Articles by Assel Satubaldina

ASTANA – In an interview with The Astana Times, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan Aghalar Atamoglanov reflects on how the two nations are forging closer ties across various areas and the profound way the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines plane near Aktau in December further cemented the deep bond between the two countries. Tragedy that brought nations…

ASTANA – In the plains of the Ulytau Region in central Kazakhstan, a solitary mausoleum stands guard over the legacy of Jochi Khan, the eldest son of Genghis Khan. Now, that legacy is being brought to life as Kazakhstan embarked on a documentary drama titled “Golden Empire” to bring Jochi Khan’s story to the screen.…

ASTANA – Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept from futuristic films. It is here – reshaping economies, industries and the way societies function. While some countries are racing ahead, others are figuring out how to navigate this uncharted territory. The Astana Times spoke to Richard Stirling, head of Oxford Insights, a global research…

ASTANA – The United Kingdom sees Kazakhstan as a partner in driving sustainable infrastructure growth, with British companies ready to bring their expertise to support the country’s ambitious development goals, said Stuart Senior, co-chair of the U.K. Government’s Department for Business and Trade Infrastructure Exports Initiative (IE:UK), in an interview with The Astana Times.  The…

ASTANA – S&P Global Ratings has affirmed Kazakhstan’s long-term sovereign credit rating at ‘BBB-’ and short-term rating at ‘A-3,’ maintaining a stable outlook despite rising fiscal pressures.  In its Feb. 21 release, S&P analysts explain the rating underscores Kazakhstan’s robust fiscal and external balance sheets, which continue to provide a solid cushion against external shocks. …

ASTANA – Towering limestone cliffs, endless horizons, and surreal landscapes – Bozzhyra is a sight to behold. Located in the Mangystau Region, this natural wonder is the one place that will take your breath away, said Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerzhan Yerkinbayev in a recent interview with The Astana Times, and he explains…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom seek closer cooperation in infrastructure development. Astana hosted the Build Together infrastructure roundtable on Feb. 18, gathering government representatives, investors, and businesses to explore the nation’s rapidly evolving infrastructure landscape.  The roundtable saw the mutual interest in fostering a stronger partnership, with both governments and businesses keen to…

ASTANA – Celebrating 15 years since its establishment, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has evolved into a fully-fledged intergovernmental entity with growing international recognition. As the OTS charts its course for 2025, OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev outlines the organization’s strategic priorities, potential expansion, and the next phase of cooperation among Turkic nations. The…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is opening its doors wider to digital nomads and remote professionals since the launch of the Neo Nomad Visa in November. In an interview with The Astana Times, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerzhan Yerkinbayev shared the inspiration behind the visa, saying Kazakhstan can become a “favorite place” for neo nomads. …

ASTANA – Renewable energy generation reached 6.43% in Kazakhstan in 2024, surpassing its 2025 target a year ahead of schedule. As Kazakhstan pushes ahead with its green transition, renewables are not only reshaping the energy system by exposing its critical weaknesses but also challenging long-standing industry mindsets, said Qazaq Green Renewable Energy Association Chairwoman Ainur…

ASTANA – European Union (EU) Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan commended the work with the Kazakh authorities on preventing circumvention of Western sanctions on Russia and expressed general optimism about the EU’s evolving partnership with Kazakhstan at a Jan. 30 press briefing in Astana. O’Sullivan stressed that his “particular responsibility” is EU sanctions against Russia.  “My…

ASTANA – Trading volume at the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) hit 389.1 trillion tenge (US$753.6 billion) in 2024, 5% less than the previous year, said KASE Deputy Chairwoman Dana Amanzholova on Jan. 29 in Astana.  Delivering her remarks at the KASE Day in the Kazakh capital, Amanzholova focused on key trends that shaped KASE’s work…

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired an expanded government meeting on Jan. 28, outlining key priorities for the government’s work in the year ahead. Tokayev highlighted the positive results achieved in 2024 despite the “challenging global situation,” reports the Akorda press service. However, he emphasized that many unresolved issues remain. He spoke of a…

ASTANA – In November, Kazakhstan’s Altyn Dala conservation initiative earned one of the world’s most coveted environmental accolades, Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, for its success in recovering once-critical endangered Saiga antelopes. In a recent interview published on The Astana Times YouTube channel, Vera Voronova, executive director of the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of…

ASTANA – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invested 913 million euros (US$942.8 million) across 25 projects in Kazakhstan in 2024, marking a more than triple increase in its annual investments, reports the bank’s press office.  Of this, 61% of the investments went to green economy projects.  “Overall, the main factor is that…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is among the most likely candidates to host the licensing qualifying tournament in weightlifting for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, said International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) President Mohammed Hasan Jalood during his meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Jan. 17 in Astana.  The meeting was also attended by Mohamed Yousef Al…

ASTANA – Bilateral ties between Kazakhstan and Thailand are growing, with both nations showing commitment to deepen relations across trade, tourism, and culture. In an interview with The Astana Times, Chargé d’affaires at the Royal Thai Embassy in Astana Orathai Phubunlap Gunaseelan reflects on the dynamics of bilateral ties and opportunities and shares what fulfills…

ASTANA – In a wide-ranging interview on Jan. 3, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, reflecting on the dynamics of relations with Russia, China, and the United States, reported the Akorda press service.  “My primary goal is to strengthen the economic potential, sovereignty, and international standing of our state. From the very beginning of…

ASTANA—As the curtains fell on 2024, another year of global turbulence and uncertainty, Kazakhstan’s diplomacy is proving that bridges, not walls, hold the key to lasting influence. The Astana Times presents a recap of Kazakhstan’s proactive diplomacy in 2024.  Middle power that goes above This year, the idea of middle power became somewhat of a…

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the nation’s key developments in 2024 in his New Year address, saying the past year has been eventful for Kazakhstan and was “marked by important developments,” reported the Akorda press service.  “On this truly family-oriented holiday, I first and foremost wish peace and prosperity to our country and well-being…

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev directed a thorough and impartial investigation into an Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash near Aktau at a Dec. 28 meeting in Astana, reported the Akorda press service.  Opening the meeting, Tokayev once again expressed condolences to the families and friends of the people who died in the crash. Of the 62…

ASTANA – President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev thanked Kazakhstan for prompt search and rescue measures and emergency aid following the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane near Aktau in western Kazakhstan on Dec. 25, reported the Akorda press service.  In a Dec. 27 phone conversation with Aliyev, Kazakh President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev discussed the progress of…

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has emerged as a top investment destination in North and Central Asia, attracting $15.7 billion in new projects, according to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) latest report released on Dec. 25. The figure represents a 88% year-on-year increase, accounting for 63% of all investments…

ASTANA – In 2024, Kazakhstan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) celebrate 30 years of partnership. In a recent interview with The Astana Times, ADB Country Director Utsav Kumar shares key milestones and opportunities in a three-decade journey.  Kazakhstan was the first country in Central Asia to join ADB in 1994. Kumar describes the three-decade…

ASTANA—Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has approved the country’s budget for 2025-2027 on Dec. 4. The law entails budget expenditures of 25.19 trillion tenge (US$48.2 billion), an increase of nearly 7% compared to 2024 plans.  Revenue and expenditure outlook According to the new law, the 2025 budget projects revenues at 21.39 trillion tenge ($40.95 billion), primarily…