Kuwaiti-Kazakh Diplomacy: Model for Sustainable International Cooperation

In a world accelerating with geopolitical and economic transformations, the relations between Kuwait and Kazakhstan stand out as a unique model of international partnership based on mutual...


Kazakhstan’s Gas Production Hits Record While Domestic Supply Faces Growing Pressure

ASTANA – Last year, Kazakhstan’s gas sector achieved historic production levels, reaching 68.1 billion cubic meters, but rising imports and accelerating domestic tariffs highlight structural challenges in...


Central Asia Seeks Unified Strategy on Afghanistan

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital convened an extraordinary meeting of the Regional Contact Group of Special Representatives of Central Asian countries on Afghanistan on Feb. 16, with...


Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Target Higher Railway Freight Volumes 

ASTANA — Kazakh Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev held an online meeting with his Uzbek counterpart Ilkhom Makhkamov to discuss railway sector cooperation. The talks focused on enhancing...


Kazakhstan and Tajikistan Advance Strategic Partnership After Foreign Minister’s Visit

ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev met with President Emomali Rahmon and Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin of Tajikistan on Feb. 16 to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation,...


EDB and Eurasian Bank Provide Long-Term Financing for Ust-Kamenogorsk CHPP Modernization 

ASTANA — The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), acting as the lead financial institution, and Eurasian Bank have provided $180 million in long-term debt financing to modernize and...


Kazakhstan Expands Oil Refining, Gas Processing and Petrochemical Capacity

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is undertaking a major expansion of its oil refining, gas processing, and petrochemical industries, aiming to boost oil processing capacity from 18.4 to 40...


Kazakhstan Strengthens Agricultural Processing and Expands Export Reach

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s agricultural processing sector continues to show steady growth and rising export potential, said Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov during a Feb. 17 government meeting, reporting...


Tokayev Honors Ersin Baltagul as Sumo Champion Plans Youth Academy in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Award-winning Kazakh professional sumo wrestler Ersin Baltagul has announced plans to open a children’s sumo school in Kazakhstan, aiming to develop young talent and promote...


What Kazakhstan’s Digital Code Brings to Citizens and Businesses

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has taken a major step toward regulating life online with the signing of the new Digital Code on Jan. 9, a sweeping legal framework...


Tokayev Presents State Honors to Kazakh Fighters After Dubai SWAT Victory

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev honored the winners of the UAE SWAT Challenge 2026 international tournament on Feb. 16, praising their performance as a testament to Kazakhstan’s...


Kazakhstan to Transform Beef Industry from Commodity Supplier to Premium Exporter

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is seeking to reposition its beef industry from a commodity-based supplier to a value-added premium exporter, as industry leaders unveiled a comprehensive export ecosystem...


Burkasyn Festival Spotlights Winter Sports in Astana

ASTANA – Astana celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Burkasyn winter festival on Feb. 14, bringing together families, amateur athletes, and sports enthusiasts along the Yessil River...


Kazakhstan, Singapore Launch Quantum Technology Center in Almaty

ALMATY – The Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) launched the Kazakh-Singaporean Center for Quantum Technologies, located within the Farabi Hub Center for Innovative Products and High-Tech Projects...


Kazakhstan’s Ski Jumper Finishes 8th at Winter Olympics, Sets National Record

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s ski jumper Ilya Mizernykh delivered the best Olympic result in the country’s history, finishing eighth in the men’s large hill event at the Milano...


Kazakh FM Reaffirms Support for UN, Outlines Constitutional Reform at Almaty Meeting

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev met with heads of United Nations agencies operating in the country on Feb. 14 in Almaty to discuss constitutional reform,...


Kazakhstan’s Assaubayeva Secures Historic Qualification for 2026 Women’s Freestyle Chess Championship

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva defeated Switzerland’s Alexandra Kosteniuk in a women’s exhibition match held alongside the Freestyle Chess World Championship in Germany, becoming the first player...


Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic Pledge to Deepen Strategic Alliance and Economic Ties

ALMATY – Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic are continuing to strengthen their bilateral ties, with trade reaching $2 billion and plans to bring it to $3 billion,...


Regional Ecological Summit in Astana to Address Energy Transition, Climate Risks

ALMATY – Central Asia’s energy transition will be on the agenda of the Regional Ecological Summit (RES 2026) in Astana on April 22–24, with one of the...


Kazakhstan, Finland in Talks on Tractor Production Localization, Agritech

ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Finland discussed plans to localize agricultural tractor production and expand cooperation in agritech during a working visit to Finland by Vice Minister of...


