Kazakhstan Marks 179th Anniversary of Zhambyl Zhabayev

ASTANA – The nation celebrated the 179th anniversary of renowned Kazakh poet and improviser Zhambyl Zhabayev on Feb. 28. Zhabayev was a master of epic poetry and improvisation, a...


Turkistan Granted Special Status to Preserve Cultural Heritage

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a law granting special status to Turkistan, further solidifying its role as Kazakhstan’s spiritual and cultural hub, Akorda reported on March 3....


More Than Singer: Why World Needs Dimash Now More Than Ever

ASTANA — Let me be frank: I am not a fan of Dimash. But in saying this, I do not in any way diminish his God-given talent. His vocal...


Kazakhstan Pledges Support for Moroccan Companies

ASTANA — Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu said the Kazakh government will support Moroccan businesses in strengthening economic and investment ties with Morocco. Nurtleu made...


Symbolism of Kazakh Headdresses Through Life Stages

ASTANA – Kazakh traditional headdresses are experiencing a resurgence among young people, blending cultural heritage with modern design. Brightly stylized hats have become a popular fashion statement, serving as...


How Kazakhstan’s Rescue Dogs Save Lives in Disasters

ASTANA – Dog handlers in Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations are crucial in search and rescue operations, training dogs to work in extreme conditions and respond to emergencies. Often...


Kazakh PM, EU Delegation Discuss Enhancing Trade and Economic Relations

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital hosted the 16th meeting of the Kazakhstan–European Union Dialogue Platform on Critical Raw Materials with the participation of heads of diplomatic missions from EU...


Kazakhstan and Morocco Strengthen Bilateral Ties During Historic Visit

ASTANA — Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu embarked on the first official visit in the history of bilateral relations to Rabat at...


Central Asia is Key Part of Europe-Asia Economic Integration, Ambassador Simkić Says

ASTANA – The European Union and countries of Central Asia seek to strengthen partnership through political, economic and security cooperation. As the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting in Ashgabat...


‘Golden Empire’ Series Brings Story of Jochi Khan – Warrior, Son and Human – to Screen

ASTANA – In the plains of the Ulytau Region in central Kazakhstan, a solitary mausoleum stands guard over the legacy of Jochi Khan, the eldest son of Genghis Khan....


Kazakhstan Military Personnel Enhance Skills Through International Training Programs

ASTANA – Over 600 Kazakhstan’s military personnel are currently studying in more than 50 foreign institutions across 12 countries, said Murat Olzhabayev, head of Military Education and Science Department...


Gratitude Day: Celebrating Kazakhstan’s Unity, Resilience, and Hospitality

ASTANA — Gratitude Day, celebrated on March 1, is more than just a celebration in Kazakhstan – it is a tribute to resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of...


Kazakhstan, China to Boost Cargo Transport via Trans-Caspian Route

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and China agreed to increase cargo volumes along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR),  reported on Feb. 26 the press service of the Transport Ministry.  This...


Kazakhstan, China Advance Construction of Steel Plant in Zhambyl Region

ASTANA – Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov agreed on the construction of a metallurgical plant with chairman of the Board of Fujian Hengwang Investment Zeng Zhaoqiang on Feb. 27. It...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Middle Corridor, Kazakhstan’s Ballet Stars and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest highlights Kazakhstan’s judicial system, the growth of the Middle Corridor...


Kazakhstan Sets $52 Billion Investment Goal, Launches Investor Protection Measures

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is targeting an investment goal of 26.2 trillion tenge (US$52 billion), which requires at least a 35.2% increase in investments compared to last year’s performance. Baglan...


Welcome Spring: First Weekend Bursts with Must-See Events

ASTANA – March 1 marks the Day of Gratitude in Kazakhstan – a celebration of kindness, unity, and appreciation. As spring unfolds, breathing new life into the world with...


Kazakh Mazhilis Discusses Tax Code Reforms to Combat Unfair Competition, Improve Budget Revenue

ASTANA –  New government initiatives to the draft Tax Code, including VAT adjustments, were discussed in the Mazhilis (the lower house of the Kazakh Parliament) Committee on Finance and...


Kazakhstan’s 100th Heart Transplant Coincides with Domestic Organ Delivery Innovation

ASTANA — Kazakhstan recently celebrated its 100th heart transplant, coinciding with the completion of a domestically developed device that extends the storage time of donor hearts and other organs...


Kazakhstan, Nigeria Strengthen Ties in Digital Economy and Investment

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Nigeria are enhancing cooperation in digital technology, investment, and business development following a series of meetings between government officials and business leaders, reported on Feb....


AI Reflects Society’s Biases, Says Oxford Insights CEO

ASTANA – This is the second part of The Astana Times interview with Richard Stirling, co-founder and CEO of Oxford Insights, a global consultancy firm behind the Government AI...


Kazakhstan’s Neo Nomad Visa Draws Global Attention as First Recipients Share Insights

ASTANA – As soon as the Neo Nomad Visa was launched, enabling holders to live in Kazakhstan for up to a year while working remotely and traveling, foreign professionals...


Caspian Pipeline Shareholders Pledge Support for Repairs After Drone Attack

ASTANA – Shareholders of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) are ready to support repairs at the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station, which sustained damage in the Feb. 17 drone attack....


Atyrau Plant Earns Certification, Unlocking Access to 100+ Global Markets

ASTANA — AtyrauNefteMash, a leading Kazakhstan oil and gas equipment manufacturer, received a certification from the American Petroleum Institute (API) with the support of the North Caspian Project (NCOC)...


Tokayev, IACA President Discuss Judicial Reforms, AI in Court Systems

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of the International Association for Court Administration (IACA) Pamela Harris discussed avenues for judicial reform and technological advancements in court proceedings during...


