Articles by Staff Report

Astana Opera to Bring World Classical Masterpieces to Almaty

ASTANA – The Astana Opera Theater is heading to Almaty on May 25-27 to showcase a rich program of world classical masterpieces and modern choreography at the Abai Opera and Ballet House, reported the theater’s press service. Atynai Asylmuratova, the artistic director of the theatre’s ballet troupe, said touring and exchange tours with other theaters…

Kazakh Legendary Dos-Mukasan Band Releases New Track Celebrating Almaty (Video)

ASTANA – Dos-Mukasan, one of Kazakhstan’s most popular vocal and instrumental bands, released a new song after a long break dedicated to Almaty, which celebrates a multinational Kazakh family, reported Kazinform.  The song merges the continuity of generations, affection and love for the homeland, the unity of the people, cultural values, and a tribute to…

Astana Opera to Celebrate 100th Anniversary of Outstanding Singer Beken Zhilisbayev

ASTANA – The Astana Opera Theater will stage Zhenis Ani (Victory song) concert to celebrate Victory Day and the 100th anniversary of outstanding singer and World War II veteran Beken Zhilisbayev on May 9, reported the theater’s press service.  Famous musicians and classical vocalists, including Zhilisbayev’s students, will perform on this day.  According to Medet…

Kazakhstan’s Business Activity Index Remains Positive in April

ASTANA – Despite a slight slowdown in April, Kazakhstan’s Business Activity Index (BAI), which indicates the state of the economy in the real sector, remained positive at 51.2 points, said Rustem Orazalin, the director of the monetary policy department at the National Bank, on May 4. Long delivery time is still a constraint for business…

Kazakhstan Seeks to Introduce Mutual Visa-Free Regime with 26 Countries

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is holding talks with 26 countries, including Austria, Bahrain, San Marino and Saudi Arabia, to introduce a mutual visa-free regime, reported the press service of the Ministry of Culture and Sports on May 4. The ministry is considering the possibility of expanding the list of countries whose citizens can apply for an…

Kazakhstan’s Economic Policy Outlines Investment Opportunities and Key Trends

ASTANA – The gross inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) into Kazakhstan increased by 18%, reaching $28 billion in 2022. The mining sector made up almost half of all investments, reported Kazinform on April 3. “The country works with a nationwide pool of 850 investment projects worth 30 trillion tenge (US$ 67.5 billion),” Kazakh First…

Dimash Kudaibergen Announces Venue Change for Stranger Tour Concert Over Storm Warning in Antalya

ASTANA – The venue for the upcoming concert of famous Kazakh pop singer Dimash Kudaibergen was changed over a storm warning in Antalya, Türkiye, the singer announced on May 4 on his Instagram page. Kudaibergen confirmed a new venue for his solo concert scheduled for May 6 as part of the Stranger Tour from the…

Kazakh Aesthetic Gymnastics Teams Win 8 Medals at World Tournaments in France

ASTANA – Kazakh teams won eight medals, including three gold, at the World Cup and Challenge Cup and AFCGE Cup Open I, the international tournament in aesthetic group gymnastics in Miramas, France, Kazakh Federation of Aesthetic Group Gymnastics wrote on their Instagram page on May 2.  AFCGE Cup Open I was held on April 28-29,…

Kazatomprom to Explore Solid Minerals in Aktobe Region

ASTANA – Ulba Metallurgical Plant (UMP), a subsidiary of Kazatomprom national atomic company, received a license to explore solid minerals at the Verkhny Irgiz deposit in the Aktobe Region, the company announced on May 4. Kazatomprom will conduct a geological exploration of the subsoil at the site to assess and confirm the reserves and resources…

Dimash Kudaibergen Meets Fans in Yerevan

ASTANA – Kazakh pop star Dimash Kudaibergen met with Dears (fans of Kudaibergen) fan club after his Stranger solo concert on April 29 in Yerevan, Armenia, reported Dimashnews.com. Kudaibergen greeted the fans in different languages ​​and thanked them for their support. “Six years have passed since the ‘I Am a Singer’ project, and I have…

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi to Increase Flights to Kazakhstan in Summer

ASTANA – Wizz Air Abu Dhabi low-cost airline plans to increase the number of flights between Astana and Abu Dhabi from three to five times a week from July 1, reported the Civil Aviation Committee’s press service on May 3.  Starting from Aug. 4, the air company will operate flights from Almaty to Abu Dhabi…

Air Astana Launches Summer Flight Schedule

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s national carrier Air Astana is resuming seasonal flights to Georgia, Greece, Montenegro, and Türkiye for the summer period, the company’s press service announced on May 2. The airline will launch flights from Almaty to Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete on June 1. They will be operated four times a week.…

