President Tokayev Signs Action Plan on Human Rights Ahead of World Human Rights Day
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed Dec. 8 a new presidential decree setting out the country’s action plan on human rights and the rule of law, he announced on his page in X (former Twitter). “This action plan aims to promote gender equality, combat any forms of domestic violence, enhance the performance of the criminal…
ADB Approves $350 Million Loan to Bolster Kazakhstan’s Financial Sector Resilience
ASTANA — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has greenlit a $350 million policy-based loan to fortify Kazakhstan’s fiscal governance and financial sector resilience, marking the first policy-based loan for Kazakhstan aimed at steering the nation’s economic trajectory amidst global uncertainties, the ADB’s press service reported. ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Yevgeniy Zhukov…
North-South Corridor to Boost Cargo Capacity to 20 Million Tons Annually
ASTANA — The ninth meeting of the operational working group on the development of cross-border hubs, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin, on Dec. 5, shed light on the progress made in expanding the international North-South transport corridor and plans to increase the cargo volume along the corridor from six to an impressive 20…
Kazakhstan, US Forge Alliance, Pledge Swift Action to Cut Methane Emissions at COP28
ASTANA — Kazakhstan joined the Global Methane Pledge on Dec. 2 on the sidelines of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Akorda press service reported. In a joint United States (U.S.) and Kazakhstan statement on accelerating methane mitigation…
Kazakhstan to Voluntary Cut Oil Output in First Quarter of 2024
ASTANA – Kazakhstan accepted an additional voluntary reduction of 82,000 barrels per day from Jan. 1 to the end of March 2024 at the 51st meeting of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee and the 36th Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries+ (OPEC+) Ministerial Meeting on Nov. 30, reported the Kazakh Energy Ministry. The decision will…
Defense Ministry Reports on Kazakhstan’s Preparedness for Hybrid Threats
ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Defense discussed the nation’s readiness for hybrid wars, following President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s directive, Kazinform reported on Nov. 28. The ministry noted ongoing efforts to enhance the potential and capabilities of units established in Kazakhstan’s Armed Forces to counter information-psychological and cyber threats. “In response to hybrid warfare, state bodies…
UN, Businesses Take Action to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals in Kazakhstan
ASTANA – The UN Resident Coordinator Office in Kazakhstan hosted the meeting to discuss the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Kazakhstan’s activities in reaching them with the business community in Astana on Nov. 28, reported the press service of the office. It is reported that the insufficient role of business in achieving the SDGs is…
President Tokayev Explores Aktau, Kuryk Port Expansion with Abu Dhabi Ports CEO
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed opportunities for cooperation in expanding Aktau and Kuryk ports with Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi (AD) Ports Group, on Nov. 27 in Astana, reported Akorda press service. With a portfolio of 10 ports and terminals in the United Arab Emirates, AD Ports Group…
Chinese Airlines to Increase Flights to Kazakhstan to 30 Weekly Next Year
ASTANA – The number of flights operated by Chinese airlines to Kazakhstan will increase to 30 per week on existing and new air routes during the spring-summer navigation period next year, the Civil Aviation Committee reported on Nov. 24. As was announced at a meeting between the committee’s Acting Chairman Timur Tlegenov and Chinese air…
Kazakh Musicians Enchant Brazilian Audience at National Theater in Brasilia
ASTANA — Kazakh classical musicians Amir Tebenikhin (piano) and Aiken Aitbay (violin) performed a concert titled Sounds of the Great Steppe in South America at the National Theater Plínio Marcos in Brasilia, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Brazil on Nov. 21. The musical extravaganza was organized with the collaborative efforts…
Silkway Accelerator’s Fourth Stream Generates $8.1 Million in Investments
ASTANA — In collaboration with Google for Startups, Astana Hub has successfully concluded the fourth stream of the Silkway Accelerator program, with $8.1 million of investments raised during acceleration on Nov. 22, the Astana Hub’s press service reported. Over the 12-week intensive program, participants from seven countries witnessed a 4.7-fold increase in Monthly Recurring Revenue…
Kazakhstan’s Gulnar Gabdulova Becomes Honorary Member of Order of British Empire
ASTANA – Gulnar Gabdulova has become the first Kazakh citizen to receive the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award, the British Embassy in Kazakhstan reported on Nov. 22. Gabdulova devoted 17 years of her career to the British Trade Office in Atyrau. Her exceptional leadership and dedication in the role as…
SCO Commends Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship within Organization
