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 last year....


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 11, to...


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 Akmola Region,...


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 Bauer, Regional...


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 region to...


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 serious threat...


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 value exceeding...


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, a key...


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 his official...


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 high level...


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 second international...


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 the plenary...


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 press service....


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 Aerospace Industry...


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 artificial intelligence...


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 Kosshy town...


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 in regional...


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), said Mukhiddin...


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 these articles...


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 Kazakhstan during...


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 water resources...


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 Route (TITR),...


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 9 to...


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 10 for...


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 Astana as...


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 essential to...


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 article by...


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 the ongoing...


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 votes in...


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 Central Asia,...


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 for launching...


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 political dialogue,...


‘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 and investment,...


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 by modernizing...


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 to one...


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, reported the...


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 Akorda press...


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 at the...


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 runners. With...


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 appear on...


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. The main...


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, green energy,...


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 list, is...


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 made on...


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 Asia Forum,...


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 become increasingly...


Kazakhstan Recognizes Strategic Boost in Ties with India at Central Asia–India Business Council

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu highlighted India’s role as a key strategic partner and outlined a vision to triple bilateral trade, expand energy...


President Tokayev Extends Warm Greetings on Qurban Ait

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev extended warm congratulations to the Muslims of Kazakhstan on the Qurban Ait (Eid al-Adha), a sacred holiday for Muslims around the world that embodies...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Italy-CA Summit, Kazakhstan’s Climate Policy, AIF and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected key international media coverage on Kazakhstan this week. Today’s foreign media digest covers the Italy-Central Asia Summit, Kazakhstan’s climate policy, the Astana...


Kazakh Stunt Actor Seeks to Bring Action Movie Industry to Global Stage

ASTANA – Kazakh actor and stunt coordinator Robert Kun brings two decades of global experience in the film industry back to Kazakhstan to support the development of the country’s...