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...


Belarus, Kazakhstan Work Together in Volatile Economic Times

ASTANA – In his interview with The Astana Times, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Kazakhstan Anatoly Nichkassov underlined the importance of growing economic relations between...


Trumpeter’s Journey Takes him From Wales to Astana Opera

ASTANA – Astana has been home to a globetrotting musician for the past two years, and Astana Opera for one. Originally from northwest Wales, Ross Clarke came...


EXPO 2017 Promoted in Germany, Norway and Netherlands

ASTANA – From March 4 to 9, a Kazakh delegation headed by EXPO 2017 Commissioner and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Rapil Zhoshybayev visited Germany to...


We Are All the APK, Jewish Cultural Centre Founder Says

Alexander Baron was behind the creation of the ethnic cultural centres in Kazakhstan, so he can rightfully say that the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK)...


Kazakh Senate Chairman Visits New York, Invites UN Secretary-General to Astana Int’l Religious Congress

ASTANA – Kazakh Senate Chairman Kassym-Jomart Tokayev completed his official visit to New York March 4, which was devoted to the upcoming Fifth Congress of Leaders of...


Kazakhstan Beats Italy, Advances to Davis Cup Quarter Finals

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan Davis Cup team beat Italy 3:2 in team competition on March 6-8 at Astana’s National Tennis Centre to advance to the Davis Cup...


Break of Reality Rock Like They Mean it

ASTANA – The spring has started with a fresh look at classical music and rock for many music lovers, as the American cello rock band Break of...


Demand for Public Housing Increasing in Kazakhstan

Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Bakytzhan Sagintayev reported recently that the number of Kazakhs seeking public housing has increased. “In Kazakhstan, more than 300,000 people are standing...


Aisha Bibi Mausoleum Construction Techniques Remain a Mystery to Researchers

“Autumn … Clouds … The Earth is beautiful.” For almost 1,000 years this line in Arabic alphabet Kufic script has decorated the patterned column of the famous...


Astana-Seoul Flights to Be Available by Summer

ASTANA – Flights from Astana to Seoul will be available this summer, according to a March 4 report from the press service of the Ministry of Investment...


Early Presidential Election Meant to Solidify National Stability

Political life in Kazakhstan stands on the eve of an event of paramount importance for any country: a presidential election. Over the last three weeks, the political...


Kazakhstan to Go Dark for the Environment

Turn out the lights for 60 minutes. Pledge to save the planet for a lifetime. Kazakhstan will join 161 countries and territories around the world March 28...


Kazakh President Congratulates Women on International Women’s Day

ASTANA – President Nursultan Nazarbayev held the traditional meeting dedicated to International Women’s Day with prominent women from all over Kazakhstan in the Akorda presidential palace on...


External News in Brief

“We believe the Astana Summit will be the last to determine the legal status of the Caspian Sea,” Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov said on March...


National News in Brief

“In 2015, there will be 157.3 billion tenge (US$848.4 million) of available agricultural subsidies, which is almost 1.8 times more than in 2013,”arecent report of the Ministry...


In Brussels, Idrissov Discusses Easing Visa Regimes, Enhancing Cooperation, Contacts Between EU and EAEU

BRUSSELS – Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov of Kazakhstan headed his country’s delegation to the 14th meeting of the Kazakhstan-European Union Cooperation Council in Brussels on March 3....


Business News in Brief

“As part of the additional budget allocation to support agriculture, it is planned to increase the amount of financing of the programme of agribusiness entities from 300...


Economic News in Brief

“The National Bank of Kazakhstan and the government of Kazakhstan have developed an action plan to reduce the dollarisation of the economy for 2015-2016. The plan includes...


Kazakhstan’s Only Tire Recycling Plant Reopens in Astana

Production at Kazakhstan’s only tire recycling plant has begun rolling again after being shut down for two years. The German equipment and technologies used at the plant...


Multiple Organisations Work to Revive Saiga Population

On the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, which has been guiding conservation efforts for more than five decades, the saiga antelope has moved...


Farming to Play Key Role in Kazakhstan’s Economic Anti-Crisis Programme

The economies of Europe and Eurasia are facing significant challenges today, given the fallout from ongoing geopolitical tensions around the conflict-hit Ukraine, and as a result are...


TURKSOY Department Opens at Al-Farabi University

ASTANA – As part of activities celebrating Almaty as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2015, the faculty of Oriental Studies of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University...


