The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will make their first state visit to Kazakhstan on Oct. 11-14, bringing a high-level government, business and academic delegation to talks on critical minerals, transport routes, health care and artificial intelligence as the two countries seek to expand economic ties. The visit, the first Belgian state visit… The post Why Belgium’s Royal Visit to Kazakhstan Matters Beyond Diplomacy appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — Türkiye inaugurated a new railway section near its border with Bulgaria on Oct. 9, marking a step in the European Union’s efforts to strengthen transport links with Central Asia and reduce shipping times along the Middle Corridor. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos attended the opening of the… The post Türkiye Opens EU-Backed Railway Link to Boost Europe-Central Asia Connectivity appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s development of the North-South transport corridor could open new export markets, diversify trade routes and strengthen the country’s position as a regional transit hub, according to Kazakh experts. They say realizing these opportunities will depend on infrastructure improvements, competitive tariffs and closer coordination among participating countries. The corridor gained fresh attention on… The post Can Kazakhstan Turn North-South Transit Into Economic Gains? appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – The centuries-old Kazakh tradition of betashar, the ceremonial unveiling of a bride’s face, takes center stage in an exhibition of works by renowned Kazakh artist Issatay Issabayev, which opened in Astana on Oct. 8. The exhibition continues a nationwide series of events marking the 90th anniversary of Issabayev’s birth. According to Saltanat Sabyr,… The post Art of Betashar: Issatay Issabayev’s Lifelong Dialogue with Kazakh Tradition appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan marks the 115th anniversary of the birth of Kassym Amanzholov, one of the most influential Kazakh poets and translators of the 20th century, on Oct. 10. He is remembered for his distinctive poetic voice, powerful wartime poetry and contribution to the development of modern Kazakh literature. Amanzholov was also among the poets… The post Nation Commemorates Kassym Amanzholov’s 115th Anniversary: Voice That Shaped Kazakh Poetry appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. For a teacher looking for work in July or August, September is more than a date on the calendar. It is a deadline for finding a school, securing an income, and preparing for a classroom. Understanding how hiring decisions are made can be as important as finding a vacancy. In Kazakhstan, the teacher recruitment module… The post How Teachers Navigate Astana’s Digital Recruitment System appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for coordinated regional action to address the Caspian Sea’s shrinking water levels, proposing a shared digital monitoring platform and an international biodiversity fund. The environmental crisis also poses growing risks to regional economies and communities, he said, speaking at the Caspian Ecological Summit on Oct. 9 in Avaza.… The post Caspian Sea’s Shrinking Shoreline Puts Regional Economies at Risk, Tokayev Says appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s foreign media digest covers the upcoming Belgian royal visit, Kazakhstan’s newly recognized UNESCO heritage sites, Japan-funded Caspian Sea monitoring and more. King Philippe’s state visit to Kazakhstan to open new chapter in bilateral ties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde… The post News Digest: Kazakhstan’s Royal Visit, UNESCO Heritage Sites, Caspian Sea and More appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed a new development strategy for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) through 2035, calling for closer industrial and technological cooperation as traditional trade relationships come under strain. Tokayev suggested creating a portfolio of joint industrial and technological projects until 2030 during his remarks to the Oct. 9 meeting of… The post Tokayev Urges CIS to Rethink Cooperation as Global Trade Ties Shift appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Step into the city’s cultural scene through theatre, performances and music. The Astana Times editorial team has curated a special list of events perfect for enjoying with friends and family. Astana “Ana Zholy” (A Mother’s Journey) musical performance, Oct. 11 The performance is a story about mothers, women and their lives. It explores… The post From Theater to Dance: Weekend Picks to Explore appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. Over two days in Turkmenistan’s Avaza resort area, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in high-level meetings. On Oct. 8, the eighth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia convened for the first time with Azerbaijan as a full participant. On Oct. 9, the CIS Council of Heads of State and the first… The post Avaza and Kazakhstan’s Eurasian Framework of Access. How Astana Uses Multilateral Formats to Manage Connectivity appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan recorded a $2.4 billion current account surplus in the first half of 2026, equivalent to 1.6% of gross domestic product (GDP), reversing a $3.6 billion deficit in the same period last year, as export growth outpaced imports, according to the National Bank. The improvement follows a $13.1 billion current account deficit in… The post How Export Growth Helped Kazakhstan Return to Current Account Surplus appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina has confirmed her participation in the 2026 WTA Finals, which will take place in Indian Wells, California, from Nov. 8 to 15. In a video message published on the Women’s Tennis Association’s (WTA) official social media accounts, the world No. 1 expressed her excitement about qualifying for the season-ending tournament.