Kazakhstan and Russia Adopt Joint Statement Outlining Seven Pillars of Friendship and Cooperation

ASTANA – President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Russia Vladimir Putin adopted a joint statement on May 28 outlining seven key pillars of bilateral friendship...


Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Power Plant Project Estimated at $16.5 Billion

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Russia have signed an agreement outlining the main terms of cooperation and financing for the construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant, a...


Kazakhstan Looks to Deepen Trade Ties With Thailand at THAIFEX 2026

BANGKOK – Kazakhstan is seeking to expand its trade footprint in Southeast Asia through broader participation in regional food and consumer goods markets, as Kazakh products are...


Tokayev, Putin Sign Seven Principles of Friendship Declaration, Expand Kazakhstan-Russia Cooperation

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Vladimir Putin signed a joint declaration titled On the Seven Principles of Friendship and Good Neighborliness Between Kazakhstan and Russia...


Dimash’s Birthday Marked by Charity Campaign in Times Square

ASTANA – Fans of Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen gathered in Times Square to celebrate the artist’s 32nd birthday, lighting up iconic LED screens in the heart of...


Kazakhstan Expands Gas Partnership With Russia to Boost Eurasian Energy Hub Role

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is strengthening its position as a key energy and transit hub in Eurasia through expanded gas cooperation with Russia, focusing on infrastructure modernization, regional...


Remembering Yestai Berkimbayev: Voice Behind One of Kazakhstan’s Greatest Love Songs

ALMATY – On May 28, Kazakhstan commemorates the birthday of Yestai Berkimbayev — the legendary akyn (improvisational poet), singer and composer whose music became an enduring part...


Tokayev, IAEA Chief Deepen Nuclear Cooperation Amid Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Push

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to nuclear safety, non-proliferation, and the peaceful use...


Tokayev Meets China’s Top Legislator as Kazakhstan-China Ties Gain Momentum

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said trade between Kazakhstan and China reached a record $49 billion as he met with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the...


Media Accreditation Opens for AI & Digital Bridge 2026 in Kazakh Capital

ASTANA – Media accreditation is now open for the International IT Forum AI & Digital Bridge 2026, to be held on Oct. 1-3. The deadline for applications...


Officials Detail Special Legal Regime for Alatau, Kazakhstan’s Charter City 

ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to transform Alatau into a regional technology and investment hub under a newly adopted special legal regime that will give the city broader...


Third Time is the Сharm: 2026 NPT Review Conference Ends without Consensus, Again

The month-long 11th Review Conference to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty concluded without a consensus-based outcome document on May 22, continuing the weight of two prior “failed” attempts...


Kazakhstan Prioritizes Tourism Growth, Backs Almaty Superski Project

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is intensifying efforts to develop tourism as a strategic sector of the economy, with officials highlighting the need for modern, environmentally responsible infrastructure and...


Vinokurov Rides 2026 Vuelta Opening Stage Course in Monaco Preview Event

ASTANA – Kazakh cycling legend Alexander Vinokurov took part in a ceremonial ride of the opening stage course of the 2026 Vuelta a España in Monaco, joining...


Bloomberg: Middle East Tensions Drive China-Europe Trade Through Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s national railway operator is expanding rail lines, ports and cargo capacity as companies seek more reliable land routes between China and Europe amid escalating...


Kazakhstan Expands Direct Flights to Prague, Hanoi, Izmir, and Baku

ASTANA – Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet has announced the launch of new direct flights from Almaty to Hanoi and Prague, marking the airline’s entry into the European...


Kazakhstan Launches $100 Million Green Copper Plant Project in Aktobe 

ASTANA – Construction has officially begun on the Eurasian Integrated Green Copper Industry Plant in the Aktobe Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on May 25, a $100 million...


Kazakhstan Approves $71 Million Biopharmaceutical Plant in Almaty Region

ALMATY – Kazakh government has approved the construction of a 32.5 billion tenge (US$71 million) full-cycle biopharmaceutical plant in the Alatau Special Economic Zone as part of...


Kazakh Opera Finds New Voice in ‘Appaq, the Qypshaq Daughter’

ASTANA— “Appaq, the Qypshaq Daughter” premiered at Astana Opera on May 21–22, reflecting a large-scale addition to the country’s modern operatic repertoire. Dedicated to the 35th anniversary...


Kazakhstan, Thailand Seek to Expand Trade, Investment Ties at Bangkok Business Forum

BANGKOK – Government officials and business leaders from Kazakhstan and Thailand met in Bangkok on May 25 to explore new opportunities in trade, investment and tourism cooperation,...