Officials Brief Kazakhstan-Based Diplomatic Community on Draft Constitution

ALMATY – The revisions of Kazakhstan’s Сonstitution reflect over 84% changes compared to the existing text, said Constitutional Court Chairperson Elvira Azimova as she briefed the diplomatic...


Livestock Market Consolidation Tool Unveiled at Dala.Camp Forum in Burabai

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s livestock sector took a step toward market consolidation and higher-value exports as the Turan Livestock Association launched a pilot digital platform aimed at coordinating...


How Central Asia’s Financial Markets Are Quietly Taking Shape

For much of the past three decades, Central Asia has been viewed primarily through the lens of commodities, infrastructure and geopolitics. Finance, when mentioned at all, was...


Dala.Camp Forum Yields Five Agreements, Training for Livestock Producers

ALMATY – Five strategic agreements and a full day of practical business training sessions marked the Dala.Camp Forum 2026 in Burabai on Feb. 14-15, where 250 industry...


More Than 20,000 Visitors Expected at RES 2026 EXPO in Astana

ALMATY – More than 20,000 participants are expected to attend an international exhibition of green technologies and sustainable solutions, which will take place alongside the Regional Ecological...


Kazakhstan Marks 34 Years in OSCE Amid More Fractured World

ASTANA – Thirty-four years ago, Kazakhstan joined the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), entering a multilateral system built on dialogue, international law and shared...


Kazakh Artist Elevates Traditional Motifs Through Cultural Symbols, Silk and Illustrations

ALMATY – From classical painting to bestselling postcards, silk scarves and airplane amenity kits, Kazakh artist Indira Badambayeva has built a creative universe where Kazakh identity and...


How Kassym Khan’s Laws Laid Foundation of Kazakh Statehood

ASTANA – The reign of Kassym Khan between 1511 and 1521 marked one of the most important periods in the history of the Kazakh Khanate, when the...


Winter Migration Drives Saigas to Aral Region

ASTANA — Large groups of saiga antelopes have migrated into the Aral district of the Kyzylorda Region since late December, drawing public attention. Wildlife officials say the...


Kazakhstan’s Shaidorov Wins Historic Olympic Gold in Figure Skating

ROME — Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov won gold in men’s figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy, delivering a decisive free skate to secure the...


Week One at Milano-Cortina: Kazakhstan’s Olympic Opening

ROME — The 2026 Winter Olympics opened Feb. 6 in Milan-Cortina, where Kazakhstan’s 36 athletes began competition across multiple disciplines. In the first week, the team secured...


Living Art: How Kazakh Nomads Weave Meaning into Every Object

ALMATY – Art was never separate from life for the nomads of the Kazakh steppe. It lived in the objects of everyday life, from textiles to horse...


From Bosphorus to Great Steppe: Turkish Artist Explores Shared Roots in Astana

ASTANA – Water flows through civilizations. It moves between continents, carries memory, and connects cultures. In Astana, Turkish watercolor artist Ahmet Öğreten uses that symbolism to trace...


Aral Sea Shows Signs of Recovery as Water Levels Rise

ALMATY – The North Aral Sea is slowly coming back to life and with it, renewed hope for the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on its...


Kazakhstan, EBRD Extend SME Partnership to 2030, Launch Investment-Focused Initiative

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s Ministry of National Economy and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have extended their partnership on small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) support...


‘Partner of Choice’: New US Ambassador to Kazakhstan Sets Ambitious Tone

ASTANA — Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Julie M. Stufft, during her first press briefing on Feb. 13, sent a clear message: Washington sees Astana not...


Kazakhstan Expands Digital Transit Role with New South Route to UAE

ASTANA — Kazakhstan seeks to strengthen its position as a regional digital transit hub with the launch of the South Route telecommunications corridor, a new infrastructure link...


Kazakhstan Plans Allocating $42 Million for Constitutional Referendum

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will hold a nationwide referendum on a new Constitution on March 15, with more than 12.4 million citizens eligible to vote and 20.8 billion...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Tokayev’s Constitutional Reset, Economic Goals and Kazakhstan’s Rising Global Profile

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles on Kazakhstan featured in international media worldwide this week. Today’s foreign media digest covers President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s accelerated constitutional...


Where to Go, What to See: This Week’s Cultural Highlights in Astana and Almaty

ASTANA –  With Valentine’s Day approaching, the second week of February brings a touch of romance to the city. It Is the perfect time to celebrate love...


