Seventy-Five Countries Confirm Participation at World Nomad Games

ASTANA – Delegations from 75 countries confirmed their participation in the World Nomad Games, said Minister of Tourism and Sports Yermek Marzhikpayev during a meeting with Mazhilis...


Kazakhstan Pursues Partnership with EU to Bolster Water Infrastructure 

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the need for expanding partnerships with European Union (EU) countries to develop sustainable water infrastructure amid the ongoing flood...


TechnoWomen Central Asia AI Forum: Gender Digital Divide, Energy Consumption, Practical Solutions

ASTANA – The TechnoWomen Artificial Intelligence (AI) Forum presented the key aspects of the AI development agenda on April 18 in Astana. On the second day of...


Central Asia Responds to Shifting Migration Dynamics

ASTANA – In 2023, over 9,000 people from Central Asian countries migrated to Kazakhstan, predominantly choosing to settle permanently. This trend is anticipated to persist this year,...


Cultural Delights in Astana and Almaty

ASTANA — If you’re ready for a break from the workweek, a range of exciting events are on the horizon. Whether you’re into books, music or sports,...


Kazakhstan Starts New Housing Construction in Regions Affected by Flood

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s authorities have started building new houses in the flood-affected Pavlodar, Karagandy and Aktobe Regions, reported the Prime Minister’s press service on April 18. The...


Kazakh Irrigation Ministry: Floods Fill Water Reservoirs in Arid Regions

ASTANA – Floods made it possible to fill reservoirs even in the arid regions of Kazakhstan, said Moldir Abdualiyeva, an official representative of the Ministry of Water...


Kazakhstan Expands Cooperation With SpaceX

ASTANA — Bagdat Mussin, Kazakh Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry, met with Rebecca Hunter, Starlink Global Licensing and Market Activation Director at SpaceX, on...


Kaspi.kz, TechnoWomen Provide Assistance to Flood Victims

ASTANA – Co-founders of Kaspi.kz, one of the region’s most prominent fintech companies, Vyacheslav Kim and Mikhail Lomtadze, will transfer 20 billion tenge ($44.6 million) to help...


Kazakh, Kyrgyz Business to Implement Projects Worth $300 Million

ASTANA – Business leaders from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic signed commercial documents worth $300 million at an April 17 business forum, the Trade and Integration Ministry’s press...


Kyrgyz Republic Sends Third Batch of Humanitarian Aid to Flood-Hit Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Kyrgyz Ministry of Internal Affairs sent more than 50 tons of humanitarian aid to Kazakhstan on April 18 amid large-scale floods, reported the ministry’s press...


Kazakhstan Develops Digital Tools to Improve Flood Forecasting

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov reviewed digital tools to improve flood forecasting and instructed a swift launch of a service for accepting claims for compensation...


Development Bank of Kazakhstan Issues Debut Sustainability Eurobonds

ASTANA – With the support of the Astana International Financial Centre’s (AIFC) and Green Finance Center, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK) launched its inaugural sustainability Eurobonds,...


TechnoWomen Central Asia Forum on AI Development Kicks Off in Astana

ASTANA – The TechnoWomen Artificial Intelligence (AI) Forum kicked off on April 17 in Astana with a roundtable on opportunities and risks posed by the problem-solving systems....


Kazakhstan’s IT Exports Exceeds $Half Billion in 2023

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s exports of computer services reached $529 million last year, according to statistics on foreign trade in services published by the National Bank on April...


Kazakhstan, China Launch New Passenger Air Route

ASTANA – An international passenger air route was launched between the Chinese city of Yining in the Ili-Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR)...


EU Applauds Kazakhstan’s Crucial Step Towards Criminalizing Domestic Violence

ASTANA – The European Union (EU) welcomed President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s recent signature of key legislation largely criminalizing domestic abuse, EU’s Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security...


Kazakh President Emphasizes Need for Strengthening Human Rights Protection

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pointed out the need to strengthen guarantees for the protection of human rights at an April 17 meeting with Commissioner for Human...


International Support Flows to Kazakhstan Amid Devastating Floods

ASTANA – The unprecedented floods in Kazakhstan have garnered the attention of the world community. Foreign countries continue to extend support to Kazakhstan and express their willingness...


