Articles by Dana Omirgazy

Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies Comments on Preliminary Results of Parliamentary Election

ASTANA – The Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) held an expert meeting on March 20 to discuss the preliminary results of the country’s parliamentary election, expected changes and the country’s development prospects. According to Yerkin Tukumov, KazISS director , Kazakhstan is set to have a new, more pluralistic parliament. “Six of the seven parties…

WHO and Kazakh Experts Discuss Healthcare Development and Upcoming International Events

ASTANA – The advancement of Kazakhstan’s healthcare sector was discussed by experts at the March 14 meeting of the Standing Committee of the Regional Committee (SCRC), a subcommittee of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Europe, which was held in Almaty for the first time, reported the Healthcare Ministry’s press service. The meeting…

Khorgos International Center to Resume Work Soon, Says Kazakh PM

ASTANA – The Khorgos International Center for Border Cooperation will soon resume its work after years of being idle due to the COVID-19 pandemic as a relevant agreement had been reached with the Chinese side, Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov said during his Feb. 24 working visit to the Zhetisu Region. “Khorgos should start its…

USAID Deputy Administrator Visits Central Asia Region, Affirms Enduring Support

ASTANA – Deputy Administrator for Policy and Programming at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Isobel Coleman emphasized the United States’ commitment to each of the Central Asian states’ sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence during her working trip to the region on Feb. 12-18, reported the USAID press service. Coleman began her trip…

Bundestag Delegation Visits Astana to Promote Ties, Receives Warm Welcome

ASTANA – A German delegation from the Bundestag, headed by Chairman of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for Relations with the States of Central Asia Eugen Schmidt, arrived in Astana on Feb. 20 to meet with the Kazakh top officials and discuss the Kazakh-German relations.  The official delegation included Bundestag members Thomas Bareiss, Christian Gorke, and…

Uzbekistan to Increase Exports to EU via Aktau Seaport in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Uzbek exporters are set to increase freight shipments to European markets through the Aktau seaport, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry’s Dunyo media agency reported. Aktau seaport President Abai Turikpenbayev met with the Consul General of Uzbekistan in Aktau Atabek Tursynbekov to address the cooperation development in transport and logistics on Feb. 16. Turikpenbayev spoke…

Kazakhstan to Deliver 55 Tons of Additional Humanitarian Relief to Türkiye

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will deliver 55 tons of additional humanitarian assistance for the earthquake victims in Türkiye at the instruction of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reported the Prime Minister’s press service on Feb. 15. The humanitarian relief includes clothes (warm jackets and trousers), tents, metal beds, and bedding, among other essential items. The airplane with humanitarian…

Humanitarian Aid from Kazakhstan Keeps Flowing to Türkiye and Syria

ASTANA – According to the Turkish Embassy in Kazakhstan, four tons of humanitarian aid collected by Astana residents were delivered to charitable organizations in Türkiye on Feb. 11. People of the Aktobe Region sent over 11 tons of humanitarian aid worth more than 30 million tenge (US$66,340) on Feb. 12 to support those in need…

Former Taldykorgan Policemen, Accused of Torture with Hot Iron, Sentenced to Prison

ASTANA – The Zhetisu regional court in Taldykorgan sentenced five former police officers to prison terms on Feb. 10 after they were found guilty of torturing detainees involved in the January 2022 events with the use of a hot iron, reported Liter.kz.  The court found the defendants guilty under Article 146, part 2 of the…

Kazakhstan Rated among Top 10 Most Budget-Friendly Countries for Tourists

ASTANA – Kazakhstan was named among the top 10 most budget-friendly countries to visit in February, according to the Curly Tales food, travel, experiences, and lifestyle content platform. “Kazakhstan is a country with two time zones and five climate zones. This landlocked country offers a diverse range of canyons, glaciers, arid plains, and deserts. You…

Rescuers Free One Kazakh Citizen, Three Remain Trapped under Rubble after Türkiye Quake

ASTANA – Kazakh native Sabina Mamadyarova was found alive after being trapped for hours under the rubble in Hatay, Türkiye on Feb. 8, said the Kazakh Foreign Ministry in a statement published on its Telegram channel. She was taken to hospital with a broken arm. The rubble under which two Kazakh citizens, Astana Hub international…

President Tokayev Calls to Strengthen Principles of Democracy at Senate Meeting

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for unity and strengthening the principles of democracy for effective governance in his address to the Senate, the upper chamber of the Kazakh Parliament, on Jan. 26.  Tokayev noted the inviolability of the principle “different opinions, but one nation.” “Democracy is responsibility for one’s words and actions. We all…

Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister, Top EU Officials Review Progress in Key Areas of Cooperation in Brussels

