Articles by Aida Haidar 

ASTANA — Once the fourth largest lake in the world, the Aral Sea now stands as an example of an ecological disaster of our time. Spanning six million hectares, with 2.8 million hectares in Kazakhstan and 3.2 million hectares in Uzbekistan, this region now generates over 100 million tons of dust and toxic salt annually.…

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, and security, said a top American expert in the field. “It was the wisest decision possible,” said Andy Weber, a senior fellow at the Council on Strategic Risks’…

ASTANA — State Counselor Erlan Karin shared his insights into the ongoing efforts to address the devastating floods that have impacted regions across the country in an April 5 Telegram post. Karin underscored citizens’ unwavering commitment and proactive involvement, emphasizing the pivotal role their solidarity and responsibility play in both crisis response and the broader development…

ASTANA — As part of the vibrant festivities honoring Nauryz, a celebration synonymous with the rejuvenation of nature, Kazakh diplomats and their counterparts accredited in Kazakhstan have orchestrated the captivating ensemble known as DOMBRAsadors, embodying the ethos of unity and harmony amidst diverse cultures. Premiering on March 19 at the Nauryz Ball hosted by the…

ASTANA — In an exclusive interview during his official visit to Kazakhstan, Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, the CEO and Chairman of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), shared insights into the organization’s mission and its efforts to address environmental challenges in Central Asia. The interview sheds light on GEF’s role in supporting countries like Kazakhstan in confronting…

ASTANA — In a world marked by turmoil and shifting geopolitical landscapes, Kazakhstan stands as a testament to the art of diplomatic maneuvering. Standing at the crossroads of Russia and China, Kazakhstan maintains substantial connections not only with its Central Asian neighbors but also with a diverse array of countries, including the United States, the…

ASTANA — At the initiative of Kazakhstan, a significant high-level event titled One Planet, One Future: Joining Efforts for Environmental Sustainability is set to take place from Feb. 26 to March 1, said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aibek Smadiyarov during a Feb. 21 press briefing, the ministry’s press service reported.   The…

ASTANA — A recent report by the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) released this November projects a potentially chronic shortage of water resources by 2028, estimating a deficit of 5-12 cubic kilometers, exacerbated by climate change and reduced flow from the Amu Darya River in Afghanistan, reported the EDB’s press service.  Overview of the current water…

ASTANA — Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov officially commenced the construction of the Bakhty-Ayagoz railway line, spanning 272 kilometers in the Abai Region via a teleconference on Dec. 21, anticipating a 20 million ton boost in freight turnover between Kazakhstan and China, reported the Prime Minister’s press service.  The initiation of this project aligns with President…

ASTANA — Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerzhan Yerkinbayev held a meeting with representatives from Air Asia X, led by General Director Benjamin bin Ismail on Dec. 21, the ministry’s press service reported. The discussions centered around the collaborative efforts to develop Kazakhstan’s tourism sector, plans to amplify passenger traffic, and joint initiatives to…

ASTANA — The Dota 2 finals in Riyadh reached a spectacular conclusion on Dec. 17, with the Kazakhstan team emerging as the triumphant champions, announced the Qazaq Cybersport Federation in their Telegram channel. The Kazakhstan team’s journey to victory was nothing short of impressive as they navigated through fierce competition from South Africa, Saudi Arabia,…

ASTANA  — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) upgraded its revision in growth forecasts for the Caucasus and Central Asia, reaching 4.8% for 2023, up from September’s 4.6% projection in a Dec. 13 Asian Development Outlook (ADO), reported the bank’s press service. Kazakhstan, the largest economy in the sub-region, has played a pivotal role, with growth…

ASTANA — Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov instructed the Ministry of Transport and the Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) national railway company to devise a comprehensive set of measures by the end of January 2024 for developing maritime infrastructure. This was outlined during a Dec. 12 government meeting, as reported by the Prime Minister’s press service. Smailov…

ASTANA — Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantyrov revealed a commendable economic growth rate of 4.9% for the first 11 months of this year at a Dec. 12 government meeting on the socio-economic development of Kazakhstan, the Prime Minister’s press service reported.  Kuantyrov, presenting the findings, detailed that the real sector witnessed a growth of…

ASTANA — Digitalization and innovation have a transformative power in shaping the lives of women and girls in Central Asia, said Deputy Regional Director of United Nations (UN) Women for Europe and Central Asia Elisa Fernandez Saenz during her address at the Dialogue of Women of Central Asia on June 19 where Kazakhstan assumed chairpersonship.…

ASTANA — Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), shed light on the priorities of cooperation between UN and Kazakhstan in an interview with The Astana Times on the sidelines of the Astana International Forum (AIF) on June 8-9. Digitalization…