Kazakhstan, Vietnam Seek to Double Trade, Expand Logistics and Launch New Flights
ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin met with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh on Feb. 3 to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation, with a focus on doubling trade turnover, strengthening transport connectivity, and expanding investment partnerships. Kazakhstan and Vietnam have steadily developed political dialogue and intergovernmental and…
Kazakhstan, Türkiye Deepen Strategic Partnership at Planning Group Meeting in Ankara
ASTANA – Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan reaffirmed their countries’ enhanced strategic partnership during the eighth meeting of the Kazakhstan–Türkiye joint strategic planning group, held on Feb. 2 in Ankara, focusing on expanding trade, investment, and coordination within the Turkic world. The talks covered a wide range of bilateral…
Kazakhstan Approves Construction of Second Nuclear Power Plant in Almaty Region
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s second nuclear power plant will be constructed in the Zhambyl District of the Almaty Region, following a decision adopted by the government on Jan. 26. The decision was formalized by a government resolution No. 40, signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. The first nuclear power plant is planned for construction in the…
Tokayev Hails Rising Civic Engagement Across Kazakhstan at Volunteers Forum
ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the growing civic engagement of citizens, the vital role of youth and human capital, and the public’s central role in constitutional reform, describing these pillars as essential to building a just, safe, and forward-looking Kazakhstan amid global uncertainty during the Jan. 30 Volunteers Forum. “Kazakhstan supports the desire of…
Rybakina Climbs to World No. 3 After Reaching Australian Open Final, Nurlanuly Makes History in Juniors
ASTANA – Elena Rybakina rose to third in the WTA world rankings after advancing to the final of the 2026 Australian Open, marking the third Grand Slam final of her career. In the semifinals on Jan. 29, the 26-year-old defeated American Jessica Pegula in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (9-7), securing her place in the championship…
EDB Moves Deeper Into Gulf Markets With UAE Dirham Bond on ADX
ASTANA — The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has appointed BHM Capital as lead manager for its upcoming UAE Dirham-denominated bond issuance, which will be listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). The bond aims to expand local-currency funding options, offer investors exposure to the multilateral development bank, and finance high-impact projects across Central Asia,…
Almaty Chemistry Teacher Makes Global Top 50 List
ASTANA – Tatyana Beloussova, a chemistry teacher at school-lyceum No. 95 in Almaty, has been named among the world’s top 50 teachers in the 2025-2026 Global Teacher Prize international competition. According to the Almaty Akimat (administration), Beloussova is a master teacher and a recipient of the 2024 honorary title, Teacher of Kazakhstan. Her candidacy went…
Kazakhstan, Mongolia Reaffirm Commitment to Boost Trade to $500 Million
ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Mongolia reaffirmed their commitment to increasing bilateral trade turnover to $500 million, as Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin met with Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Khassuuri Gankhuyag on Jan. 24. Zhumangarin described Mongolia as an important partner for Kazakhstan in the Asian region, noting that bilateral…
CPC Resumes Normal Operations After Attack, Completes CPC-3 Repairs
ASTANA – The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) announced on Jan. 25 that repairs to the CPC-3 single-point mooring (SPM) at its marine terminal were completed. As part of the scheduled maintenance, the subsea hoses and subsea sleeves were partially replaced. On Jan. 21, hydrotesting of the SPM’s cargo system was carried out, divers opened the…
News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Political Reforms, Global Role, and Economic Development
ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s digest covers the country’s growing diplomatic profile, major political reforms, investments in healthcare and industry, and Kazakhstan’s strategic importance in global trade and regional security. Kazakhstan joins Donald Trump’s Board of Peace as one of 19 founding countries Kazakhstan…
Afghanistan Sends Gold to Uzbekistan for Processing, Boosting Regional Industry
ASTANA – Afghanistan has sent 20 kilograms of raw gold, valued at $2.9 million, to Uzbekistan’s Surkhandarya region for processing. Termiz Gold Production, a jewelry manufacturing company based in the Termez International Trade Center free economic zone, has begun processing the imported gold. The project is expected to boost regional industrial capacity, advance the jewelry…
PACE Adopts Declaration Supporting Kazakhstan’s Democratic Reforms and Regional Leadership
ASTANA – The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a written declaration, entitled Support for Kazakhstan’s Democratic Reforms and Regional Leadership, on Jan. 19 in Strasbourg. The British parliamentarian Michael German, a member of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, authored the document. The declaration was signed by 21 parliamentarians,…
Kazakh Energy Ministry Takes Control of Investigation Into Tengiz Production Disruption
ASTANA – The Kazakh Energy Ministry has established a special commission to investigate a technological disruption that occurred on Jan. 18 at the Tengiz oil field, with Deputy Energy Minister Kaiyrkhan Tutkyshbayev on site to monitor the situation and coordinate with the operator. The commission includes representatives of the territorial department of the State Energy…