Kazakhstan Prepares Infrastructure for Global AI Companies and Hyperscalers

ALMATY – Kazakhstan is accelerating preparations for its Data Center Valley project aimed at attracting global AI companies, hyperscalers and cloud computing leaders, with the industrial city...


Kazakh Emergency Responders Arrive in Tajikistan for International Disaster Response Drills

ALMATY – Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan rescuers have arrived in Tajikistan to participate in multinational emergency response exercises focused on earthquake response and climate-related risks,...


Astana Selected to Host 2026 Wrestling World Championship

ALMATY – United World Wrestling (UWW) has officially confirmed Astana as the host city for the 2026 Wrestling World Championships, reported the Kazakhstan’s National Olympic Committee on...


Russian President Putin to Pay State Visit to Kazakhstan This Week

ALMATY – Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to Kazakhstan from May 27 to 29 at the invitation of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reported the Akorda....


More Than 60 Countries Confirm Participation in 2026 World Nomad Games in Kyrgyz Republic

ALMATY – More than 60 countries have officially confirmed their participation in the sixth World Nomad Games, which will take place in the Kyrgyz Republic from Aug....


Canada Welcomes the World: The FIFA World Cup 2026

World Football Day at the United Nations on May 25 underscores a compelling reality: the FIFA World Cup 2026™ stands as a powerful testament to what countries...


Almaty Climbers Push for Safer Mountain Tourism as Interest in Hiking Surges

ALMATY – As interest in mountain tourism around Almaty continues to grow, rescuers, tourism officials and mountaineers are raising concerns about the increasing number of unprepared hikers...


How Great Steppe Stayed Connected Before Modern Technology

ASTANA – Long before the internet and instant messaging, information played a crucial role in the lives of nomadic communities across the steppe. News, military intelligence, trade...


Kazakhstan Restores Endangered Bukhara Deer Population

ASTANA – The Syrdarya-Turkistan State Regional Natural Park in southern Kazakhstan has become the country’s only site for restoring the endangered Bukhara deer population. Reintroduction efforts began...


Kazakh PM Bektenov Joins CIS Meeting in Ashgabat

ASTANA – Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov participated in a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in...


Kazakhstan Strengthens Caspian Emergency Response Infrastructure

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is strengthening its maritime emergency response and environmental safety infrastructure in the Caspian Sea as falling water levels increase pressure on regional navigation and...


Almaty Conference Marks Century Since Landmark Turkological Congress

ASTANA – Scholars from across the Turkic world gathered in Almaty on May 21-22 for a major international conference marking the 100th anniversary of the historic 1926...


Kazakhstan, Japan Foster Smart Technology and Green Energy Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Japan are expanding cooperation in digitalization, green technologies, and urban development following Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike’s visit to Astana ahead of the 10th...


Government Reports on National Budget Implementation

ASTANA — Deputies of the Mazhilis, a lower chamber of the Kazakh Parliament, reviewed government and audit reports on the implementation of Kazakhstan’s 2025 national budget, raising...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Turkic Diplomacy, Kenya Partnership, and Golden Horde Legacy

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected a roundup of articles on Kazakhstan featured in international media this week. Today’s foreign media digest highlights Kazakhstan’s evolving role...


Kazakhstan, Smithsonian Institution to Deepen Museum and Cultural Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the Smithsonian Institution will strengthen cooperation in museum studies, cultural heritage preservation, and professional training following talks on May 20 between Kazakh and...


Your Guide to Mid-May Cultural Highlights

ASTANA – The upcoming weekend features a mix of classical stage productions, major sporting events and contemporary gatherings, offering something for every interest. Explore the curated list...


Kazakhstan Pushes Islamic Finance Into New Growth Phase

ASTANA – The Islamic Finance and Business Forum took place in the Kazakh capital on May 21, bringing together international regulators, investors, business leaders, Shariah advisers and...


KASE Becomes Kazakhstan’s First Registered Digital Asset Platform Operator

ASTANA –  The Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) has received the status of the country’s first digital asset platform operator, according to its May 20 press statement.  The...


Kazakhstan-Norway Business Relations Gain Momentum Amid Rising Trade

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Norway took a step toward deepening economic cooperation on May 21 as government officials and business leaders gathered in Astana for the second...


Air Taxi Routes Between Alatau, Almaty and Konayev Could Launch in 2027

ALMATY – Kazakhstan could launch passenger and cargo air taxi services between Alatau, Almaty and Konayev as early as 2027, as the country moves forward with testing...