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko held meetings with top European Union (EU) officials on Jan. 23 in Brussels to address the effective and full implementation of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kazakhstan and the EU, covering 29 areas of interaction, reported the ministry’s press service. Vassilenko met with Deputy…

Herd of Endangered Saiga Antelopes Walk the Streets in Ulytau Region (Video)

ASTANA – Kazakh citizens witnessed hundreds of endangered Saiga antelopes racing along the streets and roads in one of the villages in the Ulytau Region, reported the Khabar 24 TV channel. Ecologists believe this is a one-of-a-kind case because steppe antelopes are extremely rare in Central Kazakhstan. Additionally, they typically travel south in the winter.…

Kazakh Chess Player Bibisara Assaubayeva Wins Silver at Belt and Road 2022 World Chess Woman’s Summit Tournament in China

ASTANA – Kazakh chess player Bibisara Assaubayeva, 18, took second place at the Belt and Road 2022 World Chess Woman’s Summit tournament in China’s Xi’an, Assaubayeva wrote on her Instagram account. “I managed to play in a Chinese tournament over the weekend. I played without defeats and scored one point more, at least. Unfortunately, the…

Kazakhstan Extends Open Sky Policy Through to 2027

ASTANA – The Civil Aviation Committee of the Kazakh Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development extended the open sky aviation policy for five years through to Dec. 26, 2027, reported the committee’s press service on Jan. 6. This regime removes all restrictions on the number of flights and provides foreign airlines with a fifth degree…

Kazakhstan to Continue Political Modernization This Year, Says State Counselor Karin

ASTANA – Kazakhstan will continue implementing the political modernization program this year, State Counselor Erlan Karin wrote on his Telegram channel on Jan. 3, reporting on fundamental changes coming in 2023. The Constitutional Court, which just started its operation on Jan. 1, would ensure strict and unswerving observance of the norms of the Constitution. The…

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Sign Treaty on Allied Relations, Agreement on Border Demarcation to Foster Strategic Partnership

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wrapped his state visit to Tashkent on Dec. 22, resulting in the signing of major documents cutting across many areas of cooperation, reported the Akorda press service. Among the key documents are the treaty on allied relations and an agreement on border demarcation.  During their talks in a…

Kazakhstan Approves Sustainable Development Goals 2023 Action Plan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan approved the sustainable development goals (SDGs) 2023 action plan at a Dec. 21 meeting of the SDGs coordinating council chaired by Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov, reported the Prime Minister’s press service. The leadership of central government agencies and representatives of the diplomatic corps, the United Nations (UN), and the United Nations…

National Bank Chair Presents Results For 2022, Sets Tasks for Next Year

ASTANA – Chair of Kazakhstan’s National Bank Galymzhan Pirmatov announced the results of 2022 and the bank’s main tasks for the forthcoming year at a Dec. 12 expanded government meeting chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reported the Prime Minister’s press service. New fiscal policy According to him, the fiscal policy of Kazakh government will increase…

President Tokayev Calls for Immediate Actions to Tackle Socio-Economic Challenges at Government Meeting

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke about social, economic, and infrastructure issues, political reforms, and the government’s welfare policy at a Dec. 12 expanded government meeting in Astana, reported the Akorda’s press service. “The presidential election demonstrated the people’s support for the government’s course. People are waiting for changes, not in the distant future, but…

Kazakh Prime Minister Delivers Report on Social, Economic Development in 2022, Outlines Plans for 2023

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov delivered a report on the country’s social and economic development in 2022 and the government’s action plan for 2023 at a Dec. 12 expanded government meeting chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reported Prime Minister’s press service. Economic growth and inflation According to Smailov, the economic growth rate reached…

EU Continues to Support President Tokayev’s Reforms Towards Inclusive and Fair Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The European Union (EU) is committed to deepening and broadening relations with Kazakhstan in all mutually beneficial areas, according to the EU statement released on Dec. 8. EU also continues working with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev “to further advance his reforms towards an inclusive, democratic and fair Kazakhstan.” The EU has been working with…

Tokayev Addresses Economic Challenges, Digitalization Prospects at Supreme Eurasian Economic Council Meeting in Bishkek

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the issue of rising inflation, sanction pressure, digitalization prospects, and labor migration, among other issues, at a Dec. 9 meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council (SEEC), the highest governing body of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), in Bishkek, reported the Akorda press service.  Despite the International Monetary…

Kazakhstan’s David Charlin to Compete at Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Armenia

ASTANA – David Charlin, a 12-year-old Almaty resident, will represent Kazakhstan at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Yerevan on Dec. 11, reported Khabar TV channel on Nov. 30. At the Junior Eurovision, he will perform a new song, “Jer-ana” (Mother Earth). Children from 16 countries will participate in the competition, including Albania, Armenia,…

