KazMunayGas CEO Outlines Strategic Priorities at Baku Energy Week

ASTANA – KazMunayGas (KMG) CEO Askhat Khassenov presented the company’s strategic priorities during the Baku Energy Forum, part of Baku Energy Week, held from June 2 to 4. The...


Kazakhstan Welcomes Second Group of Przewalski’s Horses to Altyn Dala Reserve

ASTANA – Seven more Przewalski’s horses, also known by the ancient Kazakh names Kerkulan and Kertagy, arrived in Kazakhstan on June 3 as part of an international effort to...


Tokayev Attends Flag Raising Ceremony on State Symbols Day

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in a solemn ceremony to raise the National Flag of Kazakhstan on June 4 at the Atameken Ethno-Memorial Complex, marking the...


Kazakhstan Sets Stage for AI Regulation with New Draft Law

ASTANA – Mazhilis, a lower house of the Parliament, has approved the draft law on artificial intelligence in its first reading on May 14, marking the country’s intent to...


Unlocking Eurasia’s Potential: Case for Trans-Caspian Development Bank

As the Silk Road Region enters a new era of strategic importance, it is time for the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus to ask a critical...


Forum Highlights Central Asia-China Partnership as it Deepens Amid Global Shifts 

ASTANA – The Central Asia-China relationship is reaching a new level, said State Counselor of Kazakhstan Erlan Karin during the fifth Forum of Analytical Centers focused on new horizons...


AIF 2025: Kazakhstan Doesn’t Just Host — It Shows Up

ASTANA — Over the course of my not-so-long but eventful career in media as a TV producer, PR consultant, and now reporter for The Astana Times, I’ve covered more...


Next Generation Rules Board: Astana Crowns 2025 Chess Champions 

ASTANA – Woman FIDE master Yelnaz Kaliyakhmet,14, and grand master Kazybek Nogerbek, 21, claimed national titles at the 2025 Kazakhstan Chess Championship, taking place between May 20 and June...


National Bank Launches Crypto Card, Outlines Broader Digital Asset Strategy 

ASTANA — The National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) officially launched the crypto card project during a June 3 meeting in Almaty with representatives of banks, crypto exchanges, and fintech...


Kazakhstan Eyes Stronger Ties with African Nations, Develops Dedicated Strategy

ASTANA – While distant partners on a global map, Kazakhstan and African nations are drawing closer together. With several high-level visits in recent years, both sides are eager to...


Astana to Host Games of the Future in 2026  

ASTANA — The Kazakh capital to host the international multisport tournament Games of the Future 2026, based on the phygital concept. This major sporting event combines competitions in both...


Kazakhstan’s Domestic Industry Rises as Government Enforces Value Chain Policy

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s manufacturing sector recorded a 7.2% growth from January to April, according to Minister of Industry and Construction Yersayin Nagaspayev, who presented the data at a June...


Who’s Visiting Kazakhstan? These Five Countries Top List

ASTANA – Kazakhstan welcomed 15.3 million foreign visitors who came for tourist purposes in 2024, according to the Tourism Industry Committee in response to a request from Kazinform. Among...


International Union for Conservation of Nature to Promote Water Diplomacy in Central Asia

ASTANA — The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change officially inaugurated IUCN’s new Central Asia Office in Tashkent...


Kazakhstan Allocates Recovered Assets to Enhance Water Supply in Kostanai Region

ASTANA – The Kazakh government has allocated returned illegally acquired assets from the Special State Fund to finance the construction of water supply networks in the Kostanai Region, worth...


Kazakhstan Advances Digital Governance, Global Role, Says UN Tech Envoy 

ASTANA — As experts convened at the Astana International Forum (AIF), digital transformation and emerging technologies remained central to global discussions. In an exclusive interview with The Astana Times,...


Work from Anywhere: Remote Jobs on Rise in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – With remote working increasingly becoming the norm globally, the prospect of working from anywhere, as long as one has a laptop and internet, is becoming increasingly appealing...


Air Astana Launches Atyrau-Baku and Almaty-Frankfurt Flights

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s Air Astana launched direct flights on the Atyrau-Baku route from May 31 and Almaty-Frankfurt route starting June 1. Atyrau-Baku flights are operated three times a week:...


Kazakhstan Partners with EIB Global to Boost Energy-Efficient Housing

ASTANA – The European Investment Bank’s development arm (EIB Global) and state-owned Kazakhstan Housing Company are teaming up to increase the number of energy-efficient and sustainable homes in Kazakhstan....


OPEC+ Confirms Oil Output Adjustment, Kazakhstan Quota Set

ASTANA – Kazakhstan, along with seven other OPEC+ countries – Algeria, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – participated in a virtual meeting...


EuroFest in Astana Celebrates Unity, Culture, and Community

ASTANA—The Kazakh capital hosted EuroFest 2025 on June 1, welcoming a colorful celebration of European culture, music, and cuisine.  The open-air festival was organized by the European Union Delegation...


AstraZeneca, National Research Oncology Center Sign Memorandum to Advance Cancer Care

ASTANA – The National Research Oncology Center and the AstraZeneca biopharmaceutical company signed an agreement on May 30 to strengthen their long-term partnership. The agreement outlines cooperation in three...


President Tokayev Honors 70th Anniversary of Baikonur Cosmodrome 

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a video address on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Baikonur cosmodrome on June 2. In his message, Tokayev congratulated all...


Kazakh PM Holds High-Level Meetings to Advance Regional and International Cooperation

ASTANA — Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held several high-level meetings during the Astana International Forum on May 29-30. Bektenov met with the Secretary General of the Organization of...


AIF 2025: Can Middle Powers Redefine World Order?

ASTANA —What role will middle powers play in a multipolar world? What exactly defines a middle power? How do we identify them — by geography, diplomatic reach, economic size?...


