Israel Confirms EXPO 2017 Participation

ASTANA – Commissioner of the Israeli section of EXPO 2017 Elazar Cohen recently confirmed his country’s participation in the international exposition to be held in Astana. The confirmation came...


Renunciation of Nuclear Weapons: Is There Another Choice?

It was not long ago when supporters of nuclear weapons confidently claimed that, while the destruction they could cause would be catastrophic, their possession was actually preserving peace on...


Business Centre Head: I Love Astana, I Miss Astana, This Is My Problem

ASTANA – Kaskad Business Centre head Huseyin Sahin is a prominent representative of the city’s medium-sized businesses. The high level of corporate activity in the Kazakh capital attracts businesspeople...


Kazakh Felt Manufacturer Brings Ethnic Items to World Market

ASTANA – The Aigul Line company’s Kazakh-style goods are a great example of a successful Made in Kazakhstan campaign. The items produced by the company include interior and design...


Pilot Toty Amirova Says her Success in a Male-Dominated Field Is Due to Hard Work

ASTANA – Commander of an Airbus 320 and Chief Aviation Inspector for the Committee of Civil Aviation of the Kazakh Ministry of Investment and Development Toty Amirova is doing...


Kazakhstan Joins NATO ‘Planning and Review Process’ Discussions

ASTANA – At NATO headquarters in Brussels, representatives of the Kazakh Defence Ministry headed by Deputy Minister, Major-General Talgat Mukhtarov recently discussed with 28 member countries implementation of the...


Parliamentarians, Religious Leaders Discuss Ways to Unite Religions against Terrorism in Astana

ASTANA – The international conference, Religions against Terrorism, was held May 31 in the capital’s Palace of Peace and Harmony, one day before the 15th session of the Secretariat...


British, Kazakh Experts Discuss Smart Cities Initiatives and Technologies

ASTANA – The Kazakh-British Smart Cities forum, organised by the British Council in Kazakhstan with the support of the Urban Talks and Urban Forum initiatives, was held May 24...


UNDP, EU Support Kazakhstan’s Move to Green Economy

ASTANA – International experts pledged support for Kazakhstan’s efforts to establish a green economy during a conference titled “Green economy: Providing social innovation, economic diversification and environmental sustainability” at...


EAEU Seeks Deeper Cooperation with Key Integration Organisations

ASTANA – Presidents Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, Vladimir Putin of Russia, Serzh Sargsyan of Armenia, Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus and Almazbek Atambayev of Kyrgyzstan met in the Kazakh capital...


Hosting KADEX Weapons Expo Helps Kazakhstan Build Relationships, Contribute to Regional Security

Since independence, one of Kazakhstan’s defining characteristics as a nation has been its passionate commitment to dialogue, partnership and peace. Apart from the country’s relentless championing by actions and...


Global Conference Discusses Best Practices for Civil Service Development

ASTANA – Alikhan Baimenov, Steering Committee Chairman of the Civil Service Regional Hub located in the city, outlined “the quality of human resources and the quality of systems which...


May Brings Financial, Participation Progress for EXPO 2017

ASTANA – As of the end of May the Astana EXPO 2017 national company had signed agreements on partnerships with domestic and foreign companies totaling$113.2 million and collected $744.5...


Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions Gathers a ‘Kaleidoscope’ of World Religions

The number of participants at the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions has been increasing from year to year. That is obvious if you look at the...


Kazakh President Calls for ‘Inclusive Globalisation’ at Ninth Astana Economic Forum

ASTANA – Opening the plenary session of the ninth Astana Economic Forum (AEF) May 26, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev called for “inclusive globalisation,” in which the development of all...


Foreign Investors Council Focuses on Astana Int’l Financial Centre

ASTANA – The Foreign Investors Council devoted to the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) took place in Astana on May 27. President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan along with European...


Supreme Mufti of Kazakh Muslims: Unity Is a Key to Prosperity

The Kazakh nation, with a thousand years of history, has never stayed apart from the world’s global events. Many years ago, caravans traveled through our steppes along Zhibek Zholy,...


Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions Seeks Solutions and Compromise

Almost a year has passed since completion of the fifth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana. Today, on the eve of the upcoming regular session...


EBRD Makes First Investments in Kazakh Natural Gas Storage and Food Production

ASTANA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has invested more than $7 billion in Kazakhstan, announced EBRD President Sir Suma Chakrabarti at a May 26 press...


Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions Plays Role in Global Security

The world community appreciates Kazakhstan’s achievements in the international arena and its image of a responsible and reliable partner as well as initiator of global dialogue platforms. The interethnic...


In Astana, Lagarde Urges Stronger Macroeconomic Frameworks, More Inclusive Economy

ASTANA – International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde visited Kazakhstan for the first time May 24, meeting with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev at the Akorda. The agenda...


Kazakhstan Ministry of Energy Introduces Renewable Energy Auctions

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Energy Kanat Bozumbayev said the Ministry plans to use special auctions to purchase renewable energy from energy-producing companies. The auctions will make the selection...


AEF Puts Global Economic Issues in Spotlight, Brings Politicians, Global Experts Together

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital is hosting the 9thAstana Economic Forum (AEF) May 25-26, where global experts, politicians, economists, world-famous business people and Nobel laureates are seeking much-needed solutions...


FM Idrissov: Security and Stability Have Become Milestone Tasks of SCO

TASHKENT – At the meeting here of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states on May 24, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan...


A Day to Celebrate 100th Issue of The Astana Times

No matter the person or the organisation, a 100th anniversary is always worth recognising. So forgive us if we take a little time to celebrate this 100th edition of...


