Articles by Nagima Abuova

ASTANA—Kazakh singer Mirkhiday Mirfarukh, known as Adam, became a sensation on social networks with his song “Zhurek” (Heart), gaining over 74 million views on YouTube and inspiring over four million TikTok clips worldwide. In an interview with The Astana Times, Adam spoke about his early life, international recognition, diverse audience, upcoming concerts, and newly acquired…

ASTANA — CodiPlay, a leading startup in educational technologies, was awarded the status of a digital public good (DPG) by the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA), supported by the UN Secretary-General, reported the Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry on June 7. This prestigious recognition makes CodiPlay the third company in Kazakhstan…

ASTANA— The Asset Recovery Committee of the Prosecutor General’s Office approved claims for the return of illegally obtained assets worth over 325 billion tenge (US$727 million), including 272 billion tenge (US$608 million) in funds. The funds will be allocated to social and economic projects, reported on June 5 the Kazakh Prosecutor General’s Office. Since 2022,…

ASTANA — The Majilis (a lower house of the Kazakh Parliament) adopted the law to ratify the agreement between Kazakhstan and China on mutual establishment of cultural centers in Astana and Beijing on June 5, reported the Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information. These cultural centers are non-profit organizations accredited by the sending country and…

ASTANA — Astana will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on July 3-4, reported Akorda press service. The heads of the SCO member states will discuss political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The leaders of the observer countries and dialogue partners are expected to participate in the event. As a founding member of the…

ASTANA—The XXXIV Asian Road Cycling Championship commenced in Almaty and will be held from June 6 to 12, reported the Kazinform news agency.  The championship program includes competitions for professional cyclists, juniors, para-athletes, and amateurs. Additionally, there will be competitions among cyclists in the Masters category.  According to the competition’s organizing committee, applications for participation…

ASTANA—Kazakhstan offers to act as a reliable logistics hub on the Eurasian transport corridors. Introducing new opportunities will boost transport and economic connectivity, reduce business costs and increase population mobility, said Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov at a meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council (EIC) in Nesvizh, Belarus, on June 3-4, reported the Prime Minister’s…

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s national oil and gas company KazMunayGas and Russia’s Lukoil have commenced the implementation of Kalamkas-Sea and Khazar projects, reported the Kazakh Ministry of Energy.  The companies established the Kalamkas-Khazar Operating joint venture as the project operator. The construction of offshore platforms will begin in 2026 at Kazakh shipyards, ensuring an early start…

ASTANA — Iman Nabiyev, an eight-year-old chess prodigy from Kostanai, winner of numerous regional and international championships, is gaining recognition on the world stage. In a recent interview with Kazinform news agency, Nabiyev’s mother, Esmira Samedova, spoke about his experience and ambitious plans for the future. Nabiyev, a member of the youth chess team of…

ASTANA — The Kazakh musical ensemble FORTE TRIO concluded their Europe Tour, which was marked by performances across prestigious European stages May 13-26, reported Qazaq Concert’s press service. FORTE TRIO, founded by pianist, professor and Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, Timur Urmancheev, unites a unique blend of violin, cello and piano. The ensemble features Maksat Dzhusupov…

ASTANA — Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Mark Rutte took part in the opening ceremony of the Amsterdam Square in Astana as part of his visit to Kazakhstan on May 28. Amsterdam Square is located along the embankment of the Akbulak River, at the intersection of Pushkin Street and Abylaikhan Avenue. Originally…

ASTANA — Given Kazakhstan’s significant mining activity which requires substantial environmental data and water resources management, a Brazilian consulting company has expanded its operations in Kazakhstan, offering hydrogeology and environmental services. Nilson Guiguer, the CEO of Water Services and Technologies and Yernat Assenov, the director of Water Services and Technologies in Kazakhstan, spoke about the…

ASTANA — Rapid economic development, population growth, and increased water consumption have accelerated environmental challenges in Kazakhstan, necessitating advanced solutions. What progress has been made since the new environmental code adoption in 2021? How effective have the solutions been? What issues remain unresolved? Kazakh Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Yerlan Nyssanbayev, discussed the environmental…

