Here’s What You Need to Know about SCO Summit in Astana

ASTANA—Astana is preparing to host the 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on July 3-4. The summit promises...


Kazakh Government Allocates Over $25 Million to Compensate Business Losses After Floods

ASTANA — The Kazakh government adopted a resolution allocating 12 billion tenge (US$25.5 million) to compensate businesses for property losses after massive floods. So far, regional commissions...


Chinese Global Leader in Clean Energy Signs Multimillion-Dollar Agreements for New Kazakh Projects

ASTANA — Kazakh business representatives and the Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA), a global leader in clean and low-carbon energy, water resources, and environmental construction, signed...


Xi Jinping: China Will Always Be Reliable Support for Kazakhstan

ASTANA – China will always be a reliable support for Kazakhstan, said Chinese President Xi Jinping during a July 3 meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in...


Dimash Kudaibergen Reflects on Kazakh-Chinese Friendship in CGTN Project

ASTANA—Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen participated in the Ideas Change project by the Chinese TV channel CGTN, marking President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Kazakhstan. The heroes of...


Kazakh, Chinese Business Leaders Ink 40 Multibillion-Dollar Agreements

ASTANA – Kazakh and Chinese business leaders inked over 40 agreements worth $3.7 billion on the sidelines of the Kazakh-Chinese Business Council on July 2. The event...


UN Secretary-General Arrives in Kazakhstan to Attend SCO Summit, Hold Talks  

ASTANA – UN Secretary-General António Guterres has arrived in Almaty with an official visit on July 3. Guterres was greeted by Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Akan Rakhmetullin,...


Spring Floodwaters Elevate Caspian Sea Levels

ASTANA – In April and May, the abundant flow of floodwaters along the Zhaiyk River replenished the northeastern part of the Caspian Sea by 119 centimeters, the...


Kazakh-Chinese Media Event Cross-Promotes Tourism and Cultural Heritage

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and China launched several media projects to promote tourism and bilateral cultural interests at the cultural exchange event on July 2 in Astana. Titled...


Prominent Diplomat Madina Jarbussynova Reflects on Diplomatic Career, Kazakhstan’s Multi-Vector Policy

ASTANA—Kazakhstan marks the Day of Diplomatic Service on July 2, giving credit to thousands of unsung heroes who stand behind the scenes working towards the nation’s active...


Kazakhstan, China Deepen Cooperation in Energy and Road Infrastructure

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov discussed issues of deepening investment cooperation in the energy industry with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) Chairman Dai Houliang, who...


“We Are Committed to Fostering Investor-Friendly Environment,” Says Kazakh Deputy FM 

ASTANA – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nazira Nurbayeva shared insights on Kazakhstan’s initiatives to attract investments and outcomes of recent diplomatic visits to Asian countries in...


Kazakh President Signs Law to Enhance Science and Technology Policy

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the law “On introducing amendments and additions to some legislative acts of Kazakhstan on issues of science and and technology policy,...


China’s Xi Outlines Vision for Strengthening China-Kazakhstan Partnership Ahead of SCO Summit

ASTANA – On July 2, Chinese President Xi Jinping published an article on Kazinform discussing the progress made in bilateral relations with Kazakhstan and outlining the growth...


Kazakh Service Officers Complete French Language Course for UN Peacekeeping Missions

ASTANA —  Seven service officers of the country’s armed forces completed the three-month French language course based on the Center for Peacekeeping Operations of the Kazakh Ministry...


Kazakhstan, China Enhance Trade Links with Middle Corridor Agreement

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law on the ratification of the agreement between the government of Kazakhstan and China governments to develop the Trans-Caspian International...


Kazakhstan Boosts Tourism Development with Major Investment Plan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has allocated over five billion tenge (US$10.5 million) this year to develop its tourism industry, Khabar TV Channel reported on July 1. Last year,...


QazaqGaz, Chevron to Cooperate on Potential Geological Exploration at Kazakh Zhalibek Site

ASTANA — QazaqGaz national company and Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiary Chevron Munaigas Inc., signed a cooperation agreement on July 1 regarding potential geological exploration at the...


China-Kazakhstan Economic Cooperation Paving Way for Next Golden Thirty Years

Chinese President Xi Jinping pays another visit to Kazakhstan on July  2-4 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, providing new impetus for the development of bilateral...