Kazakhstan, World Bank Plan Up to $1 Billion Annually Under New Partnership Framework

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the World Bank Group have discussed a new partnership framework for 2026-2031 that could provide up to $1 billion in annual financing to...


Astana to Host 51st UEFA Congress in 2027

ASTANA – The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has announced that the 51st UEFA Congress will take place on March 4, 2027, in the Kazakh capital....


Tokayev Honors Muslim Council Leader, Reaffirms Kazakhstan’s Commitment to Interfaith Dialogue

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met on Feb. 12 with Mohamed Abdelsalam, secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Elders and the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, reaffirming...


Foreign Investment in Tajikistan Surges 35% in 2025

ALMATY – Foreign investment in Tajikistan reached $6.93 billion in 2025, marking a 35% increase compared to the previous year, reported the Kazinform news agency on Feb....


Kazakhstan Advances Regional Climate Education Agenda Ahead of Summit in April

ASTANA — Kazakhstan convened a high-level meeting on Feb. 12 to push forward a regional climate education initiative, as preparations continue for the Regional Ecological Summit 2026...


ALEM Tech Fest Brings Central Asia’s Young Innovators to Astana

ALMATY – ALEM TECH FEST 2026, the largest robotics, artificial intelligence and STEM education festival in Central Asia, opened at the EXPO International Exhibition Center in Astana...


Draft Constitution Sets July 1 Entry Into Force if Approved

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s proposed new Constitution would make a political transition starting July 1, including the end of the current Parliament’s mandate, if voters endorse the reforms...


Kazakhstan Wins Gold and Silver at UAE SWAT Challenge 2026

ALMATY – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has congratulated the country’s special forces units on Feb. 12, following their standout performance at the UAE SWAT Challenge 2026 international...


Kazakhstan, Germany Push Deeper Economic and Energy Cooperation at C5+1 Meeting in Berlin

ALMATY – Germany has described Kazakhstan as a key political and economic partner in Central Asia, as Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev held talks with German Foreign...


US Eyes Up to $700 Million for Kazakhstan Tungsten Project to Bolster Supply Chains

ALMATY – The United States’ International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has issued letters of interest exploring up to $700 million in financing for a tungsten mining project...


Kazakhstan Positioned as Key Link in Eurasian Trade Routes at US Policy Event 

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s growing strategic role in the development of the Middle Corridor and broader Eurasian connectivity was highlighted during a presentation of an analytical report at...


Advancing Middle Corridor Integration: Azerbaijan’s Growing Role as Key Trade Gateway

On November 25, the first meeting of the Eurasian Transport Route (ETR) International Association under the chairmanship of Azerbaijan was held in Baku. The association’s meeting came...


Air Astana Expands China Network with New Astana-Guangzhou Route

ASTANA – Air Astana will launch a new route between Astana and Guangzhou starting June 2. Flights on this route will operate twice weekly using Airbus A321LR...


Kazakhstan Sees Positive Net Migration in 2025, Most Arrivals from CIS Countries

ASTANA – Kazakhstan saw a net migration of 16,153 people in January-December last year, with 23,761 arrivals and 7,608 departures. Compared to 2024, arrivals decreased by 20.7%...


Kazakhstan to Vote on New Constitution in March 15 Referendum

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on Feb. 11 to hold a national referendum on March 15 for the adoption of Kazakhstan’s new Constitution. The...


ERG Africa and EGC Sign MoU to Formalise Responsible Artisanal Cobalt Mining in DRC

ASTANA – Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) in Africa and Enterprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the sidelines of the Mining...


Kazakhstan Highlights Leading Role of Women in Science on International Day

ASTANA – Today marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, established by the UN General Assembly to highlight the importance of equal opportunities in...


Kazakhstan’s Anti-Fraud Center Logs Over 90,000 Fraud Cases Since Launch

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Anti-Fraud Center has recorded more than 111,000 incidents since its launch in July 2024, with over 90,000 cases classified as fraud, officials said at...


National Bank Governor Highlights Fiscal Consolidation, Inflation Control for 2026

ASTANA – National Bank Governor Timur Suleimenov outlined key economic priorities for 2026, focusing on fiscal consolidation, tighter control of consumer lending and coordinated anti-inflation measures, as...


Between Dollar and Dragon: Geopolitics of Rising Yuan 

The U.S. dollar still anchors global finance, but the system is evolving at the margins. The Chinese renminbi remains a small reserve currency at just over 2...


Elena Rybakina Marks 400th Career Win

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, ranked third in the WTA, recorded the 400th match win of her professional career in the second round of the WTA 1000...


