External News in Brief

Kazakhstan’s maximum electric power export potential is more than 2,000 MW, Mazhilis (lower chamber of the Kazakh Parliament) Deputy Askhat Bekenov said at an April 2 Central...


CIS Council of Foreign Ministers Address Border Security, Disaster Prevention

BISHKEK – Kazakh Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Idrissov took part in a meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in...


National News in Brief

Starting Jan. 1, 2016, basic registration forms at urban outpatient centres will become fully electronic throughout Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Health and Social Development  has stated. According...


A Tribute to Nurlan Kapparov

I am moved this week to write this open letter of tribute to an exceptional Kazakhstan civil servant, Nurlan Kapparov. The news of his untimely death last...


FM Idrissov Attends Afghanistan-Focused CSTO Council in Dushanbe

DUSHANBE – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov took part in the meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) Council of Foreign Ministers in...


Kazakhstan’s Largest Int’l Tourism Fair to Celebrate 15th Year in April

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan International Travel Fair (KITF), the largest tourism forum in Kazakhstan, is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Celebrations will take place from April...


Astana’s Comedians Have New Platform for Stand-Up Performances

ASTANA – Humour and raw fish rolls are on the menu every two weeks when the Astana stand-up show entertains the audience. The latest live performance, on...


Kazakh FM Identifies Security, Connectivity and Diversification among Key Components of EU Strategy for Region under Review

ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov addressed the March 30 French-German regional meeting of ambassadors, thanking them for their work on revising the EU Strategy for...


Air Astana Begins Direct Flights to Paris

ASTANA – Paris has long been one of the most-favourable travel destinations and the increasing number of tourists from Kazakhstan highlights its desirability. Convenient opportunities for travelers,...


Hungarian PM’s Visit, Business Forum Solidify Ties

ASTANA – Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban during the latter’s April 1 official visit to the country. “We view Hungary as...


Ministry of Finance to Support Conscientious Entrepreneurialism

In an effort to encourage conscionable entrepreneurs, the Kazakh Ministry of Finance will be developing the institute of authorised economic operators. The announcement was made during the...


EBRD to Finance Ore-Processing Plant in Karaganda

ASTANA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will loan $100 million to finance the construction of a new plant for processing copper and gold...


Final Preparations Underway for 70th Anniversary Great Patriotic War Victory Parade

The last military train loaded with military equipment that will be used in an upcoming military parade dedicated to the 70th anniversary of victory in the Great...


Paris Hosts First Conference on Int’l Decade of Rapprochement of Cultures

Paris hosted the first international conference March 24-25 dedicated to implementing the action plan of the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures (IDRC) (2013 – 2022)....


Incumbent President Presents Campaign Platform for April 26 Election

ASTANA – Incumbent President Nursultan Nazarbayev presented his platform for the April 26 early presidential election published by his campaign in an article carried by the Kazakhstanskaya...


Kussainov’s Presidential Campaign to Focus on Environment, Industrial Safety

ASTANA – Self-nominated candidate for the April 26 early presidential election Abelgazy Kussainov presented his environmental and industrial safety oriented platform on March 31. According to Kussainov,...


Communist People’s Party Candidate Pledges Allegiance to Marxism-Leninism, Lashes Out at “Western Consumerism” in Campaign Platform

ASTANA – Turgun Syzdykov, the official candidate of the Communist People’s Party of Kazakhstan (CPPK) in the April 26 early presidential election, presented his election campaign platform...


Semey Engineering Launches New Armoured Fire Fighting Vehicle

ASTANA – The Semey Engineering company, which produces combat and armoured vehicles, has created a new, unique, armoured vehicle for use in fighting fires, Kazakh TV reported...


Kazakh Doctors Make Cardiac Surgery History with Innovative Device

ASTANA – Cardiac surgeon and Chairman of the National Research Cardiac Surgery Centre (NRCSC) Yury Pya performed breakthrough surgery Feb. 28, introducing the Asis device for the...


Kazakh Figure Skater Ten Takes Bronze at Shanghai World Championships

Kazakh bronze medalist at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi Denis Ten 10 also took bronze at the March 23-29 World Championships in Shanghai, China. Despite a...


Central Election Commission Focuses on Voters Rights, Says Commission Member

The presidential campaign began in Kazakhstan on March 26. Tatyana Okhlopkova, a member of the Kazakhstan Central Election Commission, explained the rules that apply to candidates and...