Gratitude for Survival: Kazakhstan Evacuates Nearly 117,000 People 

ASTANA – With 116,949 people evacuated, Kazakh emergency officers continue to rescue citizens stuck in their homes during the floods. One of the victims in the North...


Kazakh Government Rolls Out Comprehensive Support for Citizens Affected by Catastrophic Floods

ASTANA – In response to the devastating floods that have recently swept the regions of Kazakhstan, the government continues to roll out comprehensive measures aimed at assisting...


President Shows Support to Residents of Flood-Hit Kostanai Region

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with residents of the Kostanai Region and inspected the flooded areas to assess the damage caused by the emergency situation on...


Kazakh Investment Committee Concludes 29 Agreements Worth $973 Million

ASTANA – The Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s Investment Committee concluded 29 contracts worth 436.6 billion tenge (US$973.2 million) with investors from Cyprus, the Netherlands and Russia in the...


Kazakhstan Launches Healthcare Program for Central Asian Students

ASTANA – Kazakhstan Agency of International Development (KazAID) and the Astana Medical University launched Avicenna, a healthcare program for medical students from Central Asian countries, said Kazakh...


Foreign Ministry: Kazakhstan Maintains Contact with its Citizens in Iran, Israel

ASTANA – There are 123 Kazakh citizens registered with the Kazakh consulate in Israel and 104 people in Iran, said Kazakh Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Aibek Smadiyarov during...


KazTransOil to Send 120,000 Tons of Oil to Germany in April

ASTANA – KazTransOil national oil transporter plans to deliver 120,000 tons of Kazakh oil to Germany this month, reported the company’s press service on April 15. Between...


UK Extends Support to Kazakhstan Amid Devastating Floods

ASTANA – British Minister of State (Minister for Europe) in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Nusrat Ghani expressed support for everyone impacted by Kazakhstan’s severe floods....


Kazakh Officials Reflect on New Law Toughening Domestic Abuse  

ASTANA – The state does not interfere in family matters and is committed to protecting a child’s rights when their life and health are at risk, said...


Kazakhstan Takes Part in Central Asia – Gulf Cooperation Council Strategic Dialogue Meeting

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakayev took part in the second Ministerial Meeting of the Central Asia – Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Strategic Dialogue on...


State Will Take Care of Every Citizen, Says Tokayev During Visit to Flood-Affected Region

ASTANA – The next 10 days will be critical for Kazakhstan, which has been grappling with floods since the end of March, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during...


Mining in Kazakhstan: Digging Deep with Experts at Conference in Canada

Kazakhstan’s turquoise flag, featuring a golden eagle and bright sun, flew proudly in Toronto, Canada, from March 3 to 6 at the Prospectors & Developers Association of...


UN Welcomes Kazakhstan for Passing a Significant Law That Criminalizes Domestic Abuse

ASTANA—The United Nations (UN) expressed appreciation to Kazakhstan on April 15 for enacting legislation to protect victims of domestic violence, reported the UN news service. “This is...


Kazakhstan Pledges Active Engagement at COP29 in Baku

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will play an active role in the 29th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP 29), scheduled for November in Baku, announced Zulfiya...


Kazakhstan Evacuates Over 111,000 People Since Beginning of Floods

ASTANA – Since the onset of the flooding, 111,194 people have been rescued and evacuated, with 39,222 of them being children, reported the Ministry of Emergency Situations...


Kazakh FM Participates in CIS Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Minsk

ASTANA—Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu led the delegation at the regular meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent...


Tokayev Stresses Urgent Need for Lasting Peace Between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Offers Kazakhstan as Negotiation Venue

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of quickly establishing a solid, long-term peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and expressed Kazakhstan’s readiness to assist by providing...


Kazakh Commissioner for Children’s Rights on New Law: ‘Victory for Every Child and Woman’

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev endorsed on April 15 the law on protecting women’s rights and enhancing child safety. The adoption of the law is a victory...


Boxing Champion Canelo Extends Support to Kazakhstan During Devastating Floods

ASTANA – Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, a well-known professional boxer and key rival of Kazakh legend Gennady Golovkin, expressed support for the people of Kazakhstan amidst the devastating...


Kazakhstan Set to Increase Exports to Armenia to $350 Million

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is ready to increase exports to Armenia to $350 million, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during a joint media briefing with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol...


