Behind Scenes at Astana Opera: Celebrating Artisans Who Make Magic Happen
ASTANA — Astana Opera hosted “Rigoletto” on Nov. 5-6, the famous opera by Giuseppe Verdi, filled with complex characters – the old hunchback, the cynical Duke, and innocent Gilda. Remarkable artists Medet Chotabayev and Sayan Issin made their debuts as the Duke of Mantua. While audiences admire the brilliance on stage, much of what they…
Swiss Investor Plans World-Class Alpine Ski Resorts in Ridder and Katon-Karagay
ASTANA – A major Swiss tourism company, Bartholet, is set to develop premier alpine skiing destinations in East Kazakhstan, with projects in Ridder and Katon-Karagay, promising to elevate the region to a global skiing hotspot. Nurymbet Saktaganov, akim (mayor) of the East Kazakhstan Region, discussed the initiative on the Jibek Joly TV program on Nov.…
Tokayev, Mirziyoyev Advance Strategic Alliance at Supreme Interstate Council Meeting
ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reaffirmed the rapidly expanding Kazakh-Uzbek partnership during the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council on Nov. 15 in Tashkent. The Presidents identified new priorities for deepening cooperation across trade, industry, transport, water and energy management, digital development, and cultural exchange, underscoring the elevated…
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Presidents Hold High-Level Talks in Tashkent
ASTANA — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held comprehensive negotiations on Nov. 15 in Tashkent, reaffirming the strong partnership and strategic alliance between the two neighboring nations. During the meeting, President Tokayev expressed gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for the warm welcome and Uzbekistan’s traditional hospitality. The Presidents discussed future cooperation across…
Kazakhstan Approves Comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering Measures
ASTANA – The government of Kazakhstan has approved a comprehensive set of measures aimed at reducing the risks of money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The resolution will enter into force on Nov. 20, requiring regular reporting by government agencies and subordinate organizations to ensure effective implementation. Key areas…
Kazakhstan Sends Emergency Humanitarian Aid to Earthquake-Hit Afghanistan
ASTANA — Kazakhstan has sent 18 tons of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan to assist those affected by the recent devastating earthquake, reaffirming the country’s commitment to humanism and regional solidarity. The aid package, totaling 18 tons and comprising 34 categories of essential goods, includes medicines, medical instruments, bedding, tents, and other critical supplies allocated from…
AI Reshapes Labor Market: Office Jobs at Risk, Blue-Collar Professions Gain Appeal Among Youth
ASTANA – Artificial intelligence is gradually transforming Kazakhstan’s labor market. While office and administrative roles face higher automation risks, blue-collar professions are increasingly attractive to Generation Z for their stability and resilience against AI disruption. AI impact and employment trends According to the country’s center for human resource development, approximately 13% of work tasks in…
Kazakhstan Launches Unified Interbank QR Payment System
ASTANA – Kazakhstan has officially launched a unified interbank QR payment system, allowing consumers to pay with a single QR code regardless of their bank. The system, developed by the National Payment Corporation in collaboration with banks’ technical teams, aims to simplify transactions and strengthen the country’s position as a fintech leader in Central Asia.…
Belgian Journalist Derya Soysal Named Kazakhstan’s Tourism Ambassador
ASTANA – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium Roman Vassilenko presented Belgian journalist Derya Soysal with the honorary title of Kazakhstan’s Tourism Ambassador on behalf of the Kazakh Tourism national company. Soysal, who collaborates with international publications, has been introducing European audiences to Kazakhstan. “Kazakhstan made a deep impression on me – with its nature, hospitality,…
PM Urges European Businesses to Expand Presence in Kazakhstan
ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov called on European businesses to launch new joint projects, localize production, and expand their presence in Kazakhstan during the 18th Kazakhstan-EU Dialogue Platform on Nov. 12. The meeting gathered heads of diplomatic missions, chambers of commerce, and business representatives from EU countries. The European Union remains Kazakhstan’s largest…
Asman Airlines Launches Direct Flights from Almaty to Karakol in December
ASTANA – Asman Airlines will begin regular direct flights between Almaty and Karakol International Airport on Dec. 5, marking the first stable service on this route since the 1970s. The flights are aimed primarily at active travelers from Kazakhstan, with Karakol remaining one of the region’s most popular ski and mountain destinations. Flights will run…
Dimash Qudaibergen Champions Peace and Love Ahead of London Concert at OVO Arena Wembley
ASTANA — Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen spoke about his mission of peace and love during his live appearance on CNN’s “What We Know with Max Foster,” ahead of his performance at OVO Arena Wembley on Nov. 12. On Nov. 10, Qudaibergen arrived in London from Barcelona, where he continued his Stranger world tour. At the…
Central Asian Agriculture Ministers Sign Joint Declaration and Food Security Plan Through 2030
