Direct Flights Between Kazakhstan and US to Launch by 2025

ASTANA – The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) representatives arrived in Kazakhstan on a review mission to open direct flights between the two countries by late...


Tokayev Congratulates Kazakh Athletes on Paris Olympics Achievements

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Kazakh athletes and coaches on their achievements at the Paris Olympics during a meeting on Aug. 27, reported Akorda. He especially...


UN’s Izumi Nakamitsu Highlights Kazakhstan’s Moral Leadership in Nuclear Disarmament

ASTANA—With growing tensions and rising risks of nuclear proliferation, the United Nations (UN) continues to champion nuclear disarmament. Kazakhstan, a nation with unparalleled moral authority in this...


Kazakhstan and Shell Discuss Further Development of Kashagan and Karachaganak Fields

ASTANA — Kazakh Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev and Shell executives focused on advancing gas processing plants at the Kashagan and Karachaganak oil fields during their Aug. 26...


Kazakhstan to Unite Global Securities Leaders This September

ASTANA — For the first time, Kazakhstan Central Securities Depository (KCSD) will host the 26th Annual General Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Central Securities Depository Group (ACG) in...


Kazakhstan to Increase Middle Corridor’s Capacity to Ten Million Tons Annually

ASTANA — The Kazakh government is working to implement the Roadmap to eliminate bottlenecks and develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) until 2027 between Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan,...


Kazakh PM Reiterates Commitment to OPEC+ Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is committed to further cooperation within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+), Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said at an Aug. 26 meeting...


Almaty to Host Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition KIOGE 2024 in September

ASTANA – Almaty will host the Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition KIOGE 2024 on Sept. 25-27, which will bring together representatives of state agencies, business and...


Kazakh Dombra Player Performs Kui at Elbrus Mount

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s dombra player Alibek Kaiyrbek, 26, performed Kazakh composer Kurmangazy’s famous kui “Adai” at the highest point in Europe – Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus....


Kazakhstan and Netherlands Collaborate to Enhance Flood Risk Management

ASTANA — The key stakeholders engaged in water and flood management from the Netherlands and Kazakhstan, including representatives from the Kazakh Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry...


Kazakhstan, Germany to Launch New Initiatives in Agriculture, Water Management

ASTANA – Kazakh and German counterparts have reached agreements on new projects to enhance agricultural cooperation and ensure efficient irrigation and water conservation during Kazakh Deputy Prime...


Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva Wins Silver Medal at Tbilisi FIDE Women’s Grand-Prix 2024

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s chess player Bibisara Assaubayeva won the silver medal at the first stage of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024-2025, which took place in Tbilisi...


KazMunayGas Reduces Oil Production Due to Repairs at Tengiz, Kashagan Fields

ASTANA— KazMunayGas (KMG) national oil and gas company consistently adheres to its oil production obligations under the OPEC+ Agreement, the quotas set by the Kazakh Ministry of...


Kazakhstan Takes Lead in Global Push for Nuclear Disarmament Amid Heightened Tensions

In a world increasingly overshadowed by the threat of nuclear conflict, Kazakhstan is stepping up its efforts in the global disarmament movement. On Aug. 27-28, 2024, in...


More Than Sports: World Nomad Games are Tribute to Nomadic Legacy

ASTANA – The fifth World Nomad Games in September will once again celebrate the rich tradition of nomadic culture while embracing what is best in others. Over...


Exploring Nuclear Fuel Production: Insights from Kazakhstan’s Ulba Metallurgical Plant

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is preparing for a public referendum to determine the location of its first nuclear power station. Many experts believe this move will pave the...


Ordo: Ancient Game of Strategy and Strength

BISHKEK – Ordo, the most widespread traditional game in the Kyrgyz Republic, is featured in the World Nomad Games. The word “ordo” refers to the central headquarters...


Carlsberg Kazakhstan Plans Expansion with New Investment Projects in Central Asia

ASTANA — Carlsberg plans to expand its presence across Kazakhstan and Central Asia. This was revealed during an Aug. 22 meeting with Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek...


Fifth World Nomad Games to Feature Kazakh-Made Arrows

ASTANA – Over 200 archers from 35 countries will compete using arrows made in Kazakhstan during the traditional archery competitions at the fifth World Nomad Games, the...


Kazakh-US Venture Fund Promotes Kazakhstan’s Role as Prime Destination for Clinical Trials

ASTANA – FutureMed Ventures KZ, a Kazakh-American venture fund, seeks to foster Kazakhstan’s emerging role as a destination for clinical trials and bring innovative technologies to the...


