Articles by Zhanna Shayakhmetova

Kazakh, European Experts Discuss Reforms, Regional Shifts in Central Asia

ASTANA – The Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) hosted an event devoted to reforms and geopolitical shifts in Central Asia via video conference on Dec. 15.  In his welcoming remarks, CIRSD President Vuk Jeremić noted increased friction amongst global players and transformative developments in worldwide security and the economy. In this regard,…

Dutch Company FoodVentures Develops Sustainable Greenhouse Production in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – FoodVentures has been sharing the highest Dutch operating practices in producing greenhouse vegetables with Kazakhstan since 2017. The company is engaged in the construction and operations of high-tech greenhouses. The Astana Times spoke with the CEO of FoodVentures, Dirk Aleven, to learn about the company’s projects in great demand worldwide.  The FoodVentures company…

Kazakhstan Celebrates Independence Day

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated people on Independence Day, saying that December 16, 1991, is an important date in the country’s history. “We must honor the national heroes who dedicated their lives to protecting freedom. Their love for the homeland is an example for today and future generations… Our main task is further strengthening…

Kazakh Gumilyov Eurasian National University Celebrates World Arabic Language Day

ASTANA – The Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU) hosted a cultural event to mark the World Arabic Language Day on Dec. 7. The event was organized by the ENU Department of Oriental Studies and the Embassy of Egypt in Kazakhstan. “Today, in Kazakhstan, we had an opportunity to celebrate the richness and global importance of…

North Macedonia Intends to Strengthen Economic Cooperation with Kazakhstan, Says Ambassador Limani

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is an important partner for North Macedonia, said Ambassador of North Macedonia to Kazakhstan Sali Limani in a recent interview with The Astana Times.  North Macedonia and Kazakhstan have been partners since 1995. The diplomatic relations  between the two countries are based on mutual trust and understanding.  “What contributes to friendly bilateral…

BIE Secretary General Recognizes Kazakhstan’s Role in Expo Process From Candidature to Legacy

ASTANA – As the countries bidding for hosting the Specialized Exhibition 2027/28 anticipate the decision, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, the Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), sat down with The Astana Times to talk about Expo 2017 Astana’s legacy and the organization’s activities as a whole.  The international exposition that took place in…

Kazakhstan Seeks to Develop Green Hydrogen, Accelerates Energy Transition

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has the opportunity to become one of the top green hydrogen exporting countries, said Kazakh Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Almas Aidarov in a recent interview with The Astana Times.  “Green hydrogen is a quite new concept,” explained Aidarov. “Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable…

Tokayev Wins 2022 Presidential Election, According to Final Results of Central Election Commission

ASTANA – The Central Election Commission (CEC) announced Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as elected President of Kazakhstan after the final results of the presidential election were released on Nov. 22. According to the CEC, Tokayev won 81.31 percent of the election’s votes. The results show that Zhiguli Dairabayev won 3.42 percent of the votes, Karakat Abden –…

Education Experts See Election as Defining Moment For Future of Nation

ASTANA – As the campaigning continues nationwide, prominent academics discuss voter awareness and engagement necessary for driving social change ahead of the Presidential election on Nov. 20.  “Election is the most efficient tool of democracy,” Ainur Karbozova, Deputy Chair of the Board of Narikbayev KAZGUU University, said in an interview for this story. “It provides…

Central Asian Changemakers Showcase Startup Ideas and Tech Solutions at EdTech Asia Summit in Singapore

ASTANA – A team of 13 education professionals from Central Asia took part for the first time in EdTech Asia’s sixth annual summit in Singapore in late October. The delegation included the founders of education companies in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, heads of preschool education centers, representatives of Nazarbayev University, and academics and leaders of social…

Reforms in Kazakhstan Will Pave Way for Stronger Ties with EU, Says European Parliament’s Rapporteur

ASTANA – The ongoing reforms in Kazakhstan give the partnership between the European Union (EU) and Kazakhstan room to grow in all areas of cooperation, Klemen Groselj, a Member of the European Parliament and its standing rapporteur on Kazakhstan, said in a recent interview with The Astana Times. “I am confident that the EU can…

Incumbent President Tokayev Declares Principle of Fairness in All Sectors as Part of His Election Program

Editor’s note: As Kazakhstan approaches 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 incumbent President and people’s coalition candidate Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is based…

EU, Kazakhstan Ink Agreement on Raw Materials and Renewable Hydrogen at COP27

ASTANA – The European Union (EU) and Kazakhstan seek to strengthen their strategic partnership by signing an agreement on raw materials, batteries and renewable hydrogen on Nov. 7 at the sidelines of the 27th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27), which kicked off in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The agreement focuses on the development…