Tokayev Outlines Kazakh-Chinese Cooperation Vision, Discusses SCO’s Goals in Xinhua Interview

ASTANA — The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit participants will urge the international community to initiate an honest and open global dialogue, adopt a new security paradigm,...


Dimash Kudaibergen at New Vision Business Forum: I Have no Other Dream But to Benefit My People

ASTANA – Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen took part in the large-scale New Vision: The Power of Business forum held on June 27-29 in Almaty under the auspices...


Kazakhstan’s Strategic Investment Plan to Boost Economic Growth, Attract Global Brands

ASTANA — Gabidulla Ospankulov, the chairman of the Investment Committee of the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recently spoke about the nation’s ambitious strategies to attract investments,...


SCO Astana Summit: A New Era for Cooperation and Expansion

Hundreds of electrical vehicles are waiting for custom clearance at the dry port of Horgos (or Khorgos), a small city in China’s Xinjiang Autonomous Region bordering Kazakhstan....


Kazakhstan Secures 83 Licenses, Unveils 2024 Paris Olympics Uniform This Week

ASTANA – Kazakh team uniforms for the 2024 Paris Games will be officially presented on July 5, said Kazakh Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Serik Zharasbayev...


Eurasian Delegation Explores India’s Rich Cultural Heritage and Innovations

HYDERABAD – The Eurasian delegation of journalists from Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan embarked on a Familiarization Visit to...


EDB Forum Expands Partnership, Addresses Key Regional Challenges

ASTANA – Almaty hosted the annual meeting and business forum of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) on June 27-28, bringing together representatives from multilateral development banks, international...


Mudflow in Kyrgyz Republic Claims Lives of Four Kazakh Children

ASTANA – Mudflow in the Nookat district of the Osh region in the Kyrgyz Republic on June 28 claimed the lives of four Kazakh children. Their bodies...


UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Visit Kazakhstan This Week

ASTANA – The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will pay an official visit to Kazakhstan on July 3-4 as part of his trip to Central Asia.  According...


China’s President Xi Jinping to Pay State Visit to Kazakhstan, Attend SCO Summit This Week

ASTANA — President of China Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Kazakhstan on July 2-4 at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. According to the Akorda press service, Xi will...


Insights from Officials, Experts on President Tokayev’s Speech for Mass Media Workers’ Day

ASTANA – Experts and government officials expressed their views on President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s speech during a ceremony ahead of Mass Media Workers’ Day. State Counsellor Erlan Karin...


Kazakh Animation Industry to See Growth in Kazakh-Language Content

ASTANA – More stories will be told in Kazakh in the film and animation industry, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said in his response to the Senate (upper...


Kazakhstan’s Sergeant Corps Marks 28 Years of Excellence and International Commitment 

ASTANA – This year marks the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Kazakh’s Armed Forces sergeant corps, celebrated on July 1. In 1996 the first cadet...


Sadak Atu: Reviving the Tradition of Kazakh Archery

ASTANA—Whether inspired by childhood games or tales of heroic archers, Kazakh archery, known as sadak atu, is becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages in Kazakhstan,...


Legendary Sacred Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan

ASTANA — In the North Kazakhstan Region, there are two unique bitter-saline lakes: Minkeser and Teke. They are considered “sacred’ by the locals and capture the imagination...


Save Berkuts: Kazakhstan Joins Forces to Protect Golden Eagle Population

ASTANA—The Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and Efes Kazakhstan signed a memorandum of intent on June 19 to implement the social project Save the Berkuts....


Premiere of Ballet Triptych “Sacred Dances” at Almaty Theatre

ASTANA — The Almaty Theatre will present the premiere of the ballet triptych “Sacred Dances” on July 11 and 12. Choreographed by Mukaram Avakhri and performed by...


Development Bank of Kazakhstan Independent Director on Risk-Taking, ESG, and Investments

ASTANA—Marcia Favale, a member of the board of directors and an independent director at the Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK), spoke to The Astana Times, sharing her...


President Tokayev Signs Law on Cargo Transportation Between Turkic Countries

ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law ratifying the agreement on international combined freight transport between the governments of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS)...


News Digest: Foreign Media on World Nomad Games, Critical Raw Material Deposits and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest includes articles on the World Nomad Games, EU-Kazakh...


Zhas Qazaq Summer Camp Welcomes Over 250 Ethnic Kazakh Children

ASTANA — The Zhas (young) Qazaq summer ethno-camp for ethnic Kazakh children living abroad commenced at the IQanat High School of Burabay and will run until July...