Astana Arlans Remained Undefeated, Defeat USA Knockouts in Miami

Kazakh World Series of Boxing (WSB) team Astana Arlans confidently continued its winning streak on March 28 at the Miccosukee Resort in Miami when they defeated the...


Budding Student Environmentalists Treated to Solar, Eco-Tour of the Capital

ASTANA – Students from the Vyacheslavskaya School recently visited the capital where they participated in two competitions dedicated to EXPO 2017, toured the Astana solar plant producing...


Linguists Seek More Accurate, Culturally Sensitive Kazakh-Language Advertising

Due to problems with poor translation of advertising text into Kazakh, Almaty public activists have suggested creating the job of advertising manager in Kazakh language, reported tengrinews.kz....


Kazakhfilm to Release Historical Drama Beginning with the Formation of Kazakh Khanate

ALMATY – As Kazakhstan marks the 550th anniversary of the Kazakh Khanate, Kazakhfilm is preparing to start filming a new historical drama series titled “Kazakh Yeli.”  ...


Hungarian National Ballet Stars Bring 3D Swan Lake to Astana Opera

Two stars of the Hungarian National Ballet, Kazakh prima ballerina assoluta Aliya Tanykpaeva and principal dancer Zoltan Olah will perform a new 3D production of Swan Lake...


OSCE Launches Election Observation Mission

ASTANA – Observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights announced on March 26 the start of their...


Television Station to Broadcast Election Day Exit Polling

Kazakhstan’s Strategy Social and Political Studies Centre will conduct public polling leading up to the early April 26 presidential election and exit polling on the day of...


China, Kazakhstan Sign $23.6 Billion in Agreements, Including Funds for Nurly Zhol Projects

ASTANA – Thirty-three cooperation agreements worth $23.6 billion were signed during the working visit of Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov to China on March 27, Xinhua News...


Women’s Health Coverage in Kazakhstan Becoming More Comprehensive

ASTANA – As a Central Asian country with a Muslim majority and a name ending in ‘stan,’ Kazakhstan might not be expected, by Western observers, to be...


Astana Airport to Undergo Major Expansion to Handle Increased Passenger Traffic for EXPO 2017

ASTANA – Astana’s International Airport is undergoing a major renovation in preparation for hosting the expected influx of tourists for the upcoming EXPO 2017 international exhibition. Those...


EU Planning New Roadmap for Central Asian Strategy

ASTANA – The European Union is working on adapting its 2007 strategy for Central Asia with a greater emphasis on different approaches to relations with individual countries,...


UN Expert on Hazardous Materials Visits Kazakhstan to Assess Rights Record

ASTANA ­– United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur Baskut Tuncak will be in Kazakhstan March 26-April 8 for his first official visit to the country. The expert, who...


Three Official Candidates for Presidential Election Remain; Most Self-Nominated Candidates Drop Out

ASTANA – Abelgazy Kussainov, Turgun Syzdykov and incumbent President Nursultan Nazarbayev remain the three official candidates in Kazakhstan’s early presidential election, which has been called for April...


Astana Receives New Technologically Advanced Firefighting Vehicles

ASTANA – The Astana Emergency Situation Department received new fire fighting vehicles on March 20. The vehicles will help Astana emergency personnel improve their effectiveness and increase...


Nazarbayev University Launches New Master’s Degree in Economics

ASTANA – Nazarbayev University (NU) launched a new master’s of arts in economics this month, the vice dean of research in the School of Humanities and Social...


Kazakh Delegation to World Bicycle Forum Discovers Cycling Cities in Colombia

ALMATY – A couple of weeks ago, a delegation from Almaty came back from Colombia, where they had been participating in the fourth World Bicycle Forum in...


New School Built by Kazakhstan Opens in Bishkek

Construction on a new school in Bishkek funded by Kazakhstan was completed on March 20 with an opening ceremony attended by Kyrgyzstan’s President Almazbek Atambayev. Kazakh Ambassador...


Kazakhstan, Hungary Build on Strong Political, Economic, Cultural Ties, Ambassador in Budapest Says

Ahead of the visit to Astana by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in early April, Nurbakh Rustemov, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador in Budapest, shared his views on the bilateral...


Institutional Reforms to Help Ensure Kazakhstan’s Sustainable Development

The decision by President Nursultan Nazarbayev to seek re-election next month was neither unexpected nor unwelcome to many citizens. His leadership has been an ever-present factor in...


