Yuezhi Mystery: Archaeologists Search Kazakhstan for Lost Traces
ASTANA – Chinese and Kazakh archaeologists have launched a joint study of archaeological sites in Kazakhstan that may link to the ancient Yuezhi people, Wang Jianxin, chief professor at Northwest University’s Research Center for Archaeological Cooperation on the Silk Road in Xi’an, said on the sidelines of an international archaeological symposium in Astana. The Yuezhi…
Art of Betashar: Issatay Issabayev’s Lifelong Dialogue with Kazakh Tradition
ASTANA – The centuries-old Kazakh tradition of betashar, the ceremonial unveiling of a bride’s face, takes center stage in an exhibition of works by renowned Kazakh artist Issatay Issabayev, which opened in Astana on Oct. 8. The exhibition continues a nationwide series of events marking the 90th anniversary of Issabayev’s birth. According to Saltanat Sabyr,…
Nation Commemorates Kassym Amanzholov’s 115th Anniversary: Voice That Shaped Kazakh Poetry
ASTANA – Kazakhstan marks the 115th anniversary of the birth of Kassym Amanzholov, one of the most influential Kazakh poets and translators of the 20th century, on Oct. 10. He is remembered for his distinctive poetic voice, powerful wartime poetry and contribution to the development of modern Kazakh literature. Amanzholov was also among the poets…
Religious Leaders Explore Faith’s Role in Tackling Global Challenges
ASTANA – Religious leaders and international experts gathered in Astana on Oct. 7 to discuss how faith communities can contribute to addressing pressing challenges, with artificial intelligence, climate change and the rights of children with incurable diseases among the key issues on the agenda. The discussions took place at the 24th Meeting of the Secretariat…
Central Asia’s Water Challenge Deepens as Rivers Decline and Glaciers Melt
ASTANA – Central Asia faces growing pressure on its water resources as river flows decline, freshwater reserves remain below normal, and glaciers continue to lose mass, the Eurasian Briefing Telegram channel reported, citing data from the World Meteorological Organization. The assessment compares recent indicators with data from 2022 and earlier periods. It found significant declines…
What Oman Sultan’s Visit Could Open Up for Kazakhstan
ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Oman are looking to turn growing political ties into new opportunities in trade, transport, investment and technology as Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said prepares for his first official visit to Kazakhstan on Oct. 5-6. The visit comes as both countries share an interest in adapting to changing connectivity patterns…
Kazakhstan Commemorates 85 Years of Bakhytzhan Momyshuly’s Literary Legacy
ASTANA – Kazakhstan marks the 85th anniversary of Bakhytzhan Momyshuly, a prominent writer and translator, whose literary work preserved the stories of prominent Kazakh figures and explored themes of memory, resilience and spiritual strength. The son of legendary Kazakh war hero, Panfilov Guards officer, and writer Bauyrzhan Momyshuly, he spent much of his life in…
Kazakhstan Celebrates 35 Years Since Aubakirov Made Space History
ASTANA – Kazakhstan marks the 35th anniversary of Toktar Aubakirov’s historic spaceflight on Oct. 2. His mission made him the first Kazakh to travel into space, marking a significant milestone in the country’s space history. In 1991, Aubakirov launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome aboard the Soyuz TM-13 spacecraft with Soviet cosmonaut Alexander Volkov and Austrian…
South Korea’s Universities Open New Opportunities for Kazakh Students
Editor’s note: This article is published as part of a partnership agreement between The Astana Times and The Korea Times. A special series seeks to provide readers with in-depth insights into the opportunities, challenges, and trends linking our two countries. ASTANA – More Kazakh students are looking to South Korea as a destination for higher…
Kazakhstan Eyes Cross-Border QR Payments as India’s UPI Offers Blueprint
MUMBAI – Kazakhstan is moving toward expanding its domestic QR-payment infrastructure across borders, with India among 11 countries identified for potential cross-border QR-payment cooperation. The initiative comes as cashless payments continue to account for the overwhelming majority of transactions in Kazakhstan. According to the National Bank of Kazakhstan, 84 million payment cards were in circulation…
BRICS Bazaar Connects Cultures Through Traditional Crafts
NEW DELHI – Beyond the official agenda and meetings of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, a special exhibition showcasing the cultures of the grouping’s member and partner countries will run Sept. 10-15, highlighting the bloc’s cultural diversity. The bazaar brings together artisans, designers and companies from participating countries. The venue offers visitors an…
Tokayev Calls for Deeper BRICS Plus Cooperation on Trade, AI and Critical Minerals
NEW DELHI – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for deeper practical cooperation between Kazakhstan and BRICS countries in trade, logistics, artificial intelligence, critical minerals and water security, positioning the format as a platform for broader economic ties amid growing geopolitical fragmentation. Speaking at the BRICS Plus plenary session in New Delhi on Sept. 13, Tokayev said…
Kazakhstan Sets Out Priorities Ahead of BRICS Summit in India