Over 68% of Kazakh Citizens Reflect Optimism About Future

ASTANA — The Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) released results from a sociological survey conducted from May 11 to June 22, indicating 68.3% of citizens are...


Kazakhstan to Launch Industrial Development of Tungsten Ore Deposits

ASTANA—Kazakh First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar discussed a $350 million project to launch the industrial development of a tungsten ore deposit with executives of Jiaxin International...


Kazakhstan Poised to Contribute to Europe’s Green Deal

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is a reliable and secure raw material partner for Germany and Europe and can significantly contribute to achieving the goals of Europe’s Green Deal,...


Kazakh PM Assesses Small Aral Sea Conservation Efforts

ASTANA — Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov assessed advancements in water-saving technologies and infrastructure development efforts to preserve and expand the Small Aral Sea during his visit...


ITC Ready4Trade, OECD Central Asia Invest Projects Showcase Cooperation Achievements 

ASTANA—Two regional Central Asian projects funded by the European Union (EU) showcased their achievements in Almaty on June 26. These initiatives have supported Central Asian countries’ efforts...


Kazakhstan, IDB Sign Infrastructure Agreement to Construct Reservoirs, Highways

ASTANA—Minister of National Economy Nurlan Baibazarov signed a $ 2 billion Framework Program Agreement between the Kazakh government and the Islamic Development Bank to construct reservoirs and...


Last Weekend of June: Unmissable Adventures in Astana and Almaty

ASTANA – Fed up with weekends that just involve lounging at home and ordering takeout? With beautiful summer weather in the forecast, The Astana Times has created...


CICA Builds New Modern Premises in Astana

ASTANA—The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) will build its new, modern headquarters in the Kazakh capital. Kazinform reported that the groundbreaking ceremony...


Kazakhstan, China Ink New Agreements Worth $629 Million to Boost Partnership

ASTANA—Kazakh and Chinese business leaders signed 17 cooperation documents worth $629 million on June 26 at the third interregional forum in Urumqi. The Prime Minister’s press service...


OSCE Spotlights Media Freedom, Democracy & Security at Almaty Event

ASTANA – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Teresa Ribeiro, and Kazakh officials discussed the pressing topics...


Tokayev Highlights Journalists’ Role in Fostering Just Kazakhstan on Mass Media Workers’ Day

ASTANA – The media serves as the people’s voice, national messenger, and spiritual support for society, stated President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a ceremony on June 27, ahead...


Eurasian Development Bank Improves its Position in 2023

ASTANA — The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) maintained financial stability and improved its position as a leading development institution in its region of operations in 2023, said...


Kazakh Government Considers Territorial Perspectives for a Greener Economy

ASTANA – The Kazakh Government convened a council meeting on the transition to a green economy to discuss measures for more balanced regional development to achieve carbon...


Kazakhstan and Middle Corridor: Impact on Global Trade

In the era of evolving trade dynamics, regional connectivity and geopolitical escalations, the emergence of the Middle Corridor has become a game changer in global commerce and...


AFSA Registers First Unified Investment Vehicle Offering Multiple Sub-Funds

ASTANA—The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) registered Fonte Emerging Markets Umbrella Fund OEIC Limited as the first umbrella fund in Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) on June...


Kazakh Rating Agency to Enhance Financial Market Infrastructure 

ASTANA—The Kazakh Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (KARDFM) has developed a draft law to establish a national rating agency, aiming to enhance the...


Kazakhstan to Increase Checkpoint Capacity, Reduce Wait Times

ASTANA—The capacity of the checkpoints will be increased eightfold, reducing wait times from two hours to 25 minutes and minimizing corruption risks. The reconstruction of all checkpoints...


Kazakh Companies Showcase Their Products at China-Eurasia EXPO

ASTANA — Forty-five Kazakh companies take part in the China-Eurasia EXPO in Ürümqi, China from June 26 to 30. According to Kazinform, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Serik...


Two Kazakh Aviation Companies Enter World’s Top 100 Airlines 

ASTANA — The World Airline Awards ceremony announced the 100 best airlines in the world in 2024, with AirAstana and FlyArystan making it to the list, on...


Floods in Kazakhstan: State, Businesses Continue Assistance for Affected Families 

ASTANA — Kazakhstan continues addressing the flood aftermath and supporting affected citizens, said Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev at a Government meeting chaired by the Prime Minister...


