Culture and History Bring Japan and Kazakhstan Closer, Says Japanese Ambassador

ASTANA – There are many pillars in the blossoming partnership between Japan and Kazakhstan, but the common historical background and cultural exchange is what drives both countries to the...


Dimash Kudaibergen to Release New Music Video “Omir” (Life)

ASTANA – Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen has announced the release of a new music video, “Omir” (life), dedicated to his fans. The release is expected on May 24 –...


Kazakhstan’s Unemployment Rate at 1.4% in 2022

ASTANA – Approximately 132,200 people, 1.4% of the workforce, were registered as unemployed by the end of 2022, informed Chairman of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms Aset...


Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina Wins Italian Open, Rises to Fourth in WTA Tour’s Singles Rankin

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s tennis player Elena Rybakina claimed her second Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 1000 trophy of the season and rose from sixth to fourth place in the singles...


Kazakhstan Resumes Flights Between Astana and Tashkent

ASTANA – Fly Arystan, the Kazakh low-cost airline, plans to launch flights on the Astana-Tashkent route from July 3, the Kazakh Civil Aviation Committee announced on May 20. Regular...


Kazakhstan Celebrates 310 Years of Abylai Khan, Visionary Leader Uniting and Liberating 18th Century Kazakh Khanate

ASTANA – Kazakhstan gears up to commemorate the 310th anniversary of a towering figure in Kazakh history Abylai khan, best known as the ruler who united the 18th-century Kazakh...


Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources Considers Ways to Manage Growing Saiga Population in West Kazakhstan

ASTANA – While the growing population of the saiga antelopes in Kazakhstan can be considered an ecological success, their increasing number is also having a negative impact on agricultural...


Kazakh Startup Transforms Programming Languages for Children

ASTANA – Ed-Tech startup Codiplay from Kazakhstan has incorporated gamification features to help children between 8 and 17 learn programming and create gadgets (IoT projects) based on arcade games. ...


Singapore and Kazakhstan are Forward-Looking Nations Committed to Human Capital Development, Sustainable Growth, Says Singapore’s President

ASTANA – President of Singapore Halimah Yacob gave an exclusive interview to The Astana Times on the eve of the state visit to Kazakhstan.  Halimah Yacob spoke about the...


World Epics Festival Starts in Kyrgyz Republic

ASTANA – The seventh World Epics Festival dedicated to the 95th anniversary of Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov and the 125th anniversary of Kazakh writer Mukhtar Auezov has kicked off...


Kazakhstan’s Top Five Most Popular National Sports

ASTANA – National games are deeply ingrained in the culture and history of Kazakhstan and are an essential part of the country’s national identity. They are still widely practiced...


Weekend Getaways Near Astana

ASTANA – Looking for weekend trip ideas near Astana? Summer is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty and cultural wonders. The Astana Times highlights the top three...


European Diplomats Commend Tourism Potential of Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve

ASTANA – The Kazakh Tourism National Company organized a trip to the Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve in the Akmola Region for European ambassadors on May 13, reported the company. The...


Kazakhstan Can Become Strategic Partner for EU, Says Kazakh Prime Minister

ALMATY — The partnership between Astana and Brussels is built on years of pragmatic and progressive cooperation, said Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov during the high-level session of the second...


Kazakhstan and China Reach New Level of Partnership, Launch New Investment Projects

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held several meetings May 18 with the senior management of large Chinese companies engaged in the production, processing, and transportation of oil and gas,...


Kazakhstan and EU to Implement Projects Worth $9.7 Million

ALMATY – Kazakhstan and the European Union signed the EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Facility Financing Agreement on implementing economic projects worth 9 million euros ($9.7 million) at the second EU-Central Asia...


President Tokayev Outlines Priorities for Cooperation at China-Central Asia Summit, Signs Xian Declaration

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined the main areas for cooperation at the China-Central Asia Summit that resulted in the signing of the Xian declaration on May 19, reported...


President Tokayev Opens Kazakhstan’s Consulate General in Xian 

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the opening ceremony of Kazakhstan’s Consulate General in Xian on May 19, concluding his three-day state visit to China, reported Akorda...


Fly Arystan Resumes Flights to Ankara

ASTANA – Fly Arystan, the Kazakh low-cost airline, plans to launch flights on the Astana-Ankara route from May 23, the Kazakh Civil Aviation Committee reported on its Telegram channel...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan-EU Relations, Upcoming Astana International Forum, Tokayev’s Visit to China and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has picked a selection of articles on Kazakhstan featured in international media across the world this week. This week’s foreign media digest covers the...


Kazakh Capital to Host International Volunteer Forum in June

ASTANA – The government presented a plan for the upcoming International Volunteer Forum on June 20-21 in Astana during a May 18 meeting, reported the Prime Minister’s press service.  ...


Kazakhstan to Become New Regional Academic Hub, Says Minister of Science and Higher Education

ASTANA – Kazakhstan can seize an opportunity to emerge as a thriving academic hub. However, building a brand requires substantial investment and resources, said Minister of Science and Higher...


Tang Lotus Garden Hosts Official Greeting Ceremony for China’s and Central Asian Presidents

ASTANA – An official ceremony greeting the heads of state participating in the China-Central Asia summit took place in Xian’s Tang Lotus Garden, China, on May 18, reported the...


New ADB Strategy for Kazakhstan to Address Climate Change, Promote Inclusive Economic Growth and Strengthen Governance

ASTANA — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has released a five-year country partnership strategy (CPS) for Kazakhstan aimed at addressing climate change and decarbonization, promoting inclusive economic growth, and...


Astana’s Upcoming Weekend Unveils Cultural Bliss 

ASTANA — As another working week comes to an end, a treasure trove of cultural events awaits visitors, promising a superb weekend filled with inspiring spectacles, enriching exhibitions, and...


