Articles by Staff report

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…

Kazakhstan Surpasses Türkiye and European Nations in Digital Competitiveness Rankings

ASTANA — Kazakhstan has achieved a significant milestone in digital competitiveness, securing the 36th position among 63 countries globally, per the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2022, according to IMD’s World Competitiveness Center (WCC). The sole representative from the CIS and Central Asian region, Kazakhstan’s ranking outpaced several European, Asian,…

Kazakh Chess Prodigy Bibisara Assaubayeva Triumphs Over World Champion at Grand Swiss 2023

ASTANA — Kazakh chess prodigy Bibisara Assaubayeva emerged victorious against the esteemed Chinese player Tan Zhongyi at the Grand Swiss 2023 tournament on Oct. 31, reported Sports.kz. This formidable win propelled Assaubayeva to claim an impressive 4.5 out of 5 points, securing her place at the forefront of the competition. Notably, Tan Zhongyi holds the…

Kazakhstan to Establish Caspian Sea Research Institute

ASTANA — The Kazakh Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has developed a draft resolution to establish the Caspian Sea Research Institute, the ministry’s press service announced on Oct. 30. The institute will research environmental issues in the Caspian Sea, including declining water levels, mass mortalities of seals and fish, and preservation of the Caspian…

EU Top Official Josep Borrell Comments on EU-Kazakhstan Cooperation Priorities  

ASTANA – Stability and prosperity is the shared interest for the benefit of people in Central Asia and Europe, said European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in an interview with Kazinform published on Oct. 23, ahead of the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the five Central Asian…

Kazakhstan Extends Invitation to Foreign Media for 10th Organization of Turkic States Summit

ASTANA — The Kazakh Foreign Ministry announced that accreditation for foreign media is now officially open for the 10th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). This significant milestone event is set to take place on Nov. 3 in Astana, the ministry’s press service reported. The summit is scheduled to kick off at noon…