Kazakhstan Moves Forward with Nuclear Energy Plans for 2025

ASTANA – Last year, uranium production reached 23,270 tons, with 308 tons of uranium products sold and 380 fuel assemblies exported. During the past year, negotiations were held with...


Kazakhstan Integrates AI, Digital Technologies to Modernize Legal System

ASTANA – Minister of Justice Yerlan Sarsenbayev presented initiatives aimed at the digitization and modernization of Kazakhstan’s legal system at a Feb. 26 government meeting, reported the Prime Minister’s...


EDB to Expand Investment in Kazakhstan’s Energy, Transport, and Industry in 2025

ASTANA — In 2025, the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) plans to ramp up financing for key strategic projects in Kazakhstan, with a strong focus on energy, transport, and industry,...


Middle Corridor Transports First Cargo Shipment from Japan

ASTANA — Japan completed its first-ever trial shipment through the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) to Türkiye, Trend reported on Feb. 25. The cargo departed from Nagoya, traveled...


What It Takes to Be AI Ready Government? Oxford Insights CEO Unpacks 

ASTANA – Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept from futuristic films. It is here – reshaping economies, industries and the way societies function. While some countries are...


Astana Hosts High-Level Talks on UN80, Kazakhstan’s Role and Future of Multilateralism

ASTANA — A high-level panel discussion marking the United Nations’ 80th anniversary and Kazakhstan’s accession to the organization convened over 70 representatives from government institutions, the diplomatic corps, the...


Kazakhstan, Belgium Unite for Global Business Education 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Belgium have launched their first international dual-degree program, the Global Executive MBA (GEMBA), developed by Almaty Management University (AlmaU) in partnership with Antwerp Management School...


Kazakhstan to Lead Global Nuclear Disarmament Talks at UN Meeting in March

ASTANA — The Third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) will convene at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York...


Kazakhstan’s Energy Shift: Renewables Rise, Oil Production Expands

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is advancing its commitment to green energy while boosting its oil and gas production capabilities. The country has made notable strides in renewable energy, energy infrastructure,...


Kazakhstan Opens 61 New Schools, More Planned for 2025 Using Confiscated Funds

ASTANA — Kazakhstan will construct 28 new schools, using the Education Infrastructure Support Fund funds, to provide space for 22,000 students.  This fund, which was established following President Kassym-Jomart...


Kazakhstan Reviews Proposals from Global Reactor Suppliers for First Nuclear Plant 

ASTANA — The Interdepartmental Commission for the Development of the Nuclear Industry of Kazakhstan convened on Feb. 25 to review proposals from potential suppliers for the country’s first nuclear...


Shymbulak Prepares for FIS Freestyle World Cup: What Fans Need to Know

ASTANA — Shymbulak Mountain Resort in Almaty will host a stage of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Freestyle World Cup from Feb. 28 to March 2. Athletes...


How Kazakhstan Expands Reforestation, Forest Protection Efforts

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is intensifying efforts to restore and protect its forests, which cover only 5% of the country’s territory but play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance...


Tokayev Welcomes Omani Minister, Discusses Future Economic and Cultural Cooperation

ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi on Feb. 25, marking a significant step in advancing bilateral ties between the two countries....


Kazakh, Kyrgyz Officials Explore Collaboration in Space and Digital Industries

ASTANA — Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov and Adylbek Kasymaliev, the chairman of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers and head of the Presidential Administration, visited the Kazakhstan Gharysh...


Kazakh Innovator Drives Green Tech Vision to Women in Tech Global Summit

ASTANA — Kazakh entrepreneur and environmental advocate Assel Seifullina will represent Kazakhstan and Central Asia at the Women in Tech Global Summit in Osaka from April 23 to 25....


Kazakhstan to Launch Shymkent-Cairo Flights in May

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines will open a new Shymkent-Cairo route starting May 29, the Transport Ministry reported. Flights will be operated twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays....


Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic Explore New Cooperation Opportunities

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic aim to explore new opportunities to expand trade, accelerate the launch of the Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex on their border, and...


Yrymdau: How Kazakhs Invite Luck and Embrace Unseen in Everyday Life

ASTANA — I grew up in a Russian-speaking environment, but within deeply rooted Kazakh traditions — or at least, that’s how I’ve always felt. From childhood, I witnessed a...


Kazakhstan to Build First Nuclear Power Plant in Almaty Region

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has designated the Zhambyl district of the Almaty Region as the site for its first nuclear power plant (NPP), according to a government decree, reported Kazinform...


Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan to Hold First Summit After Border Deal

ASTANA – The first ever trilateral summit of the presidents of the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will take place in Khujand on March 31, Deputy Chairman of the...


Kazakhstan to Launch Three Joint Terminals with China This Year

ASTANA — In 2025, Kazakhstan and China plan to launch a logistics complex in Almaty, a logistics center in the Moscow Region of Russia, and a terminal in the...


European Council Appoints New EU Representative for Central Asia

ASTANA – The Council of the European Union (EU) appointed Eduards Stiprais as Central Asia’s new EU Special Representative (EUSR) on Feb. 24. According to the council’s press service,...


Kazakhstan to Develop Joint Satellites with Mongolia and Congo

ASTANA – Kazakhstan Garysh Sapary national space company has signed agreements with Mongolia and Congo to develop joint satellites, Kazinform reported on Feb. 24, citing the Ministry of Digital...


Asif Khan’s Vision: Transforming Almaty’s Tselinny Cinema into Cultural Landmark

ASTANA — In the heart of Almaty, British architect Asif Khan has reimagined a Soviet-era cinema into a multifunctional venue for contemporary art and cultural exchange. Set to open...