Two Kazakh Films “Baqyt,” “Goliath” Enter 80th Golden Globe Awards Longlist

ASTANA – The Kazakh feature film “Baqyt” (Happiness), directed by Askar Uzabayev, and the noir film “Goliath” by Adilkhan Yerzhanov entered the longlist of the 80th Golden Globe Awards to take place on Jan. 10, 2023, reported the Kazakhfilm press service on Nov. 30. In September of this year, Kazakh actors Berik Aitzhanov and Daniyar…

Kazakhstan’s Megapolises See Sharp Rise in Population Growth

ASTANA – Over the last ten years, the population of Astana has increased by 59 percent reaching 1.3 million, Almaty – by 37 percent reaching 2.1 million and Shymkent – by 67 percent reaching 1.18 million, Kazakh Minister of National Economy Alibek  Kuantyrov said at a Nov. 23 meeting in Mazhilis, a lower chamber of…

Preliminary Results of Presidential Election: Incumbent Tokayev Wins 81.31% of Votes

ASTANA – Incumbent President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev won 81.31 percent of the vote at the presidential election, according to the preliminary data from the Central Election Commission (CEC) announced on Nov. 21. The preliminary election result shows Zhiguli Dairabayev, a candidate of the Auyl Party, winning 3.42 percent  (271,641 votes), Karakat Abden nominated by…

President Tokayev Meets with Leaders of New Movement, Encourages Youth Participation in Building Just Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s younger generation should constantly improve their skills, and comprehensively develop and learn languages, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at a Nov. 14 meeting with the activists of the Zhana Adamdar (New People) movement, reported the Akorda press service. Welcoming the initiative, the President said that the state is undergoing modernization processes and reforms…

Presidential Candidate Zhiguli Dairabayev Focuses on Creating a New Kazakhstan, Agricultural Potential and Rural Development in His Election Program

Editor’s note: As Kazakhstan heads to the presidential elections on Nov. 20, The Astana Times will contribute a series of articles in the format of reviews and interviews, providing an outlook into the electoral programs of each of the candidates.   ASTANA – The campaign platform of Auyl Party candidate for president Zhiguli Dairabayev focuses on…

Just Kazakhstan For All and For Everyone: Tokayev Announces His Election Campaign Program

ASTANA – Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced his election campaign program titled Just Kazakhstan: For All and For Everyone, which is based on three interconnected principles – a just state, a just economy, and a just society, at the headquarters of the people’s coalition on Oct. 26, reported the presidential candidate’s press service. “Every decision and action…

Kazakhstan Must Shift from Raw Material Agricultural Exports to Processing, Says President Tokayev

ASTANA – Kazakhstan must smoothly shift from raw materials-oriented agricultural exports to processing, as the sanctions standoff opens up unique opportunities, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during an Oct. 20 meeting with the Zhetisu Region’s public, reported Akorda press service. The Zhetisu Region, formed on May 4 by splitting the Almaty Region, includes eight districts and…

Astana Court Invalidates Protocol for Nomination of Nurzhan Altayev as Presidential Candidate

ASTANA – The court of Astana’s Baikonur district invalidated the protocol for the nomination of Nurzhan Altayev as a candidate to run in the upcoming presidential elections on Oct. 17, reported the court’s press service.  The court found that the majority of participants voted against the nomination of Nurzhan Altayev as a candidate for the…

Tokayev Focuses on Regional Security and Stability at Central Asia – Russia Summit

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev focused on the importance of security and stability in the Central Asian region and stressed the need to develop unified approaches to prevent conflicts at an Oct. 14 Central Asia – Russia summit in Astana. “At this difficult stage of world history, it is more important than ever for us…

Kazakhstan, Türkiye to Bring Mutual Trade Turnover to $10 Billion in Mid-Term

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Türkiye seek to bring the bilateral trade turnover to $10 billion in the mid-term, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the fourth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, as Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan paid a state visit to Astana on Oct. 12, reported the Akorda press service. The Presidents of…

Qatar is One of Kazakhstan’s Important Partners in Middle East, Says Tokayev

ASTANA – Qatar is an important partner of Kazakhstan in the Middle East, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during an Oct. 12 meeting with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who arrived in Astana for a state visit on Oct. 11, reported the Akorda press service. The President thanked the Emir of…

Novak Djokovic Wins ATP 500 Astana Open in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The 21-time Grand Slam champion and the No. 4 seed from Serbia Novak Djokovic won the Astana Open trophy by defeating Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, the No. 3 seed, 6-3, 6-4 on Oct. 9 in Astana, reported the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation’s press service. It was Djokovic’s ninth consecutive match victory. He won the title…

Kazakhstan Should Pursue Multi-Vector, Constructive Foreign Policy to Ensure Regional and Global Security, President Tokayev Says