Constitutional Commission Proposes Broader Property and Housing Guarantees

ASTANA – Members of the Constitutional Commission discussed proposals to expand protections for property and housing rights during a Feb. 10 meeting. One of the key proposals...


Kazakhstan’s Figure Skater Mikhail Shaidorov Places Fifth in Short Program at 2026 Winter Olympics

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov finished fifth in the men’s short program at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy, earning 92.94 points on Feb. 10. Ilia...


Kazakhstan Expands Transplant Expertise Amid Ongoing Donor Shortage

ASTANA – More than 4,500 Kazakh citizens, including 123 children on the waiting list for organ transplants, according to the Kazakh Healthcare Ministry. More than 90% of...


KASE Reports Strong Market Growth

ASTANA – Trading volume at the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) increased by 20% year on year in 2025, while the number of transactions rose by 74% to...


Kazakh SWAT Teams Take Top Spots at UAE International Tournament

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s special forces teams delivered a standout performance at the UAE SWAT Challenge, taking the lead in one of the world’s most prestigious tactical competitions...


Unico Play Brings Home Historic GEMA Asia Awards Wins for Kazakhstan

ALMATY – Both GEMA Asia Awards statuettes have now been delivered to Kazakhstan, as the country has earned its first-ever recognition at the prestigious competition. Local streaming...


Kazakhstan’s Assaubayeva Secures Historic Spot in Women’s Chess Candidates

ALMATY – Kazakh chess star Bibisara Assaubayeva will become the first player in the country’s history to compete in the Women’s Candidates Tournament, marking a milestone moment...


Tengiz Oil Field Set to Reach Full Production Later This Month

ALMATY – Output at Kazakhstan’s Tengiz oil field has recovered to around 60% of its usual production levels. It is expected to return to full capacity by...


Dimash Qudaibergen’s Show Tops China TV Ratings

ASTANA — The debut episode of the new music project Voice Beyond Horizon, produced by Dimash Qudaibergen, made a splash in China’s media landscape. The show ranked...


Strong Connectivity Infrastructure Key to Digital Economy, Says Minister

ASTANA – The efficiency of the digital economy depends on the quality of connectivity infrastructure, said Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development...


Kazakhstan Aims to Attract Quality Investments to Drive High-Tech Growth

ASTANA – Kazakhstan must develop a comprehensive strategy to attract new, high-quality investments to build modern, high-tech industries, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a Feb. 10 government...


Tokayev Calls for Economic Transformation Amid Global Uncertainty

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is taking decisive steps to strengthen its socio-economic and international potential in the face of a rapidly changing global economy, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said...


Tokayev: New Constitution Will Protect Citizens’ Rights and Strengthen State Institutions

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired an expanded government meeting on Feb. 10, during which officials reviewed Kazakhstan’s socio-economic performance in 2025 and outlined key priorities for...


New Rules Redraw Kazakhstan’s Housing Map as Prices Outpace Inflation

ASTANA — New regulations reshaped Kazakhstan’s housing market in 2025, pushing demand beyond major cities toward regional centers as prices rose faster than inflation, according to experts. ...


Foreign Capital Inflows Exceed $58 Billion, Says Prime Minister

ASTANA – Foreign capital inflows to Kazakhstan surpassed $58 billion in 2025, said Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov while briefing President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the latest economic figures...


Tokayev Meets Chinese Business Leaders, AIIB President to Boost Investment Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is advancing new investment, infrastructure, and technology partnerships with Chinese business leaders and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), following high-level talks on Feb....


Dala.Camp Forum 2026 to Address Kazakhstan’s Meat Industry Export Readiness

ASTANA – Burabay will host the Dala.Camp Forum 2026 on Feb. 14-15 at Rixos to address the development and export potential of Kazakhstan’s meat livestock sector. The...


Kazakh Traditions Take Center Stage in Doha

ASTANA – The Days of Kazakh Culture concluded on Feb. 7 in Doha, giving the public an opportunity to explore Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage, traditional sports and contemporary...


EU Highlights Depth of Partnership With Kazakhstan After 33 Years

ASTANA – In February, Kazakhstan and the European Union mark 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, reflecting more than three decades of steadily deepening cooperation....


New Constitution Aims to Bring Talent Back to Kazakhstan Amid High Student Outflow

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s updated Constitution establishes a strong legal framework for education, science, and creative freedom, which officials say is essential for unlocking the country’s intellectual potential...