Kazakh President Endorses Law on Women’s Rights and Children’s Safety

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed laws amending penalties for violence against women and children on April 15, reported the Akorda press service. The President instructed to...


President Tokayev Meets with Armenian PM, Signs 10 Documents

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan reaffirmed their strong commitment to enhancing multifaceted ties at an April 15 meeting in Yerevan,...


Unity Dance Festival Unites 200 Dancers in Astana from Kazakhstan and Beyond

ASTANA – Unity Dance Event, an international dance festival, brought together dancers from around the world from April 12 to 14 in Astana. The local dance studio,...


Kazakhstan Embraces Love with Kozy Korpesh – Bayan Sulu Day

ASTANA – Kazakhstan celebrates the Day of Lovers on April 15, also called Kozy Korpesh – Bayan Sulu Day, in honor of the iconic Kazakh love epic....


Kazakh President to Pay Official Visit to Armenia Today

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will pay a one-day official visit to Armenia on April 15, reported the Akorda press service. He is expected to meet with...


Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the Situation in the Middle East

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan expresses deep concern over the sharp escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel and calls on the...


NextGen TechCamp Advances Women and Girls Across Central Asia in STEM 

ASTANA – The NextGen TechCamp of Central Asia, dedicated to strengthening the role of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), took place in the Kazakh...


Rare Manuscripts and Books from 18th-20th Centuries Discovered in Kyzylorda Region

ASTANA — Researchers from the National Center of Manuscripts and Rare Books discovered valuable artifacts spanning the 18th to 20th centuries during a recent expedition to the...


Kazakh Film “Gorgon” Addressing Violence Surpasses One Million Views

ASTANA—The documentary film “Gorgon,” directed by Kazakh filmmaker Rinat Balgabayev, which focuses on the issue of sexual violence and supported by UN Women, has garnered nearly a...


President Tokayev Cancels 2024 Astana International Forum Amidst Massive Floods

ASTANA – In an unexpected move, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has announced the cancellation of the Astana International Forum (AIF) scheduled for June 13-14, 2024.  Such a decision...


Amazon Prime to Film Travel Show in Almaty

ASTANA – Amazon Prime’s Travel by Dart show will film its next adventure in Almaty, the show’s press service reported on April 5 on its Instagram page....


National Museum of Kazakhstan Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Vibrant Exhibition

ASTANA – A new exhibition offering a true visual feast opened at the National Museum of Kazakhstan on April 5, celebrating the museum’s 10th anniversary. The exhibition...


Tokayev Outlines Priorities for Kazakhstan’s Science, Technology Development

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev set goals for the advancement of science and technology in Kazakhstan during an April 12 meeting of the National Council for Science...


Kostanai Region Recovers After Flood: Residents Share Personal Experience

ASTANA – Residents of the Kostanai Region, which has been in meltwater since the end of March, are gradually recovering after experiencing the first massive floods in...


Kazakh Artists Rally Support for Flood Rescuers (Video)

ASTANA – Dombra performance and meet-ups with people: artists are expressing their support for the rescuers and people affected by the flood, which resulted in the evacuation...


Kazakhstan, Belarus Set to Foster Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu and Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik expressed intention to foster cooperation during an April 11 meeting...


Kazakhstan, Georgia to Enhance Cooperation in Trans-Caspian International Transport Route

ASTANA – Chairman of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, supported the initiative of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the joint development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route...


Kazakhstan, Finland Strengthen Trade and Transport Ties at Commission Meeting

ASTANA – The 13th meeting of the Kazakh-Finnish Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation was held in Astana to discuss prospects of cooperation in transport and...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, Critical Raw Materials and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest covers the European Union-Kazakhstan’s cooperation on critical raw...


Brussels Meeting Focuses on Kazakhstan-EU Trade, Investment Ties

ASTANA – Brussels hosted the seventh meeting of the Kazakhstan-European Union (EU) Committee in trade configuration on April 9, chaired by Kazakh Deputy Minister of Trade and...


National Bank of Kazakhstan Keeps Base Rate at 14.75%

ASTANA – The monetary policy committee of the National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) has decided on April 12 to keep the base rate at 14.75%, announced the...


Kazakhstan Evacuates Almost 100,000 People Amid Massive Floods

ASTANA – According to the latest data from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, 99,869 people, including 36,591 children, have been rescued and evacuated since the beginning of...