ASTANA – Kazakhstan should pursue balanced, multi-vector, constructive foreign policy to ensure regional and global security, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at an Oct. 6 forum of the people’s coalition in Astana, reported the Akorda press service. “Kazakhstan will unswervingly uphold principles of equality, democracy in international relations, international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter.…

President Tokayev Highlights Abai Region’s Vast Opportunities in Transit, Mining, and Trade During His Working Visit to Region

ASTANA – Since the beginning of the year, nearly $417.5 million were invested in the Abai region, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a Sept. 30 meeting with the public of the region in Semei, reported the Akorda’s press service.   “Considering the people’s wishes, I established a separate region. This step will enable a quick resolution…

Kazakhstan’s Berik Aitzhanov, Daniyar Alshinov Win Best Actors Award at Venice International Film Festival

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh actors Berik Aitzhanov and Daniyar Alshinov won the Premio Bisato d’oro 2022 Best Actors award for their roles in “Goliath” at the 79th Venice International Film Festival, the film’s director Adilkhan Yerzhanov announced on his Sept. 9 Instagram post. The film “Goliath” participated in the festival’s Orizzonti Extra (New Horizons) competition program.…

Kazakhstan is Key Partner in Central Asia, Says EU Parliament Member

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan is a key partner of the European Union (EU) in Central Asia, said Christian Sagartz, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament (EP) Sub-Committee on Human Rights, during his Aug. 22 meeting with Kazakh Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi, reported the ministry’s press service. Sagartz commended the political dialogue between Kazakhstan and the EU, particularly…

Eagle FC 50: MMA Legend Khabib Nurmagomedov Visits Nur-Sultan

NUR-SULTAN – Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov visited the Kazakh capital on Aug. 21 to participate in the Eagle Fighting Championship EFC 50, commonly known as Eagle FC. Eagle FC is a Russian mixed martial arts promotion company established in 2020 by Nurmagomedov. “Of course, Nur-Sultan has changed dramatically in the last five to…

Kazakhstan’s Largest Music Organization Inaugurates Project for Talented Children With Disabilities

NUR-SULTAN – Qazaqconcert state musical organization named after Roza Baglanova launched the Arman Asulary (Cherished Dream) project for children with disabilities, said Serik Nurmoldayev, the company’s deputy director, at an Aug. 8 press conference in Nur-Sultan. The first stage of the selection process is underway. According to Nurmoldayev, gifted children will get a chance to…

Kazakh Government Sets High Standards for Quality Education Project

NUR-SULTAN – The main objective of the national education project is to ensure equal access to quality education at all levels – preschool, school, technical and professional, and higher education, said Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov at an Aug. 9 government meeting. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, schools that will accommodate 840,000 children are…

Architects Should Supervise Urban Design to Make Kazakh Cities Comfortable, Says President of Architects’ Union

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan’s Union of Architects called on the country’s leadership to legitimize the role of architects in urban planning, said President of the Union Serik Sultangali at a July 28 Central Communications Service briefing, reported the press service of the office. The union sent a letter outlining their proposals to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Sultangali…

Kazakh Cinema to Support Low-Budget and Debut Movies From Young Filmmakers

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh Cinema will invest 5.6 billion tenge (US$11.7 million) in more than 60 film projects, said company’s Deputy Chair Baurzhan Shukenov, the Central Communications Service press office reported July 27. According to Shukenov, social impact films, including animation projects, will receive 4.95 billion tenge (US$10.3 million). Up to 500 million tenge (US$1…

Investment Projects to Provide More Than 2 Million Jobs by 2025

NUR-SULTAN – Investment projects will offer over 2 million new jobs by 2025, including 444,000 this year, said Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Yeraly Tugzhanov at a July 28 meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reported the presidential press service. As of July 1, some 249,000 jobs have already been created. The pool of investment projects formed…

Air China to Launch Flights from Nur-Sultan to Chengdu

NUR-SULTAN – The Air China airline announced plans to launch Nur-Sultan-Chengdu regular flights from Aug. 7 on an Airbus 320, reported the press service of the Nur-Sultan International Airport on July 27. From Aug. 9, the Red Wings Russia’s air carrier will operate flights from Omsk to Nur-Sultan on a SSJ100 jet. Previously, the Red…

Kazakh Government to Support Businesses Through Grant Financing

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh entrepreneurs can apply for state funding as part of the National Entrepreneurship Development Project for 2021-2025 from Aug. 8, reported the press service of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population on July 25. Funds will be provided by the employment centers according to the decision of the…

BI Group IRONMAN Kazakhstan Returns After Two-Year Break

NUR-SULTAN – After a two-year break caused by pandemic restrictions, the BI Group IRONMAN Kazakhstan and the BI Group IRONMAN 70.3, Astana’s largest international triathlon tournament will gather 2,200 triathletes from 77 countries on Aug. 14 in Nur-Sultan, reported the press service of the Nur-Sultan akimat (city administration). Each race consists of three non-stop stages…

