Kazakhstan Sees Growth in Passenger Traffic, Expands International Destinations
ASTANA – Almost three years after the lockdown, passenger traffic by air shows stable growth compared to 2021 and the pre-pandemic year of 2019. According to the results of the first 11 months of 2022, Kazakh airlines carried 9.9 million people, which is an increase of 15 percent compared to 2021. “We expect passenger traffic…
Headlines in 2022: Kazakhstan, Central Asia Remain in Spotlight with Key Events in Various Fields
ASTANA – 2022 has been an intense year packed with unprecedented and significant events. The news agenda included tragic riots, high-profile visits and celebrations in Kazakhstan. The Astana Times presents a roundup of top-viewed stories on our website that brings optimism during challenging times. Kazakh capital, Astana, represented by the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC),…
Kazakh President Appoints Elvira Azimova to Serve as Chair of Constitutional Court
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev appointed Elvira Azimova as the Chair of the Constitutional Court from Jan. 1, 2023. Azimova previously served as the Commissioner for Human Rights. On this day, Artur Lastayev was appointed as the new Commissioner for Human Rights. The Kazakh Senate unanimously approved the President’s nomination of Azimova at a Dec.…
Marubeni Corporation Sees Investment Opportunities in Central Asia, Continues to Expand Projects in Kazakhstan
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s investment attractiveness is increasing due to the shift in the geopolitical landscape, says Ichiro Takahara, the Vice Chairman of Marubeni Corporation, in a recent interview for The Astana Times. The stable and safe operation of the uranium project remains a priority for the company. Japan’s largest trading company Marubeni Corporation has implemented…
Central Asia Media Forum Highlights Media’s Contribution to Creative Sector
ASTANA – The participants of the Central Asia Media Forum discussed the role of communications in the creative industry at one of the panel sessions in Astana on Dec. 21. Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Altai Kulginov said Central Asia has great potential for developing the creative industry as the countries pay special attention to this…
Dimash Kudaibergen Emphasizes Peace and Unity at Central Asian Media Forum in Astana
ASTANA – World-famous Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen called on all people to make peace during the Ethics of Peace panel session as part of the first Central Asian Forum in Astana on Dec. 20. “We see an economic recession. People suffer from disease and war. We must try to prevent war. For centuries we cannot…
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…