Kazakh Scientists Invent Antiviral Masks Using Silver Nanoparticles

ASTANA – After nearly two years of developing an effective technology for producing oxidation-resistant silver nanoparticles, scientists from Karaganda Buketov University and Kazakhstan’s National Academy of Sciences...


Kazakhstan Honors International Day of Human Space Flight

ASTANA – Kazakhstan celebrates the International Day of Human Space Flight on April 12, a commemoration established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2011. ...


Kazakhstan Marks 125 Years of Outstanding Geologist Kanysh Satpayev

ASTANA – Kazakhstan celebrates the 125th anniversary of the leading academic geologist and founder of the Kazakh Science Academy, Kanysh Satpayev, on April 12.  His research during...


Exciting Weekend of Ballet, Music and Sports  

ASTANA — As the weather warms up, the urge to enjoy outdoor walks and activities after a day’s work grows stronger. In Kazakhstan, April 15 marks the...


Kazakh Startup Enters Top 15 Space Startups in California

ASTANA — The Kazakh startup SpaceLab, a member of the Astana Hub International Technopark of IT Startups, secured a spot among the top 15 space startups in...


USAID Expedition to Oasis Project on Aral Sea Marks Milestone in Ecosystem Restoration

ASTANA—The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will lead an expedition to the USAID Oasis project on the former shores of the Aral Sea in the...


Tracing Kazakhstan’s Seasonal Floods Through Time

ASTANA – The seasonal flooding in 2024 has escalated to become the most extensive in Kazakhstan for the last decades. The natural phenomenon occurred as a result...


Kazakh Senate Approves Law to Criminalize Domestic Violence

ASTANA — The Senate, the upper house of the Kazakh Parliament, approved the law on women’s rights and children’s safety at an April 11 session, State Counselor...


Kazakhstan Evacuates Nearly 98,000 People Since Onset of Flooding

ASTANA – Since the beginning of the floods, 97,852 people, including 32,856 children, have been rescued and evacuated, the Kazakh Ministry of Emergency Situations reported on April...


Pope Francis Asks to Pray for Flood Victims in Kazakhstan

ASTANA — Pope Francis urged prayers for those affected by the devastating flooding in Kazakhstan during his General Audience on April 10, according to Vatican News. “I...


Astana to Host TechnoWomen Central Asia Forum

ASTANA – Astana will host the three-day Technowomen Central Asia: AI Future Forum from April 17 to 19 at the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC). TechnoWomen is...


World Bank Country Manager Unveils Details of Long-Standing Partnership with Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The World Bank supported Kazakhstan across diverse policy areas in more than 30 years of cooperation, contributing more than $8 billion. World Bank Country Manager...


OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Kazakh Officials Focus on Climate Change, Ecology

ASTANA — The Delegation of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly (PA), headed by the Special Representative on Central Asia Farah Karimi,...


Kazakh Oil Transporter Maintains Operations Amid Massive Floods

ASTANA — Despite an emergency due to floods in 10 regions of Kazakhstan, the system of main oil pipelines of KazTransOil, the national oil transporter, operates as...


Kazakhstan, Macao Sign Visa-Free Agreement

ASTANA—Kazakh Ambassador to China, Shakhrat Nuryshev and Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Secretary of Administration and Justice, Cheong Weng Chon, signed a 14-day mutual visa exemption agreement...


Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic Seek to Bring Trade Turnover to $2 Billion

ASTANA – Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov expressed the country’s commitment to promote the continued growth of trade and economic cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic during...


Int’l Community, Kazakh Business, Cultural Figures Donate Funds to Help Flood Victims

ASTANA – Multinational organizations and local businesses continue contributing funds to help Kazakhstan’s citizens affected by the devastating floods.  Kazakhstan’s famous singer Dimash Kudaibergen donated 15 million...


Project Sapphire: Harbinger of Kazakhstan’s Contribution to Global Security

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s decision to renounce all weapons of mass destruction inherited from the Soviet Union was key to the 30 years of the country’s prosperity, peace,...


Kazakhstan Evacuates Over 96,000 People Amid Massive Floods

ASTANA – According to the latest data from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, over 96,472 people, including 31,640 children, have been rescued and evacuated since the beginning...


President Tokayev Congratulates Muslims on Eid al-Fitr

ASTANA — President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated citizens on Oraza Ait (Eid al-Fitr) on April 10, a holiday marking the end of the holy month of...