Almaty Featured Among World’s Top Five Mountain Cities by Spain’s Viajar Magazine
ASTANA – Viajar, a leading Spanish travel magazine, has included Almaty among the world’s five mountain cities where skiing is within easy reach of the urban experience, highlighting its rare blend of alpine landscapes, winter sports, culture, and city life. The publication features Almaty alongside destinations such as Innsbruck (Austria), Chamonix (France), Whistler (Canada), and…
Kazakhstan, UK Universities Launch New Partnership in Bronze Age Archaeology
ASTANA – Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University (EKTU) and the Institute of Archaeology at University College London (UCL) have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen long-term cooperation in archaeological and archaeometallurgical research. The agreement was signed at the Bett Show UK 2026 international educational technology exhibition. The memorandum was signed by EKTU Rector Saule…
Kazakhstan’s Documentary Shows How Autism Support Builds Stronger Communities
ASTANA — Small acts of support can open new opportunities for children with autism and bring relief to their families. On Jan. 15, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation presented the documentary “Aut,” directed by Kanat Beisekeyev, which highlights the impact of sport, trust, and human connection. The film follows children with autism in Astana who…
Kazakhstan Completes Four-Year Olympic Cycle, Spends $26 Million
ASTANA – Kazakhstan is completing its four-year Olympic cycle in winter sports, investing 13.3 billion tenge (US$26 million) to ensure full preparation of national teams and participation in all key qualifying competitions ahead of the Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026. The final stage of the cycle will be the national team’s participation in the…
Astana Prepares for Epiphany Bathing Celebrations on Jan. 18-19
ASTANA – Orthodox churches in Kazakhstan’s capital will celebrate Epiphany on January 18-19, with traditional ice-hole bathing organized at the Astana’s Capital Park embankment. Four ice holes will be equipped for the event, with bathing open from 8.00 p.m. to 2.00 a.m. on Sunday and from 8.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. on Monday. Rescuers, police…
Astana to Host Regional Ecological Summit 2026 This April
ASTANA – The Regional Ecological Summit (RES) 2026 will take place on April 22-24 bringing together around 1,500 participants from government bodies across the region, international organizations, development institutions, experts, businesses and civil society, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. The forum seeks to address regional solutions to climate and environmental challenges…
Kazakh President Reviews 2025 Financial Market Results, Sets Goals for Lending and Stability
ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Jan. 15 received Madina Abylkasymova, chairperson of the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market, to review 2025 results and outline priorities for 2026, including financial stability, increased business lending, and consumer protection. Abylkasymova reported that Kazakhstan’s banking sector remained stable, with assets rising 11% to 68.3…
Kazakhstan, Iran Discuss Expanding Cooperation in Trade, Transport and Logistics
ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Iran discussed expanding cooperation in trade, transport, and logistics during meetings between senior foreign ministry officials on Jan. 15. Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakayev met with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi to review a broad range of matters on the bilateral agenda. The talks covered strengthening political dialogue, deepening…
AIIB to Lend $150 Million for Almaty Railway Bypass Project
ASTANA — The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will lend $150 million to support the Almaty Railway Bypass Project, a landmark investment aimed at strengthening freight efficiency, urban mobility and regional connectivity in Kazakhstan. The financing is provided to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) under a nonsovereign structure. As part of a broader financing package, the…
Kazakh Foreign Ministry Releases Statement on Incidents Involving Tankers in Black Sea
ASTANA — The Kazakh Foreign Ministry has released a statement on Jan. 14, addressing recent incidents involving tankers en route to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) marine terminal in the Black Sea. The ministry expressed serious concern over attacks carried out on Jan. 13 by unmanned aerial vehicles against three tankers bound for the CPC…
Kazakhstan Sets Record in Grain Exports in 2025
ASTANA — In 2025, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) transported a record 11 million tons of grain for export, the highest in the past decade, contributing to a total rail shipment volume of 14.3 million tons, up 31% from 2024. Domestic shipments also increased, rising 26% to more than 3.3 million tons. Shipments to Central Asian…
Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva Rises to Third in FIDE World Blitz Rankings
ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva rose to third place in the latest FIDE women’s world blitz rankings following her triumph at the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Blitz Chess Championship on Dec. 30 in Qatar. Her victory improved her ranking by five positions, placing her just behind top-ranked Hou Yifan and second-ranked Ju Wenjun of China.…
