Articles by Dana Omirgazy

Forum Highlights Central Asia-China Partnership as it Deepens Amid Global Shifts 

ASTANA – The Central Asia-China relationship is reaching a new level, said State Counselor of Kazakhstan Erlan Karin during the fifth Forum of Analytical Centers focused on new horizons of regional partnership on June 3 in Astana, reported Kazinform. Opening the event, Karin emphasized the rapid development of cooperation between China and Central Asian countries,…

Kazakhstan Allocates Recovered Assets to Enhance Water Supply in Kostanai Region

ASTANA – The Kazakh government has allocated returned illegally acquired assets from the Special State Fund to finance the construction of water supply networks in the Kostanai Region, worth 5.4 billion tenge (approximately US$10.5 million). In the city of Tobyl, only 88% of the population currently has access to water supply services. To achieve full…

Air Astana Launches Atyrau-Baku and Almaty-Frankfurt Flights

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s Air Astana launched direct flights on the Atyrau-Baku route from May 31 and Almaty-Frankfurt route starting June 1. Atyrau-Baku flights are operated three times a week: on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Flights are operated in the evening, and the travel time is nearly 1.5 hours. Citizens of Kazakhstan do not need a…

President Tokayev Honors 70th Anniversary of Baikonur Cosmodrome 

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a video address on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Baikonur cosmodrome on June 2. In his message, Tokayev congratulated all workers and veterans of the space industry, calling Baikonur “the cradle of world cosmonautics.” He recalled the launch of the first artificial Earth satellite from Baikonur…

Kazakh PM Holds High-Level Meetings to Advance Regional and International Cooperation

ASTANA — Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held several high-level meetings during the Astana International Forum on May 29-30. Bektenov met with the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, Kubanychbek Omuraliev, to discuss implementation of high-level agreements and strengthening multilateral cooperation among Turkic states. Key areas included trade, innovation, environmental protection, and cultural…

Kazakhstan Pays Tribute to Victims of Political Repressions and Famine

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument complex on May 31, the Day of Remembrance of Victims of Political Repressions and Famine. During his visit to the ALZHIR Museum and Memorial Complex, dedicated to victims of political repression and totalitarianism, he paid tribute to the victims with…

President Tokayev Outlines Balanced Diplomacy and Reforms in Al Jazeera Interview

ASTANA –  In an interview with Al Jazeera on May 29, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed Kazakhstan’s approach to foreign policy, economic development, and political reform. He emphasized that while the country is adapting to global changes, it remains committed to maintaining stability, strengthening partnerships, and pursuing long-term, practical reforms. A balanced and predictable foreign policy…

Kazakhstan Partners with Meta, BAITC to Launch Accelerator Program for AI Innovation

ASTANA — Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, Meta and Blockchain & AI Technology Centre (BAITC) signed a letter of intent to launch Meta LLaMA Accelerator Kazakhstan — a joint program for the development and implementation of AI-based solutions in the public and private sectors. The signing ceremony took place on the…

Dimash Qudaibergen to Launch International Vocal Competition with China’s Hunan TV

ASTANA – World-renowned Kazakh artist Dimash Qudaibergen announced an upcoming international vocal competition in collaboration with China’s Hunan TV, the producers of the I am a Singer show during a May 26 singer’s creative evening in Almaty. “This will be an international vocal competition, similar in scale to I am a Singer, but in a…

Shymkent Launches Direct Flights to China, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, and South Korea

ASTANA – Shymkent hosted a ceremonial launch of direct flights to China, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, and South Korea on May 26. Flights are being operated using Boeing 737 aircraft. Service to Munich and Budapest begins on May 27, with flights to Munich running twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and to Budapest on Tuesdays…

Dushanbe to Host Key Regional Climate Consultation Ahead of 2026 Astana Summit

ASTANA – Dushanbe will host the fourth regional consultation as part of the International High-Level Conference on Glacier Conservation on May 29. The session, titled Climate Science and Research Inventory: A Basis for Sustainable Solutions in Central Asia, will bring together experts and officials from across the region to advance scientific cooperation in response to…

Kyrgyz Kuurdak Named Among World’s Top 50 Offal Dishes by Taste Atlas

ASTANA – The traditional Kyrgyz dish kuurdak has been recognized among the world’s top 50 offal dishes, according to a recent ranking by the international culinary guide Taste Atlas. Kuurdak is a traditional dish made from fried meat or offal with onions. Its name comes from the Kyrgyz word “kuuruu” meaning “frying.” Iranian Kale Pache…

