European Council Appoints New EU Representative for Central Asia

ASTANA – The Council of the European Union (EU) appointed Eduards Stiprais as Central Asia’s new EU Special Representative (EUSR) on Feb. 24. According to the council’s...


Kazakhstan to Develop Joint Satellites with Mongolia and Congo

ASTANA – Kazakhstan Garysh Sapary national space company has signed agreements with Mongolia and Congo to develop joint satellites, Kazinform reported on Feb. 24, citing the Ministry...


Asif Khan’s Vision: Transforming Almaty’s Tselinny Cinema into Cultural Landmark

ASTANA — In the heart of Almaty, British architect Asif Khan has reimagined a Soviet-era cinema into a multifunctional venue for contemporary art and cultural exchange. Set...


Kazakhstan’s Ile-Balkhash Reserve May Soon See Birth of Turan Tiger Cubs (Video)

ASTANA – Turan tigers Bogdan and Kuma, who arrived from the Netherlands in September 2024, have started mating at the Ile-Balkhash Reserve in Kazakhstan.  This marks a...


Kazakhstan’s Initiative Offers Business Opportunities for Ethnic Kazakhs Oversees

ASTANA — Since July 2023, Kazakhstan has introduced the Ata Zholy (the path of the ancestors in Kazakh) card for ethnic Kazakhs living abroad, providing simplified entry...


UK Businessman Talks Opportunities in Infrastructure Cooperation with Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The United Kingdom sees Kazakhstan as a partner in driving sustainable infrastructure growth, with British companies ready to bring their expertise to support the country’s...


Astana Mayor Highlights Efforts to Strengthen Food Security, Support Investment Projects

ASTANA — The Kazakh capital plans to launch 55 investment projects this year, according to Akim (Mayor) Zhenis Kassymbek.  On his Instagram page, Kassymbek discussed ongoing initiatives...


SCO Legal Framework Updates Take Center Stage at Beijing Meeting 

ASTANA — Updating the legal framework took center stage at the regular meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of National Coordinators, chaired by China and...


Kazakhstan Participates in Mother Language Day at UNESCO

ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s permanent delegation to UNESCO participated in events dedicated to the International Mother Language Day at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, annually commemorated worldwide on Feb....


Kazakhstan, Nigeria Explore Opportunities to Expand Bilateral Cooperation 

ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Nigeria held a business conference in Abuja, aiming to strengthen trade, economic ties and explore strategic partnerships across sectors such as agriculture, digitalization,...


Travel Duo Shares Stories of Kazakhstan’s Beauty and Hospitality

ASTANA – A traveling couple from the United Kingdom, Silke and Kieran, are captivated by Kazakhstan’s diverse nature, vibrant cities and the unmatched hospitality of local people....


Every City Has Story: How Kazakh Cities Convey Nation’s Rich Heritage

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s cities are more than just points on a map; their names carry deep historical, cultural, and linguistic significance. Kyzdarkhan Rysbergen, doctor of philology, sheds...


S&P Affirms Kazakhstan’s Credit Rating with Stable Outlook Amid Fiscal Pressures

ASTANA – S&P Global Ratings has affirmed Kazakhstan’s long-term sovereign credit rating at ‘BBB-’ and short-term rating at ‘A-3,’ maintaining a stable outlook despite rising fiscal pressures. ...


Almaty to Open Visitor Center in Tuyuk-Su Tract

ASTANA – A modern visitor center will be opened in the Tuyuk-Su tract, Almaty, the city administration’s press service reported on Feb. 12. The center, estimated to...


Steve Barakatt to Perform at Astana Opera on International Women’s Day

ASTANA – Steve Barakatt, the world-renowned composer and pianist, will perform at Astana Opera on March 8 in celebration of International Women’s Day, announced the theatre’s press...


Almaty Unveils Exhibition on Golden Horde’s Legacy

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Central State Museum in Almaty unveiled an exhibition on Feb. 20 aimed at promoting the country as the successor of the Golden Horde empire...


Fun Things to Do in Astana and Almaty Before February Ends

ASTANA – This week is packed with thrilling events, from vibrant ballets to exciting hockey matches. Dive into the excitement and enjoy an unforgettable time filled with...


Sanremo Junior Kazakhstan Final to Select Winner for Italy Competition

ASTANA – The final of the Sanremo Junior Kazakhstan children’s competition will take place on Feb. 22 in Aktobe, where a grand prix winner will be chosen...


Deputy Minister Reveals One Place in Kazakhstan That Will Take Your Breath Away

ASTANA – Towering limestone cliffs, endless horizons, and surreal landscapes – Bozzhyra is a sight to behold. Located in the Mangystau Region, this natural wonder is the...


Kazakh Airlines to Launch New Flights to Georgia and China in May

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s airline Air Astana plans to launch direct flights from Atyrau in the western part of the country to Tbilisi, Georgia, on May 27, reported...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Dimash Qudaibergen, Kazakhstan-Jordan Ties, Middle Corridor and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest highlights Kazakhstan-Jordan cooperation, the Middle Corridor, Dimash Qudaibergen’s...


Kazakh Ministry Submits Tax Code Amendments to Parliament, Proposing 16% VAT

ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of National Economy submitted a package of amendments to the draft Tax Code to the Mazhilis, a lower house of Parliament, on...


Tokayev Orders Stricter Industrial Safety After Fatal Mine Collapse

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev condemned the unacceptable state of labor safety following the Feb. 17 mine collapse at Kazakhmys corporation in the Ulytau Region, reported Akorda....


Hungarian Minister Unveils Nuclear, Oil, and Agricultural Projects with Kazakhstan

ASTANA – Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó outlined plans for deepening economic ties with Kazakhstan in a Feb. 17 interview with Kazinform news...


Kazakhstan Strengthens Transit Network with Strategic Cargo Terminals

ASTANA — Kazakhstan is expanding its global transport and transit network by developing new terminals at key international cargo hubs. Projects are underway in countries like Azerbaijan,...


Kazakhstan Ramps Up Investment Push

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov convened a meeting on Feb. 20 to assess the progress on boosting investments in the country’s economy.  The meeting’s main...


Kazakhstan Plans to Expand Air Transport Network

ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to increase its aircraft fleet from 104 to 221 by 2030 and expand its international routes from 119 to 200, according to Kazakh...


Kazakhstan’s Aviation Sector Gears Up for Major 2030 Expansion

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s civil aviation sector saw notable growth in 2024, with airlines carrying 14.7 million passengers, an 11% increase from the previous year, said Kazakh Deputy...


Astana Advances Smart City Initiative with AI-Powered Surveillance, Digital Twin Technology

ASTANA — The Kazakh capital is set to advance urban management with a Smart City project to enhance public safety and operational efficiency. The initiative, backed by...


Kazakhstan’s Banking Sector Set for Steady Growth in 2025

ASTANA – The banking sectors in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are expected to remain resilient in 2025, according to an S&P Global Ratings latest report...