Kazakh Scholar’s Journey: From Surgeon in Semei to Japanese University VP 

ASTANA – When Serik Meirmanov was a young surgeon at the Semei Regional Hospital, involved in treating radiation-related illnesses, he could not have foreseen that his career...


AFD in Kazakhstan: Supporting Sustainable, Inclusive Development

ASTANA — The cooperation between France and Kazakhstan is entering a new phase of dynamic development, said Amélie Aubert, a regional director for Central and East Asia...


President Tokayev Addresses Global Trade Tensions During Shymkent Visit

ASTANA – During the working visit to Shymkent on April 11, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the local public, highlighting Kazakhstan’s economic resilience, the importance of unity, and...


President Tokayev Tours New Airport, Industrial Facilities in Shymkent

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid a working visit to Shymkent on April 11, where he inspected several key infrastructure and investment projects aimed at boosting...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Ties with EU and UK, Kazakhstan Airports’ Awards and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest covers Kazakhstan’s relations with the European Union and...


CIS Foreign Ministers Gather in Almaty to Deepen Ties and Launch New Initiatives

ASTANA – The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Foreign Ministers convened in Almaty on April 11 to discuss the international agenda and the current state...


What to Do This Weekend in Astana and Almaty: Top Picks for Culture Lovers

ASTANA – Take a break this weekend and recharge after a busy workweek by immersing yourself in incredible concerts, thrilling sports events, and unique cultural experiences. The...


National Bank to Keep Base Rate at 16.5 Percent

ASTANA – The monetary policy committee of the National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) has decided on April 11 to keep the base rate at 16.5%, according to...


Airports in Astana, Almaty Win Top Honors at 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards

ASTANA – Skytrax World Airport Awards 2025 recognized Kazakhstan airports in Astana and Almaty as leaders in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Central Asia. Almaty...


SCO Nations Reaffirm Commitment to Open and Fair Global Trade Ahead of Autumn Summit in China

ASTANA – The countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) support a non-discriminatory multilateral trading system, according to the organization’s statement published on April 10. “The member...


Central Asian Postal Summit in Astana Explores Fast-Growing Online Trade

ASTANA – As volumes of electronic commerce are growing at a rapid pace in Central Asia, postal operators, marketplaces, and logistics companies are racing to adapt. The...


Kazakhstan Completes Selection Process for Technology Providers for First Nuclear Power Plant

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has completed the competitive dialogue process with potential technology suppliers for the construction of its first nuclear power plant (NPP). According to the Atomic...


Kazakhstan’s Water Sector Gains Momentum at Coordination Council Meeting 

ASTANA — The second meeting of the coordination council for the development of Kazakhstan’s water sector on April 10 highlighted key advancements in sustainable water management.  The...


Kazakhstan Prepares for Oil Price Decline with Three Scenarios Amid US Tariff Pause

ASTANA – The Kazakh government has three scenarios – optimistic, baseline, and pessimistic – in case of a further decline in oil prices, Deputy Prime Minister and...


Kazakhstan Sends Second Peacekeeping Contingent to Golan Heights

ASTANA – Kazakhstan dispatched its second national peacekeeping contingent to the Golan Heights under the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) mission on April 10, reported the Defense...


Kazakhstan to Launch 19 New Air Routes to Europe, Asia, and Middle East

ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to launch 19 new air routes to Europe, Asia and the Middle East this year, Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev said at an...


Kazakhstan, Germany Reaffirm Support for Ethnic Germans and Strengthen Cultural Ties

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s support for ethnic Germans at the 21st meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) on Ethnic Germans in...


Kazakhstan Introduces Concept of Water Security into Legislation

ASTANA – For the first time, the concept of water security has been introduced into Kazakhstan’s legislation, as per the first block of amendments to the Water...


President Tokayev Sets Priorities for Kazakhstan’s Scientific Community

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined key tasks for Kazakhstan’s scientific development during a meeting with domestic scientists on April 10, ahead of Science Workers Day. At...


Tokayev Directs Government to Finalize Action Plan Amid Tariff Conflicts

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting on April 9 with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, National Bank Governor Timur Suleimenov, and other officials on the economic...


Kazakhstan and Central Asia’s Future Is in Hands and Minds of Artists, Says Award Winning Architect Asif Khan 

ASTANA – The conversation with architect and multi-disciplinary artist Asif Khan and his wife, Kazakh architect Zaure Aitayeva, took place under the white pavilions of the Islamic...


Eastar Jet Launches Direct Flights Between Almaty and Incheon

ASTANA – South Korean airline Eastar Jet launched a new direct route between Incheon and Almaty on April 7, according to the Kazakh Tourism national company. The...


“Lilo & Stitch” to Be Released in Kazakh

ASTANA – The animated film “Lilo & Stitch” will be released in Kazakh starting in May. The Walt Disney Company will present a new part of the...


Kazakhstan’s National Bank to Start Sale of Collectible Football Coins on April 11

ASTANA – The National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) has announced that starting April 11, collectible coins from the Football Clubs of Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan Football Federation collections,...


ADB Projects Kazakhstan’s Economic Growth to Remain Steady in 2025

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow at 4.9% in 2025, followed by a slight moderation to 4.1% in 2026, according to a...


Kazakhstan, EU Move Closer to Signing Visa Facilitation Agreement

ASTANA – The European Union (EU) member states have approved the mandate for the European Commission to negotiate an agreement on the facilitation of visa requirements with...


New York Photographer Wins International Award for Capturing Falconry in Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Karolina Wojtasik, a photographer from the United States, visited Kazakhstan in February for the first time and documented the ancient art of kusbegilik (the art...


Kazakhstan Advances Green Energy Cooperation

ASTANA – Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to deepening regional and international energy cooperation, developing diversified and environmentally friendly energy supply routes, including green energy initiatives, at the...


Kazakhstan Strengthens Healthcare Ties with Turkic States and WHO

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting on April 8 with the Ministers of Health from the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and Hans...


Netherlands, Kazakhstan Share Strong Foundation for Agricultural Cooperation

ASTANA – More than 40 Netherlands companies took part in the Grow Expo and Flora exhibition in the Kazakh capital on April 8-10 displaying the advanced horticultural...