New City Centre to Be Built in Karaganda

ASTANA – A new city centre in Karaganda will be built under the corresponding city development plan accepted at a recent meeting. The effort will be directed...


New City Tour Busses Help Visitors Rediscover Shymkent

Tourists and locals wishing to see the sights of Shymkent this summer can tour the urban area aboard one of two new double-decker busses. Purchased by Zhibek...


Malaysian Ambassador Seeks to Build National Economic, Personal Connections with Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Despite the geography that separates them, Kazakhstan and Malaysia are natural partners, with much in common – like relatives separated by a continent, Malaysian Ambassador...


Foreign Minister Urges Honorary Consuls to Strengthen External Commercial and Other Ties

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Idrissov hosted what should have been a traditional, but became the first-ever meeting with honorary consuls of foreign countries...


Globe-Trotting Singer Hopes to Find Soul Music Audience in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Soul music is not the first thing that comes to mind when surveying Kazakhstan’s sound scene, but singer Mekiel Barnett has hopes that the country’s...


Writers Discuss State, Future of Kazakh Literature

Kazakh Secretary of State Gulshara Abdikalikova held a meeting with prominent writers of the country, such as Akim Tarazi, Anes Sarai, Sabit Dosanov, Dulat Issabekov and Nurlan...


Kazakh Granny Discovers Whole New World at 80

ASTANA – For Lena Toxanbayeva, the saying “it is never too late” has a literal meaning. The 80-year-old grandmother, who had never been beyond Kazakhstan’s borders until...


Astana Arlans Win Second WSB Title

The Astana Arlans satisfied the thirsty-for-victory home crowd by claiming its second World Series of Boxing (WSB) title. The team capped season five in Astana June 20-21...


International Fashion and Design Forum Held in Almaty

ASTANA – The seventh International Forum of Talent, Models and Designers of Fashion House International Kazakhstan (FHI) was held in Almaty’s Metro Club on June 18–20 and...


Day of Kazakhstan’s Pavilion at EXPO 2015 to be Held in Milan

MILAN – The world exposition EXPO Milano 2015 opened in Italy in early May and will last for six months. EXPO Milano 2015 examines human history through...


SMEs Should Not Fear End of Audit Moratorium, Says Finance Ministry Official

The recent end to a moratorium on audits of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will not result in increased tax scrutiny on those businesses, according to comments...


Skopje, Astana Poised to Move Relations to New Level

In an exclusive interview with this newspaper, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia Nikola Poposki, who is scheduled to visit Astana on July 1,...


India, Kazakhstan Explore Mining, Energy Projects in Advance of Indian PM’s Visit

ASTANA – India and Kazakhstan are looking at a variety of mining, mineral and oil and gas projects, paving the way for bilateral agreements to be signed...


Kazakh Children Place Fourth in Asian Chess Championship

ASTANA – Winning four gold, two silver and two bronze medals, Kazakh children captured fourth place and achieved great success at the Asian Youth Chess Championship. The...


Kazakhstan Seeks Western European Participation in EXPO 2017

LONDON – EXPO 2017 commissioner and Kazakh First Deputy Foreign Minister Rapil Zhoshybayev visited a number of West European countries in June, negotiating conditions for their participation...


Anti-Doping Conference Highlights Almaty’s Olympics Hosting Bid

ASTANA – The 12th annual Asia/Oceania Region Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sport, organised by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), was held June 20-21 in Almaty....


Swedish Artist Explores Cultural, Gender Evolution in Exhibit at Kulanshi Gallery

ASTANA – Belarussian-born, Sweden-based artist L. Christeseva has brought the bright, textured paintings and installations of her “Sustainidentity” exhibit to the Kulanshi Gallery in Astana’s Palace of...


Integration, Regional Impact of Geopolitical Trends Discussed at Expert Panel in Astana

ASTANA – On June 18, experts from three continents discussed some of the thornier geopolitical issues in Central Asia today, including foreign policy failures, the political and...


Kazakhstan Finalises Terms for Accession to WTO, Nazarbayev Calls Event “Historic”

ASTANA – After nearly 20 years of negotiations, Kazakhstan finalised on June 10 terms for the country to accede to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). “I congratulate...