CSTO Holds Security Games Workshop at Headquarters

The Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) held a joint security games workshop at its headquarters in Moscow to improve its member states’ practical skills in forming and...


Business News in Brief

Consumption of liquefied gas in Kazakhstan reached about 600,000 tonnes, Kazakh Vice Minister of Energy Magzum Mirzagaliyev said at a March 19 Central Communications Services (CCS) briefing....


Economic News in Brief

“Transport currently makes up 15-16 percent of Kazakhstan’s GDP (gross domestic product)  and this number will only increase,” member of the Mazhilis (lower house of Parliament) Serikbai...


External News in Brief

“The Kazakh-Austrian Business Council should consist of two divisions, an expert analytical centre and an investments promotion department,” Kazakhstan Co-Chair Meiram Pshembayev said at a March 16...


National News in Brief

Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Berdibek Saparbayev made a working visit to the Atyrau region March 19 where he saw the work of industrial and agricultural enterprises, met...


Three Kazakhstan Citizens Die in Germanwings Crash

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on March 25 that at least three of its citizens died in the Germanwings  A320 airliner crash in the...


EXPO 2017 Opens New Horizons for Cooperation Between Kazakhstan, South Korea, Japan

TOKYO – To date, 20 countries have confirmed their participation in EXPO 2017, among them South Korea and Japan, who have started to prepare their pavilions, it...


Kazakhstan Ready and Able to Host 2022 Winter Olympic Games

When two years ago we launched our bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, few commentators gave Kazakhstan a chance. But following the IOC committee’s successful visit...


Central Electoral Commission Begins Cooperation with OSCE Observers

ASTANA – Past positive cooperation between Kazakhstan’s electoral authority and Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) observers was recalled March 24 as Chairman of the...


Kazakh Skater Secures Country’s First World Cup Podium in 15 years

Kazakh speed skater Yekaterina Aidova from Karaganda secured third position and took bronze during the International Skating Union (ISU) World Cup finals in Erfurt, Germany, March 21-22....


Kazakh Modern Art Well Received by French Public

The exhibition of contemporary painters, sculptors and carpet artists, “Shanyrak, Canopy of Heaven,” which was presented in the framework of the international project “Building Bridges between East...


Country Seeks to Mitigate Development of Potential Kazakh-Born Terrorists

Deputy Chairman of the National Security Committee (KNB) Nurgali Bilisbekov announced recently that a Kazakh “assassin” who planned to carry out bombings and attacks against Kazakh law...


Astana Police Outreach Campaign Seeks to Prevent Teen Crime

ASTANA – Employees of the Astana Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) Office for Administrative Police together with representatives of state agencies, social workers and school psychologists recently...


Asian Country Governors, Mayors Briefed on Astana Transportation Management Progress

Bangkok was the site of the third Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) for governors and mayorsMarch 11-13. This year’s theme,“ASEM Goes Local: Innovation and Regeneration,” focused on the...


Kazakhstan Works to Advance Human Rights, Nuclear Disarmament, Country’s Top Diplomat in Geneva Says

In an interview with this newspaper, Mukhtar Tleuberdi, Kazakhstan’s Permament Representative at the UN Office in Geneva, discusses the country’s approaches to working with and within the...


Whether a Common EAEU Currency?

The other day, a list of instructions given by Russian President Vladimir Putin following a meeting with members of his government was published on the Kremlin’s website....


Uzbek Community Leader: APK Facilitates Interethnic Accord Among Nations

Centuries ago Kazakh and Uzbek khanates belonged to the same dynasties. Both countries historically shared borders and Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, was, at some point, a...


Kazakh Restaurateurs Trending with “Made In Kazakhstan” Foodstuffs

ASTANA – Kazakhstan restaurateurs have joined the farm-to-table movement, using “Made in Kazakhstan” foodstuffs in their menus. Those in the dining and hotel business have developed long-term...


Nazarbayev, Putin and Lukashenko Discuss Economic Union Cooperation, Ukraine in Astana

ASTANA – Presidents Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, Vladimir Putin of Russia and Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus met in Astana on March 20 to discuss prospects for closer...


Kazakh Flags to be Carried to North Pole

ASTANA – The first Kazakhstan ski expedition to the North Pole will carry three flags – the national flag, the flag of the Assembly of the People...


Astana, Kostanai Rated Nation’s Top Urban Hospitals

A new report shows that Astana’s city hospital is the country’s highest rated multidisciplinary medical institution followed by Kostanai city hospital and Rudny city hospital. Tekeli hospital...