Kazakh Сapital to Host Asian Judo Championships 2022

NUR-SULTAN – Nur-Sultan will host the Asian Judo Championships 2022 among men and women on Aug. 4-7 at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace, reported the National Olympic Committee. Some 208 competitors, including 118 men and 90 women from 21 countries will take part in individual and mix-team competitions. Eighteen athletes will represent Kazakhstan. “The…

Thirty-Two Kazakh Children Take Part in Planet of ART-2022 International Festival

NUR-SULTAN – Thirty-nine talented children from six countries performed at the July 23 gala concert as part of the Planet of ART-2022 international festival at the Aktobe Regional Gaziza Zhubanova Philharmonic. More than 3,000 children between 12-18 years of age from Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan took part…

Government Mandates Clean-Up Effort of National Parks and Resort Areas

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Yeraly Tugzhanov declared that the government would clean the territory of the national parks and resort areas from waste within one day and install additional containers for collecting solid household waste at a July 25 meeting on tourism development, reported the Prime Minister’s Office. Over the first seven months…

Fifteen Kazakh Women-Led IT Startups Selected For Incubation and Acceleration Program in Tashkent

NUR-SULTAN – Fifteen startup projects from Kazakhstan were selected at a pitch day on July 15 as part of the Tumaris. Tech international project aimed at promoting women’s initiatives in the information technology sector in Tashkent, the press service of the IT Park Uzbekistan reports. Out of 148 applications submitted from five Central Asian countries,…

Kazakhstan’s Alexey Lutsenko Enters Top 10 Ranking at 2022 Tour de France

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh cyclist Alexey Lutsenko, 29, entered top 10 in the general rankings as the Tour de France finishes July 25 with traditional stage 21 to the Champs Elysees in Paris. This year, Lutsenko ranks ninth. “I came to the Tour de France to compete again for a high result in the overall standings.…

EBRD Invests in Kazakhstan Railway Bonds to Upgrade Alternative Freight Route Between Asia and Europe

NUR-SULTAN – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announced plans to invest 50 billion tenge (US$103.7 million) in the Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) bond issue to be listed on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, reported the bank’s press service. The investment seeks to help the nation’s railway operator to strengthen financial and operational resilience…

QazaqGaz to Build Gas Processing Plant at Kashagan

NUR-SULTAN – The QazaqGaz National Company has started construction of a gas processing plant at Kashagan oil field with a projected capacity of 1 billion cubic meters of natural gas, said QazaqGaz Chairman Sanzhar Zharkeshov during a July 22 meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, according to the presidential press service. The company plans to expand…

Astana Ballet Closes Its Season with ‘Orpheus and Eurydice’ Premiere

NUR-SULTAN – The theatrical season of the Astana Ballet turned out to be eventful and rewarding, featuring 90 performances visited by 30,000 spectators, as well as engaging tours abroad, the press service of the Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Sports reports. This season, the ballet troupe prepared and presented five premieres. These are the one-act…

Kazakh Film ‘A Dark, Dark Man’ Deserves to Be Experienced on Big-Screen, Says New York Times Review

NUR-SULTAN – The New York Times published a review of the Kazakh crime film “A Dark, Dark Man” directed by Adilkhan Yerzhanov on July 19. According to a critic, this police procedural is “clearly designed for big-screen immersion.” Its methods and themes also recall such acclaimed art-house titles as Bruno Dumont’s “Humanité,” Bong Joon Ho’s…

Kazakh Great Writer Mukhtar Auezov’s Bust Unveiled in Cholpon-Ata

NUR-SULTAN – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev unveiled a brand new bust to Kazakh writer Mukhtar Auezov as part of his visit to Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, according to the presidential press service. Tokayev left a note in the book of honored guests at the house-museum of the writer. The house of Mukhtar Auezov was built in 1959 in…

Kazakh President Proposes Central Asian Leaders Create Joint Media

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged Central Asian leaders to join efforts in the fight against attempts to split relations between states and strengthen interaction in the information space at a July 21 fourth consultative meeting of the heads of states of Central Asia in Cholpon-Ata, reports the presidential press service. Tokayev encouraged the…

President Tokayev Calls for Greater Regional Economic Cooperation at Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders in Cholpon-Ata

NUR-SULTAN – The Treaty between the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan on friendship, good-neighborliness and cooperation for the development of Central Asia in the 21st century was agreed upon and the procedure for its signing began, reported the presidential press service. The event is…

Nur-Sultan Enters COVID-19 Moderate Risk Yellow Zone as Daily Infections Surpass 600

