Kazakhstan Adopts Decree to Introduce AI into Secondary Education System
ASTANA — Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree on May 12 aimed at integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into Kazakhstan’s secondary education system, as part of broader efforts to modernize education and strengthen the country’s human capital amid the rapid global development of AI. Under the decree, the government is expected to approve by July…
Caspian Sea Level Continues to Decline
ASTANA – A Russian scientific expedition in April confirmed a continued decline in the Caspian Sea level during the Novaya Delta 2026 mission, according to the researchers from the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The expedition, carried out with participation from the Astrakhan Nature Biosphere Reserve and Russia’s hydrographic…
Kazakhstan, Indonesia Push to Expand Trade, Logistics and Food Exports
ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Indonesia agreed to deepen economic cooperation in trade, logistics, agriculture and energy during high-level talks, as both countries seek to strengthen connectivity between Central and Southeast Asia and unlock new export opportunities. Trade and investment expansion Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto…
President Tokayev Says Kazakhstan Ready to Support Resolution of Iranian Nuclear Issue
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is ready to contribute, as a gesture of goodwill, to resolving the Iranian nuclear issue if appropriate international agreements are reached and implemented in practice, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during a May 11 meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. Tokayev also stressed the importance of coordinating efforts between Kazakhstan and Brazil…
Kazakhstan and Brazil Seek to Expand Strategic Partnership, Target $1 Billion Trade
ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Brazil pledged to deepen cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy, logistics, and technology during Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira’s official visit to Kazakhstan on May 11 for talks with Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev. During expanded talks and the Kazakhstan-Brazil business roundtable, the officials discussed strengthening political dialogue, expanding investment and business…
Akmola Region to Develop Three Eco-Parks to Boost Tourism
ASTANA – Three eco-parks are set to be developed in the Akmola Region this year to expand ecotourism infrastructure and strengthen the region’s recreational potential near the capital. Projects are underway in the Zerenda, Akkol, and Tselinograd districts, with one eco-park in the Zerenda area already open to visitors. Located around 50 kilometers from Kokshetau…
News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Reform Drive, Investment Push, and Human Stories
ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global and regional media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest highlights Kazakhstan’s push for military and migration reforms, major digital infrastructure investments, regional development initiatives, and a human-interest story of a Kazakhstan couple cycling across Asia. Tokayev sets two-year deadline for military reform in…
Uzbekistan to Begin Construction of New Tashkent International Airport in June
ASTANA – Construction of the new Tashkent International Airport is set to begin in June as Uzbekistan advances a large-scale transport infrastructure project to expand aviation capacity and meet growing passenger demand. According to Uzbek Deputy Transport Minister Jasurbek Choriev, the public-private partnership (PPP) agreement is in its final stage. It is expected to be…
Tokayev Meets Austrian Ministers to Boost Bilateral Cooperation
ASTANA — Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, focusing on strengthening political and economic ties between Kazakhstan and Austria. Tokayev highlighted Austria as a key European partner, noting over $3 billion in Austrian investment and steady growth in bilateral trade, with…
Kazakhstan Reports Strong Growth in Grain Transportation in Early 2026
ASTANA – Kazakhstan has recorded significant growth in grain transportation volumes in January-March, supported by coordinated efforts between government agencies, carriers, and business representatives. A meeting of the Grain Transportation Task Force, chaired by the Ministry of Transport together with relevant stakeholders, reviewed the current logistics situation and agreed on operational measures to ensure stable…
Kazakhstan Moves Toward More Predictable Investment Environment
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is taking steps to make its investment climate clearer, more stable, and easier to navigate, with a stronger focus on coordination, transparency, and practical results. At a May 5 meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, further steps were outlined to improve conditions for international investors, reported the Prime Minister’s press service.…
Almaty Opens Kazakhstan’s First Crematorium
ASTANA – Almaty has launched Kazakhstan’s first crematorium, marking a significant development in the country’s urban and public health infrastructure. The facility, now part of the City Pathological Anatomical Bureau under the Public Health Department, offers cremation as a voluntary and environmentally regulated alternative to traditional burial practices, the city’s akimat (administration) reported on April…
Astana Charity Gala Raises Funds for Children with Special Needs Through Auction Event
ASTANA – A charity gala dinner and auction titled La La Land: A Night of Hope, held on April 30, raised more than 17 million tenge (US$36,695) to support children with special needs. Organized by the Rotary Club of Astana at The Ritz-Carlton, the event brought together business leaders, diplomats, and public figures to support…