Almaty Wins Best Urban Tourism Promotion at OTM Mumbai 2026

ASTANA – Almaty was awarded the Best Urban Tourism Promotion prize at OTM Mumbai 2026, one of Asia’s largest international tourism exhibitions, highlighting the city’s effective international...


Kazakhstan Advances Plans to Modernize Coal-Fired Power Sector

ASTANA – The Government, through the Energy Ministry, is developing a national project for coal-fired power generation to address long-term energy shortages and modernize aging power capacity....


Volunteerism as Way of Life in Kazakhstan

This year has been designated the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, recognizing the vital role volunteers play in addressing social challenges and strengthening communities worldwide....


Kazakhstan’s Insurance Market Assets Reach Almost $8 Billion in 2025

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s insurance sector expanded in 2025, with assets rising to 3.9 trillion tenge (US$7.9 billion) and insurance premiums growing 12.5% year-on-year to 1.7 trillion tenge...


NU Researchers Bring A.GEAR Rehabilitation Exoskeleton to Market

ASTANA – The Astana Gait Exoskeleton Assisted Rehabilitation (A.GEAR), an innovative medical device developed by researchers at Nazarbayev University (NU), has completed all stages of state registration...


Kazakhstan Strengthens Its Role as Eurasian Transit Hub With 36.9 Million Tons of Freight in 2025

ASTANA – Last year, Kazakhstan’s transport sector continued its systematic development, strengthening the country’s transit and logistics potential, modernizing infrastructure, and improving transportation efficiency. Positioned at the...


Poet With Child’s Soul: Kazakhstan Marks Mukagali Makatayev’s 95th Anniversary 

ASTANA — Kazakhstan marks the 95th anniversary of poet, writer and translator Mukagali Makatayev on Feb. 9, commemorating one of the most influential voices in Kazakh literature....


Galloping Through Cultures: How Horses Connect Humanity

Every time the Chinese New Year approaches, I find myself paying closer attention to the animal of the year. Not just the symbolism, but the stories behind...


Kazakh Tattoo Artist Reimagines National Heritage in Contemporary Ink

ASTANA – For centuries, Kazakh ornaments told stories without words, woven into textiles, carved into wood, and engraved into metal. Today, those same symbols are being etched...


How Kazakhs Found Their Way Across Steppe Without Maps

ASTANA —  For centuries, Kazakhs navigated vast steppe landscapes without maps or GPS, relying on stars, animals and environmental knowledge. These skills enabled nomadic communities to travel...


Floods, Fault Lines and Heat: UNDP Flags Urban Risks in Central Asia

ASTANA — Central Asian cities are exposed to recurrent flooding, earthquakes, mudflows and increasing temperature extremes that affect infrastructure and economic stability. According to the United Nations...


Blackbird Named Kazakhstan’s Bird of Year 2026

ASTANA — Based on the voting results of members of the environmental community, the blackbird was officially named Bird of the Year 2026 in Kazakhstan, gathering 65%...


Kazakhstan to Issue Commemorative Olympic Games 2026 Coin

ASTANA – The National Bank of Kazakhstan will release a new collectible coin, OLYMPIC GAMES 2026. SHORT TRACK, as part of its Sports series. The 1,000-tenge coin...


Starlink Launches Satellite Internet Service in Tajikistan

ALMATY – Satellite internet provider Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has officially launched operations in Tajikistan, as it was announced on Feb. 5 on the company’s X page. ...


Dimash Qudaibergen Celebrates Premiere of Voice Beyond Horizon in Almaty

ALMATY – Thousands of fans gathered at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace in Almaty on Feb. 5 to celebrate the global premiere of the first episode of...


President Tokayev Holds Working Meeting With Constitutional Commission Leadership

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a working meeting with Kazakhstan’s Constitutional commission on Feb. 6 to review progress on drafting the country’s new Constitution. The meeting...


Khorgos Gateway Boosts Transit Capacity, Handles Over 372,000 TEUs in 2025

ALMATY – The Khorgos Gateway Dry Port in Kazakhstan’s special economic zone handled more than 372,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2025, marking a 2% increase compared...


What to Do This Weekend: Music, Poetry and Cultural Performances

ASTANA  – This February weekend offers a mix of music, spoken word and theatrical performances that spotlight contemporary Kazakh culture. From intimate readings to live concerts and...


KazTransOil Announces Tariff Changes for Oil Transportation Starting March 

ALMATY – KazTransOil has announced changes to its tariffs for oil transportation through Kazakhstan’s main pipeline system, effective from March 1, reported the company’s press service on...