why They Run 

ASTANA – On June 1, the Astana Half Marathon brought together over 6,000 runners from 38 countries. Beyond medals and finish lines, there are personal stories of...


Kazakhtelecom to Release 400 Kazakh-Language Films, Series in 2025

ASTANA – Kazakhtelecom will release 400 new Kazakh-language films and series by the end of 2025, reported the company’s press service on May 31. The content will...


Bronze Age Secrets: 25 Newly Discovered Historical Sites Uncovered in Karagandy Region

ASTANA – Scientists from the Saryarka Archaeological Institute carried out exploration work in the Shet district and found 25 new historical and cultural heritage monuments, reported Kazinform....


Kazakhstan Deepens Regional, Economic Ties During FM’s Visit to India

ASTANA — Foreign ministers from Central Asia and India gathered in New Delhi on June 6 for the fourth Central Asia-India Dialogue, focusing on regional connectivity, security,...


Kazakhstan Welcomes Hungarian Culture with First-Ever Matyó Exhibition

ASTANA – For the first time in Kazakhstan, an exhibition dedicated to Matyó embroidery, a vibrant symbol of Hungarian folklore and part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage...


Astana to Host 2027 World Table Tennis Championships 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will host the 2027 World Table Tennis Championships, marking the first time this flagship event will take place in Central Asia. The decision was...


Atlantic Council’s US-Central Asia Forum Highlights Strategic Opportunities in Critical Minerals

ASTANA — The growing strategic significance of Central Asia in the global critical minerals supply chain was at the center of discussions at the recent United States–Central...


How Kazakh Educators Inspire Love for Learning 

ASTANA – They say a child’s development is shaped by three key factors: home, environment, and school. But in the digital age, capturing a child’s interest has...