UNICEF Report Reveals 60,000 Children in Residential Care Across Central Asia

ASTANA – Nearly 60,000 children aged 0-17 years across five countries in Central Asia live in residential care, according to a new policy brief published by the...


Task to Increase Trade Volume Between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan is Feasible, Says Tajik PM

ASTANA – The task set by Presidents of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan for their governments to increase mutual trade volume to $2 billion is really feasible, Tajik Prime...


Kazakh Athletes Poised for Gold in African Intellectual Game Ovari

ASTANA – Ainur Zhakapbayeva, head coach of Kazakhstan’s national togyzkumalak team, expressed confidence in the team’s potential to win a gold medal in ovari, an intellectual game...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Balanced Foreign Policy, Kazakh-Tajik Cooperation and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has curated a selection of articles about Kazakhstan published in international media outlets around the world. This week’s foreign media digest includes...


German Companies Expand Investment Presence in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The Kazakh Invest national company delegation, led by Chairman Yerzhan Yelekeyev, paid a working visit on Aug. 19-21 to Germany to engage in discussions with...


Nazarbayev University is Catalyst for Kazakhstan’s Development, Says its New President

ASTANA — According to Dr. Waqar Ahmad, the newly appointed president of Nazarbayev University (NU), the university is a pivotal force in Kazakhstan’s development. This is largely...


Kazakhstan Upgrades Oil Production Compensation Plan Under OPEC+ Agreement

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has updated its Compensation plan, including for overproduction in July, and submitted it to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretariat, the Energy...


Kazakhstan Imports Record Number of Passenger Aircraft

ASTANA – Kazakhstan imported 13 aircraft with a capacity of 50 to 300 passengers in the first six months of this year, a record number since 2018...


IAEA Low-Enriched Uranium Bank Stores 90 Tons of Nuclear Fuel

ASTANA – The Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) Bank of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), located on the territory of the Ulba Metallurgical Plant (UMP), is a...


Road Infrastructure Improvement Near Completion in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is nearing completion of a large-scale road infrastructure improvement program, which includes constructing, reconstructing, and repairing 7,000 kilometers of roads by the end of...


Kazakh-Tajik Investment Forum Yields Nearly $900 Million in Contracts

ASTANA – The Kazakh-Tajik Investment Forum, held in Dushanbe on Aug. 21 ahead of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state visit to Tajikistan, resulted in the signing of several...


Interstate Relations Between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan Reach Allied Cooperation Level

ASTANA — The Treaty on Allied Relations between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, signed on Aug. 22 by both leaders, marks the beginning of a qualitatively new stage of...


Experience Best of Astana and Almaty

ASTANA — Get ready for an exciting weekend of culture and entertainment in Astana and Almaty. From captivating concerts and vibrant festivals to immersive exhibitions, there’s something for...


Kazakh, Tajik Presidents Outline Priorities, Strengthen Bilateral Ties

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon identified priorities and tasks to strengthen bilateral cooperation during the Aug. 22 talks in Dushanbe. In...


TikTok, Kazakh Tourism Promote Nation’s Culture, Major Sites Through Travel Content

ASTANA — TikTok, a short-form video hosting service, and Kazakh Tourism national company, are launching a new stage of a large-scale initiative under the GuideToKazakhstan hashtag. The...


Engineering Camps in Rural Schools Empower Students in STEAM

ASTANA — American Corners in Kazakhstan reported that they finished their pilot project titled Regional Ambassadors of Makerspace. This project of creative labs aims to promote knowledge...


Slight Majority Favor Construction of Nuclear Power Plant in Kazakhstan, Survey Finds

ASTANA – A slight majority of respondents (53.1%) support building a nuclear power plant, hoping it will help resolve electricity shortages by 2030, according to survey results...


Dara Foundation Promotes Contemporary Art of Kazakhstan and Central Asia at Edinburgh Fringe Festival

ASTANA –Dara Presidential Initiatives Foundation hosted the Fringe Fusion: Kazakhstan and Global Art Partnerships event on Aug. 20 as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Edinburgh,...


Kazakhstan Prepares Birds of Prey for Fifth World Nomad Games

ASTANA – With less than 20 days before the start of the fifth World Nomad Games, Kazakhstan hosts a training camp for kusbegilik, the art of hunting...


Environmental Issues in Central Asia Demand Inclusive Approach Across Three UN Rio Conventions

ASTANA—With three United Nations (UN) environmental Conferences of Parties (COPs) coming up this year, this is a fitting moment to assess the true legacy of the Rio...