Kazakhstan to Launch National Digital Investment Platform

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will launch the National Digital Investment Platform to attract investors and monitor the implementation of investment projects, reported the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry’s...


Kazakh Congress to Unite Ethnic Kazakhs Worldwide

ASTANA – Several countries with a significant Kazakh diaspora will host qurultai (сongress) this year, said the President of Otandastar (compatriots) Foundation Abzal Saparbekuly during the foundation’s public commission...


ITC Presents Ready4Trade Central Asia Results, Facilitates Region’s SMEs Connection to European Markets

ASTANA — The International Trade Center (ITC), a joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN), showcased the results of the European Union (EU)-funded...


Kazakhstan and China Sign 47 Agreements Worth $ 22 Billion, as Tokayev Outlines Key Areas for Partnership

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and China signed 47 agreements worth $ 22 billion following the Kazakhstan-China investment roundtable with Chinese officials and business leaders on May 18 in Xian, where...


Tokayev Launches Construction of Kazakhstan’s Logistics Center in Xian During State Visit

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the ceremony of launching the construction of Kazakhstan’s logistics center at Xian’s dry port during his state visit to China, reported Akorda press...


Kazakhstan, China Reaffirm Intention to Strengthen Relations, Fulfill Aspirations for Common Future in Joint Statement

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of China Xi Jinping signed a joint statement on May 17 in Xian, reaffirming their commitment to continuously deepen the...


President Tokayev’s Visit to China Expands Economic and Trade Ties Ahead of China-Central Asia Summit

ASTANA – The state visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to China ahead of the China-Central Asia Summit this week is the catalyst for expanding the economic impact and bolstering...


Central Asia and EU Prioritize Sustainability, Connectivity, Economic Development Amid Complex Geopolitical Landscape 

ASTANA – Cooperation between Central Asia and the European Union (EU) is taking a new turn amid the ongoing geopolitical shifts and will continue to grow with a focus...


Kazakhstan and Germany Discuss Cooperation at Business Council Meeting

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Germany are key partners with tremendous potential for economic development, Kazakh Vice Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development Ilyas Ospanov said at the 14th meeting...


Astana to Host IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships Next Year

ASTANA – Astana will host the International Boxing Association Women’s World Boxing Championships in 2024, announced the IBA Board of Directors during an official meeting in Tashkent, reported the...


Kazakh Initiative to Establish UN Digital Solution Center Receives Unanimous Support at UN Regional Commission

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish the United Nations Digital Solutions Center for the Sustainable Development of Central Asian countries was supported unanimously at the annual 79th session of...


Astana International Forum: Renewed Hope for Multilateralism

A quick glance at the current state of the world and the global political and economic landscape may offer no immediate reasons for optimism. Great power relations continue to...


Kazakh, Chinese Companies Sign Nearly $100 Million in Export Contracts

ASTANA – Kazakh companies signed export agreements worth nearly $100 million with China following Kazakhstan’s trade and economic mission on May 15-17 in Xi’an, the Kazakh Ministry of Trade...


Kazakhstan and Germany Focus on Technical and Vocational Education

ASTANA – Kazakh-German cooperation in education can reach a new level considering the development of human capital with German know-how and advanced technologies, Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko said...


Kazakhstan’s Oil Exports to Germany Increase by 150% in April

ASTANA – The volume of Kazakh oil exports to Germany in April surged 150% or by 30,000 tons, totaling 50,000 compared to March, KazTransOil national oil transporter reported on...


National Bank Presents 2022 Economic Results to President Tokayev

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev approved the National Bank’s annual report on the results of the implementation of the monetary policy for 2022, measures to ensure financial stability,...


President Tokayev Praises Kazakh Boxers’ Triumph at World Championships

ASTANA – Last weekend was undoubtedly a triumph for Kazakh boxers who sealed five medals at the International Boxing Association (IBA) Men’s World Boxing Championships in Uzbekistan, President Kassym-Jomart...


China and Kazakhstan Can Reach Breakthrough Economic Agreements, Says Expert

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev starts his state visit to China on May 17. He is expected to take part in the China – Central Asia summit with other...


Kazakh Officials Address Environmental Safety, Security of Country’s First Nuclear Power Plant Project

ASTANA – The Kazakh officials shared their views on the environmental benefits and security of the nuclear power plant (NPP) at a roundtable on the environmental impact of NPPs...


ADB Seeks to Address Intertwined Challenges in Central Asia and Caucasus Through Regional Cooperation

ASTANA – In recent years, the Central Asia and Caucasus regions have been facing a myriad of complex challenges that require concerted efforts and regional cooperation. Ranging from climate...


Kazakhstan’s Economy Grows by 5% in January-April Amid Positive Dynamics in Key Sectors

ASTANA – The economy of Kazakhstan grew by 5% in January-April this year due to positive dynamics in the main sectors, the Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantyrov said...


Kazakhstan and EU Start ‘Formal Consultations’ on Visa Facilitation for Kazakh Citizens

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the European Union agreed to start what they termed “formal consultations” to facilitate the visa application process for Kazakh citizens, following a meeting in Brussels...


Kazakhstan and EU Take Steps to Reinforce Partnership

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu met with European Union senior officials on May 15 in Brussels to discuss priority areas of cooperation as...


China-Central Asia Relations: In Region, For Region

The two-day inaugural summit between China and Central Asia will be presided over by President Xi Jinping, the Chinese foreign ministry announced. Xi’s counterparts from the five Central Asian...


Kazakhstan and Singapore Discuss Launching Direct Flights

ASTANA – The prospect for launching direct flights between Kazakhstan and Singapore was discussed on May 16 during a video conference meeting between the Committee of Civil Aviation Chair...