It Will Be Unprofitable to be a Bad Doctor, Health Ministry Official Says

ASTANA – The 100 concrete steps to implement the five reforms defined by President Nursultan Nazarbayev cover the issue of improving national health care. This was the...


Economic News in Brief

Kazakhstan’s giant Kashagan oil field is aiming for an output of 370,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) in its first phase of production, which it hopes...


Business News in Brief

The StartupNomad Tour, a campaign organised to hold business classes and select the best startups in cities across Central Asia, launched in Astana, BNews reported on June...


National News in Brief

The United Arab Emirates postal service and KazPost have issued stamps dedicated to the heads of the two friendly states: President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and President...


External News in Brief

President Nursultan Nazarbayev has signed the law “On Ratification of the Agreement between Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic on confidence building measures in the border area,” which...


A European View on the Voyage to Kazakhstan, to the East

The large reforming process which occurred in the territory of Eurasia in the 15th century changed the geopolitical and socio-political order in the region. The domination of...


Kazakhstan Awaits Inflow of Tourists after EXPO Milano 2015 Success

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan pavilion was acknowledged as one of the best and most popular among the 145 national exhibitsat EXPO Milano 2015. It has already been...


Mass Migration Offers Birdwatching Opportunities Near Astana

ASTANA – In the spring, when the weather warms and residents of the steppe start to dream about summer holidays by some distant seaside, another group of...


NGOs, Government Discuss Civil Society Involvement in Plan of the Nation

ASTANA – Members of the National Coalition of Democratic Forces met June 19 to discuss the importance of the participation of civil society in implementing the Plan...


Building Civil Service Excellence in the Post-2015 Development Agenda

This September, we usher in the post-2015 development agenda with a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed upon by UN member states, with civil society participation,...


IAEA Assures Kazakh Public Uranium Bank Will Be Safe, Secure Facility

ASTANA – Following the approval by the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of a host-state agreement with Kazakhstan on establishing a low-enriched...


Kazakhstan Takes Measure to Combat Increase in Violence against Children

ASTANA – In the last five years, reported incidents of sexual violence against minors in Kazakhstan have doubled, Attorney General of Kazakhstan Askhat Daulbayev said at a...


Kazakhstan Seeks Stronger African Ties during 25th Assembly of AU Leaders

A Kazakh delegation headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Askar Mussinov participated in the 25th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union...


Almaty Olympic Bid Remains Strong Going into Final Weeks

The beauty and excitement of sport is that the favourite does not always win. Many of our most magical sporting memories are of upsets when the underdog...


Nazarbayev University Student Wins Climate Change Essay Contest, Other Winners Announced

ASTANA – A Nazarbayev University student has won an essay contest for Kazakh students sponsored by a collective of European embassies meant to raise awareness and encourage...


Qatari Foreign Minister Visits Kazakhstan, Nazarbayev’s Fall Visit Discussed

ASTANA – Trade, economic, investment, transit and transport cooperation were discussed between Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Qatari Foreign Minister Dr. Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Attiyah June...


Air Astana Named Best Airline in Central Asia, India

ASTANA – Air Astana is celebrating success, as the company was named Best Airline in Central Asia/India for the fourth successive year and Best Airline Staff Service...


Business Centre for Disabled Opens in East Kazakhstan

The Voluntary Society of Disabled People in East Kazakhstan has opened a centre for business initiatives at the request of local disabled residents. The centre will help...


Kazakh Cosmonaut Being Considered for Trip to Int’l Space Station

ASTANA – With British soprano Sarah Brightman having dropped out of the spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS), Kazakh cosmonaut Aidyn Aimbetov has a chance at...


Western China – Western Europe Highway to Become Toll Road after 2016

The Western Europe – Western China highway will become a paid toll road after 2016, according to the Otyrar.kz news agency. The revenue will be used to...


National Bank Chief Notes Inflation Decrease

The head of the National Bank of Kazakhstan Kairat Kelimbetov reported during a recent plenary session of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan that inflation in...