ASTANA – The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Secretary-General Zhang Ming commended Kazakhstan’s efforts within its SCO chairmanship at the meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev during his working visit to Beijing, China, on Nov. 21, reported the Foreign Ministry press service. During the meeting, Bakayev discussed multilateral cooperation and addressed…
UN Geneva Hosts Presentation of Book on Middle Powers by Kazakh Expert
ASTANA – The United Nations (UN) hosted the first-ever presentation of the book “Widening the Scope: How Middle Powers are Changing Liberal Institutionalism” by Kazakh expert Miras Zhiyenbayev in Geneva on Nov. 15, reported the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s press service. This is the first book presented in this format and in this historical location at…
Fitch Affirms Kazakhstan ‘BBB’ Rating with Stable Outlook
ASTANA – Fitch Ratings affirmed Kazakhstan’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘BBB’ with a stable outlook on Nov. 17, reported the agency’s press service. Fiscal solid position and significant external reserves, which have proven resilient to external shocks, remain the key factors maintaining Kazakhstan’s rating. According to analysts, applying new fiscal rules will…
Kazakh President to Participate in Collective Security Council Session This Week
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will participate in the Collective Security Council session of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), scheduled for Nov. 23 in Minsk, reported the Akorda press service. At the previous CSTO Summit in Yerevan, the Presidents called for a “joint collective search for a formula for peace.” On Nov. 24, President…
Dimash Kudaibergen Set to Premiere New Music Video for His New Single
ASTANA –Kazakh popstar Dimash Kudaibergen has announced the upcoming release of a new music video, “When I’ve got to you” on his Instagram page on Nov.18. “A new video and a new song are on the way. Let there be a show!” he captioned the post. In Chile, renowned journalist Julio César Rodríguez dedicated a…
Malaysia’s AirAsia Х Plans to Launch Direct Flights to Kazakhstan in 2024
ASTANA – Malaysian low-cost airline AirAsia X plans to operate direct passenger flights on the Kuala Lumpur – Almaty route from Feb. 1 next year, reported the Kazakh Civil Aviation Committee’s press service. The airline will perform regular flights four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays utilizing an A-330 aircraft. Established in…
Kazakhstan Celebrates 30th Anniversary of National Currency Tenge
ASTANA — Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Kazakh national currency, the tenge, a significant milestone in the nation’s economic history. The introduction of the tenge on Nov. 15, 1993, marked a crucial step towards financial independence and sovereignty as the country transitioned from the Soviet ruble to its distinctive currency, Kazinform agency reported. …
Kazakhstan Deploys Peacekeeping Contingent to UN Mission in Lebanon
ASTANA — Kazakhstan sent the tenth peacekeeping contingent on Nov. 13 to assume duties in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), following their predecessors’ completion of a six-month service period, reported the Kazakh Ministry of Defense press service. The selection process for the six service members slated for deployment underwent a meticulous evaluation,…
Kazakh Film Receives Coveted Award at Africa International Film Festival
ASTANA — The acclaimed Kazakh film “Brothers,” directed by Darkhan Tulegenov, secured the Best International Feature Film award at the prestigious 12th Africa International Film Festival held in Lagos, Nigeria on Nov. 13, reported Kazinform agency. The Globe Awards ceremony, a festival highlight, saw “Brothers” outshine Brazil, Germany, and North Macedonia competitors. Produced under the…
Saudi Arabia Investors to Build Wind Power Plant in Zhetisu Region
ASTANA — In a high-level meeting focused on advancing collaborative investment ventures with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Nov. 14, Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov revealed plans for the development of a wind power plant boasting a one-gigawatt capacity in the Zhetisu Region, reported the Prime Minister’s press service. Currently in the preparatory stages,…
Kazakhstan to Increase Number of Flights to China
ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Transport collaborates with airlines to boost the number of flights to China, anticipating increased demand for air travel following the mutual visa exemption agreement between Kazakhstan and China, reported the ministry’s press service on Nov. 10. Air Astana plans to increase weekly flights from Almaty to Beijing from six…
Kazakh State Counselor Reiterates Commitment to UNESCO in Paris
ASTANA — Kazakhstan remains steadfast in its commitment to expand cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to safeguard cultural and natural heritage, said State Counselor Erlan Karin during a Nov. 7 meeting with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay in Paris on the sidelines of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General…
Imanbek Teams Up with International Artists
ASTANA – Renowned Kazakh DJ and Grammy Award winner, Imanbek, has collaborated with artists from the United Kingdom and the United States for a new album by music producer Aarne, reported the Pavlodarnews.kz on Oct.30. Aarne’s latest release, “AA LANGUAGE 2,” features 15 tracks and includes contributions from prominent figures in the rap and hip-hop…