Iranians Have Adapted Well to Their New Home in Kazakhstan, Says Community Leader

The first wave of Iranian migration to Kazakh territories began in the early 19th century, as many individuals travelled to a different country in search of work....


Kazakh CEC Announces 14 Nominees for Presidential Election So Far

ASTANA – The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Kazakhstan has released an updated list of candidates who plan to take part in the country’s presidential election next...


Kazakh, Iranian Navies to Strengthen Cooperation

A delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran headed by General in Chief of the Iranian Naval Forces Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari made an official visit to...


Secretary of State, OECD Official Discuss Increasing Women’s Participation in Kazakh Economy

ASTANA –Secretary of State of Kazakhstan Gulshara Abdykalikovaand Antonio Somme, head of the Eurasian Competitiveness Programme of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), met Feb....


National Scientific Cardiac Centre Helps Train Int’l Doctors in Heart Implant Procedure

ASTANA – Thirteen experts from Germany, Italy, Serbia, Poland and Turkey are for the first time in Astana to learn how to implant the Heart Mate III,...


New Law and More Filling Stations Planned for Liquid Petroleum Gas Cars

ASTANA – In response to government plans to enact a law abolishing taxes and fees for liquid petroleum gas (LPG) users, KazTransGas is planning to construct 105...


Astana Ski Festival Honours Kazakh Veterans, Constitution

More than 3,000 people gathered Feb. 28 in Astana for Burkasyn 2015, a skiing festival in honour of Kazakhstan, its veterans and its independent constitution. “A sports...


Chevron Supports Science and Technology to Improve Lives

Since its establishment in 2010, Nazarbayev University has developed into one of the leading educational and research institutions in Kazakhstan. The university and Chevron entered into a...


Kazakh FM Urges More Progress in Nuclear Disarmament, Stresses Commitment to Human Rights

GENEVA – Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov urged greater global efforts in nuclear disarmament at the plenary session of the Conference on Disarmament and addressed the...


Alatau Industrial Zone Key to Almaty Anti-Crisis Plan, Says Akim

The Almaty anti-crisis programme was presented by Akim (Mayor) Ahmetzhan Yessimov Feb. 19 during a meeting with the public. Yessimov noted that the optimisation of Almaty’s budget...


Germans in Kazakhstan: Part of the Bright Multi-Ethnic Fabric

I read with interest The Astana Times  interview of Mr. Alexander Dederer, chairman of the Public Association of Germans in Kazakhstan.  I had written my doctoral dissertation...


Adaptability, Heritage, Travel Guide Local Chef

ASTANA – Executive Chef Benoit Letellier, who comes to Astana’s Marriott Hotel from France via the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Africa, has been blending his French heritage...


G-Global Is an Idea That Unites the World, Senator Believes

This year marks the eighth year of the initiative by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev to unite international scientists and practitioners in the common search for answers to...


Astana Mayor Outlines City’s Plans for 2015

Astana Akim (Mayor) Adilbek Dzhaksybekov discussed 2015 development plans for the city on Feb. 18 in Congress Hall during the first public meeting of his administration, according...


Anti-Corruption Programme Seeks to Make Kazakhstan among World’s Least Corrupt Countries within 10 Years

ASTANA – “The government must be accountable to the public and operate both transparently and effectively,” Bauyrzhan Baibek, the first deputy chairman of the Nur Otan party...


Two New Almaty Metro Stations to Open in Spring

In light of the December announcement by Kazakh officials to extend the metro in Almaty, two new stations may be opened to commuters this spring. The city...


Government Favours Bolstering Tenge over De-Dollarisation, Says National Bank Chief

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Government and National Bank announced plans in February to support the increased role of the tenge in the economy through efforts to decrease inflation,...


Kazakhstan, Int’l Financial Institutions to Cooperate on Economic Reforms

ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to carry out 33 comprehensive reform projects in certain institutions and sectors of the economy with the help of international financial institutions. These...


Secretary of State Opens Hospital, Visits Key Constituencies in South Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Kazakh Secretary of State Gulshara Abdykalykova visited South Kazakhstan Feb. 20, where she opened a new hospital, visited several cultural and educational sites and met...


National Nauryz Celebration to Be Held in Almaty Central Park

To celebrate Nauryz, one of the greatest holidays in Kazakhstan, Almaty officials have decided to change the usual festival location this year and organise the nation’s celebration...


Astana Arlans Defeat Italia Thunder, Extend Winning Streak to Seven

Kazakhstan’s World Series of Boxing (WSB) team, the Astana Arlans, extended their winning streak to seven and demonstrated complete dominance in Group B of the series on...


