EU, Kazakhstan Seek to Forge Stronger Ties in Agriculture

ASTANA – Janusz Wojciechowski, the European Union (EU) Commissioner for Agriculture, is leading the first High-Level Mission to Kazakhstan on May 27-31, accompanied by a delegation of...


Kazakhstan Serves As Gateway to Central Asian Region, Says Singapore’s President 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan, as Central Asia’s most prosperous country, serves as a gateway to the region, President of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam wrote on his LinkedIn page on...


AIFC Court and International Arbitration Centre Open New Premises in China

ASTANA – The Astana International Financial Centre’s (AIFC) Court and International Arbitration Centre (IAC) launched their premises at the Executive Center in the prestigious China World Tower...


Kazakhstan Extends Contract on Oil Supply to Germany by Year-End

ASTANA — KazMunayGas (KMG), the national oil and gas company, has extended its current agreement on oil supply from Karachaganak Petroleum Operating to an oil refinery in...


First Trial Transit Road Transportation from China to Europe Organized Via Kazakhstan

ASTANA – During the meeting of the Kazakh-Chinese joint commission on road transportation, the first three Chinese trucks weighing 80 tons departed from Urumqi and were loaded...


SCO Citizens Constitute 62% of Foreign Tourists in Kazakhstan

ASTANA — With a visa-free regime established with nearly all member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), citizens from these countries make up 62% of the...


Kazakh Minister of Ecology Discusses Country’s Environmental Strides

ASTANA — Rapid economic development, population growth, and increased water consumption have accelerated environmental challenges in Kazakhstan, necessitating advanced solutions. What progress has been made since the...


Archaeologists Discover Antique Gold Jewelry in Turkistan Region  

ASTANA – Kazakh archaeologists discovered gold jewelry dating back over 2,000 years in the Turkistan Region, reported 24.kz on May 22. The Center for Archeology of the...


‘Art of Traditions’ Contemporary Exhibition Unveils in Astana 

ASTANA — The exhibition “Art of Traditions,” a collaboration between Italian photographer Gabriele Galimberti, Austrian artist Norbert Brunner, and the Kazakh creative team ADYR-ASPAN, was unveiled at...


Spanish Writer Visits Kazakhstan, Exemplifying Its Model of Peace and Interreligious Dialogue

ASTANA — Award-winning Spanish writer and author of numerous historical novels on the coexistence of different cultures and religions Jesús Sánchez Adalid spoke with The Astana Times...


Kazakh National Museum to Exhibit Leonardo da Vinci’s Masterpiece This Summer

ASTANA – La Bella Principessa, one of the most mysterious and valuable masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, will be exhibited at the National Museum of Kazakhstan from...


Kazy Ranked Among World’s Best Sausages

ASTANA – Kazy, a Kazakh horse meat sausage, has been ranked 81st among world’s 100 best sausages, according to the TasteAtlas world food website ranking published on...


Preserving the Unique Kazakh Tazy in Cultural Heritage

Cultural traditions play an important role in shaping national identity. For the Kazakh people, traditions are an integral part of their historical heritage, passed down from generation...


Kazakhstan Marks 100 Years of Sagadat Nurmagambetov, Founding Architect of National Army

ASTANA – On May 25 Kazakhstan celebrates 100 years of Sagadat Nurmagambetov, the first Defense Minister of sovereign Kazakhstan, who laid the foundations of the national army...


Kazakh President Delivers Lecture on Middle Powers’ Role in Fostering Security  

ASTANA—President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered the 46th Singapore lecture, “Kazakhstan and Role of the Middle Powers: Fostering Security, Stability and Sustainable Development,” on May 24, reported the Akorda...


Kazakh-Hungarian Strategic Partnership Marked by Dynamic Cooperation, Says Kazakh Official 

ASTANA — We have every reason to take pride in the long journey we have shared with Hungary, said Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko in an...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakh-Singaporean Cooperation, Central Asia’s IT Ecosystem and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest covers Kazakh-Singaporean cooperation, digital services in the Central...


Diplomats Test Togyzkumalak Skills at Tournament in Astana

ASTANA – The halls of a hotel venue in Astana echoed rich diplomatic discourse and the click of stones on wooden boards on May 21 as diplomats...