Kazakhstan’s Urban Population Hits 12.6 Million, Growing Rapidly

ASTANA — According to the Bureau of National Statistics, the urban population in Kazakhstan reached 12.6 million people as of July 1. Five years ago, the urban...


National Bank Survey: Kazakhstan Economic Growth Slows, Inflation Steady

ASTANA –The National Bank of Kazakhstan released its latest macroeconomic survey on Aug. 21, revealing key forecasts and expectations from expert respondents. The survey, which includes insights...


Kazakhstan’s Airlines to Launch New Routes This Year

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s airlines plan to increase international flights and open new routes by the end of this year. Kazakhstan’s flag carrier Air Astana plans to launch...


Almaty Food Fest to Celebrate Global Cuisines, Unite Int’l Chefs  

ASTANA – Chefs from eight nations will demonstrate their cuisines at the Almaty Food Fest international gastronomic festival on Aug. 24-25.  Chefs from Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan,...


Kazakhstan Sees Twofold Increase in Sea and Coastal Cargo Transportation

ASTANA – In January-July, Kazakhstan’s sea and coastal cargo and baggage transportation volume reached 1.6 million tons, marking a 2.1-fold increase compared to the same period in...


Astana Hosts International Conference on Chess in Education

ASTANA—Astana hosted the second international conference dedicated to chess in education that kicked off on Aug. 21. Over 200 participants, including global chess experts and educators from...


Discover Kazakhstan: The Astana Times’ Ranking of Top 10 Pristine Destinations

ASTANA –  Kazakhstan, a land of vast steppes, towering mountains, and rich cultural heritage, offers an array of pristine destinations that captivate the soul. From serene lakes...


StarLink Internet Coverage in Karagandy Region Reaches 100%

ASTANA – This year, 106 rural schools in the Karagandy Region were connected to StarLink Internet, achieving 100% high-speed Internet coverage, as reported at the regional education...


Kazakh PM Sends Off National Team to Summer Paralympics

ASTANA – Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov presented Kazakhstan’s national Paralympic team with the state flag, which they will carry during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer...


Moody’s Assesses Kazakhstan’s Investment Climate

ASTANA – The international rating agency Moody’s representatives visited Kazakhstan to evaluate the country’s investment climate on Aug. 20, reported the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s press service. Deputy...


Cargo Transportation Along Middle Corridor Grows 63% in Seven Months

ASTANA – The volume of cargo transportation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) increased by 63% to 2.5 million tons in seven months of 2024, Kassym...


Dimash Kudaibergen’s Music Video to Showcase Kazakhstan’s Tourist Sites

ASTANA—The world-famous pop star Dimash Kudaibergen began filming his new music video on Aug. 20, the Tourism and Sports Ministry’s press service reported. The video showcases Kazakhstan’s...


Inspiring Video Shows US Kokpar Player’s Preparation for Fifth World Nomad Games

ASTANA – A video of the U.S. kokpar player Nick Willert preparing for the kokpar competition to participate in the fifth World Nomad Games (WNG) in September...


Kazakhstan Ready to Increase Grain Exports to Three Million Tons to China

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is ready to increase grain exports to three million tons to China, said Kazakh Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov during talks with the Director...


Modern Digital Solutions Enhance Efficiency at Kazakh-Chinese Border Customs

ASTANA — Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov visited the Nur Zholy Customs Service international transport and logistics center in the Zhetisu Region on Aug. 19. The center...


President Tokayev Reviews Astana’s Readiness for Fifth World Nomad Games

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited sports venues renovated for the upcoming fifth World Nomad Games (WNG), which will take place from Sept. 8 to 13...


Kazakhstan Advances Energy Security with New Gas Pipeline Project

ASTANA — The new Taldykorgan-Usharal main gas pipeline will supply natural gas to 66 settlements with 124,000 residents. Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov inspected the construction of...


Kazakhstan’s Economic Performance: Key Sectors Drive Growth

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s economy demonstrated stable growth during the first seven months of the year despite some challenges in foreign trade. According to the Bureau of National...


Kazakh Manufacturing Industry Undergoes Reforms to Boost Domestic Production

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s manufacturing industry has experienced changes, including improved legislation, reduced administrative hurdles, preferential financing and new tools to boost domestic production. The Kazakh government prioritizes...


Turkish Athletes to Compete in Nine Sports at Fifth World Nomad Games

ASTANA – Türkiye will send 120 athletes to compete in nine sports at the fifth World Nomad Games, Kazinform reported on Aug. 19. Türkiye previously hosted the...