Kazakhstan Targets $4.5 Billion in Local Content Ahead of Nuclear Plant Construction

ALMATY – Kazakhstan aims to increase domestic participation in its future nuclear power industry to 30% before construction begins on the country’s planned nuclear power plants, a...


Kazakhstan Pushes UNESCO Recognition for Golden Horde Legacy and Ancient Silk Road Sites

ALMATY – As part of the international symposium on Golden Horde, held in Astana on May 19–20 under the auspices of UNESCO, Kazakhstan advanced new UNESCO bids...


Kazakhstan Expands Safety, Transport and Resort Infrastructure Ahead of Summer Tourism Season

ALMATY – Kazakhstan is preparing for a busy summer tourism season with upgraded airports, new transport links, expanded beach infrastructure and increased safety measures across the country’s...


Kazakhstan, Kenya Seek Direct Flights and New Trade Corridor Linking Central Asia and East Africa

ALMATY – Nearly 85% of all overland cargo traffic between China and Europe passes through Kazakhstan, and now Astana is looking further south toward Africa. During the...


NPT Nuclear Talks Enter Final Stretch in New York

ASTANA — Delegates from from more than 190 countries gathered at the United Nations headquarters in New York on April 27 for the 2026 Review Conference of...


Almaty Exhibition Explores Climate Change Through Stories of Kazakhstan’s Rivers

ALMATY – Rivers in Kazakhstan became both witnesses and storytellers in “When the River Speaks,” a multimedia exhibition that ran from May 9 to 18 in Almaty,...


Dimash Kudaibergen Visits Rohingya Cultural Center During UN Humanitarian Mission in Bangladesh

ASTANA – Kazakh singer and UN Migration Goodwill Ambassador Dimash Kudaibergen visited camps for displaced people in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, on May 18 as part of a...


International Atomic Energy Agency Chief to Visit Kazakhstan 

ASTANA — Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, will visit Kazakhstan on May 25-27 for high-level talks focused on nuclear energy cooperation, said...


Kazakhstan and Kenya Chart New Path for Interregional Cooperation 

ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Kenya have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and humanitarian areas during  talks between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President William Ruto...


Kazakhstan Parliament Adopts Constitutional Law Package to Advance Reform Agenda

ASTANA — Kazakhstan has adopted a package of constitutional laws aimed at strengthening its updated legal framework and advancing ongoing constitutional reform following a joint session of...


Kazakhstan Breaks New Ground at World Health Assembly

ASTANA — Kazakhstan has chaired Committee A of the World Health Assembly (WHA) for the first time, reflecting its increasingly active role in shaping the global health...


Kazakhstan Deploys Third Peacekeeping Contingent to UN Mission on Golan Heights

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has deployed its third national peacekeeping contingent to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) mission on the Golan Heights, underscoring the country’s expanding...


Kazakhstan Plans Aerotaxis, Biometric Boarding and AI Cargo Systems in Aviation Push

ALMATY – Kazakhstan is preparing to introduce aerotaxis, biometric passenger identification and artificial intelligence-powered cargo systems as part of a digital transformation of the country’s aviation sector,...


UN Goodwill Ambassador Dimash Qudaibergen Visits Bangladesh on Humanitarian Mission

ALMATY – Kazakh singer and Global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) Dimash Qudaibergen arrived in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, on May 17...


Almaty Museums Stay Open Late to Celebrate International Museum Day

ALMATY — Nearly 17,000 people attended the museum events in Almaty as part of the annual Night at the Museum cultural campaign marking the International Museum Day,...


Tokayev Urges New Look at Golden Horde’s Role in Shaping Eurasia

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described the Golden Horde as one of the largest political powers in Eurasian history and urged scholars to study its legacy objectively...


Balanced Vision of Turkic Cooperation

Kazakhstan’s hosting of the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Turkistan signalled that Kazakhstan is not only a committed member of the Turkic...


Kazakhstan Targets Direct Flights to New York and Tokyo as Aviation Sector Expands

ALMATY – Kazakhstan plans to launch direct flights from Astana to Tokyo by the end of 2026 and to New York in 2027 as part of a...


More Than 84% of Kazakh Citizens Say Country Is Moving in Positive Direction, Survey Finds

ALMATY – A large majority of Kazakh citizens positively assess the country’s current direction of development, according to a new nationwide survey commissioned by the Kazakhstan Institute...