Kazakhstan Set to Boost Aktau, Kuryk Seaports Capacity by 50%

ASTANA – By 2028, Kazakhstan plans to triple container throughput at the Aktau and Kuryk seaports and boost their capacity by 50%, according to the adopted comprehensive...


Kazakh President, Singaporean Business Address Alatau City Project Implementation 

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed the implementation of the flagship Alatau City project in the Almaty Region during a May 23 meeting with Singaporean large...


Kazakhstan, Germany to Strengthen Cooperation in Transport, Logistics

ASTANA – Olzhas Bektenov, Kazakh Prime Minister, met with Tobias Bartz, CEO of the Rhenus Group international logistics service provider based in Germany, to discuss cooperation in...


Central Asian Hydrogen Prospects Unveiled at Hydrogen Diplomacy Forum

ASTANA – The Central Asian hydrogen development potential along with pilot projects was explored at the Central Asian and European Hydrogen Diplomacy Forum on May 23 in...


Kazakhstan Ratifies OTS Agreement to Establish Simplified Customs Corridor

ASTANA – The Mazhilis, the lower house of the Kazakh Parliament, has ratified an agreement among the governments of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) to establish...


Unique Cultural Events for This Weekend

ASTANA — Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the Sakha-Kazakh ethnic festival, where you can learn about the heritage of the Turkic people. Feel the adrenaline...


Ambitions for Carbon Neutrality and Future of Mining Cities in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is actively joining global efforts to combat climate change by taking measures to achieve carbon neutrality. Critical milestones of this process are marked by the adoption...


President Tokayev Meets with Business Executives in Singapore

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held bilateral meetings with business leaders during his state visit to Singapore on May 23, reported the Akorda press service. The first...


Kazakh President Outlines Promising Areas of Cooperation with Singapore at Forum

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted several promising areas of cooperation at the Kazakhstan-Singapore business forum on May 23, reported the Akorda press service. Starting with the...


Washington D.C. Hosts Annual Trans-Caspian Forum, Outlines Challenges

ASTANA – The Caspian Policy Center organized the eighth Annual Trans-Caspian Forum on May 21 in Washington, D.C., to discuss the current challenges and prospects for a...


Astana Hosts Intergovernmental Commission for Ethnic Germans in Kazakhstan

ASTANA — The Kazakh-German Intergovernmental Commission for the Affairs of Ethnic Germans in Kazakhstan convened on May 21 for its 20th-anniversary meeting, aiming to enhance cultural and...


Middle Corridor Cargo Transportation Rises 35% in Early 2024

ASTANA — Cargo transportation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) saw a 35% increase from January to April, according to a meeting between Azerbaijan Railways Chairman...


Tokayev Meets Singapore’s PM, Signs New Memorandums of Cooperation

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, congratulating him on his recent appointment and wishing him success in his governmental duties during...


UN Secretary-General to Attend SCO Council of Heads of State in July

ASTANA – During a May 20 meeting with Kazakh First Deputy Foreign Minister Akan Rakhmetullin, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) António Guterres confirmed his participation in...


Kazakh President Visits Singapore For First Time in Over 20 Years

ASTANA—President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Singapore for a state visit on May 23, the Akorda press service reported. This was the first visit by a Kazakh President...


Political Will is Key to Kazakhstan’s Green Economy Transition, Says Latin American Expert

ASTANA – Political leadership and effective policies could be pivotal in driving Kazakhstan’s transition to a green economy, similar to the successful approach in Latin America, said...


Biopic on Kazakh Outstanding Figure Akhmet Baitursynov Set for Nationwide Release

ASTANA – The full-length biopic “Songy Ukim” (The Last Sentence in Kazakh), a historical drama about outstanding Kazakh educator, poet, linguist, and influential public figure Akhmet Baitursynov,...


SCAT Airlines Launches Astana-Prague Direct Flights

ASTANA – An opening ceremony for a new direct flight route from Astana to Prague, operated by SCAT Airlines, took place at Václav Havel Airport Prague, the...