NUR-SULTAN – The Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan was included in the moderate risk yellow zone on the coronavirus infection map on July 21, as COVID-19 cases surged in the past two weeks. Over the past day, 642 people were infected with COVID-19 in Nur-Sultan with 2,257 coronavirus infections registered in Kazakhstan. “The epidemiological situation in the…

Kazakhstan’s Norah Jeruto Wins Women’s Steeplechase Title at World Athletics Championships

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan’s Norah Jeruto, 26, won country’s first-ever gold medal in the women’s 3000 meters steeplechase on July 20 at World Athletics Championships, reports Sports.kz. Kenyan-born Jeruto finished first in 8 minutes, 53.02 seconds, the third fastest time in history. She outraced Ethiopian silver and bronze medalists Werkuha Getachew (8:54.61) and Mekidas Abebe (8:56.08).…

Kazakh Ministry of Defense to Upgrade Defense and Industrial Complex

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Defense Minister Ruslan Zhaksylykov shared the plan for the development of the country’s defense and industrial complex in his July 8 response to the open letter of the deputies of Mazhilis, a lower house of Kazakhstan’s Parliament. Zhaksylykov said that the plans include increasing the share of internal production, and the repair…

Amanat Party’s Tomiris Project to Promote Women’s Leadership in Regions

NUR-SULTAN – Thirty women from all regions of Kazakhstan will be selected to complete the leadership training program as part of the Tomiris project, the press service of the Amanat party reported on July 18. “First of all, participants will take courses on leadership, gender issues in politics, law, emotional intelligence, project management, negotiation, public…

Environmental Protection Expenditures Rise to $855 Million in 2021

NUR-SULTAN – The volume of environmental protection expenditures in Kazakhstan reached 417 billion tenge (US$855 million) in 2021, 8.6 percent more compared to 2020 and 0.8 percent less than the record level in 2019, energyprom.kz reports on July 18. Atyrau, Aktobe, Zhambyl and the East Kazakhstan regions accounted for more than half of all environmental…

Kazakhstan to Deliver Space Communication Services to Tajikistan

NUR-SULTAN – The National Center for Space Communications (RCSC) and Tajikistan’s Isatel agreed on July 18 to extend the KazSat-3 satellite transponder capacity to Tajikistan’s remote regions, reports the Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry. Kazakhstan’s satellite communication system fully covers the country’s needs for communication services and also supplies its products…

Denis Ten’s Movie ‘Blind Love’ to Premiere This Week, Four Years after His Tragic Death

NUR-SULTAN – The ‘Blind Love’ movie written by Kazakh figure skater and 2014 Winter Olympics bronze medal winner Denis Ten is set to premiere on July 19 in Almaty, four years after his tragic death shocked the nation. The movie, which was produced by Timur Bekmambetov and Denis Ten’s mother Oksana Ten, will be available…

Volume of Services in Kazakhstan’s Arts and Entertainment Industry Reaches Record Level

NUR-SULTAN – The volume of services in the culture, arts and entertainment industry of Kazakhstan reached record levels of 11.9 billion tenge (US$24.8 million) in the first quarter this year, finprom.kz reports. In terms of regions, the leading regions are Nur-Sultan (3 billion tenge (US$6.2 million)), followed by Almaty (2.3 billion tenge (US$4.8 million)) and…

Sanctions, Migration of Russian Citizens to Kazakhstan Boost Popularity of Money Transfer Systems

NUR-SULTAN – During the first five months of this year, the volume of transactions through international money transfer systems from abroad to Kazakhstan hit a record 178.8 billion tenge (US$370 million), which is 58.4 percent higher than in the same period last year, ranking.kz reports on July 14. Two-thirds of the funds were received from…

Number of Registered Investment Sub-Accounts Soars in Kazakhstan

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh citizens registered over 367,000 securities accounts during the first six months of this year, Kazakhstan Central Securities Depository (KCSD) reports on July 12. The overall increase reached 64 percent since the beginning of the year. To compare, since July 1, 2021, the number of sub-accounts has more than doubled (+187,000), of which…

Tokayev Signs New Amendments to Grant Legal Force to Electronic Documents

NUR-SULTAN – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed July 14 new amendments and additions to legislative acts that enhance citizens’ ability to exchange and receive documents in electronic form, granting them the same legal status as paper copies, the presidential press service reports. The law also provides measures to improve the quality of communications in rural areas…

EU to Enhance Transport, Logistics Ties with Kazakhstan

NUR-SULTAN – The European Union Special Representative for Central Asia Terhi Hakala expressed interest in strengthening transport and logistics cooperation with Kazakhstan during the July 14 videoconference with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reports the presidential press service. The Kazakh President confirmed his keen interest in developing cooperation with the EU and his readiness to boost…

Kazakhstan Opens New Page in Animation Industry, Says Kazakh Minister of Culture and Sports