Second Stage of Steppe Eagle 2015 Drills Launch near Almaty

ASTANA – The second phase of the Steppe Eagle 2015 peacekeeping exercises began June 15 at the Ili training area near Almaty, reported the Kazakh Ministry of...


Kazakhstan Seeks to Boost Grain Exports to Saudi Arabia

Kazakhstan is planning to increase the supply of grain to Saudi Arabia, the press service of the Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture reported recently. The decision was made...


Kazakh President Awards Diplomas to First Graduates of Nazarbayev University

ASTANA – Very few people have the pleasure of awarding diplomas to the graduates of the university named in their honour. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev had that...


OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Praises Kazakh Social Development Efforts

ASTANA – Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) Astrid Thors travelled to Astana to participate in the conference dedicated...


‘Sleeping Sickness’ Mystery in North Kazakhstan (Almost) Resolved

ASTANA – Sergey Lukashenko, Deputy Director General of Kazakhstan’s National Nuclear Centre has unveiled some of the results of the research conducted regarding the “sleeping sickness” that...


The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty Eager to Set New Trends in Kazakh Service Industry

General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty Joe Ghayad, 42, came to Kazakhstan with his own ambitions – to set new trends in the Kazakh hospitality industry. Almost...


IAEA LEU Bank Neither Environmental nor Security Threat, Kazakh Experts Say

ASTANA – Following the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board approving an agreement with Kazakhstan on establishing a low-enriched uranium (LEU) bank in the country, a group...


Art Show Held at Almaty Metro Station

ASTANA – “Artists Go to the People,” an exhibit featuring works of new and seasoned artists, took place recently at the Abai station of the Almaty metro....


IAEA Board Approves Agreement on Housing LEU Bank in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The Board of Governors of theVienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved a host-state agreement on June 12 between the agency and the government of...


Nazarbayev Meets Leaders of Finland, Jordan

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev met with President of Finland Sauli Niinistö and King Abdullah II of Jordan on June 10 and 11. The leaders...


Fifth Congress of Religious Leaders Closes With Calls for Ending Distrust and Sanctions

ASTANA – The fifth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana completed its work on June 11 with the adoption of a final declaration...


Denis Ten and Friends Ice Show comes to Almaty

Kazakhstan-born figure skater and bronze medal winner at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games Denis Ten recently announced that his third “Denis and Friends Ice Show” will be...


Kazakh Female Parachutist Wins Russian Skydiving Competition

Kazakh parachute jumper Elena Borisova won gold at a recently held large-scale Russian competition on landing accuracy in Tumen. Borisova, who is an ex-servicewoman of the Karaganda...


Congress of Religious Leaders: Promoting Dialogue between Civilisations

Since its earliest days of independence, Kazakhstan has introduced numerous substantial legislative reforms focused on national policy and strengthening interethnic and interreligious harmony in society. Effective domestic...


UN Secretary-General Visits Kazakhstan for Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev met United Nations(UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in Astana’s Palace of Peace and Harmony on June 10 to discuss the...


Almaty Hosts 12th IFSB Summit, Country Aims to Become Islamic Finance Centre

ASTANA – The Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) held its 12th summit in Almaty on May 18, the first time the summit was held in the Commonwealth...


Nobel Academy Representative Office Opens in Astana

ASTANA – A Representative Office of the Nobel Academy, a Swiss-based group of educational and research institutions offering online tuition accredited around the world, has opened in...


Dialogue: Hope for Peace and Development

The term dialogue is used with meanings such as“to confer,”“to give,”“to meet,”“to exchange views” or “to negotiate.”In a religious context, this term implies the idea of reasoning...


Congress of Religious Leaders Launches in Astana, Kazakh President Condemns Violence in Name of Religion

ASTANA – The fifth Congress of World and Traditional Religions launched June 10 in Astana with a focus on working together to prevent violence, and with Kazakhstan...


Congress of Religious Leaders Is Result of Kazakh Leader’s Initiative

It is fair to say that each historical phase, every new historical epoch enriches humanity with new social and spiritual experience. The example of Kazakhstan, which is...