Kazakhstan to Launch Eight Chemical Industry Projects Worth $27 Million

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is set to commission eight chemical industry enterprises by the end of the year, with a total investment of 12.9 billion tenge ($27 million),...


How Kazakhstan Becomes Middle Power to Watch, Reshaping Regional Geopolitical Narrative

ASTANA—With its strategic diplomacy, economic growth, and regional leadership, Kazakhstan is redefining its role on the global stage as a middle power, trying to rewrite the region’s...


Dimash Kudaibergen to Spotlight Mangystau’s Beauty and Culture in New Project

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s singer Dimash Kudaibergen will create a project to spotlight the spirituality, culture, and tourism of the Mangystau Region, which he visited as an ambassador...


Kazakhstan Approves Visa Exemption Agreement with Thailand

ASTANA – The Kazakh government approved an agreement with Thailand on Aug. 14 on the exemption of national passport holders from visa requirements, which was signed in...


Kazakhstan Revises Business Support Measures

ASTANA – The Kazakh government adopted a comprehensive program to support and develop small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), integrating the Business Roadmap and Economy of Simple Things...


Kazakhstan’s Culture Days in Tajikistan Set Before Tokayev’s Visit

ASTANA – Tajikistan will host several major events during Kazakhstan’s Culture Days on Aug. 20-22 ahead of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state visit, reported the Kazakh Culture and...


President Tokayev to Pay State Visit to Tajikistan This Week

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will pay a state visit to Tajikistan on Aug. 22-23, reported the Akorda press service. He will discuss the current state and...


Behind Steppes: What Does It Take to Protect Biodiversity in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Protecting the biodiversity of a country as huge as Kazakhstan is not an easy task. For Vera Voronova, an executive director of the Association for...


Timeless Beauty of Kazakh Ornaments 

ASTANA – Kazakh traditional ornaments are a vital part of culture, commonly seen in clothing, jewelry, and household items including rugs, blankets, and pottery. The intricate designs,...


Everything You Need to Know About Ulus of Jochi

Editor’s note: Discover Kazakhstan is a column dedicated to exploring the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of the country. Each article explores various aspects of Kazakh...


Mastering Saddle: Art and Sport of Horseback Wrestling

ASTANA—Horseback wrestling, known as Audaryspak in Kazakh, is a time-honored equestrian competition that challenges the strength and stability of horseback riders. Rooted in the training practices of...


Kazakhstan Marks 190 Years of Birzhan-sal, Aitys Artist Who Defied Patriarchy

ASTANA – Kazakhstan celebrates 190 years of Birzhan-sal Kozhagululy, a prominent poet and aitys artist, which refers to the Kazakh literary tradition of impromptu. He emerged as...


From Africa to Kazakhstan: World Nomad Games to Include Ovari Game

ASTANA—The fifth World Nomad Games in Astana will showcase not only sporting events but also intellectual disciplines. This year’s program includes exotic sports such as mas-wrestling, the...


Kazakh Scientists Develop Database of Ancient Dog Breeds

ASTANA—The ethno-zooarchaeological study on the role of the wolf and the dog in Kazakhstan’s ancient and modern culture, conducted by Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) scientists, resulted...


Forbes Travel Guide Lists Four Reasons to Visit Astana

ASTANA – Forbes Travel Guide, the United States-based global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruises, published an article on Aug. 5 highlighting four...


Kazakh President Visits Production Facilities in Akmola Region

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid a working visit to the Akmola Region on Aug. 16, touring production facilities in Koshy town and Rodina village....


Italy Leads in Kazakhstan’s Exports in January-June

ASTANA – In January-June, Italy took the lead in the structure of Kazakhstan’s exports. Kazakhstan exported goods worth $9 billion to Italy, accounting for 23.6% of total...


Air Astana Plans to Launch Almaty – Phu Quoc Flights in October

ASTANA — Kazakh national air carrier Air Astana will open a new Almaty—Phu Quoc (popular tourist destination in Vietnam)  route on Oct. 28. Direct flights to Phu...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Сonsultative Meeting of Central Asia’s Presidents in Astana, Moon Base and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has picked a selection of  articles on Kazakhstan featured in international media across the world this week. Today’s foreign media digest includes...


Chinese Company to Implement Mining, Metallurgy Project in Kazakhstan

ASTANA — Kazakh officials and the chair of China’s large multinational mining corporation considered prospects for implementing the company’s investment project to develop gold, copper and polymetallic...