Alau Ice Palace Hosts World Sprint Skating Championship, Kazakh Skaters Fail to Reach Podium

ASTANA – The Alau Ice Palace hosted the 46th International Skating Union (ISU) World Sprint Speed Skating Championship for the first time Feb. 28-March 1 in the...


Kazakhstan Committed to Free and Fair Presidential Election, Says FM Idrissov

ASTANA – Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov briefed the heads of foreign diplomatic missions accredited in the country on Feb. 27 on the upcoming presidential election...


Astana Opera to Hold Gala Celebrating Wales, Welsh People

ASTANA – The Astana Opera theatre will hold a gala concert Feb. 27 dedicated to the Welsh people, land and culture and commemorating the March 1 death...


Almaty Begins 2015 as Capital of Islamic Culture

Almaty’s year as the capital of Islamic culture began on Feb. 24 with an international conference, the Almaty mayor’s office said on its official website. Opening the...


Kazakhstan to Vote in Early Presidential Election on April 26

ASTANA – In a televised address to the nation, President Nursultan Nazarbayev announced his decision to call an early presidential election in Kazakhstan on April 26. “In...


APK Initiative Reflects Citizens’ Trust in President Nazarbayev

On Feb. 14, the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK) put forward an initiative to hold an early presidential election. The appeal, signed by members of...


Dialogue for Peace and Harmony

Current realities make it obvious that despite the hopes of humankind, the world of the 21st century has not become safer. In this century international tensions caused...


Kazakhstan and the United Nations: Maturing Relationship

On March 2, Kazakhstan will celebrate the 23rd anniversary of its acceptance as a full member of the United Nations. The decision, less than three months after...


Kazakh Delegation to Attend Global Gathering of Sports Press

ASTANA – In early March, a delegation of the Association of Sports Press of Kazakhstan (ASPK) is scheduled to participate in the 79th Annual Congress of the...


External News in Brief

Kazakhstan and Japan were appointed Feb. 23 as co-chairs of the Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) for...


Business News in Brief

Kazakh First Deputy Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev held a meeting of the government’s interagency commission to discuss regulation of business in the country, particularly President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s...


EBRD, UniCredit Group Lend $260 million to Kazakhstan’s Voskhod Chromium

Voskhod Chromium, a mining operation in western Kazakhstan, has received $260 million in financing jointly arranged by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and UniCredit...


Economic News in Brief

The National Bank of Kazakhstan will allocate $698 million to support the country’s loan programmes, reported Tengrinews.kz citing the National Bank’s press service. The money will be...


KTZ, HP, Local Businesses Aim to Develop Khorgos by 2020

Representatives of Hewlett-Packard (HP), one of the world leaders in the field of information technology, have recently been learning about work underway at the Altynkol railway station,...


Barys Astana Earns Playoffs Spot for Seventh Straight Season

ASTANA – As the Continental Hockey League’s (KHL) regular season wound to a close, Barys Astana played four matches away. The team has brought home seven points,...


National News in Brief

  The Almaty 2022 Winter Olympics Bidding Committee has announced that Kazakhstan’s bid will be confined to Almaty and not include Almaty and Astana as had been...


Challenging Times Require Bold Decisions

No one can doubt that these are uncertain times for Kazakhstan, the region and world economy. The dramatic fall in the global price of oil – with...


Kazakhstan Increases Number of Programmes to Support Small Business

ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to increase the number of programmes meant to support small- and medium-sized businesses, according to Mazhilis (lower house of Parliament) member Aigul Solovyova....


Golovkin Ups His KO Streak to 19, Defeats Murray in Eleventh Round

Kazakhstan’s Gennady Golovkin knocked out Martin Murray of the UK on Feb. 21 in Monte Carlo in the 11th round, securing his 32nd career win and increasing...


Kazakh Artist to Share Regional Cultures in Venice Art Show

Almagul Menlibayeva, famous contemporary artist from Kazakhstan, whose artwork focuses on the history and cultures of Central Asia, will be taking part in one of the oldest...


Almaty Developers Use Technology to Safegaurd Kids

A new high-tech device in the form of a wristwatchto help parents track their children’s location has been developed in Almaty, reported KTK television channel . Children...


506 New Kindergardens among Government’s 2015 Education Efforts

ASTANA – According to Kazakh Minister of Education and Science Aslan Sarinzhipov, 506 new kindergartens will begin operating in the country this year. The announcement was made...