Austria Announces Participation, Plans for EXPO 2017

ASTANA – Austria confirmed May 23 its intention to participate in EXPO 2017, reported the press service of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry. The announcement came during an official visit...


EBRD’s Vision for Astana International Financial Centre

It is an honour to be co-chairing this Foreign Investors Council with President Nazarbayev once again. This year, the theme under discussion is the very exciting plan to create...


President Abdel Fattakh el-Sisi: Egypt, Kazakhstan Have Good Prospects for Trade, Investment Cooperation

                                          In an exclusive interview with The Astana Times...


Austria Announces Participation, Plans for EXPO 2017

ASTANA – Austria confirmed May 23 its intention to participate in EXPO 2017, reported the press service of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry. The announcement came during an official visit...


Astana Hosting AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships

ASTANA – The Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) women’s world championships opened May 19 in the capital. This year, the tournament’s already high status rose even further. In the...


Shumenov Claims WBA Regular World Champion Title in First Heavyweight Division

Kazakh professional boxer Beibut Shumenov recently earned his 17th victory and the WBA regular champion belt in the first heavyweight division in Las Vegas with a technical knockout in...


Kazakhstan’s Contribution to Inter-Religious and Intercultural Global Dialogue

This year, the people of Kazakhstan are celebrating the 25th anniversary of our independence. Looking back at the past decades, we can safely say that we have been through...


Kazakh Land Code Commission to Continue Work as Changes Spark Unauthorised Rallies

ASTANA – A second meeting of the special Land Reform Commission took place in Astana on May 21 in a continued effort to calm public sentiment over recent land...


Believers Cannot Remain Silent When Violence Is Done in Their Name

Viewed through the lens of recent events it might be easy for some to lay the blame for extremism and terrorism firmly on religion. To do so would be...


Artist, ATOM Project Hon. Ambassador Opens First Astana Exhibition, Urges End to ‘Nuclear Madness’

ASTANA – As the threat of terrorism continues to spread around the world, Honorary Ambassador of The ATOM Project, artist and activist against nuclear weapons Karipbek Kuyukov launched his...


Construction Launches in Akmola Region on Central Asia’s Largest Solar Power Plant

ASTANA – Construction began May 20 on a new 100 MW solar plant 40 kilometres from Astana in the village of Kabanbai Batyr. Production is expected to begin next...


EAEU to Focus on Relations with Non-Member Countries in 2016

ASTANA – Improving the Eurasian Economic Union’s (EAEC) relationships with outside countries will be among the organisation’s 2016 priorities, according to a press release from the Kazakh Prime Minister’s...


Lagarde: Kazakhstan Is a Country with a Promising Future

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde pays her first ever visit to Astana on May 24 to discuss with Kazakh and regional authorities how to address the...


Day of Europe Celebrated in Astana with Film Festival, School Lectures and Classical Concert

ASTANA – The annual Day of Europe celebration was marked this year with events throughout the country from May 16 through May 22. The events were organised by the...


Policeman in Zhambyl Region Adopts Five Children

ASTANA – Senior Sergeant of the Zhambyl Region Police Department Galym Arystanbayev always dreamt of having a big family. And after adopting five children, in addition to three of...


70-Year-Old Marathon Runner Urges Participation in May 28 BI Marathon

ASTANA – Famous Kazakh 70 year-old marathon runner Saltanat Tuitebayev has daily trainings in spite of his age. The athlete participates in marathons and often wins medals. Recently, he...


Astana Opera Presents Concert in Honour of Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev

ASTANA – The musical compositions of great Kazakh composer Yerkegali Rakhmadiyev were performed May 13 in the capital at the Chamber Hall of the Astana Opera. The concert “Tan...


200 People Run One Mile for Charity in Astana

ASTANA – Sport Relief Mile, a public run organised by the British Embassy to benefit the Shugyla Public Fund took place in the capital’s Zheruiyk city park May 14....


Small Kurultai of Kazakhs Held in Europe

ASTANA – A traditional small kurultai (assembly) of Kazakhs in Europe was held May 14-15 in Cologne, Germany, and gathered about 2,000 representatives of ethnic diasporas from Germany, the...


Open Air Cross-Fit, Yoga, Zumba at Astana’s Central Park

ASTANA – Fitness Park Astana, featuring popular exercises in the capital’s Central Park, is the place to be every Sunday from 10 a.m-1 p.m. The open air event includes...


State Bodies Prepare to Transfer Functions to Competitive Environment

ASTANA – First Deputy Minister of National Economy Marat Kussainov talked about implementing the 97th step of the Plan of the Nation that expands opportunities for citizens to participate...


Kazakh Delegation Attends Dialogue in Brussels, Connectivity Conference in Berlin

The Kazakh delegation took an active part in the recent events convened in Brussels, Belgium and Berlin, Germany, where it promoted better dialogue with the European Union and connectivity...


Astana Economic Forum to Cover Kazakhstan’s First Privatisation Forum, UNDP 50th Anniversary

ASTANA – The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) 50th anniversary and its contribution to sustainable development in Kazakhstan, problems and prospects of linking the Silk Road Economic Belt and...


Team Kazakhstan Falls from IIHF World Championships Top Division

ASTANA – The eighth attempt in history for the team of Kazakhstan to stay in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championships Top Division, which this year is...


Senegal Supports Kazakhstan’s Bid for Non-Permanent Seat on UN Security Council for 2017-18

ASTANA – Senegalese President Macky Sall confirmed his country will vote for Kazakhstan in the nation’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2017-18. The...