Russia to Give up 90 percent of Taisoigan Training Ground Lease

Ninety percent of the Taisoigan military training ground in Atyrau region will be withdrawn from Russian lease and returned to Kazakhstan, according to a March 3 report...


Nauryz Celebrations Represent Renewal, Love and Abundance

On March 22, countries all across Middle and Central Asia will celebrate Nauryz, the New Year, or the festival of spring and abundance. Historically, this holiday, that,...


Astana Opera Hires Prominent Ballerina, Well-Known Conductor as Creative Heads

ASTANA – In an effort to raise its profile at home and abroad, the Astana Opera Theatre management announced changes March 14 in its staff composition. The...


Astana Making “Excellent” Progress on EXPO 2017, BIE Chief Says

ASTANA – Secretary General of the International Expositions Bureau (BIE) Vicente Loscertales said Astana was making “excellent” progress in preparations for EXPO 2017 during a March 19...


Intergovernmental Agreement Seeks to Improve Diplomatic Staff Training

ASTANA – Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Regional Hub of Civil Service Alikhan Baimenov and Rector of the Academy of Public...


Pension Reform Bill Likely to be Approved by Mazhilis

A bill to reform Kazakhstan’s pension system that takes into consideration the years a pensioner has worked is expected to be approved by year’s end, Deputy Minister...


First Kazakhstan Formula 3 Racer Completes Testing in Malaysia

The first ever Formula 3 racecar from Kazakhstan and the first ever female Formula 3 racer from there, Lyubov Andreyeva, continue to impress the world of racing...


UNESCO Director General Invited to Fifth Int’l Religious Congress in Astana

On March 13, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to France Nurlan Danenov, who also is serving as Kazakhstan’s permanent representative to UNESCO, handed an official invitation to the 5th Congress...


Nur Otan Party Urges Country to Clarify Laws on Charity, Philanthropy

ASTANA – A 2014 ranking by Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) placed Kazakhstan 101st of 135 countries on the World Giving Index. As a result, participants at a...


ATTRAKCION Presents Broadway’s “Chicago” in Astana

ASTANA – Theatre lovers are swinging from the chandeliers as the amateur musical theatre Attrakcion showcases its interpretation of “Chicago,” Broadway’s satirical and sassy musical. Performances will...


Kussainov Certified as Candidate for April 26 Early Election

ASTANA –The Kazakhstan Central Electoral Commission (CEC) officially registered the self-nominated Abelgazy Kussainov as a candidate for the April 26 early presidential election on March 18. Kussainov collected 132,152...


Concept of Organic Farming Planted, Growing Slowly in Kazakhstan

Draft law on organic farming awaits vote; private initiatives work to support organic development ASTANA – As Kazakhstan pushes to develop its agricultural sector with increased funding...


Gasification in Kazakhstan Expected to Grow Significantly, Says Energy Official

ASTANA – Kazakhstan Ministerof Energy Vladimir Shkolnik recently said that there are 1,150 gasified localities in Kazakhstan and that by 2030, more than 1,600 will come online....


Estonia Hopes to Increase Cooperation in Transit, Technology, Education

New NATO Contact Point Hopes to Share Alliance’s Values in Central Asia, Increase Bilateral Trade ASTANA – As NATO Contact Point in Kazakhstan, Ambassador of Estonia Jaan...


Turgun Syzdykov Officially Accredited as Presidential Candidate

ASTANA – The Central Electoral Commission of Kazakhstan (CEC) has officially registered Communist People’s Party of Kazakhstan representative Turgun Syzdykov as a candidate for the April 26...


Kazakh Journalists Win Int’l Sports Journalism Awards in Moscow

Vice President of the Association of Sports Press of Kazakhstan Mikhail Vasilyev won the award for the best foreign television story at the recent fourth Energy of...


Canada, Kazakhstan Practice Diplomacy on Ice with Friendly Hockey Match

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Canada recently carried out a little diplomacy on ice when members of the Astana city administration and the Canadian embassy in Astana met...


Kazakhstan Imposes Temporary Ban on Some Russian Fuel Imports

An official ban on imports of Russian motor fuels, like light distillates and diesel fuel products, will be in force from March 5-April 20, the Kazakh Ministry...


Kazakh Research Institute Upgrades Eye Care at New Astana Branch

The Kazakh Research Institute announced recently that it has expanded its range of diagnostic and treatment services at its recently opened Astana branch and has purchased 400...


