Fitch Affirms Kazakhstan ‘BBB’ Rating with Stable Outlook
ASTANA – Fitch Ratings affirmed Kazakhstan’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘BBB’ with a stable outlook on Nov. 17, reported the agency’s press service. Fiscal solid position and significant external reserves, which have proven resilient to external shocks, remain the key factors maintaining Kazakhstan’s rating. According to analysts, applying new fiscal rules will…
Kazakh President to Participate in Collective Security Council Session This Week
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will participate in the Collective Security Council session of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), scheduled for Nov. 23 in Minsk, reported the Akorda press service. At the previous CSTO Summit in Yerevan, the Presidents called for a “joint collective search for a formula for peace.” On Nov. 24, President…
Dimash Kudaibergen Set to Premiere New Music Video for His New Single
ASTANA –Kazakh popstar Dimash Kudaibergen has announced the upcoming release of a new music video, “When I’ve got to you” on his Instagram page on Nov.18. “A new video and a new song are on the way. Let there be a show!” he captioned the post. In Chile, renowned journalist Julio César Rodríguez dedicated a…
Malaysia’s AirAsia Х Plans to Launch Direct Flights to Kazakhstan in 2024
ASTANA – Malaysian low-cost airline AirAsia X plans to operate direct passenger flights on the Kuala Lumpur – Almaty route from Feb. 1 next year, reported the Kazakh Civil Aviation Committee’s press service. The airline will perform regular flights four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays utilizing an A-330 aircraft. Established in…
Kazakhstan Celebrates 30th Anniversary of National Currency Tenge
ASTANA — Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Kazakh national currency, the tenge, a significant milestone in the nation’s economic history. The introduction of the tenge on Nov. 15, 1993, marked a crucial step towards financial independence and sovereignty as the country transitioned from the Soviet ruble to its distinctive currency, Kazinform agency reported. …
Kazakhstan Deploys Peacekeeping Contingent to UN Mission in Lebanon
ASTANA — Kazakhstan sent the tenth peacekeeping contingent on Nov. 13 to assume duties in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), following their predecessors’ completion of a six-month service period, reported the Kazakh Ministry of Defense press service. The selection process for the six service members slated for deployment underwent a meticulous evaluation,…
Kazakh Film Receives Coveted Award at Africa International Film Festival
ASTANA — The acclaimed Kazakh film “Brothers,” directed by Darkhan Tulegenov, secured the Best International Feature Film award at the prestigious 12th Africa International Film Festival held in Lagos, Nigeria on Nov. 13, reported Kazinform agency. The Globe Awards ceremony, a festival highlight, saw “Brothers” outshine Brazil, Germany, and North Macedonia competitors. Produced under the…
Saudi Arabia Investors to Build Wind Power Plant in Zhetisu Region
ASTANA — In a high-level meeting focused on advancing collaborative investment ventures with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Nov. 14, Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov revealed plans for the development of a wind power plant boasting a one-gigawatt capacity in the Zhetisu Region, reported the Prime Minister’s press service. Currently in the preparatory stages,…
Kazakhstan to Increase Number of Flights to China
ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Transport collaborates with airlines to boost the number of flights to China, anticipating increased demand for air travel following the mutual visa exemption agreement between Kazakhstan and China, reported the ministry’s press service on Nov. 10. Air Astana plans to increase weekly flights from Almaty to Beijing from six…
Kazakh State Counselor Reiterates Commitment to UNESCO in Paris
ASTANA — Kazakhstan remains steadfast in its commitment to expand cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to safeguard cultural and natural heritage, said State Counselor Erlan Karin during a Nov. 7 meeting with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay in Paris on the sidelines of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General…
Imanbek Teams Up with International Artists
ASTANA – Renowned Kazakh DJ and Grammy Award winner, Imanbek, has collaborated with artists from the United Kingdom and the United States for a new album by music producer Aarne, reported the Pavlodarnews.kz on Oct.30. Aarne’s latest release, “AA LANGUAGE 2,” features 15 tracks and includes contributions from prominent figures in the rap and hip-hop…
Kazakhstan Surpasses Türkiye and European Nations in Digital Competitiveness Rankings
ASTANA — Kazakhstan has achieved a significant milestone in digital competitiveness, securing the 36th position among 63 countries globally, per the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2022, according to IMD’s World Competitiveness Center (WCC). The sole representative from the CIS and Central Asian region, Kazakhstan’s ranking outpaced several European, Asian,…
Kazakh Chess Prodigy Bibisara Assaubayeva Triumphs Over World Champion at Grand Swiss 2023