Kazakhstan Showcases AI-Driven Urban Development at UN World Urban Forum in Baku

ALMATY – Kazakhstan presented its vision for sustainable, technology-driven urban development at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Baku held on May 17-22,...


Kazakhstan Among Global Leaders in Investment Activity, Advances High-Growth Strategy

ALMATY – Kazakhstan has entered the group of countries with high levels of investment activity, according to World Bank indicators presented by government officials this week, as...


Kazakhstan’s Coal Reserves to Sustain Production for Over 300 Years

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s vast coal reserves, estimated at 33.6 billion tons, are expected to support production for more than three centuries, as the country boosts output, expands...


Chinese Investment in Eurasia Hits Record $66 Billion, with Central Asia Leading Growth

ASTANA – China’s accumulated foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Eurasian region has reached a record $66 billion, marking a 13% increase over 2024-2025, according to a...


Central Asia and China Strengthen Coordination on Regional Security, Cybercrime

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with the interior and public security ministers from China and Central Asian countries on May 18 to discuss strengthening regional cooperation...


Kazakhstan Foreign Trade Strengthens on Rising Exports and Industrial Imports

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s foreign trade turnover increased to $32.9 billion in January-March, supported by rising exports, stronger non-resource shipments, and higher imports of industrial and investment goods....


PGL Astana 2026 Puts Kazakhstan on Global Esports Spotlight

ASTANA – PGL Astana 2026 turned Kazakhstan’s capital into one of the global centers of competitive gaming in May, as thousands of esports fans and top-tier Counter-Strike...


Kazakhstan Sees Later Marriages and More Equal Partnerships, Study Finds

ALMATY – Family remains one of the strongest and most stable values in Kazakh society despite gradual demographic and social changes, according to a new study covering...


Tokayev Launches Astana LRT, Becomes First Passenger on Capital’s New Rail System

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev officially launched Astana’s long-awaited Light Rail Transit (LRT) system on May 16, becoming its first passenger and marking a major milestone in...


Kazakhstan Unveils Landmark Artificial Rainfall Initiative to Tackle Water Scarcity

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has launched Central Asia’s first artificial rainfall enhancement project, marking a major step in the country’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience and protect agricultural...


Kazakhstan Delivers 30 Wagons of Humanitarian Aid to Iran

ASTANA — Kazakhstan has delivered humanitarian assistance to Iran through the Kazakhstan Agency of International Development (KazAID) on May 16. The humanitarian initiative was implemented in cooperation...


From Street Walls to Global Art: Banksy’s Graffiti Revolution Arrives in Astana

ASTANA – What starts as rebellion on city walls might become cultural history in museums. A large multimedia exhibition, titled “Banksy. Genius or Vandal?” honoring the world’s...


Central Asia Ramps Up Renewables as Global Capacity Reaches Record High in 2025

ALMATY – Central Asian countries recorded a notable growth in renewable energy capacity in 2025, as global installations surged by a record 692 gigawatts (GW), according to...


Batyrkhan Shukenov: Voice That Taught Us What Home Means

There are songs that don’t just become popular. Instead, they settle into the bloodstream of a country. Over time, they stop belonging to the artist and start...


British Director Captures Life of Central Asian Tortoise in One of World’s Harshest Landscapes

ASTANA – Would you spend nearly two weeks following one of the slowest creatures on Earth? British director Saxon Bosworth did exactly that, traveling to the Ustyurt...


Kazakhstan Showcases Contemporary Steppe Identity at Venice Biennale

ASTANA – Kazakhstan presented its national pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia on May 9 with the exhibition project “Qoñyr: Archive...


Young Kazakhs to Study Tien Shan Glaciers in Research Expedition 

ASTANA — A new British-Kazakh initiative will send 15 university students to the Tien Shan mountains in July and August to conduct glaciological research, as glaciers –...


Kazakhstan Seen as Regional Leader in Sustainable Development, UN Expert Says

ALMATY — Kazakhstan has the potential to become a regional model for inclusive and sustainable development, according to a United Nations expert, who praised the country’s economic...


Almaty Mountain Cluster Project Aims to Redefine Tourism in Central Asia

ALMATY – Kazakhstan is moving forward with plans to transform Almaty into Central Asia’s leading year-round mountain tourism hub through the development of the Almaty mountain cluster...


Tokayev Urges Greater Turkic Cooperation as Global Uncertainty Grows

ALMATY — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev rejected claims that the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is evolving into a geopolitical or military alliance, emphasizing instead that the organization...