Kazakhstan Co-Chairs Int’l Conference on Nuclear Security in Vienna

ASTANA – Kazakhstan co-chairs the International Conference on Nuclear Security: Shaping the Future (ICONS 2024) in Vienna on May 20-24 with Australia. Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Energy...


Evaluating EU’s Central Asia Strategy: Five-Year Mark and Future Expectations

It is time for the European Union to revise its strategy towards the Central Asian countries.  Its old strategy is already five years old and no longer...


Kazakhstan Proposes to Establish Center for Afforestation of Dried Aral Seabed

ASTANA — Kazakh Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nyssanbayev proposed creating an international center for afforestation of dried Aral seabed and semi-desert zones at a...


Forum in Almaty Explores Kazakhstan’s Financial Sector 

ASTANA—Almaty hosted a forum dubbed Financial Sector of Kazakhstan: 25 Years of Strategic Challenges on May 21, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Association of Financiers...


Kazakh President to Visit Singapore This Week

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, at the invitation of President of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam, will pay a state visit to Singapore on May 23-24, reported...


Kazakhstan to Launch Mass Alert Earthquake Warning System This Month 

ALMATY – The Mass Alert earthquake early warning system will be introduced in pilot mode in Kazakhstan by June 1. This was announced at a May 18...


Salam Air to Resume Almaty-Muscat Flights in June

ASTANA — Oman’s low-cost airline Salam Air plans to resume flights on the Almaty-Muscat route from June 18, the Kazakh Transport Ministry’s press service reported on May...


Kazakhstan Rises to 52nd in WEF Travel and Tourism Index 2024

ASTANA – Kazakhstan ranked 52nd among 119 nations in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024, published on May 21. In the previous 2021...


Kazakhstan’s National Bank Presents 2023 Report to President Tokayev

ASTANA — The National Bank of Kazakhstan presented its annual report for 2023 at a May 21 meeting chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reported the Akorda press...


Kazakh Movie Wins Award at LA Asian Pacific Film Festival 2024

ASTANA – Kazakh film “Madina” received a Special Recognition award at the 40th edition of the Visual Communications (VC) Film Fest/Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, as...


Turkic Investment Fund Holds its Inaugural Board of Governors Meeting in Istanbul

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and National Economy Minister Nurlan Baibazarov attended the inaugural meeting of the Turkic Investment Fund’s (TIF) Board of Governors in Istanbul...


Kazakhstan Suspends Digital Bridge 2024 Forum 

ASTANA – Following President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s directive to suspend major events due to the severe floods in Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry...


Kazakhstan is Part of the Plan

Biodiversity loss is one of the triple planetary crises that will determine the viability of our planet in the future. To address this crisis, the United Nations...


Astana Hosts SCO Foreign Ministers Council Meeting

ASTANA – Twenty-two resolutions regarding multilateral cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian sectors were signed at the meeting of the Council of Foreign...


Kazakhstan Increases Road Transportation to Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia

ASTANA — Kazakh Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev announced a significant increase in the number of additional permit forms for road transportation to European countries, particularly Latvia,...


Kazakh Government Supervises Flood Elimination Efforts

ASTANA – The Kazakh government is strictly overseeing efforts to mitigate the aftermath of recent floods and provide all possible assistance to affected citizens, Prime Minister Olzhas...


Kazakhstan Expands Non-Commodity Exports

ASTANA – The number of exported non-commodity goods from Kazakhstan increased by 278 positions in 2023, Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev said at a May...


Kazakhstan Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening SCO’s Potential

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is making every effort to enhance the potential of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during its chairmanship, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a May...


Kazakhstan’s Oil Transportation Volume Grows 14.2% in First Quarter of 2024

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s mainline and sea oil transportation volume increased by 14.2% to 21,541 tons in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the same period last...


Kazakh President Ratifies Treaty on Allied Relations with Uzbekistan

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law on the ratification of the treaty on allied relations with Uzbekistan on May 20, reported the Akorda press...


Kazakh Prime Minister Addresses Accelerated Restoration As Flood Peak Passes

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting on the implementation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s instructions on eliminating the consequences of floods and expediting restoration...


Kazakhstan Increases Uranium Shipments via Trans-Caspian International Transport Route

ASTANA – The volume of Kazakhstan’s uranium transportation via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) increased by 4.5% in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to...