New Almaty International Airport Showcases Its Facilities 

ASTANA— The President of Almaty International Airport, Goker Kose, hosted a press tour of the new terminal for journalists and discussed upcoming plans to advance the building...


Hannibal Star Mads Mikkelsen Set to Headline Comic Con Astana

ASTANA— Comic Con Astana festival announced its first star headliners, Mads Mikkelsen, renowned for his roles in Hannibal, Doctor Strange, Casino Royale, Rogue One: A Star Wars...


OSCE Chair-in-Office Outlines Kazakhstan’s Pivotal Role in OSCE History

ASTANA – Chair-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and Minister for Foreign, Trade and European Affairs of Malta, Ian Borg, underlined Kazakhstan’s...


SCO Serves As Model For Fairer Int’l Coordination

Over the past 23 years, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has evolved from a regional project focused on solving border issues to a multifaceted international organization. It effectively...


Kazakh Teachers Selected to Work at South Korean Schools

ASTANA — Four Kazakhstan teachers will go to South Korea this summer to begin their work at schools and contribute to the development of international educational cooperation....


Kazakhstan to Host Prestigious International Biology Olympiad in July

ASTANA—The Kazakh capital will host the prestigious IBO-2024 International Biology Olympiad for the first time from July 7 to 14. The IBO is one of the world’s...


Kazakhstan Becomes Popular Destination for Chinese Travelers

ASTANA – This summer, Kazakhstan is expected to be a key lure for Chinese tourists, alongside traditional destinations like Japan and Thailand, reported Kazinform on June 24....


2024 Paris Games: Eight Interesting Facts About Kazakhstan’s Participation

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s national team is preparing to participate in the Summer Olympics for the eighth time, with the Paris Games just around the corner. The Telegram...


Kazakh Surgeons Perform Unique Tumor Surgery on 1.5-Year-Old Girl

ASTANA – A 1.5-year-old baby girl got unique surgery for the simultaneous removal of a liver tumor and a tumor thrombus performed by capital-based University Medical Center...


Kazakhstan Champions Regional Stability and Security at Asia Cooperation Dialogue

ASTANA – Kazakhstan supports international efforts to strengthen regional security, stability, and conflict resolution, said Kazakh First Deputy Foreign Minister Akan Rakhmetullin during the 19th Asia Cooperation...


Kazakhstan Advances Economic Growth Despite Sectoral Challenges

ASTANA—Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Nurlan Baibazarov, highlighted Kazakhstan’s steady economic growth despite challenges in some industries. In an interview with Primeminister.kz, Baibazarov...


Experts Highlight All-Society Effort as Kazakhstan Pushes for Gender Equality

ASTANA – Prominent experts from various fields emphasized the multifaceted and collective efforts needed to tackle gender inequality in Kazakhstan at a June 20 webinar.  Hosted by...


Kazakh Film Earns Accolades at Shanghai International Film Festival

ASTANA—The Kazakh film Talaq (The Divorce) won the Best Film award, and the lead actress, Amira Omarova, was named Best Actress at the 26th Shanghai International Film...


Water Volume Rises in Northern Aral Sea, Hits 21.4 Billion Cubic Meters

ASTANA—The Northern Aral Sea has seen an increase in its water volume, with 1.1 billion cubic meters entering its basin, bringing the total volume to 21.4 billion...


Design for World Nomad Games Medals Unveiled

ASTANA – The design for the medals for the upcoming fifth World Nomad Games was unveiled during the press briefing at the Central Communications Service under the...


Kazakh Chess Champ Assaubayeva Triumphs Anew at Swiss Queens Tournament

ASTANA — Kazakh chess champion Bibisara Assaubayeva once again secured first place at the 21st international Swiss Queens Wednesday online chess tournament on June 23.  According to...


Kazakh Female Tennis Player Wins WTA 250 Tournament 

ASTANA — Kazakh professional tennis player Yulia Putintseva won the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 250 tournament in Birmingham, United Kingdom, on June 23.  According to the Kazakh...


Celebrating International Day of Women in Diplomacy

On June 24, since 2022, we commemorate the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, an initiative by the United Nations General Assembly. This day aims to make...


Astana to Host Google’s Hackathon Finals in September

ASTANA—Astana will host Google’s hackathon series finals on September 15, uniting the best development teams from Central Asia and the Caucasus. The Build With AI for Sustainable...


