- Wednesday, 1 April, 2026
- Almaty 62 °F / 17 °C
- Astana 36 °F / 2 °C
ASTANA – The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has established an Islamic Finance Advisory Board, uniting leading global experts from Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and...
ASTANA – The upcoming weekend will be extended in celebration of Independence Day on Dec. 16, marking 34 years since Kazakhstan’s Supreme Council declared the country’s independence...
ASTANA – Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a joint statement on Dec. 11, emphasizing the deep historical ties between Kazakhstan and Iran, the steady growth...
ASTANA – An exhibition of national jewelry dedicated to Independence Day opened at the Presidential Center on Dec. 10, showcasing the richness of Kazakh jewelry art. Over...
ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Iran not only maintain a constructive political dialogue but are also seeing growing trade and economic ties, with trade up 40% in just...
ASTANA – The Kazakh language continues to gain momentum through major educational, cultural, and technological initiatives, highlighted at the annual congress of the Kazakh Language International Society...
ASTANA – The Constitutional Court of the Kyrgyz Republic has ruled that bringing back the death penalty is unacceptable and legally impossible. The decision came on Dec....
ASTANA – Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to human rights and the modernization of its penal system at a high-level conference on International Human Rights Day on Dec....
ASTANA – More than 60% of Asia and the Pacific’s population – around 2.7 billion people – has been lifted from extreme water insecurity over the past...
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s capital will host the Astana International Challenge 2025, a major international badminton tournament, scheduled to take place at the Beeline Arena on Dec. 17-21....
ASTANA — A roundtable in Astana explored how independent media can strengthen public trust and support a resilient, democratic society in Kazakhstan to mark Human Rights Day...
ASTANA – The Kazakh Energy Ministry confirmed efforts to find additional routes for the Kazakh oil and said Kazakhstan’s crude exports have not been entirely halted following...
ALMATY – Kazakh chess rising star Meruert Kamalidenova delivered another remarkable performance by finishing as women’s vice-champion at the sixth El Llobregat Open Chess Tournament, a major...
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev announced at a Dec. 9 government briefing that direct flights between Kazakhstan and the United States will temporarily require a...
ALMATY – Kazakhstan presented a series of key infrastructure, financial, and technology initiatives during AIFC Connect: Abu Dhabi 2025, a business forum co-organized by the Astana International...
ALMATY – Although Almaty’s FC Kairat continues to face tough competition in its series of UEFA Champions League matches, Kazakhstan’s football is entering a new stage of...
ALMATY – Kazakhstan and the European Union (EU) aim to modernize the legal framework for travel facilitation and strengthen ties. The initiative is expected to simplify travel...
ALMATY – Kazakh Special Representative for Afghanistan and Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yerkin Tukumov paid a working visit to Afghanistan on Dec. 8 to...
Editor’s Note: This opinion piece by Aigul Zabirova draws on findings from a nationwide survey commissioned by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) and conducted from...
ASTANA — Kazakhstan is advancing the modernization and digitalization of its transport and transit systems to strengthen its role as a key Eurasian hub. Prime Minister Olzhas...
ASTANA – Rail Cargo Austria, one of the subsidiaries of ÖBB-Holding, and KTZ Express agreed to develop intermodal transportation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and...
ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with National Bank Governor Timur Suleimenov on Dec. 9 to review the state of the economy, financial system, and monetary...
ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Brazil emphasized their shared commitment to multilateralism, diplomacy, and equal international cooperation during a Dec. 8 political consultations, co-chaired by First Deputy Foreign...
ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to supply 50,000 metric tons of crude to China directly from the vast Kashagan field in December for the first time after a...
ASTANA – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) of the United Nations appointed Kazakh artist Dimash Qudaibergen as a Global Goodwill Ambassador during the annual session of...
ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed the law on the national budget for 2026–2028 on Dec. 8. The full text of the law will be...
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s 16 special economic zones (SEZ) play a central role in the country’s investment strategy, offering tax incentives, simplified customs procedures and ready industrial sites....
ASTANA — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev inaugurated the Nur Bukhara project, the country’s first utility-scale integrated solar and battery project, developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company...
ASTANA — Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakayev participated in the Doha Forum 2025 on Dec. 6-7, engaging in high-level discussions on justice, sustainable development and international...
ALMATY — Art Basel unveiled its first class of Gold Awardees at a landmark ceremony on Dec. 4 at the New World Center in Miami Beach, the...
ALMATY — Kazakhstan and Austria reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political dialogue and expanding economic cooperation during a series of high-level meetings held in Vienna on Dec....
ASTANA – UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the organization is reshaping its internal system to give young people a stronger voice, responding to a question from AT’s...
ALMATY – Central Asia is experiencing a tourism boom, with the region welcoming 28.6 million foreign visitors in 2024. The rapid expansion reflects the region’s natural and...