Swedish Truck Manufacturer Expands Operations in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The Scania CV AB, a Swedish company specializing in producing industrial and marine engines, trucks, and buses, embarked on a significant endeavor by initiating truck...


Kazakh Climbers Triumphantly Return Home After Conquering Everest

ASTANA—Kazakhstan proudly welcomed home its triumphant Everest conquerors, Maksut Zhumayev, Anar Burasheva, and Almir Kymbatbayuly, at Almaty airport on May 20, the Kazinform agency reported. The expedition,...


Kazakhstan, China Set to Advance Bilateral Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met on May 20 to address prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation, reported the...


Kazakhstan, Türkiye Seek to Enhance Strategic Partnership

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chair of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Numan Kurtulmuş discussed strengthening the expanded strategic partnership during a May...


Kazakhstan, US Maintain Constructive Dialogue on Human Rights, Democratic Reforms

ASTANA – Assistant to the President of Kazakhstan for International Affairs Erzhan Kazykhan and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra...


US Under Secretary of State Uzra Zeya Visits Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya arrived in Astana to co-chair the third annual United States-Kazakhstan...


China Seeks to Expand Agricultural Trade with Kazakhstan, Says Chinese FM

ASTANA – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted China’s interest in increasing investment and trade, particularly in agriculture, during the press briefing with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister...


President Tokayev Expresses Condolences Over Death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed condolences over Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s death on May 20 after his helicopter crashed in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, reported the...


Kazakhstan’s Role in Shaping Trans-Caspian Transport Route 

ASTANA — Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye are committed to developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) to improve joint transport capabilities. Also known as the Middle...


Astana to Host SCO Foreign Ministers Council Meeting This Week

ASTANA – The Council of National Coordinators (CNC) of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened in the Kazakh capital to discuss the upcoming...


Kazakhstan Joins UN Commission on Crime Prevention, Criminal Justice

ASTANA — Kazakhstan joined the United Nations (UN) Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) for 2025-2027 for the first time during its 33rd session, which...


UNDP Advisor Proposes Flood Preparedness Strategies Amid Climate Change

ASTANA – Amid warnings of the effects of climate change, flood maps and early warning systems could be introduced to make Kazakh people safer from future flood...


Ust-Kamenogorsk – Gateway to East Kazakhstan’s Beautiful Nature

Editor’s Note: The Astana Times introduces a new series, Exploring Kazakhstan, City by City. We are setting out to unveil the rich diversity of Kazakhstan’s cities. Starting...


Fitch Affirms Kazakhstan’s Rating at BBB with Stable Outlook

ASTANA – The Fitch credit rating agency affirmed Kazakhstan’s long-term foreign currency issuer default rating (IDR) at ‘BBB’ with a stable outlook, according to the Fitch ratings...


Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions Sets Example of Peaceful Coexistence, Says Brazilian Writer

Osvaldo Conde, the renowned Brazilian writer and a member of the Theosophical Society and the Haqqani Naqshbandi Order in Brazil, recently discussed the mission of religions worldwide...


Transformation and Rebirth: Exhibition of Gauhar Bisengalieva in Astana

ASTANA — Gauhar Bisengalieva, a Kazakh metamodern artist, presented her “Transformation and Rebirth” exhibition at Sal Seri art gallery in Astana on May 15. Gauhar Bisengalieva began...


Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports Announces Expectations for Olympics in Paris 

ASTANA — With three months remaining until the start of the Olympic Games in Paris, Yermek Marzhikpayev, Kazakh Minister of Tourism and Sports, shared his expectations for...


Kazakhstan, Malaysia Sign Agreements Worth More Than $350 Million

ASTANA – Kazakh and Malaysian businesses signed agreements and memorandums totaling over $350 million at a May 17 investment roundtable chaired by Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov...


Kazakhstan Increases Agricultural Exports to China   

ASTANA — Exports of Kazakh agricultural goods to China increased by 84% over the year. This was announced during a May 16 meeting between Kazakh Prime Minister...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, Central Asian Cooperation and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest covers the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport...