First Kazakh Woman Diplomat Leaves Lasting Legacy at Elizabeth I’s Court

ASTANA – Aura Soltana (Aru Sultan) served as the first diplomatic representative of the Kazakh State at the court of Queen Elizabeth I of England from 1557...


Kazakhstan Leads Aral Sea Revival Efforts

ASTANA – Kazakhstan took over the chairmanship of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) this year. During its three-year presidency, Kazakhstan will determine the...


Discover Kazakhstan: “Almaty Sea.” Why Lake Qapshagai Is so Beloved?

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


Kazakh Freediver Achieves Dual National Records

ASTANA – Kazakh freediver Assel Zhubanysheva set two new national records at the 17th International Association for the Development of Apnea (AIDA) Panglao Depth Games in the...


Kazakhstan Registers Criminal Case in Attempted Murder of Kazakh Journalist in Kyiv

ASTANA — Following a directive from the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakh General Prosecutor’s Office has registered a criminal case regarding the attempted murder of Kazakh...


Panel in Astana Unveils Influential Stories of Women in Diplomacy

ASTANA – Breaking Barriers: Women in Diplomacy panel discussion at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) in Astana on June 21 uncovered the stories of women who sought influence...


From World Stages to Goodwill Ambassador: Kazakh Violinist Marat Bisengaliev Shares Inspiring Journey

ASTANA – In a career that has spanned decades and crossed numerous international boundaries, Marat Bisengaliev, a prominent Kazakh violinist, has reached a new pinnacle of success...


In Footsteps of Warriors: Historical Legacy of Kazakh Batyrs

ASTANA — Efforts have been underway in the North Kazakhstan Region since 2019 to research and popularize historical and cultural heritage sites associated with the names of...


Rare Coin Discovered in Almaty Region  

ASTANA — For the first time in Kazakhstan, a rare type of coin has been discovered by researchers from the Tanbaly Reserve Museum in the Almaty Region....


Kazakh Chess Players Win 25 Medals at Asian Youth Championship

ASTANA – Kazakh chess players won 25 medals, including 12 gold, eight silver and five bronze ones, at the 26th Asian Youth Championship, which took place on...


SCO Energy Ministers Define Cooperation Priorities Until 2030

ASTANA – The SCO Energy Ministers approved the draft strategy for the development of energy cooperation until 2030, initiated by Kazakhstan, during a June 20-21 meeting in...


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

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest includes articles on Kazakhstan’s economy, EU-Kazakh mineral cooperation,...


Kazakh Government Committed to Ensure Economic Growth at 6%

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced his government’s commitment to make every effort to ensure the country’s economic growth at 6% despite the difficult geopolitical...


Newly Designed Buses to Brighten Astana for World Nomad Games

ASTANA—Some 100 newly designed buses will start operating in Astana on June 25, showcasing a special brand for the fifth World Nomad Games.   According to the Astana...


Kazakhstan to Open Branches of Eight International Universities This Year

ASTANA — Kazakhstan will open branches of eight foreign universities this year, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek said at a June 20 press briefing...


Kazakh Journalists Join Global Discussions on Journalism’s Future at DW Media Forum

BONN – Media professionals from Kazakhstan participated in the 17th edition of the Deutsche Welle (DW) Global Media Forum 2024 on June 17-18 at the World Conference...


SCO Young Leaders Address Measures to Tackle Shared Climate Challenges

ASTANA – Young leaders from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Youth Council convened in the Kazakh capital on June 20 to address youth leadership in the environment...


Silk Road in Sky: Forum Highlights Kazakhstan as Air Cargo Hub 

ASTANA—Astana hosted the first regional aviation cargo and logistics forum in Central Asia, Silk Road in the Sky—Kazakhstan Air Cargo Hub, from June 20 to 21. It...


Immerse Yourself in Vibrant Cultural Events Across Astana and Almaty

ASTANA — The first month of summer is drawing to a close, but the season of festivals and summer concerts is just getting started. After long workdays,...


President Tokayev Hails Kazakhstan’s Leadership in Strengthening CICA

ASTANA – Kairat Sarybay, Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed the country’s role...


Kazakhstan Exports IT Solutions to Sierra Leone

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has transferred digital components of its e-government to Sierra Leone through grant assistance from the Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID) at the Sierra...