Articles by Assem Assaniyaz

Kazakh-Swiss Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue Explores New Opportunities

ASTANA – This week, Mazhilis Chairman Yerlan Koshanov led a parliamentary delegation on an official visit to Switzerland. High-level discussions between the head of a lower house of the Kazakh Parliament and Swiss officials in Bern renewed mutual commitment to deepen political dialogue and enhance economic cooperation, reported the Mazhilis’ press service on March 26.…

New Approach to Nauryz Celebrations in Kazakhstan Bolsters National Identity

ASTANA – Nauryz celebrations in Kazakhstan serve as a cornerstone for strengthening the national identity. On this festive occasion, the Kazakh government puts forward new initiatives aimed to foster societal cohesion and bolster unity. Nauryz in Kazakhstan is a state holiday celebrated within three days, according to the country’s law on holidays.   This year, without…

Trans-Caspian Route to Become Game Changer in Asia-Europe Connectivity, Says Top European Official

ASTANA – The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) can be a game changer in the connectivity between Asia and Europe, said Henrik Hololei, Hors Classe Adviser, Directorate-General for International Partnerships, European Commission, in an interview with The Astana Times. This is the third time the top-ranked official has traveled to Kazakhstan within the last five…

AIF 2024: Uniting Nations, Sparking Conversations

ASTANA – This year, the Astana International Forum (AIF) on June 13-14 will reunite the global community by providing a dialogue platform for more than 5,000 attendees from over 50 countries, said AIF Executive Director Zhandos Imanaliyev at a press briefing on March 19. The mission of the forum, which is titled “Empowering People, Uniting…

Nauryz Celebration Spotlights Kazakh Traditional Attire 

ASTANA – The new format of the Nauryz celebration in Kazakhstan has introduced the National Clothing Day on March 18 with a wide range of festivities aimed at popularizing traditional attire of the Kazakh nation, leaving space for modern interpretation of centuries-old patterns. As part of the third meeting of the National Kurultai (Congress) on…

Kazakhstan’s First Independent Peacekeeping Mission Reaches Golan Heights

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has deployed its first independent peacekeeping contingent to the Golan Heights under the United Nations (UN). Upon reaching the Syrian capital on March 15 the convoy, escorted by a UN special unit and Syrian police, proceeded to Camp Faouar, the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) headquarters, according to the Kazakh Defense Ministry.  …

Kazakhstan Celebrates Mercy Day with Nauryz Charity Endeavors

ASTANA – Kazakh citizens are celebrating Kaiyrymdylyk (the Day of Mercy) on March 15, as part of the Nauryz festivities nationwide. The day symbolizes values of generosity, compassion, and benevolence, fostering a spirit of empathy and goodwill among the people. In 2024, the Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information introduced a new format of the…

Tokayev Shares Insights on Transport Cooperation, Environmental Agenda Ahead of Baku Visit

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the prospects for bilateral cooperation in a March 10 interview with the Azerbaijani Press Agency (APA) ahead of the state visit to Baku. Tokayev emphasized the common cultural heritage of the two nations, the growing role of strategic initiatives in transport and transit cooperation, as well as…

From Paper to Action: National Commission’s 25-Year Campaign for Women and Children’s Rights

ASTANA – It has been 25 years since the establishment of the National Commission for Women’s Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy in Kazakhstan. The institution made significant steps in the protection of women and children through hundreds of projects, going beyond its designated role as the advisory and consultative body under the President of Kazakhstan.…

UNDP, UN Women Research Public Perception of Gender Equality in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan and the UN Women Kazakhstan, presented the results of sociological research on public perception of gender equality and female empowerment in the country on March 5. The report delves into the examination of gender stereotypes, sex-based discrimination in education, employment, and family relationships. The data…

Anniversary Forum of National Commission Marks Progress in Female Empowerment

ASTANA – The National Commission for Women’s Affairs, Family and Demographic Policy in Kazakhstan held its 25th anniversary forum in Astana on March 6. The discourse covered the key results of the activities carried out by the advisory and consultative body under the President of Kazakhstan. Opening the event, Kazakh Minister of Culture and Information…

New Frontiers in Kazakh-UK Cooperation: Opening of Center, Oxford Qazaq Dictionary and Educational Projects 

ASTANA – Education and culture have long been central pillars of the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan. The latest developments in cooperation between the two nations underscore a shared commitment to further enhancing collaboration.  In a short space of time, the agenda included the opening of the Kazakh Centre in the United…