Kazakhstan to Register New Political Party

ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Justice confirmed the acceptance of the application for the Yntymaq political party’s registration, Vice Minister of Justice Botagoz Zhakselekova said at...


Malaysian PM Commits to Build on Existing Ties with Kazakhstan and Central Asia

ASTANA – Malaysia is committed to further enhance cooperation with Kazakhstan in priority areas of trade and investment, education and digitalization, said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim...


Kazakhstan to Participate in Central Asia-Italy Meeting in Rome

ASTANA – Antonio Tajani, the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, will meet with foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic,...


EBRD to Support Modernization of Kazakhstan’s Mining Sector

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Industry and Construction Kanat Sharlapayev and First Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Jürgen Rigterink signed a...


Kazakhstan, UAE to Cooperate in Leadership Training in Public Services

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to collaborate in leadership training in public administration. This was announced at a meeting between Minister...


Flood-Affected Families in Kazakhstan Receive Housing

ASTANA —  Some 202 Kazakh families received houses and apartments to replace their homes destroyed by the recent floods as of May 17, the Prime Minister’s press...


Kazakhstan to Strengthen Cooperation with Malaysia

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is ready for closer and more productive interaction with Malaysia, which plays an important role in the Southeast Asian region, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said...


Kazakh Business Executives Meet with German Delegation 

ASTANA — Kazakh companies presented prospective investment projects to the German business delegation during a roundtable on May 16, highlighting the nation’s investment potential and initiatives to...


Building Bridges between Continents: Malaysia and Kazakhstan’s Strategic Partnership and Shared Values

Malaysia and Kazakhstan, separated by vast distances, share a surprising common ground. Both nations are multi-ethnic democracies striving for sustainable development and regional peace. Prime Minister Datuk...


World Bank Releases Monthly Economic Update for Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The World Bank has published its monthly economic update for Kazakhstan for April, covering trends in economic activity, inflation, bank lending, and budget spending. Real...


President Tokayev Meets With Malaysian Prime Minister

ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on May 16, reported the Akorda press service. Ibrahim was on an official visit to...


Vibrant Weekend in Astana and Almaty

ASTANA — Enjoy a cultural weekend escape with your loved ones, embracing a diverse array of activities. From enchanting museum evenings to thrilling ballet performances, seize the...


Kazakhstan, Latvia to Strengthen Economic Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko paid a working visit to Latvia on May 16, where he met with Latvian officials to discuss key areas...


Kazakhstan, China Pledge to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chinese Vice Premier of the State Council Liu Guozhong expressed their commitment to enhancing ties in all areas of strategic...


Berlin Eurasian Club Boosts Investment Prospects in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital hosted the 40th meeting of the Berlin Eurasian Club (BEC) focusing on enhancing investment attractiveness on May 15. The event brought together...


President Tokayev Outlines Key Pillars for Central Asian Security

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined the main pillars to strengthen security cooperation between Central Asian countries and expressed gratitude to neighboring countries for helping Kazakhstan during...


Kazakhstan Reports Significant Increase in Oil Shipments to Germany

ASTANA – From January to April, KazTransOil national oil transporter delivered 420,000 tons of Kazakh oil to Germany, which is 330,000 tons more compared to the same...


Kazakhstan, Vietnam Explore Cooperation Prospects

ASTANA – Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin spoke about the possibilities of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and large lithium deposits in Kazakhstan during a May...


ICRC for Europe and Central Asia Encourages Kazakhstan’s Voice in Humanitarian Law Reinforcement

ASTANA — Global challenges call for international humanitarian law reinforcement adhering to the fundamental principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence. In this landscape, the International Committee of...


Kazakh President Condemns Assassination Attempt on Slovak PM

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev strongly condemned and rejected the horrific act of terrorism following the assasination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in the...


Almaty Region Launches Alatau Hub Innovation Center

ASTANA – The Alatau Hub regional innovation center was officially launched on May 15 in Konayev town, the Almaty Region, reported the press service of the Astana...


Uzbekistan to Launch New Bus Routes to Astana and Turkistan

ASTANA – Uzbekistan plans to launch new bus routes to Kazakhstan’s cities of Astana and Turkistan this year, the Uzbek Transport Ministry’s press service reported on May...