A Jump Start for Sustained Peacebuilding

For most Americans, Kazakhstan seems like a faraway place, indeed. But Americans can be quite myopic, blind to much of what goes on in the world beyond...


PM Massimov Leads Presentation of Almaty’s 2022 Olympic Bid

ASTANA – Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov led a high-level Kazakh delegation at the technical presentation of Almaty’s bid to host Winter Olympic Games 2022 on...


Dialogue Is The Way Forward

In 2003, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev introduced his initiative for dialogue of religious leaders. In 2008, the late Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz called for...


Religious Dialogue Is Needed for Peace and Development

As we look around our troubled world today, we see more intercultural and interfaith tensions in different parts of the world. Unfortunately, religious differences are often exaggerated...


Kazakhstan Provides Unique Opportunities for Religious and Cultural Communities

On June 10-11, Astana hosts the fifth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Three years ago, I had an opportunity to take part in the...


Almaty, Astana Mark Int’l Olympic Day as Bid Preparations Intensify

ASTANA – Tens of thousands of residents of Almaty, Astana, Oral and other cities enthusiastically took part in bike rides and other events May 23 to celebrate...


Sweden Marks Its National Day in Astana, Seeks to Boost Economic Ties with Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Swedish companies have nearly dominated the telecommunications market in Kazakhstan since the early 2000s. Kcell, one of the top cell phone companies in the country...


From Dialogue of Religions to Mutual Understanding of Civilisations

This year is marked by several important events, among which are the 550th anniversary of the Kazakh Khanate, the 20th anniversary of the Assembly of the People...


Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions Is Sign of Hope for the World

“Kazakhstan, you are the land of a meeting, you are a bridge between Asia and Europe, between people of different nationalities and religions.” These and other similar...


Welcome, Congress!

In June, Astana for the fifth time will receive the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Of course, some questions arise and different opinions are...


Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions: New Horizons

To know the religion of another person means identifying oneself with the other person’s sense of being a Hindu, Muslim, Jew, Christian or whatever faith the person...


Kapshagai Segment of Almaty–Taldykorgan Road to be Opened by Year’s End

At the end of this year, the Kapshagai route from Almaty to Taldykorgan will be opened to traffic. Full commissioning of the road, which is about 260...


Kazakh-Australian Women’s Doubles Team Reaches French Open Final, Loses in Three Set Match

The Kazakh-Aussie duo of Yaroslava Shvedova and Casey Dellacqua, ranked fifth in the world for doubles by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), reached the June 7 French...


Astana Pro Team Wins Giro d’Italia

The Astana Pro team won the team category of the May 9-31 Giro d’Italia in Italy after two of the Astana Pro Team racers finished the 21-stage-race...


Business News in Brief

The Caspian lowland may contain 60 billion tonnes of hydrocarbon reserves, Kazakh Minister of Energy Vladimir Shkolnik told the Mazhilis (lower chamber) of Parliament on June 1,...


External News in Brief

A diplomatic mission of Kazakhstan has opened in Serbia, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan has announced. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs...


Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Vital to Achieving a Green Economy, Says Energy Minister

ASTANA – The Kazakh government has announced its intention to move to a green economy, with a primary goal of reducing carbon-emitting elements of its gross domestic...


Economic News in Brief

Kazakhstan’s National Bank has the cash reserves it needs to support the national currency, the tenge, as the country begins taking measures to make its currency more...


National News in Brief

Kazakhstan plans to open four new nuclear diagnostic centres in Semey, Almaty, Karaganda and Aktobe, it was announced during the first Central Asian Forum for Nuclear Medicine...


New EBRD Projects Reflect Progress in the EBRD, Kazakh Cooperation, Says Bank President

ASTANA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) signed four more deals to cooperate on projects in public services and transport on June 3, during...


Dr. Eric Maskin: Diversification as Mechanism to Tackle Economic Crisis

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital hosted another Astana Economic Forum, drawing the world’s attention and bringing together influential speakers from Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The 2015...


Foreign Investment Council Focuses on Agro Sector Investment, Development

ASTANA – The 28th session of the Foreign Investors Council of Kazakhstan, focusing on the development of the country’s agricultural sector, was held on June 4-5 in...