Council of Europe Highlights Kazakhstan’s Role in Democracy and Global Stability

ASTANA – Secretary General of the Council of Europe (CoE) and Former President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset underscored Kazakhstan’s geographic and geopolitical significance during his lecture “Disinformation...


Climbing Close to Home: Can Ordinary People Conquer Almaty’s Iconic Peaks?

ASTANA – Just outside Almaty, some of the region’s most stunning peaks of the Zailiyskiy Alatau have drawn climbers to their summits for decades. The Astana Times set out...


From Fortress to Forgotten Glory: Uncovering Layers of Sauran’s Medieval Past

Editor’s Note: The Astana Times continues its Forgotten Cities of the Silk Road series, exploring Kazakhstan’s tentative UNESCO World Heritage sites. These ancient settlements, now in ruins, once thrived...


Kazakhstan Pays Tribute to Victims of Political Repressions and Famine

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument complex on May 31, the Day of Remembrance of Victims of Political Repressions and...


President Tokayev Outlines Balanced Diplomacy and Reforms in Al Jazeera Interview

ASTANA –  In an interview with Al Jazeera on May 29, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed Kazakhstan’s approach to foreign policy, economic development, and political reform. He emphasized that while...


President Tokayev Charts Key Areas for Сentral Asia Deeper Ties with Italy at Landmark Summit

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined his vision for promising areas of cooperation with Italy during the first Central Asia+Italy summit on May 30. He prioritized deepening trade and...


Middle Corridor Vital for Resilient and Diversified Trade Networks, Experts Say at AIF 2025

ASTANA – The development of the Middle Corridor will complement Kazakhstan’s role in global logistics and trade, while enhancing the region’s resilience against global supply chain disruptions, said experts...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Astana International Forum, Climate Security and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected recent articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest covers the Astana International Forum, climate security and more....


EDB Highlights Eurasia’s Growth, Green Energy, and Integration at AIF 2025

ASTANA — The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) held a session entitled Eurasia: Unlocking Growth, Embracing Global Trends at the Astana International Forum (AIF) 2025 on May 29. The session...


Kazakhstan, Italy Expand Strategic Partnership

ASTANA – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s official visit to Kazakhstan will activate Kazakh-Italian relations, Meloni said during narrow-format talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on May 30, reported Akorda....


Experts Highlight Critical Need for Energy Diversification, Say Oil and Gas to Remain Vital 

ASTANA – Energy industry leaders and experts discussed the stakes of ensuring energy security, what it takes to balance energy transition and sustainability, and the future of the oil...


Your Weekend Guide to Astana and Almaty: Culture, Fun and Local Vibes

ASTANA – The workweek may be over, but the best part is just beginning. Reconnect with yourself through cultural moments, timeless history, and unforgettable experiences that will nourish your...


Prime Minister of Italy Calls for Courage to Take New Paths at AIF2025

ASTANA – Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni called for courage to look beyond geographical boundaries and take new paths during a special session of the Astana International Forum,...


President Tokayev Meets Prime Minister of Italy

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni, who arrived in Kazakhstan on an official visit during the Astana International Forum (AIF) on May...


Eurasian Connectivity: Global Leaders Chart Development Path at AIF

ASTANA — Connectivity and supply chain stability are the key initiatives that bring countries closer to their development goals, said Ban Ki-moon, the president of the Global Green Growth...


Hybrid Professionals are Key to Future of Kazakhstan’s Oil and Gas Sector

Kazakhstan’s energy sector demonstrates high potential for substantial expansion. Kazakhstan plans to increase its annual oil and gas condensate output to 96.2 million tons during 2025 which represents a...


No Winners in Trade War, Experts Say at AIF2025

ASTANA – There are no winners in a trade war, according to experts attending a panel session titled Trade as a Weapon: The Future of Economic Statecraft, during the...


AIF 2025 Spotlights Water Security in Central Asia, Urges Reform and Regional Unity

ASTANA – As climate change accelerates and water resources grow scarcer, Central Asia finds itself at a critical stage. The high-level panel session on water security at the Astana...


North Macedonian President Calls for Inclusive Leadership at UN and Beyond at AIF 2025

ASTANA — President of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova issued a powerful call for gender-balanced leadership on the world stage — beginning with the United Nations during a plenary session...


Kazakhstan Partners with Meta, BAITC to Launch Accelerator Program for AI Innovation

ASTANA — Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, Meta and Blockchain & AI Technology Centre (BAITC) signed a letter of intent to launch Meta LLaMA Accelerator...


President Tokayev Highlights Global Challenges, Calls for Cooperation at AIF 2025

ASTANA – At the plenary session of the Astana International Forum (AIF) 2025 on May 29, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed pressing global uncertainties and emphasized the need for unified...


More Than 750 Kazakh Military Personnel Participate in UN Peacekeeping Missions

ASTANA – May 29 is recognized as the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, honoring the service members who contribute to conflict resolution and building a safer world. Kazakhstan’s peacekeeping...


Kazakhstan to Launch Astana-Milan Direct Flights Soon 

ASTANA – The air traffic expansion between Kazakhstan and Italy is vital for strengthening transport cooperation, Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev said at the Italy-Kazakhstan Supply Chain Forum...


Kazakhstan Deepens Ties with Germany, Announces Plans to Increase Oil Transportation 

ASTANA – Germany is one of Kazakhstan’s strategic partners in the European Union and a leading investor, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a May 28 meeting with Anke Rehlinger,...


Underground Tunnel Project to  Connect Caspian and Black Seas

ASTANA – An Azerbaijani company has put forward a proposal to connect the Caspian and Black Seas via an underground tunnel to grant Caspian countries direct access to the...