ASTANA — Kazakh chess prodigy Bibisara Assaubayeva emerged victorious against the esteemed Chinese player Tan Zhongyi at the Grand Swiss 2023 tournament on Oct. 31, reported Sports.kz. This formidable win propelled Assaubayeva to claim an impressive 4.5 out of 5 points, securing her place at the forefront of the competition. Notably, Tan Zhongyi holds the…
Kazakhstan to Establish Caspian Sea Research Institute
ASTANA — The Kazakh Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has developed a draft resolution to establish the Caspian Sea Research Institute, the ministry’s press service announced on Oct. 30. The institute will research environmental issues in the Caspian Sea, including declining water levels, mass mortalities of seals and fish, and preservation of the Caspian…
EU Top Official Josep Borrell Comments on EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Priorities
ASTANA – Stability and prosperity is the shared interest for the benefit of people in Central Asia and Europe, said European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in an interview with Kazinform published on Oct. 23, ahead of the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the five Central Asian…
Kazakhstan Extends Invitation to Foreign Media for 10th Organization of Turkic States Summit
ASTANA — The Kazakh Foreign Ministry announced that accreditation for foreign media is now officially open for the 10th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). This significant milestone event is set to take place on Nov. 3 in Astana, the ministry’s press service reported. The summit is scheduled to kick off at noon…
Kazakh Boxer Janibek Alimkhanuly Tops The Ring’s Middleweight Ratings, Replaces Legendary Gennadiy Golovkin
ASTANA – American boxing magazine The Ring updated its middleweight ratings, with Kazakhstan’s Janibek Alimkhanuly claiming the top spot, Sports.kz reported on Oct. 20. The ranking excluded the previous leader, legendary Gennadiy Golovkin, who stepped down from his world champion position. Now his place is taken by Alimkhanuly, who has recently unified his International Boxing…
Kazakhstan-China Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement to Come Into Forth Next Month
ASTANA – The agreement on mutual visa exemption between Kazakhstan and China, signed by both governments on May 17 in Xi’an, will come into force on Nov. 10, according to the letter of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry dated Oct. 17. As per the agreement, citizens of both countries are exempt from visa requirements for private…
President Tokayev Commends Civil Forum’s Role in Advancing Kazakhstan’s SDG
ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hailed the significant role of creative initiatives and constructive proposals in shaping civil society and fostering national dialogue in his congratulatory remarks to the 11th Civil Forum in Astana on Oct. 19, reported the Akorda press service. At the two-day forum, Kazakhstan’s civil community discussed key initiatives to advance the…
Kazakhstan Beats Finland in EURO 2024 Qualifying
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s national football team sensationally defeated Finland 2-1 in the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying match in Helsinki on Oct. 17, reported Sports.kz. Finland’s Robert Taylor executed a free-kick in the first half, but Kazakhstan made a comeback in the second, with a double scored by Bakhtiyar Zaynutdinov. With this victory, Kazakhstan scored 15…
Kazakhstan Condemns Hamas Attacks, Urges Peaceful Resolution in Israel Conflict
ASTANA – In response to the recent armed conflict between Hamas and Israel, the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Oct. 17 condemning the attacks by Hamas against civilians in Israel and the capture of hostages, including foreigners. “We support the call of the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on immediate and…
Kazakh Oil Exports from Aktau Port Soar by 53% in Nine Months
ASTANA – KazTransOil national oil transporter exported 2.4 million tons of Kazakh oil from the port of Aktau in nine months of 2023, 53% more than in the same period last year, the company reported on Oct. 12. The company increased Kazakh oil exports to the port of Baku by 870,000 tons to 990,200 tons.…
President Tokayev to Attend Belt and Road Forum in Beijing
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will pay an official visit to China on Oct. 17-18 to take part in the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, reported the Akorda press service. Tokayev is expected to meet with China’s President Xi Jinping, Premier of China’s State Council Li Qiang, and Chairman of…
Kazakh President Welcomes Vice President of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX Lauren Dreyer
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX, on the sidelines of the Digital Bridge Forum on Oct. 12, reported the Akorda press service. As one of the global leaders in space telecommunications, SpaceX possesses technologies that became strategic tools needed for stimulating progress, Tokayev said,…
Digital Bridge 2023 Kicks Off in Astana
ASTANA – Central Asia’s largest IT forum Digital Bridge kicked off in the Kazakh capital on Oct. 12, reported the forum’s press office. The two-day forum under the main theme Artificial and Human Intelligence: The Right Balance starts with a plenary session with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and one-to-one meetings with him. This year’s Digital Bridge…