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan will establish the Kazakh Animation creative association at the Kazakhfilm studio, Minister of Culture and Sports Dauren Abayev wrote on his Facebook page on July 12. He said that the new association will become a game-changer in the country’s animation industry and will boost competitiveness, as young and promising animators get the…

CPC Continues Work as Usual, Says Kazakh PM Smailov

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov and his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin agreed that the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) will not suspend operations, said Smailov in his interview with Qazaqstan TV channel on July 12. “On July 5, the Primorsky District Court in the southern Russian city of Novorossiysk suspended the activities of the…

Kazakh Prime Minister Stresses Increased Support for Three New Regions

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov emphasized the need for increased support for the country’s three new regions – Abai, Ulytau and Zhetisu in his July 12 interview with the Qazaqstan TV channel. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree to establish three regions on May 4 before it entered into force on June…

Kazakhstan Seeks International Expertise in Building New Nuclear Power Plant

NUR-SULTAN – Kazakhstan plans to use best international practices and advanced technologies in the construction of a nuclear power plant, said Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov in an interview with Qazaqstan TV channel on July 12.  “According to our analysis, the country could face an electricity shortage in the future. To deal with it, we need…

Global Ranking Lists Nur-Sultan, Almaty among Most Expensive World Cities

NUR-SULTAN – Numbeo, the world’s largest cost of living database, mentioned Nur-Sultan and Almaty in its list of the most expensive cities, Cost of Living Index by City 2022 Mid-Year ranking.  Out of 510 cities, Almaty ranks 466th, and the capital of Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan, is placed 475th.  Hamilton, Bermuda was revealed as the world’s most…

Nur-Sultan, Almaty Break Into QS Best Student Cities 2023 Ranking

NUR-SULTAN – Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a British company specializing in the analysis of higher education institutions around the world, has released the annual ranking titled Best Student Cities 2023, which includes two cities from Kazakhstan – Nur-Sultan and Almaty. Ranking based on cities with the best conditions for studying abroad considers a range of criteria…

Kazakhstan’s Investment Pool Includes More Than 700 Projects Worth $51.5 Billion

NUR-SULTAN – The volume of investments in fixed assets over the past five months amounted to 4.1 trillion tenge (US$8.6 billion), which is 2.5 percent higher compared to the same period last year, reported the press service of the Ministry of National Economy.  Investments were directed to the education, public administration, social security sectors, and…

Nearly 4,000 Muslims from Kazakhstan Perform Hajj Pilgrimage This Year

NUR-SULTAN – This year, some 4,000 Kazakh citizens went to Mecca for the first post-pandemic Hajj, according to the Kazakh Spiritual Directorate of Muslims.  After a two-year restriction, Saudi Arabia allowed one million Muslims, including nearly 850,000 foreigners, to make the annual Hajj pilgrimage. However, it introduced strict requirements: pilgrims should not be over 65…

Kazakhstan Establishes Visa-Free Regime for Citizens of India, Iran and China

NUR-SULTAN – From July 8, Kazakhstan has introduced a unilateral visa-free regime up to 14 days for citizens of India, Iran and China, press service of the Migration Service Committee informs. Meanwhile, the 72-hour visa-free transit for India and China has ceased to operate. “According to the visa-free regime conditions, citizens of India, Iran and…

Camera Trap in Almaty Region Spots Siberian Goats (Video)

NUR-SULTAN – A herd of Siberian ibex goats – one of the largest and most heavily built goats, was spotted by a camera trap near the watering hole in the Altyn Emel National Park of the Almaty region, the park’s press service reported on June 14.  The video reveals a herd of large Siberian ibexes…

Russian Cosmonaut Shares Unique Video of Shrinking Aral Sea as Seen From Outer Space (Video)

NUR-SULTAN – Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev posted a video of the Aral Sea on his Telegram channel showing the surface of the Aral Sea.  “Flying over the Aral Sea… or rather, what is left of it,” Artemyev wrote under the video. The Aral sea is an inland salt lake located between Kazakhstan (Aktobe and Kyzylorda…

After 30 Years of Bilateral Relations Kazakhstan, IMF Expand Strategic Partnership

NUR-SULTAN – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) seeks to continue its partnership with Kazakhstan, Head of the IMF mission for Kazakhstan Nicolas Blancher said during a videoconference with Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov, the Prime Minister’s Office reported. During the meeting, the sides discussed the results of the IMF mission, recommendations on priority areas…

TikTok is Set to Boost Cooperation With Kazakhstan

NUR-SULTAN – TikTok, a short-form video hosting service, seeks to promote its cultural and informational content in Kazakhstan including the promotion of theaters and museums. This was announced during the meeting of Kazakh Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Almas Aidarov with General Director of TikTok Rus Serguei Sokolov in Nur-Sultan, reported the press service of…