Nurly Zhol Aspirations Complement Those of EDB, Bank Chairman Says

ALMATY – Two out of every five dollars that the Eurasian Development Bank invests in participating states go to Kazakhstan. The bank plans to further increase its...


Kazakhstan, Qatar Poised to Expand Economic Ties, Ambassador in Doha Says

ASTANA – In an exclusive interview with this newspaper, Askar Shokybayev, Kazakhstan’s recently appointed ambassador to the State of Qatar, shared his views on his country of...


Growing International Religious Tensions Reinforce Need for Astana Religious Congress

We live, for good or bad, in an age of instant judgement. But whether an initiative has been necessary or successful often requires a significant amount of...


SCO Considers Expansion, Building Cooperation with Other States during Moscow Meeting

MOSCOW – Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov participated in the June 3 regular meeting in Moscow of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Shanghai Cooperation...


Blogger Takes Conversation to Real World, Opens Community Gathering Place in Astana

ASTANA – Blogger Adlet Kumar has opened an island in the middle of landlocked Astana – a place he hopes will be an oasis for travellers, a...


Kazakh Artists Create Display Space on Sidelines of Venice Biennale

ASTANA – To counter what some believe to be an underrepresentation of Kazakh art internationally, the International Art Development Association (IADA) created an “Invisible Pavilion” entitled “Protagonists”...


Conference Remembers Victims of 20th Century Oppression, Starvation in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – A conference in memory of the victims of 20th century repression and starvation in Kazakhstan was held on May 31, Kazakhstan’s Day of Remembrance of...


Helping Kazakhstan’s Agriculture Blossom

One of the reasons I enjoy coming to Kazakhstan is its hospitality and especially the generous and delicious meals. I have personally enjoyed many examples of the...


UAE Embassy Donates Funds to Help Visually Impaired Children

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Kazakhstan provided charitable assistance during the June 1 Children’s Day to the Ophthalmologist’s office in the Correctional Centre No....


Astana Akimat Issues Swimming Safety Guidelines as Beach Season Opens

ASTANA – The Akimat (city administration) of Astana has issued a list of safety guidelines to coincide with the official June 1 launch of swimming season, reminding...


Kazakhstan Steps up Its Courtship of Africa

Kazakhstan has been laying groundwork aimed at taking its relationship with Africa to the next level. It obtained an important seat at the continent’s table by obtaining...


CIS Prime Ministers Meet in Burabai, Sign Economic, Transport, Cultural Agreements for Coming Years — Vietnam Becomes First Country to Sign Free Trade Agreement with EAEU

ASTANA – The Burabai resort area 200 kilometres north of Astana hosted the meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Heads of Government as...


Int’l Seminar Examines History of Kazakh Nuclear Disarmament Efforts Under Nunn-Lugar Programme

ASTANA – An international seminar on the oral history of the Nunn-Lugar weapons of mass destruction decommissioning programme launched in Astana on June 1 with statements from...


Kazakh FM Idrissov Visits Russia’s Altai Region for Talks with Lavrov

GORNO-ALTAISK, RUSSIA – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov paid a working visit to Gorno-Altaisk, Russia, on May 29–30, where he met with his Russian...


FIC to Be Held June 4-5 as Country Ponders Expanding Visa-Free Regime to 35 More Countries

ASTANA – On June 4-5, Astana will host the 28th plenary meeting of the Foreign Investors Council under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (FIC) devoted...


Almaty Dolphinarium Launches with Charity Show

Approximately 700 children attended the grand opening of the new Almaty dolphinairum on May 12 that was accompanied by a charity show, Tengrinews.kz reported, citing Vitaly Staragin,...


National Council for Combating Corruption Reviews Progress, New Approaches Discussed

A May 20 meeting of the Nur Otan Party’s National Public Council for Combating Corruption, chaired by Member of the Mazhilis (lower house of Parliament) Kairbek Suleimenov,...


Astana Event Celebrates Poetry of Rena Zhumanova

The Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Astana hosted a poetry evening of Rena Zhumanova’s work on May 25 to mark the launch of her new...