ASTANA – Central Asian agriculture ministers signed the joint declaration and Central Asia Food Security Plan through 2030 during a Nov. 10 meeting in Tashkent, aiming to strengthen regional cooperation and promote sustainable agricultural development. The meeting brought together heads of relevant agencies, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and international organizations. The Kazakh delegation was…
Kazakhstan to Send Humanitarian Mission to Afghanistan Following Devastating Earthquakes
ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev expressed condolences to the Afghan people over the recent earthquakes and announced that Kazakhstan will soon send a humanitarian mission to Kabul, including medical specialists, medicines, and essential supplies, during a Nov. 10 phone call with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Muttaqi thanked Kazakhstan for its ongoing…
Kazakhstan Attracts Over $70 Million in Exploration Investment
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy has attracted more than $71.6 million in exploration investment for the next six years. Speaking at a Nov. 11 government meeting on the development and digitalization of the geological industry, Deputy Minister of Energy Kaiyrkhan Tutkyshbayev outlined the ministry’s efforts to make the sector more efficient and accountable. “Since…
Trump Hints at Possible Visit to Kazakhstan
ASTANA — United States President Donald Trump said he does not rule out a visit to Kazakhstan, after he and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the C5+1 summit on Nov. 6 in Washington, D.C. Journalists asked President Trump which area of the new $17 billion partnership between Kazakhstan and the U.S., covering aviation, mineral resources, and…
US Congress Moves to Repeal Jackson-Vanik, Expand Trade with Central Asia
ASTANA — The United States (U.S.) Congress has introduced identical bills to repeal the Jackson-Vanik Amendment and grant permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to Central Asian countries. The bill, titled S.3103, authorizes the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations) to products of certain countries, reported Kazinform on Nov. 6. Senator Steve Daines, a Republican…
Tokayev Hails New Era in US-Central Asia Ties at White House Summit
ASTANA — Kazakhstan is set to deepen its strategic and economic partnership with the United States, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the historic C5+1 summit in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 6, highlighting a transformative era of cooperation and multi-billion-dollar investment opportunities. Expressing gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for organizing the landmark White House meeting,…
Kazakhstan Ranks Third at Asian Youth Games With Record 93 Medals
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s national team concluded its performance at the Third Asian Youth Games, held from Oct. 22 to 31 in Manama, Bahrain, with a historic achievement. Kazakhstan secured third place in the overall team standings, winning 93 medals: 24 gold, 29 silver, and 40 bronze. China topped the medal table with 147 medals (63…
Kazakhstan Strengthens Cultural Ties with Italy Through Tributes to Abai and Shokan Ualikhanov
ASTANA – A bust of Abai Kunanbayev was unveiled in Rome on Oct. 30 to honor Kazakhstan’s great poet and philosopher. Busts and monuments to Abai have now been erected in 21 countries, including Paris and Seoul. As part of the same cultural initiative, a book about Shokan Ualikhanov titled “Shokan Ualikhanov and the Birth…
Burabay’s Iconic Landmarks Get Major Upgrade With New Observation Decks and Family Attractions
ASTANA – Eight renovated observation decks and new amenities have transformed Burabay’s most famous natural landmarks: Mount Bolektau, Ayutas and Tufelka Rocks, and the Valley of Love, making the area more beautiful, safer, and convenient for visitors. Mount Bolektau’s ascent no longer resembles a mountaineering challenge. The trail now features sturdy stairs leading to a…
Economic Cooperation Tops Agenda of Kazakh PM’s Meeting With US Delegation
ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on Oct. 29 to discuss expanding trade and investment cooperation. Bektenov emphasized that Kazakhstan attaches particular importance to developing cooperation with the United States, noting that the meeting represents…
Kazakhstan, US Strengthen Strategic Partnership to Boost Regional Stability and Growth
ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic partnership aimed at ensuring stability, security, and prosperity in the region. Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev held talks with U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on Oct. 29. During the…
Almaty Surgeons Save Six Lives Thanks to Posthumous Organ Donation
ASTANA – Surgeons in Almaty saved the lives of six patients through a multi-organ donation from a deceased woman born in 1962. The procedure took place at the Central City Clinical Hospital. With the consent of the deceased’s relatives, doctors were able to transplant several vital organs simultaneously: a heart was transplanted to a patient…
Sotheby’s Announces Islamic & Middle Eastern Art Sales in London, Featuring Rare Central Asian Works
ASTANA – Sotheby’s, one of the world’s oldest and most famous auction houses, will present its Islamic & Middle Eastern Art sales in London on Oct. 28–29, showcasing centuries of artistry, from modern and contemporary masterpieces to traditional craftsmanship. The auctions will feature rare Central Asian lots, including ceramics, metalwork, tiles, and a section from…