National Bank Observes Increase in International Reserves Due to Gold and Foreign Currency Expansion

NUR-SULTAN – The gross international reserves of the Kazakh National Bank increased by 0.8 percent over the month and totaled $33.4 billion in April, according to the latest press release from the bank. “Gold and foreign currency reserves expanded due to an increase in the gold portfolio and receipt of funds to accounts of the…

American businessman boosts tourist flow to Kazakhstan

ASTANA – American businessperson David Valera seeks to develop tourism in Kazakhstan by opening the country as a cultural and tourist destination for foreign visitors. “I am proud to say that I am the only New Yorker, the only American, who has his company 100 percent dedicated to promoting tourism in Kazakhstan. That was a…

Astana-Paris bike ride involves cyclists with visual impairments

ASTANA – The Blind Race 2018 Astana-Paris bike marathon for cyclists who are blind or visually impaired will kick off noon, Aug. 4 from Mangilik El monument. Kazakh and foreign athletes will pass through six countries and pedal 5,000 kilometres. “This year, we have organised our third marathon. The first was Almaty-Astana and then Almaty…

Archaeologists find Saka burial mound, later graves near Astana

ASTANA – Archaeologists have begun excavating a Saka burial mound found 10 kilometres from Astana, in the course of their work discovering seven other graves dating to the much more recent past (to the 15th and 16th centuries), two of which held women’s jewellery. “A female copper ring was found in one of the graves.…

Astana Around Us: Astana through eyes of photo artists

ASTANA – Astana Around Us depicts the capital and its residents from an unusual perspective. The photo exhibit, composed of approximately 120 works of the best photographers from Belarus, France, Germany, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Slovakia, Turkey and Uzbekistan, is on display through July 31 along Nurzhol Boulevard (also known as Green Water Boulevard) near the…

Asaý Júrek resale shop offers luxury, vintage and mass-market clothing

ASTANA – Asaý Júrek, a resale shop opened in April in Almaty, offers high quality and select clothes and accessories. Founder and city resident Marina Anichkina sells mass-market, luxury, vintage and other styles. “We do not order containers with clothes from the prosperous countries of Europe… We accept clothes from people with a similar vision…

Young neurosurgeon saves lives, is one of country’s 100 New Faces

ASTANA – Taraz native Marat Sarshayev, 33, a neurosurgeon at the Central Clinical Hospital in Almaty of the Medical Centre of the President’s Affairs Administration of Kazakhstan, is one of the nation’s 100 New Faces. Despite his young age, Sarshayev independently conducts brain vessel endoscopic, endovascular and micro-neurosurgical surgeries. He also operates to remove brain…

Indian Cultural Centre in Astana offers yoga, Indian dance and other classes

ASTANA – Free classes on Indian music, dance, the Hindi language and yoga were recently launched at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the Embassy of India press service announced. According to Sanjay Garg, SVCC director, the classes are open for everyone regardless of age or educational qualifications. “Indian dance classes would include lessons in…

Five-year-old artist holds charity exhibit to help children with visual impairments

ASTANA – Five-year-old artist Zere Dzhamalova raised 4 million tenge (US$11,614) for children with visual impairments at her personal exhibit in Almaty July 3. The funds were allocated for the Dara Charity Foundation, aimed at improving living conditions and expanding opportunities for orphans, sick children and those with limited abilities. The foundation carries out its…

Smart city innovations being implemented in cities throughout Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Smart city project innovations are being introduced in many sectors throughout the country, according to a report delivered by Minister of Information and Communications of Kazakhstan Dauren Abayev during a July 17 government meeting. “At the moment services such as an electronic gradebooks, kindergarten queue have already been digitised… The efficiency of the…

Summer business opportunities provide entrepreneurs with extra income

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s seasons affect certain businesses. The capital’s short summers are probably the most favourable time for fast income, with opportunities for both novice and experienced entrepreneurs. Selling refreshing drinks, kvass (bread juice) and beer has long been a popular way to earn money in the warm weather, as the seasonal business typically ensures…

We are all blacksmiths of our own happiness, says one of Kazakhstan’s 100 New Faces

ASTANA – A 55-year-old artisan from Semei preserves national crafts, making unique jewellery and traditional battle items from metal, leather, skin and bone. Abylaikhan Assylbai, the master with limited abilities but a strong will, has been named one of Kazakhstan’s 100 New Faces. “My father, grandfather and great-grandfather were engaged in crafts. This is in…

Kazakhstan improves position on Decoding Global Talent report

ASTANA – Kazakhstan placed 77th on the 2018 Decoding Global Talent report, improving from 129th in 2014. The Boston Consulting Group and The Network, an international online recruitment company, joined to create one of the largest surveys of labour trends and work preferences – 366,000 individuals in 197 countries, according to bcg.com. Kazakhstan is popular…