Association of Almaty Museums Wins TURKSOY Award

ASTANA – The International Turkic Culture Organization (TURKSOY) honored the Association of Almaty Museums with the Best Museum of the Turkic World award. The association was recognized...


ACWA Power Kazakhstan Becomes 3,000th Firm Registered at AIFC

ASTANA – The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has registered its 3,000th company – ACWA Power Kazakhstan. Saudi-listed ACWA Power is the world’s largest private water desalination...


Astana to Host Conference on Digital Inclusion and Transformation This September

ASTANA — The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Digital Inclusion and Transformation, organized by the Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry and the UN Economic...


Kazakhstan to Boost Food Security by 2035, Say Experts

ASTANA—The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has released an analytical report on food security and the agro-industrial potential of the Eurasian region. The report forecasts that Kazakhstan will...


Polish Scholar Shares His Journey of Learning Kazakh Language, Embraces Turkic Culture 

ASTANA – Jakub Jakusik, a Polish lecturer specializing in Kazakh language at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, has a deep passion for Turkish and Central Asian culture....


Weekend Adventures in Astana and Almaty You Don’t Want to Miss

ASTANA — This weekend, both Astana and Almaty will host a variety of dynamic events. From captivating art exhibitions and sports tournaments to enchanting operas and charitable...


Kazakh Government Projects 5.6% Economic Growth and Reduced Inflation for Next Year

ASTANA — The government of Kazakhstan anticipates economic growth at 5.6% next year and a decrease in inflation to 5.5-7.5%. This was revealed during an Aug. 15...


Kazakhstan’s Asset Recovery Efforts Yield $2.2 Billion from Corruption Cases

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Anti-Corruption Agency has returned assets worth 1.09 trillion tenge (US$2.2 billion) over the past 2.5 years, including assets from oligopolies, the agency’s press service...


Euronews Central Asian Hub to Open in Astana

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva and Pedro Vargas David, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Euronews, signed a historic agreement to...


Kazakh PM Calls for Maximizing Oil and Gas Revenue in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s oil and gas industry should primarily benefit all Kazakh citizens by ensuring that as much revenue as possible stays within the country, contributing to...


Kazakhstan Plans to Boost Exports to Thailand Worth Over $900 Million

ASTANA – Kazakhstan sees significant potential to increase exports to Thailand, targeting over 100 product categories valued at more than $900 million, Minister of Trade and Integration...


Dimash Kudaibergen Visits Tourist Capital of Turkic World

ASTANA – Turkistan Region Governor Darkhan Satybaldy welcomed Kazakh famous singer Dimash Kudaibergen, who arrived in Turkistan city, the 2024 tourist capital of the Turkic world, on...


Nariman Kurbanov Ignites Kazakhstan’s Olympic Dreams in Gymnastics

ASTANA – For many years, the Olympic podium in artistic gymnastics seemed a distant dream for Kazakh athletes. But fast forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Nariman...


Promising New Treatment: Kazakhstan’s Cancer Drug Passes Initial Clinical Trials

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s cancer drug developed by a team of scientists led by Dos Sarbassov, a Kazakh-American biologist and Nazarbayev University (NU) professor, passed the first stage...


President Tokayev Tours Industrial, Social Facilities in Karagandy Region

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev toured the industrial and social facilities in the Karagandy Region and emphasized the importance of improving the region’s environmental situation during...


Kazakhstan’s Strongman Sergey Tsyrulnikov Shocks America’s Got Talent Audience

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s strongman Sergey Tsyrulnikov took part in the United States’ TV show America’s Got Talent and stunned the jury and the audience with his amazing...


Kazakhstan’s Legendary Cyclist Urges Abuse Victims to Speak Out, Defend Their Rights

ASTANA – General Manager of Astana Qazaqstan Team and Olympic cycling medalist Alexandr Vinokurov urged Kazakhstan’s women to defend their rights and not keep silent on domestic...


Majority of Kazakh Youth Consider Family as Main Life Value

ASTANA — Nearly 80% of Kazakhstan’s youth consider family to be the main value, according to the results of a sociological study conducted by the ElJastary (Youth)...


Kazakhstan to Double Volume of Agricultural Exports by 2029

ASTANA — Kazakhstan intends to increase its exports of agricultural products to enhance its position in the international market and expand the supply chain. The country exports...


USAID Enhances Kazakhstan’s Customs Processing with New Computer Servers

ASTANA — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and U.S. Ambassador Daniel Rosenblum delivered advanced computer servers to the State Revenue Committee (SRC) of Kazakhstan...