Google Picks Two Kazakh Startups for Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

ASTANA – Google has selected two startup projects from Kazakhstan to participate in accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Kazakh students entered the list of the global...


Estonia Strengthens Ties with Kazakhstan Across Multiple Fronts 

ASTANA – Estonia views Kazakhstan as a significant player in Central Asia and aims to bolster cooperation in various sectors, including economy, education, and beyond, said Ambassador...


Kazakhstan’s Youth Initiates Nationwide Environmental Campaign

ASTANA – Youth resource centers and organizations initiated a large-scale environmental campaign, titled Taza (clean) Kazakhstan across all regions of the country on April 8, reported the...


President Tokayev Thanks Kazakh Citizens and Foreign Leaders for Their Solidarity

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to the people of Kazakhstan and leaders of foreign countries for their support and assistance in addressing the recent floods,...


Caspian Pipeline Consortium Oil Loadings Suspended Due to Scheduled Maintenance Work

ASTANA – The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) launched maintenance work and installation of new equipment at the Tengiz-Novorossiysk oil trunk pipeline facilities on April 9, reported the...


EU Stands in Solidarity with Kazakhstan in Aftermath of Devastating Floods

ASTANA – The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Kazakhstan expressed solidarity in the wake of the recent devastating floods, extending wishes for a swift recovery...


25,000 Volunteers Collect Over 500 Tons of Humanitarian Aid for Flood Victims in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Nearly 25,000 volunteers banded together and collected at least 553 tons of humanitarian aid from across the country. More than 370 tons have been delivered...


Kazakhstan to Celebrate Eid al-Fitr Tomorrow

ASTANA – Muslims in Kazakhstan and globally will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, also known as Eid or Oraza Ait, marking the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan...


Kazakh Officers Lead Peacekeeping Missions in Congo

ASTANA – Lieutenant Colonel Altynbek Zhalmukhanov and Major Batyr Tuyakov have been stationed on the African continent since last year as part of the United Nations (UN)...


Kazakhstan’s Manufacturing Industry Grows 7.4% in Two Months of 2024

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s manufacturing sector saw a 7.4% increase in January and February, particularly in mechanical engineering, metallurgy, chemistry and light industries, Minister of Industry and Construction...


Dimash Kudaibergen’s Costume Sold at Charity Auction for $5,000 to Aid Flood Victims

ASTANA – The costume of the famous Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen was sold at a charity auction in Almaty for two million tenge (approximately $5,000), aimed at...


Kazakhstan Evacuates Over 86,000 People Since Beginning of Floods

ASTANA – As of April 9, over 86,000 people, including 29,000 children, have been rescued and evacuated since the floods began in Kazakhstan, reported the Kazakh Ministry...


Taldykorgan’s Growth Trajectory Prioritizes Sustainable Industrialization

ASTANA – Since gaining its regional status in May 2022, the Zhetisu Region has demonstrated an 18% economic growth rate. For the local authorities, the sustainability approach...


Finland’s Officials, Business to Visit Kazakhstan This Week

ASTANA—Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will lead a trade mission to Almaty and Astana from April 9 to 12, the ministry’s press service...


Businesses Make Donations to Help Flood Victims

ASTANA—Kazakhstan has been reeling from flooding for nearly two weeks, and water levels are continuing to rise. The state and volunteers are doing their best to help...


Five Months to Go: Preparations for World Nomad Games Unveiled

ASTANA — With five months remaining until the start of the World Nomad Games in Kazakhstan, Nail Nurov, the head of the directorate for the preparation and...


UN & Me Exhibition Sheds Light on Inspiring Stories of Kazakh Citizens

ASTANA—The United Nations (UN) in Kazakhstan unveiled the UN & Me photo exhibition in Astana on April 5. The exhibition showcases 30 captivating tales of ordinary Kazakh...


Three Premiers and Dozen Classics Shine at Astana Opera

ASTANA – Three premieres and a dozen of old favorites made for a memorable gala event, Dreams Come True, at Astana Opera on April 7. The program...


Floods in Kazakhstan: 75,982 People Evacuated, Relief Efforts Ongoing

ASTANA – According to the latest data from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, 75,982 people, including 18,681 children, have been rescued and evacuated across the country due...