ASTANA — Award-winning Spanish writer and author of numerous historical novels on the coexistence of different cultures and religions Jesús Sánchez Adalid spoke with The Astana Times about his books and Kazakhstan’s activities to promote peace, conviviality and interreligious dialogue during his recent visit to the country’s capital.   Sánchez Adalid holds a law degree from…

ASTANA — With three months remaining until the start of the Olympic Games in Paris, Yermek Marzhikpayev, Kazakh Minister of Tourism and Sports, shared his expectations for Kazakh athletes, reported Kazinform news agency. According to the Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Kazakh athletes have secured 51 licenses. “There are still 25 licensed rating tournaments…

ASTANA — Kazakh companies presented prospective investment projects to the German business delegation during a roundtable on May 16, highlighting the nation’s investment potential and initiatives to attract foreign direct investment at the Kazakh-German center in Astana.  The event served as a networking platform, allowing participants to hold meetings with potential clients and business partners.…

ASTANA — Global challenges call for international humanitarian law reinforcement adhering to the fundamental principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence. In this landscape, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) encourages Kazakhstan to engage in the development of humanitarian law contributing to reconciliation, said Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, ICRC, Ariane Bauer…

ASTANA — The costumes made by Kazakh designer were showcased at the Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace exhibition at the historic House Museum of American President Woodrow Wilson in Washington on May 6, reported Kazinform news agency. Kazakhstan presented a women’s costume by designer and founder of the Kazakh brand Bakonya Bagdat Mailybayeva.  Mailybayeva presented a…

ASTANA — The final week of the Taza (Clean) Kazakhstan environmental campaign, which focused on clearing debris from the surroundings of water bodies such as river lakes, concluded with over 100 events clearing nearly 140 territories across all regions of Kazakhstan. The campaign, involving 1.13 million people, featured over 6,500 events since its commencement on…

ASTANA — On May 11, Kazakhstan celebrates the 120th anniversary of Alkey Margulan, a pioneer in Kazakh archaeology, scientist, and historian.  The academician dedicated a significant part of his life to the exploration of ancient nomadic monuments. In the 1960s, drawing upon his research, he hypothesized the existence of cultural and political centers within the…

ASTANA — The fourth week of the Taza (Clean) Kazakhstan environmental campaign, which focused on cleaning and landscaping the yards of elderly individuals, veterans, areas of orphanage houses, and nursing homes, concluded with nearly 800 events, helping 2,308 elderly people across all regions of Kazakhstan, reported the Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information.  In Astana,…

ASTANA — Astana Opera Theater has launched the nationwide Bala (Child) Music Fest, celebrating music and creativity for children across regions of Kazakhstan, from May 9-19, reported Astana Opera’s press service.  Bala Music Fest aims to provide a platform for young talents to explore the world of professional art, fostering creativity and supporting their musical…

ASTANA — According to the Bureau of National Statistics, the number of outbound tourists in Kazakhstan reached 10.5 million people in 2023. The tourism industry experts shed light on the evolving landscape of travel preferences among Kazakh tourists, at the recent international exhibition KITF 2024 in Almaty, reported Kazinform news agency.  According to Inna Ray,…

ASTANA — The Kazakh short film “Strawberry Princess” by Iliyas Antar Akhmet won two awards for Best Short Film and Best Actor at the Pápa International Historical Film Festival in Hungary on April 28, said Andrey Manuilov, promotion producer at Alternativa Film Project in Central Asia, reported Forbes.kz. “This is Kazakhstan’s first participation in our…

ASTANA — Turkish Cargo announced the launch of cargo flights between Istanbul and Turkistan, reported the Turkistan Region akimat (administration) on May 4. The first Airbus 330-200 departed from Rome and arrived in Turkistan via Türkiye. It brought 37 tons of cargo, mainly containing clothes.  The cargo flight is scheduled twice weekly, on Wednesdays and…