NEW DELHI – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is expected to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12-13, with Kazakhstan seeking to advance cooperation in energy, critical minerals, transport connectivity and global water security. India is hosting the summit under the theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. BRICS is…
World Nomad Games: Where Sport Meets Spirit of Steppe
ASTANA – The sixth World Nomad Games (WNG) came to a close in the Kyrgyz Republic on Sept. 6, leaving a lasting impression on athletes, visitors, volunteers and everyone who helped bring the event to life. For six days, the games were filled with color, energy and the competitive spirit of athletes determined to win,…
Kazakhstan’s Logistics Diplomacy: Ambition, Leverage and Constraints
ASTANA – Long constrained by its landlocked geography, Kazakhstan is seeking to turn its position between Europe and Asia into a source of economic and geopolitical leverage. As trade disruptions and competition drive demand for diversified supply chains, Astana is investing in new transport corridors to establish itself as an indispensable transit hub and translate…
Kazakhstan Races to Top at World Nomad Games
ASTANA – Kazakhstan leads the overall medal standings at the sixth World Nomad Games with 55 medals, reported the Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports. As of Sept. 4, Kazakh athletes had won 25 gold, 13 silver and 17 bronze medals. The Kyrgyz Republic ranks second with 58 medals, including 23 gold, 24 silver and…
Kazakhstan, Laos Seek New Routes for Trade and Cooperation
ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Laos are seeking to expand trade, investment and transport cooperation as the two countries look to deepen bilateral ties, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during talks with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Astana on Sept. 3, reported Akorda. Tokayev described Sisoulith’s visit as historic, as it marks the first official visit…
Kazakhstan Marks First Kazakh Tazy Day
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is celebrating Kazakh Tazy Day for the first time on Sept. 3, commemorating the anniversary of the breed’s preliminary recognition by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 2024, reported the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. The FCI made the decision in Amsterdam on Sept. 3, 2024, granting preliminary recognition to the…
What to Expect from Laos President’s Visit to Kazakhstan
ASTANA – Lao President and General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Thongloun Sisoulith is visiting Kazakhstan on Sept. 3-4. This marks the first presidential-level visit between the two countries since they established diplomatic relations in 1997. The visit comes as both countries navigate a changing geopolitical and geoeconomic environment. Trade routes are shifting,…
Tokayev Joins World Nomad Games Opening in Bishkek
ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the official opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games in Bishkek and greeted Kazakhstan’s national team, which consists of 152 athletes competing across all 43 disciplines at this year’s games, reported Akorda. The WNG officially opened at Bishkek Arena, drawing more than 50,000 spectators. Presidents of 17…
AI Can Do More, Humans Still Matter, Experts Say
ASTANA – As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into business and government processes, human expertise remains critical to ensuring effective decision-making, experts said at an Aug. 26 panel discussion at Nazarbayev University. The discussion focused on the challenges of digital transformation and the skills and competencies that are becoming increasingly important as AI reshapes the…
Observers See Unicameral Parliament as Boost for Stability and Investment
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s transition to a unicameral parliament and the implementation of its new constitutional framework were among the key issues raised by foreign observers during the parliamentary vote taking place on Aug. 23. The country’s prospects for attracting international investment were also a major focus of their discussions. For international observers, the election to…
International Observers Deliver Assessment of Kazakhstan’s First Kurultai Vote
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s transition to a single-chamber legislature entered a new stage Aug. 23 as voters went to the polls to elect the country’s first Kurultai, with international observers monitoring the process. The election is part of a broader effort to modernize Kazakhstan’s political institutions and strengthen their ability to respond to the country’s changing…
Kazakhstan Deepens University Ties with Japan and South Korea
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is expanding academic and scientific cooperation with leading universities and research institutions in Japan and South Korea. The country seeks to strengthen higher education, research and artificial intelligence (AI) development. During visits to Seoul and Tokyo in August, Science and Higher Education Minister Sayasat Nurbek met with university leaders and government officials to…
Kazakhstan’s Parliamentary Campaign Enters Final Week With Focus on Rule of Law
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Kurultai election campaign entered its final stretch, with nationally televised debates dominating the campaign. The debates offered voters an opportunity to compare the platforms of the seven competing political parties. The campaign featured the first-ever team debates involving representatives of all seven parties, broadcast on the Jibek Joly television channel. The week…
