Articles by Aida Haidar 

Almaty’s Auyl restaurant, recently named one of the 16 Most Beautiful Restaurants in the World by Prix Versailles, captures the neo-nomadic spirit of Kazakh cuisine. Inspired by this recognition, Aida Haidar,  News Editor at The Astana Times, explores what defines Kazakh cuisine and the deep-rooted connection between food and the essence of home for Kazakhs.…

ASTANA — The Astana Times YouTube channel interviewed Darren Spinck, a research fellow at the United Kingdom (UK) – based Henry Jackson Society, a think tank named after the late United States (US) Senator Henry M. Jackson, who served from 1953 to 1983, known for his strong national security policies. The interview took place on…

ASTANA — Ron Immink, a positive futurologist and author, highlighted Kazakhstan’s strategic location as one of its most compelling features. In an interview with The Astana Times’ YouTube channel, he observed that Europeans often carry an inherent arrogance, perceiving themselves as central to the world. However, he noted that this balance of global influence is…

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the critical need for nuclear energy development in Kazakhstan during his annual state-of-the-nation address on Sept. 2, reported the Akorda press service.  He identified nuclear energy as a reliable and environmentally friendly solution to the country’s growing energy needs. “In my opinion, it is necessary to pay the closest…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will establish a National Center for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Kazakh capital by next year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced during his annual state-of-the-nation address on Sept. 2, as reported by the Akorda press service. The center will be accessible to schoolchildren, students, researchers and entrepreneurs. “Kazakhstan must consolidate its achievements in…

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the need to enhance Kazakhstan’s investment climate and business conditions during his annual state-of-the-nation address on Sept. 2.  The President’s words underscored the importance of decisive action to attract capital amidst intense global competition. “In the current context of fierce international competition for investment, it is crucial to make…

ASTANA — Strongman Sergey Tsyrulnikov, from the village of Novorybinka in the Akmola Region, has forged himself into a figure of immense physical and spiritual strength. His journey, though unconventional, reflects a deep-seated ambition that evolved from childhood aspirations of truck driving to a fleeting interest in priesthood during his high school years. Fate, however,…

ASTANA — The Netherlands and Kazakhstan are deepening their partnership by harnessing Dutch water management and agriculture expertise to tackle Central Asia’s critical challenges. In a recent interview with The Astana Times, Ambassador Nicolaas Schermers of the Netherlands emphasized the strategic cooperation between the two countries, highlighting their shared commitment to addressing pressing issues and…

ASTANA – While oil and gas have been the backbone of Kazakhstan’s economic growth, they are now moving to a secondary position. Instead, Hugh Hallman, an Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan, said in an interview with The Astana Times that industries such as education, agriculture, and human capital should become primary goals to unlock the country’s…

ASTANA — The 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on July 4 adopted the Astana Declaration and approved 25 strategic documents covering energy, security, trade, finance, and information security. During the summit, SCO member states endorsed the Initiative On World Unity for a Just Peace, Harmony…

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.…