Kazakhstan and US Continue to Expand Bilateral Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov met with the United States Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Nathan Rosenblum on April 29 to enhance bilateral ties, reported the Prime Minister’s press service.  The meeting focused on prospects for strengthening cooperation in the energy, transport and logistics, agriculture, healthcare, education, and ecology sectors and trade and economic…

Kazakh Animated Movie Wins Award in Spain (Video)

ASTANA – Kazakh short animated movie “Besik Zhyry” (Lullaby) was named best animated short film among 1,500 animation works at the Madfa Madrid Film Awards 2023 film festival in Madrid, Spain, the Kazakh Ministеr of Culture and Sports Askhat Oralov wrote in his Telegram channel on May 2.  According to Oralov, this award is a…

Traditional Clothing Spikes in Popularity in Kazakhstan and Abroad

ASTANA – People are increasingly emphasizing their individual style through clothing, introducing elements of national flavor in casual outfits in Kazakhstan, according to Khabar TV channel. Local designers are creating modern chapans (a traditional gown), trendy camisoles (a traditional styled jacket), and national embroidered takiya (skullcap hat) that have become popular among girls and women.…

Senate Approves Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty Between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic

ASTANA – Members of the Senate, an upper chamber of the Kazakh Parliament, approved an agreement between Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic on mutual judicial assistance during an April 27 meeting, reported the Senate press service. “Senate members considered and approved the law on the ratification of the protocol on amendments and additions to the…

Kazakh First DFM Takes Part in UN Security Council Open Debate on Middles East

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Kairat Umarov spoke on the situation in the Middle East at the open debate of the United Nations (UN) Security Council in New York on April 25, reported the press service of Kazakh Ministry for Foreign Affairs.   Addressing the participants of the meeting, Umarov called on Israel and…

Netherlands Presents Tulip Sculpture in Astana as Symbol of Friendship and Unity Between States

ASTANA – A Tulip sculpture honoring the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands was unveiled in the capital’s Botanical Garden, reported the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s press service on April 25. Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kazakhstan André Carstens, representatives of the diplomatic corps, the capital’s…

Uzbekistan to Host Tashkent International Investment Forum

ASTANA – Tashkent is set to hold the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2023 on April 27-28 to present business and investment opportunities in Uzbekistan and the Central Asian region, reported Uzbek news agency Nuz on March 31. Major international investment, financial and economic organizations and companies are expected to attend the event featuring plenary sessions,…

Nepomniachtchi Stays One Point Ahead of Ding After Another Draw

ASTANA – The eleventh game in the World Chess Championship between Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi and China’s Ding Liren resulted in another draw on April 24, reported the International Chess Federation (FIDE). Nepomniachtchi and Ding split a point after a relatively short game of 39 moves. It only took an hour and 40 minutes for the…

Kazakhstan Returns $1.4 Billion of Illegally Withdrawn Assets

ASTANA – Approximately 670 billion tenge ($1.47 billion) in illegally withdrawn assets has been returned to Kazakhstan, said Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Yerulan Zhamaubayev at the sidelines of the Mazhilis, the lower chamber of the Kazakh Parliament, reported Kazinform on April 20. Last year, the Prosecutor General’s Office returned to the state…

Ian Nepomniachtchi Leads Score in World Chess Championship After Draw with Ding Liren in 10th Game

ASTANA – The tenth game of the World Chess Championship ended in a draw, with Ian Nepomniachtchi still in the lead with a 5.5:4.5 score against Ding Liren, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) reported on April 23.  It gives Nepomniachtchi an advantage in the upcoming 11th game where he will play with the white pieces.…

News Digest: Foreign Media on Astana Int’l Forum, Kazakhstan’s Financial Role, Cooperation With Europe to Tackle Climate Change, and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has picked a selection of articles on Kazakhstan published in international media across the world. This week’s foreign media digest includes articles on the upcoming Astana International Forum in June, a cartography exhibition at the European Parliament, a nuclear cooperation agreement between Kazakhstan and IAEA, and Kazakh-Mexican relations.  Astana International…

Ian Nepomniachtchi Stays Ahead in World Chess Championship After Draw with Ding Liren in Eighth Game

ASTANA – The eighth game of the World Chess Championship ended in a draw, with Ian Nepomniachtchi still in the lead with a 4.5:3.5 score against Ding Liren, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) reported on April 20. At the start of the second part of the championship, Ding put his opponent in a losing position…

Cuba’s National TV Channel Broadcasts Program about Dimash Kudaibergen (Video)

ASTANA – Cuba’s Canal Clave educational TV channel broadcast a special program devoted to the world famous Kazakh pop singer Dimash Kudaibergen, Dimashnews.com reported on April 18. The Suena Bonito musical program talked about the singer’s life and career and included excerpts from his performances and music videos in a 45-minute feature on April 15.…