News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Diplomacy, Regional Partnerships, and Middle Corridor
ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected key articles from international media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest highlights the country’s role in nuclear non-proliferation discussions, expanding regional partnerships, growing role in developing the Middle Corridor trade route, and more. Kazakhstan’s nuclear diplomacy offers lessons for the Iran crisis The Times of Central…
People’s Unity Day: Where Dozens of Nations Call Kazakhstan Home
ASTANA – Kazakhstan celebrates People’s Unity Day on May 1 with more than 20.5 million citizens living side by side in peace and harmony under a shared shanyrak (the sacred crown of the yurt, symbolizing home and unity). The country stands as a vivid example of unity in diversity, where friendship between nations is not…
Russian FM Visits Astana, Discusses Putin’s Upcoming Trip
ASTANA – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov paid an official visit to Kazakhstan on April 30 and was received by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and held talks with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev. The discussions focused on preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming state visit to Kazakhstan, scheduled for late May.…
GITEX AI 2026 to Spotlight Kazakhstan’s Rise as Tech Leader
ASTANA – Kazakhstan will host GITEX AI Central Asia & Caucasus on May 4-5 in Almaty, marking the country’s largest international technology forum to date. The event will bring together over 600 exhibitors from more than 60 countries and more than 10,000 participants, focusing on artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, and e-government as Kazakhstan…
Aktau Named Economic Cooperation Organization’s Tourism Capital for 2030
ASTANA — The Kazakh city of Aktau has been designated the tourism capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) for 2030, marking a major step in boosting its international profile. The decision was approved during the 7th Meeting of Tourism Ministers of ECO member states and confirmed at the 9th Meeting of the High-Level Experts…
Kazakhstan Expands Supercomputer and Data Center to Boost National AI Infrastructure
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is set to launch a new supercomputer and expand its data center infrastructure as part of efforts to support large-scale artificial intelligence development, Kazakhtelecom Chair Bagdat Mussin said at an April 28 government meeting. New data centers are currently under construction across the country, with Kazakhtelecom managing the largest network in Kazakhstan,…
Digital Qazaqstan Strategy to Define Long-Term AI and Digital Development, PM Says
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is preparing to adopt the large-scale digitalization strategy Digital Qazaqstan, which will define the long-term vision for artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said at an April 28 government meeting. The strategy aims to coordinate nationwide efforts on digitalization and the widespread introduction of AI technologies. Bektenov stressed…
Kazakhstan Expands AI Across Key Sectors, Delivering Measurable Results
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence across key sectors, including healthcare, transport, and energy, with early results showing improved efficiency, reduced costs, and better public services, officials said at an April 28 government meeting. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of AI and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev reported that more than 50…
Kazakhstan to Reallocate Oil Exports After Druzhba Schedule Adjustment
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy has announced a planned reallocation of 260,000 tons of oil exports following an adjustment to the Druzhba pipeline transit schedule to Germany’s Schwedt oil refinery for May. The volumes will be redirected via alternative, technically proven routes, with 100,000 tons shipped to the port of Ust-Luga and 160,000 tons…
Kazakhstan and Israel Deepen Ties in Tech and Trade Talks
ASTANA — Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Isaac Herzog held talks on April 27 during the Israeli president’s official visit, focusing on trade, technology and regional matters. Tokayev reiterated Kazakhstan’s decision to join the Abraham Accords, linking the move to efforts to support regional stability and expand international engagement. The officials discussed bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation…
Astana to Host AI Film Festival This Fall as Kazakhstan Bets on Creative Tech
ASTANA – Kazakhstan will host the Astana AI Film Festival this fall, another landmark international event, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during his visit to the Alem.ai International Artificial Intelligence Center on April 24, highlighting the country’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for digital innovation. During the visit, Tokayev launched the Astana Smart…
Kazakhstan Expands Rail Network and Transit Corridors to Strengthen Eurasian Connectivity
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is strengthening its position as a key Eurasian transport and logistics hub through large-scale railway expansion, digital modernization, and growing investment in international transit corridors. At the 40th Conference of General Directors of the Railway Cooperation Organization (OSJD), Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov outlined the country’s long-term strategy to leverage its geographic position…