Kazakhstan and Türkiye Recast Their Eurasian Role

ASTANA – When Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in Astana this week, the language of brotherhood between Kazakhstan and Türkiye sounded different. It was no longer centered on...


Tokayev Proposes Turkic AI Network and Digital Integration at Turkic States Summit

ALMATY – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed creating a network of artificial intelligence centers, a joint Turkic IT hub and a unified digital platform for Turkic history and...


Sound, Stage and Sport: Weekend Lineup of Experiences

ASTANA – This weekend in Astana and Almaty promises a dynamic mix of theater productions, live music, sports events and large-scale performances. Whether you are looking for...


Kazakhstan to Issue Limited-Edition Coin Celebrating Golden Horde Legacy

ALMATY – The National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) announced the release of a new 2,000-tenge (US$4.25) collectible coin titled ALTYN ORDA, dedicated to the historical legacy of...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Middle Corridor, Türkiye-Kazakhstan Cooperation and Migration Reforms

ASTANA – The Astana Times has made a selection of articles on Kazakhstan featured in international media worldwide this week. Today’s foreign media digest covers the growing...


Kazakhstan to Become First Central Asian Country to Launch Artificial Rain Project

ALMATY – Kazakhstan will become the first country in Central Asia to begin the practical use of artificial rain technologies as part of a new water security...


Jackie Chan Hints at More Kazakhstan Projects as ‘Armor of God: Ultimatum’ Begins Filming

ALMATY – Jackie Chan said the upcoming film “Armor of God: Ultimatum” will mark the beginning of broader creative cooperation with Kazakhstan as production prepares to launch...


Kazakhstan Takes Over Chairmanship of Islamic Food Security Organization at General Assembly in Astana

ASTANA – Kazakhstan officially assumed the chairmanship of the seventh General Assembly of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) during a session held in Astana on...


Tokayev, Erdoğan Highlight AI, Logistics and Industrial Cooperation at Kazakh-Turkish Business Forum

ASTANA – Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the Kazakh-Turkish business forum on May 14, where they emphasized expanding bilateral cooperation in industry, transport, agriculture, pharmaceuticals...


Kazakhstan and Türkiye Deepen Strategic Ties as Trade and Transit Ambitions Grow

ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Türkiye signed the Declaration on Eternal Friendship and Expanded Strategic Partnership on May 14 as the two countries moved to deepen trade, investment...


From Education to Energy: Kazakhstan and Türkiye Expand Strategic Partnership Through New Agreements

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan participated via videoconference in the opening ceremony of the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi School in Türkiye and reviewed...


Kazakhstan and Türkiye Strengthen Strategic Alliance, Target $15 Billion in Trade

ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reaffirmed the strong strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Türkiye during the May 14 high-level talks, where the...


First Batch of German Breeding Cattle Arrives as Kazakhstan Expands Dairy Sector

ASTANA – The first batch of German breeding cattle has arrived in Kazakhstan’s Akmola Region as part of a major dairy industry expansion project that includes the...


Azerbaijani Oil Tanker Arrives in Japan Amid Strait of Hormuz Concerns

ASTANA — A tanker carrying crude oil from Azerbaijan has arrived in Japan for the first time since tensions around Iran escalated, as Tokyo seeks to diversify...


Kazakhstan’s Chess Rise Takes Center Stage at KazChess Awards

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s rise in the global chess world took center stage in Astana on May 12 as the country honored its top players, coaches and educators...


Kazakhstan Leads Central Asia in Women, Peace and Security Ranking

ALMATY – Kazakhstan ranked highest among Central Asian countries in the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Index 2025/26, placing 72nd out of 181 countries globally with a...


Kazakhstan to Ban Storage of Foreign Radioactive Waste

ALMATY – Kazakhstan’s lower chamber of parliament, the Mazhilis, approved in the first reading a draft law on radioactive waste management that would establish a national operator...


Turkic Business Forum Focuses on Investment, AI and Regional Connectivity in Astana

ALMATY – Representatives of governments, financial institutions and business communities from member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) gathered on May 13 in Astana to...


Kazakhstan Turns Into Net Ice Cream Exporter 

ALMATY – Kazakhstan became a net exporter of ice cream for the first time in 2025, as domestic production and exports reached record levels, reflecting the rapid...


Kazakhstan’s Rail Freight Falls Since January as Road Transport Expands

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s rail and pipeline freight transport declined in the first four months of 2026, while road, air and maritime transport posted growth, according to data...