Chess Player Assaubayeva to Become Kazakhstan’s Second Female Grandmaster

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva is poised to become the nation’s second female grandmaster. The 21-year-old chess player achieved this title at the Sharjah Masters 2025 tournament in the UAE after earning her third grandmaster norm. Having surpassed the 2500 rating for the first time in her career, she became the second female grandmaster from…

CPC Targets 1 Billion Tons of Oil Shipment by October

ASTANA — The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) plans to increase oil shipments to 1 billion tons by October, as a result of the implementation of the CPC Oil Pipeline Bottleneck Elimination Project (CPC BOEP). Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) Director General Nikolay Gorban on May 26 to discuss advancements…

UNDOF Commander Visits Kazakh Peacekeepers in Golan Heights

ASTANA – Major-General Anita Asmah, Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), paid an introductory visit to the deployment site of Kazakhstan’s peacekeeping unit in the Golan Heights following its recent rotation. During the visit, Major General Asmah emphasized the strategic role of the Kazakh unit, noting that it serves as the…

Kazakhstan, Poland Advance Political, Economic Ties

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu and Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski reaffirmed the mutual willingness to strengthen political dialogue, expand trade, economic and investment ties, as well as implement cultural and humanitarian projects during a May 23 meeting in Warsaw. Sikorski expressed strong support for the initiative to simplify…

Council of Turkic Central Banks to Hold Inaugural Meeting at Astana International Forum

ASTANA – The inaugural meeting of the Council of Turkic Central Banks will take place during the Astana International Forum on May 29-30, to strengthen financial cooperation among Turkic states. The meeting will bring together representatives from the central banks of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan. In an exclusive interview with Kazinform…

Kazakh President to Host Multiple High-Level Visits and Events This Week

ASTANA – The Akorda Presidential Residence has published a schedule of upcoming events this week involving the participation of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. On May 28-29, the President of Rwanda Paul Kagame will pay an official visit to Kazakhstan. During the visit, the officials are supposed to discuss prospects for developing bilateral cooperation and…

Astana to Host International Equestrian Competitions

ASTANA — The capital of Kazakhstan is set to host a prestigious series of equestrian events at the Argymak Equestrian Sports Complex from May 30 to June 1.  The venue will host the World Cup stage of the Eurasian League in show jumping and an International Dressage Tournament, under the aegis of the International Equestrian…

President Tokayev Meets Children’s Rights Commissioner to Review Child Protection Efforts

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Commissioner for Children’s Rights Dinara Zakiyeva on May 23 to discuss ongoing efforts to protect children’s rights and strengthen the national child protection system. Zakiyeva reported on key initiatives undertaken over the past two years, including the development of programs and legislative amendments aimed at ensuring child…

Kazakhstan’s Young Boxers Triumph at Asian Championships with 22 Gold Medals

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s youth boxing team triumphed at the ASBC Asian U22 & Youth Boxing Championships in Colombo, Sri Lanka, winning 22 gold medals, including historic 12 titles in women’s boxing, the National Olympic Committee reported on May 22. According to the Directorate for Sports Development, 11 Kazakhstan’s male boxers reached the finals, with 10…

Kazakhstan Strengthens Business Ties with Korea and Hong Kong Through AIFC Connect

ASTANA — The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) held AIFC Connect events in Seoul on May 21 and Hong Kong on May 22 to deepen investment and business ties with local markets. The events showcased Kazakhstan’s creative industries, infrastructure, and financial opportunities. In Seoul, the focus was on intellectual property protection and the AIFC’s legal…

Kazakhstan to Tighten Cryptocurrency Regulation Following $15 Billion Capital Outflow

ASTANA – The National Bank of Kazakhstan is preparing a comprehensive legislative framework to regulate the circulation of digital assets, following the withdrawal of approximately $15 billion in crypto assets from the country due to insufficient regulatory oversight. This was announced by Deputy Chairman of the National Bank Berik Sholpankulov during a May 22 press…

Kazakhstan Plans Major Boost in Renewable Energy by 2030

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is accelerating its renewable energy development, with strong government support, clear targets, and a roadmap to commission over 8.4 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity by 2035, while seeking international investment.  Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting of the Energy Council on the development of renewable energy sources (RES) on May…

Kazakhstan, Hungary Strengthen Business Ties in Digitalization, Logistics, and Agriculture

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu held meetings with the leadership of Hungary’s leading companies, including the CEO of UBM Group Péter Horváth, the Chairman of the Board of BDPST Group István Tiborcz, and the Chairman of the Board of 4iG Plc. Gellért Jászai in Budapest. During the meetings, they…