Kazakhstan Celebrates UN Day with Inclusive Theatre Performance

ASTANA – Kazakhstan marked the United Nations (UN) Day with the premiere of the Qanattylar inclusive theatre performance at the Kuanyshbayev Kazakh Music Drama Theatre in Astana on Nov. 7. The troupe staged “Leila’s Prayer” a play about the life of a girl with disabilities in the image of an eternal child, a victim of…

Italian Pianist Alessandro Martire to Perform Concert in Astana, Present New Video Filmed in Charyn Canyon (Teaser Video)

ASTANA – Italian pianist and composer Alessandro Martire will stage a concert featuring compositions from his new album “Wind of Gea” as part of the Alem Saz International Music Festival at the Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall in Astana on Nov. 8.  The Kazakh State Symphony Orchestra will perform at the concert.  Martire will also present…

Kazakh Youth Come Together for Community Climate Solutions Ahead of COP27

ASTANA – The Kazakh students had a chance on Oct. 28 to debate on climate solutions at the Voice of Youth from Glasgow to Sharm El-Sheikh event at the Narikbayev KazGUU University ahead of the 27th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27).  The UK will hand over its presidency to Egypt, which will…

Nation Celebrates Republic Day to Commemorate Declaration on State Sovereignty of Kazakhstan

ASTANA – October 25 is one of the most important dates in the history of Kazakhstan. On this day the Declaration on the State Sovereignty of the Kazakh SSR (Soviet Socialist Republic) was adopted, representing the country’s first step toward its independence.    Republic Day, celebrated in Kazakhstan until 2009, marks the declaration adoption.  The proposal…

Kazakhstan Plays Active Role in Energy Charter Treaty, Says Secretary-General of Secretariat During His Recent Visit to Country

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has been an important actor in the European Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) since becoming its member in 1991, said Secretary-General of the Energy Charter Secretariat Guy Lentz in a recent interview with The Astana Times.  Lentz recognized Kazakhstan’s unique role in the negotiation process and its participation in initiatives, meetings, and working…

CIS Heads of State Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Cohesion Among Member States, Bolster Cooperation

ASTANA – The Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) reaffirmed the importance of the CIS and expressed readiness to strengthen multilateral cooperation at the meeting in Astana on Oct.14. The council meeting chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev became one of the high-profile events held this week along with the…

Officials, Experts Discuss Kazakhstan’s Draft Carbon Neutrality Strategy

ASTANA – The Kazakh capital hosted the fourth Climate Dialogue conference highlighting the priorities and mechanisms of the draft carbon neutrality strategy  until 2060 at the Astana International Financial Center on Oct. 6. The document was developed by the Ministry of National Economy in cooperation with national experts. The event was organized by the Green…

Kazakh Prime Minister, Head of IMF Mission for Kazakhstan Discuss New Reforms, Bilateral Cooperation

ASTANA – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) welcomes the new reforms in Kazakhstan and is ready to provide advice and technical support, said Nicolas Blancher, the Division Chief in the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department and Mission Chief for Kazakhstan during the meeting with Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov on Oct. 6. …

Kazakh President Outlines Measures of New Economic Policy During Meeting with Business Executives

NUR-SULTAN – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recognized the role of entrepreneurship in economic growth during the meeting with the business executives at Akorda on Sept. 9. “In my address to the people, I noted the basic goal of economic policy: qualitative and inclusive growth of the well-being of people. This can be achieved through a free…

Kazakh Government Prioritizes Emergency Preparedness and Response After Wildfire Outbreaks in Regions

NUR-SULTAN – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has directed the Prime Minister to take all the necessary measures to prevent an emergency in connection to the recent wildfires in the regions during the meeting with Akims (Governors) of the Almaty, East Kazakhstan, Akmola and Karagandy regions on Sept. 9.  Tokayev ordered the special equipment and other necessary…

New Houses to Be Built After Wildfires in Kostanai Region

NUR-SULTAN – The construction of new houses for fire victims has started in the Auliekol village, reported Sept. 7 Kazinform. The duration of the project is expected to be 2,5 months. The Halyk Charitable Fund also announced plans to allocate 1.3 billion tenge (US$2 million) to build a new kindergarten accommodating 280 children in the…

IOFS Implements Proactive Measures to Address Food Security Challenges

NUR-SULTAN – The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) aims to take decisive actions to address food and nutrition issues in line – all in line with its strategic vision by 2031, said IOFS Director General Yerlan Baidaulet in a recent interview with The Astana Times.   The 10-year strategy was adopted  at the Fourth General…