ALMATY – The World Justice Project (WJP) has released its 2025 Rule of Law Index, assessing 143 countries through nationwide population surveys, indicating that Central Asian countries...
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s regulated crypto market continues its strong upward trajectory, with trading volumes on platforms licensed by the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) reaching $6.8 billion...
ALMATY – Kazakhstan and France have reached a preliminary agreement to establish a European-level regional aviation training center in Astana that will become a hub for advanced...
ALMATY – Astana will host the President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian on an official visit on Dec. 10–11, marking a new stage in the strengthening of Kazakh-Iranian...
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s winter tourism season is gaining momentum as travelers seek alpine landscapes, accessible slopes and quieter alternatives to crowded resorts abroad. From the Tien Shan...
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s saiga population has reached a record 4 million animals, prompting the government to strengthen measures to manage the rapid growth, First Deputy Prime Minister...
ASTANA — Archaeologists in Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu Region have uncovered rare gold jewelry, elite Saka-era burial mounds, and a unique double burial dating back to the 4th–3rd centuries...
ASTANA – The United Nations headquarters in New York hosted a high-level ceremony to launch the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026, an initiative aimed...
ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Airbus signed a memorandum of understanding to deliver more A320neo aircraft to the country following the 16th meeting of the Kazakhstan-France Intergovernmental Commission...
ASTANA – Kazakhstan marked the International Day of People with Disabilities on Dec. 3, renewing attention to the everyday challenges families face in raising children with disabilities...
ASTANA — Gennady Golovkin has officially become the first Kazakhstani boxer to be included in the Class of 2026 of the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF),...
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s accommodation facilities welcomed 7.8 million visitors in January-September, marking a 12.4% increase compared to the same period last year. Hotels in Almaty led the...
ASTANA — The investment forum brought together international investors, major Kazakh businesses, and central government representatives on Dec. 4 in Aktobe. The event featured seven ambassadors and...
ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered an address to the country’s entrepreneurs at the Dec.5 ceremony honoring the winners of the Altyn Sapa (Golden Standard), Paryz (Duty),...
ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest highlights Central Asia’s growing economic influence, Kazakhstan’s role...
ASTANA — Kazakh peacekeepers have discovered and destroyed over 1,000 explosive ordnance items, including 23 improvised devices, as part of 32 operational missions in Syria in January-August,...
ASTANA — On Dec. 4, Dimash Qudaibergen premiered his original composition “Fire” on the official GRAMMYs website and YouTube channel. Following the success of his October showcase...
ASTANA – Within the framework of the 32nd Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev held bilateral...
ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and European Council President António Costa delivered a joint statement on Dec. 4, following productive talks in a friendly and constructive...
BERLIN – Kazakh and German pundits agreed to expand cooperation at the media and expert levels at the 45th meeting of the Berlin Eurasian Club (BEC) on...
ALMATY — Thirty young innovators from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan gathered in Astana on Dec. 4 for a regional case championship aimed at...
ALMATY — The Kazakh government approved a comprehensive Trade Policy Concept through 2030 on Nov. 27, outlining a new strategic framework for the development of domestic and...
ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with President of the European Council António Costa, who arrived in Kazakhstan for his first official visit on Dec. 4,...
Ten years after the EU and Kazakhstan signed the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, our relationship has grown into a broad and dynamic partnership. It spans political...
ALMATY – Kazakhstan will formally introduce administrative liability for wearing face-covering clothing in public places under a new unified law on the Prevention of Offenses, adopted by...
ASTANA – Spend the weekend enjoying concerts featuring beloved artists, the romance of captivating ballet performances, and the energy of festive winter events. This weekend is perfect...
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis (Parliament’s lower chamber) has approved a landmark framework agreement with the OPEC Fund for International Development, paving the way for expanded financing of...
ALMATY — An earthquake rattled Almaty on Dec. 4, briefly sending residents out of their apartments and into courtyards as buildings swayed for several seconds. According to...
In recent years, the noticeable strengthening of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan has had a positive impact not only on bilateral relations, but also on the overall...
ALMATY – Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev met with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, on Dec. 3 during his working...
ALMATY — Kazakhstan has strengthened its international development cooperation efforts in the Asia-Pacific region as a national delegation led by Chairman of the Kazakhstan Agency of International...
ASTANA — By 2040, 20% of all global air cargo will pass along routes between Asia and Europe, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a Dec. 3 meeting,...
ALMATY — Kazakhstan and the European Union (EU) officially opened negotiations on a visa facilitation and readmission agreements on Dec. 2 in Brussels, Belgium, marking a historic...
ASTANA — Central Asian founders are gaining significant traction in the United States, where more than 350 regional startups now operate through the Silkroad Innovation Hub in...
ASTANA — Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway operator, reported that freight volumes across its network reached 287.8 million tons in January-November, 4% higher than the...