Google Training in Almaty Provides Central Asian Youth with Tech Opportunities

ASTANA – More than 1,000 young people from Central Asian countries completed the Google Cloud and Machine Learning training program in Almaty. As a result, 20 students were offered an internship at the Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU), according to the press service of Google Developer Groups (GDG) Cloud Almaty. GDG Cloud Almaty is an independent…

KMG’s Production Highlights in 2023: New Fields, Enhanced Shipments, Sustainable Growth

ASTANA – The KazMunayGas (KMG) national oil and gas company published production results over the past year on the company’s official website in late February. Recent accomplishments include the opening of new fields, the increase in the shipment and diversification of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), and the implementation of sustainable development projects.  “Looking…

SCO Roundtable in Nairobi: Kazakhstan Leads Environmental Security Discussion

ASTANA – The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretariat held a roundtable discussion under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship on environmental security in Nairobi, Kenya, on Feb. 26, reported the SCO press service.  The Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan organized the event for the SCO Secretariat as part of the 2024 Year of Ecology. The meeting occurred within the implementation…

Kazakhstan and US Bolster Cooperation in Energy and Mining Sectors

ASTANA – Kazakh Minister of Industry and Construction Kanat Sharlapayev paid a working visit to the United States to expand cooperation with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and leading companies in energy, geology, and mining, reported the ministry’s press service on Feb. 29.  On the first day, the minister met with DFC Deputy…

Kazakh PM Briefs President Tokayev on Socio-Economic Development 

ASTANA – Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov presented a report on the socio-economic situation in Kazakhstan and plans for ensuring the country’s economic growth during a meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on March 1, reported the Akorda press service.  According to the Kazakh PM, the government has initiated measures to strengthen support for domestic producers. It…

President Tokayev Highlights National Olympic Committee’s Agenda During Meeting with Golovkin

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the priorities of the National Olympic Committee’s (NOC) work at a meeting with Gennadiy Golovkin, its newly appointed president, on Feb. 29, according to the Akorda press service.   First and foremost, Tokayev emphasized the importance of strengthening trust-based and effective relations with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).  He underscored…

Kazakh and Turkish FMs Reiterate Commitment to Strengthening Cooperation 

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Feb. 29 as part of his participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, reported the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s press service.   The discussions addressed the transit and transport potential of the two countries, the development of cultural and…

Kazakhstan Sends 2,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel as Humanitarian Aid to Kyrgyz Republic 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan allocated 2,000 tons of diesel fuel as humanitarian aid to the Kyrgyz Republic in addressing the aftermath of the accident at the Bishkek Thermal Power Plant, reported the Kazakh Ministry for Emergency Situations on Feb. 29.  The first shipment of 1,000 tons was dispatched on Feb. 28 from the Zarya branch of…

President Tokayev Congratulates People on Gratitude Day in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the nation on the Day of Gratitude celebrated on March 1, reported the Akorda press service. “This is an important holiday that contributes to strengthening the unity of our people. By expressing gratitude and respect to each other, we promote such fundamental values as friendship, harmony, and…

Eight Przewalski’s Horses to Return to Kazakhstan in Summer 

ASTANA – On June 3, two CASA C-295 aircrafts of the Czech Air Force will transport eight Przewalski’s horses to Kazakhstan. After landing in the Arkalyk Airport, the endangered species of wild ungulates will be accommodated in the Altyn Dala state nature reserve in the Kostanai Region. This was announced at a Feb. 29 conference…

Automotive Industry in Kazakhstan Outpaces Expectations

ASTANA – In recent years, Kazakhstan has been experiencing rapid growth in the automotive industry. In 2023, the country produced over 148,000 cars, which is 30% more than a year earlier. One step at a time, economic diversification policy brings promising results in the development of the real economy.  Last year marked the 5.1% growth…

Pan-Turkism: Turkic Vector in Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy

ASTANA – Kazakhstan emerged as a key player in Turkic reintegration following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, when the ideology advocating for the unity of Turkic-speaking peoples began to gain traction. Since then, the Turkic vector in Kazakhstan’s foreign policy has served as the basis for strengthening national identity, ensuring regional stability,…

Kazakh Entrepreneur’s ARTparty Popularizes Sip and Paint Industry in Europe, Enters London Market This February

ASTANA – The sip and paint experience, a combination of artistic expression and social interaction, enjoys high demand among modern entertainment preferences. One brushstroke at a time, ARTparty founder Akbota Akylbayeva turned an art concept into a go-to destination in Europe and now introduces her project in London. Its opening in the heart of the…