Astana Symposium Examines Kazakhstan’s New Civil Service Model

  ASTANA – The Kazakh Agency on Civil Service Affairs and Anti-Corruption with the support of the Regional Hub of Civil Service organised a March 13 symposium...


Six Presidential Hopefuls Pass Language Exam, Move to Collecting Signatures

ASTANA ­– Candidate nominations for the early Kazakh presidential election was completed March 15, reported the country’s Central Election Commission (CEC). The early election, initiated by the Council...


Combat Sports Confederation to Intensify Efforts for 2016 Olympics

Confederation of Combat Sports and Powerlifting Chairman Timur Kulibayev directed members of the confederation during a March 12 confederation meeting to intensify their preparations for the 2016...


Parliament Develops Plan to Improve Cultural Sphere

The Kazakh Parliament is developing a new working concept on cultural policy, according to a recent announcement by Akhan Bizhanov, member of the Mazhilis Committee for Social...


Int’l, Domestic Oil and Gas Experts Discuss Exploration in Kazakhstan at Astana Forum

ASTANA – The first international forum on oil and gas exploration titled, “Kazakhstan Geology Forum: Oil & Gas in Focus,” took place in Astana’s Rixos Hotel on...


Almaty Makes Multiple Upgrades to City’s Public Transportation System

Almaty city public transport, ambulance and emergency, as well as engineering vehicles will get special traffic lanes by 2017, reported TV channel Almaty. According to the channel’s...


Japan Spring Arts Festival Offers Astana, Almaty a Glimpse of Japanese Culture

ASTANA – The Degdar Humanitarian Fund supported by the Japanese embassy in Kazakhstan made a musical gift to Astana within the bounds of the Japan Spring International...


Historical Connections, Shared Challenges Bind Kazakhstan, Israel, Says Visiting Diplomat

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Israel are united by some common roots and common challenges, Deputy Director General of Israel’s Foreign Ministry Zvi Rav-Ner said during his March...


Culinary Arts in Kazakhstan Heating Up as Service Sector Grows

ASTANA – As Kazakhstan develops economically and socially, its culture of hospitality is slowly shifting from the domestic realm to the professional, and while cooking professionals say...


More than Two Dozen Candidates Have Sought a Chance in Early Presidential Election

ASTANA – Whether self-nominated or named by political parties or organisations, more than 20 candidates have thrown their hats into the Kazakh presidential election ring, according to statements...


Lack of Funds Causes Delay in Kazakh Oil Refineries Modernisation

ASTANA – KazMunayGas recently announced that the modernisation of its oil refineries will be prolonged due to lack of funds. In spite of the ban on Russian...


Medical, Social Innovations Improve Quality of Life in Mukur Village

“Before, we could only dream of such luxuries. We thought that these kind of centres were privileges only enjoyed by city dwellers, but now we have a...


Kazakh Armed Forces Hold Training Alert

ASTANA – As a way of reinforcing coordination among services, military unit No. 50185 in Karaganda, the air assault brigade in the Almaty region and aircraft pilots...


Incumbent President Nazarbayev Accepts Party Nomination, Presents Policy Priorities

ASTANA – Incumbent Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev on March 11 accepted the Nur Otan party’s nomination to be the party’s candidate in the April 26 early presidential...


Nur Otan Party Nominates Nazarbayev for Presidential Election

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s ruling Nur Otan party nominated President Nursultan Nazarbayev as its candidate for the early presidential election at the party’s congress in Astana on March 11....


Classic Rock Rocks Kazakh Fans

ASTANA – Although Kazakh rock groups aren’t extremely successful in the country and virtually unknown abroad, American and Russian rock music is popular in some regions of...


Estonia Considering Shipping Goods Between Europe and China via Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Estonia is the latest country to publicly mull using Kazakhstan’s transit infrastructure to ship goods between China and Europe. “We’re considering the shipment of merchandise...


Afghanistan Should Not Be Left Alone

Conflict and suffering has again sadly being dominating international headlines. The Middle East is engulfed in a struggle for decency against the so-called Islamic State. The rise...


Ambassadors Club in Astana Opens New Season

ASTANA – After a long hiatus, a club meant to bring together on a regular basis international chiefs of missions is reviving its activities in the newly...


Air Astana Introduces Self Check-In Terminals in Kazakh Airports

ASTANA – Check-In for Air Astana passengers just got a little easier. Kazakhstan’s flagship air carrier Air Astana recently introduced Kazakhstan’s first passenger self check-in kiosks for...