ASTANA — Kazakhstan has risen to 44th place in the World Bank’s Statistical Performance Indicators (SPI) for 2024, marking a significant improvement of 21 positions. The SPI...
ASTANA — The 27th Asian Youth Chess Championship concluded on Nov. 29 in Bangkok, with Kazakh players winning 11 medals, including five gold medals across the classical,...
ALMATY – Kazakhstan is rapidly consolidating its position as one of Eurasia’s leading education destinations. In the 2025 academic year, 35,075 international students from 88 countries are...
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s Embassy in Portugal hosted a distinguished gastronomic evening under the theme The Steppe and the Ocean on Nov. 27 in Lisbon, uniting Kazakh and...
ASTANA — Almaty has expanded its international air links with the launch of new direct routes to Bangkok by Thai AirAsia X and to Chengdu by Air...
ASTANA — Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev met with major Swiss business leaders during his official visit to Switzerland on Dec. 2 to advance investment projects in...
ASTANA — Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev and Federal Councillor and Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis reaffirmed the strong, trust-based partnership...
ALMATY – The international Observatory of Public Sector Innovation (OPSI) platform of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published Kazakhstan’s experience in implementing e-Qyzmet,...
Technology has transformed our world: catalyzing connections, empowering and expanding opportunities for learning, healthcare, social protection, inventions and economic participation. The British Netflix drama Adolescence broke global...
ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s football scene is experiencing an unprecedented moment of global recognition as 17-year-old forward Dastan Satpayev was named among the top five best young players...
I grew up devouring Ray Bradbury. I don’t know why my childhood mind was so fascinated by the future. At the time, I never imagined that humans...
ALMATY – Kazakh world-renowned artist Dimash Qudaibergen gave his first-ever solo concert in Egypt on Nov. 30 as part of the inaugural The Pyramids Echo festival. The...
ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed the Chief Justice of Palestine and Presidential Advisor on Religious Affairs Mahmoud al-Habbash on Dec. 2 in a meeting that highlighted...
ALMATY — Kazakhstan will host a major international gathering of export finance experts for the first time, following the decision by the Berne Union to hold its...
ALMATY – Kazakhstan is accelerating efforts to expand its manufacturing base, advance digital transformation, and strengthen economic diversification, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said during a government meeting...
ALMATY – E-commerce is undergoing transformation worldwide, with digital platforms reshaping how consumers shop and how businesses operate, said Director of the Department for Domestic Trade Development...
ALMATY — Kazakhstan and the European Union (EU) announced plans to begin negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission agreements at the 22nd Kazakhstan–EU Cooperation Council meeting held...
ASTANA – International youth voices brought fresh urgency to a Nov. 27 roundtable in Vienna on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear testing, underscoring the lived legacy of...
ASTANA – Geopolitical factors have pushed Central Asia to rethink its transport and logistics geography. Regional analysts say Central Asia is facing a rare opening to reshape...
ASTANA — Iran has opened its first specialized center for the conservation, treatment, and dissection of Caspian seals in Bojaq National Park in the Caspian Sea province...
ASTANA — Snap elections for members of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) concluded in the Kyrgyz Republic on Nov. 30. According to the Central Election Commission, 1,584,446 of...
ASTANA — Community leaders, researchers and practitioners gathered for a roundtable on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear testing in Vienna on Nov. 27, examining what the Treaty...
ASTANA — The eight OPEC+ countries — Algeria, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — met virtually on Nov. 30 to review global...
ASTANA — European Council President António Costa will visit Kazakhstan on Dec. 4 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA). On...
ASTANA — Kazakh chess players won the most medals in all FIDE competitions in 2024, President of International Chess Federation (FIDE) Arkady Dvorkovich said during a Nov....
ASTANA – Kazakhstan has fully completed the mandatory Airbus software update for all Airbus aircraft operated by the country’s airlines, ensuring full compliance with safety requirements. The...
ASTANA – The Kazakh Foreign Ministry on Nov. 30 expressed its protest over yet another deliberate attack on the critical infrastructure of the international Caspian Pipeline Consortium...
ASTANA — The final session of the FELICITY II energy consultant training program recently convened engineers, architects and policymakers in Astana to build expertise in reducing energy...
ALMATY — Kazakhstan has significantly upgraded its nuclear fuel production capabilities as the Ulba Metallurgical Plant (UMP) in Ust-Kamenogorsk, East Kazakhstan, launches a new automated inspection line...
ASTANA – Ayash Kabdollayeva, a craft instructor from Glubokoye village in the East Kazakhstan Region, has become the world’s top female archer just a year after taking...
ALMATY – More than half of Kazakhstan’s population uses artificial intelligence technologies such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Midjourney, according to a nationwide sociological survey conducted by...
Editor’s Note: To mark the 15th anniversary of The Astana Times, we are launching a special series of columns written by our newsroom. Over the days, members...