… The post Rybakina Confirms Participation in 2026 WTA Finals in Indian Wells appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — Kazakhstan built, reconstructed and repaired more than 19,000 kilometers of roads between 2023 and 2025, while expanding railway infrastructure and domestic flight connections to improve regional connectivity and strengthen its transit capacity. The modernization program includes major infrastructure projects and digital technologies aimed at reducing travel times, improving passenger mobility and accelerating freight… The post Kazakhstan Bridges Distances With Major Transport Upgrades appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Thirty-five years after Kazakhstan closed the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and began giving up the nuclear arsenal it inherited from the Soviet Union, the world is moving back toward a security environment in which nuclear weapons are again seen by some as an answer rather than a danger. That was one of the… The post Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Legacy Offers Lessons in Age of AI and Geopolitical Rivalry appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Filming of the international action film “Armour of God IV: Ultimatum,” starring legendary actor Jackie Chan, has concluded in Kazakhstan, showcasing the country’s potential as a destination for major international film productions. The project, Salem Entertainment’s first international production, was filmed in Almaty and the Almaty and Mangystau Regions, with support from Kazakhstan’s… The post Jackie Chan Highlights Kazakhstan’s Film Potential After ‘Armour of God IV: Ultimatum’ Shoot appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for stronger economic integration, transport connectivity, water cooperation and artificial intelligence partnerships among Central Asian states and Azerbaijan at the eighth Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in Avaza on Oct. 8. Held in the year marking 35 years of independence of the… The post Tokayev Calls for Stronger Regional Cooperation at Central Asia-Azerbaijan Summit appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s government securities have been placed on J.P. Morgan’s Index Watch – Positive list for potential inclusion in the Government Bond Index – Emerging Markets (GBI-EM), marking further progress in integrating the country’s government securities market into international capital markets. Market accessibility under review The status was assigned as part of J.P. Morgan’s… The post Kazakhstan’s Government Securities Added to J.P. Morgan Watchlist for Potential GBI-EM Inclusion appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received UK Minister of State for Trade Lord Anas Sarwar on Oct. 7 to discuss strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties and expanding cooperation in energy, transport, digitalization and artificial intelligence. Strong trade and investment ties Tokayev highlighted the importance Kazakhstan attaches to developing relations with the United Kingdom, noting… The post Kazakhstan, UK Reaffirm Commitment to Expanding Strategic Partnership appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi took part in a regular meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian states and Azerbaijan in Turkmenbashi on Oct. 7. CIS ministers prepare for upcoming summit The CIS foreign ministers… The post Kazakh FM Takes Part in CIS and Regional Meetings in Turkmenbashi appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. Kazakhstan remains the region’s economic anchor and its largest recipient of foreign capital. At the same time, Montfort Eurasia’s Investor Perception Report 2026 for the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (U.S.) suggests that Central Asia and the Caucasus are moving beyond a traditional foreign direct investment story toward a broader capital markets story.… The post Central Asia Has UK, US Investors’ Attention But Understanding Still Lags Behind Interest appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — Leaders of the five Caspian states are set to meet Oct. 9 in Turkmenistan’s Avaza National Tourist Zone for a summit focused on the sea’s mounting environmental challenges, as declining water levels increasingly intersect with transport, infrastructure and regional economic interests. The Caspian Environmental Summit comes amid efforts to turn years of scientific… The post Caspian Summit: Can Cooperation Keep Pace With Falling Waters? appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Religious leaders and international experts gathered in Astana on Oct. 7 to discuss how faith communities can contribute to addressing pressing challenges, with artificial intelligence, climate change and the rights of children with incurable diseases among the key issues on the agenda. The discussions took place at the 24th Meeting of the Secretariat… The post Religious Leaders Explore Faith’s Role in Tackling Global Challenges appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) have signed an agreement to establish the Qazaqstan Climate Investment Platform (QCIP), a national mechanism designed to prepare climate projects for financing from international and domestic financial institutions. The agreement was signed under the GCF Readiness 3 program during the fund’s Regional Dialogue with countries of… The post Kazakhstan, Green Climate Fund Launch Climate Investment Platform appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have signed a framework agreement to expand cooperation in the space industry, with Kazakhstan completing the assembly of the engineering model of the OTS-SAT satellite and planning its launch in 2027. The agreement was signed in Antalya on the sidelines of the 77th International Astronautical Congress, which runs… The post OTS Advances Space Cooperation With Joint Satellite Launch Planned for 2027 appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with newly elected International Chess Federation (FIDE) President Timur Turlov on Oct. 7, congratulating him on his election and highlighting the growing international profile of Kazakhstan’s chess community. Turlov was elected FIDE president on Sept. 26 in Samarkand during the organization’s General Assembly, held alongside the 46th World Chess… The post Tokayev Meets Newly Elected FIDE President Timur Turlov appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan will send 150 athletes to the fifth Asian Para Games, which will take place on Oct. 18-24 in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture and the city of Nagoya, with the national team set to compete in 12 sports. The Kazakh team will compete in one team sport and 11 individual disciplines. The largest groups… The post Kazakhstan to Send 150 Athletes to Asian Para Games in Japan appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan is shifting its investment strategy from attracting foreign capital in terms of volume to directing investments toward projects that create production capacity, deepen processing, expand exports and develop local supply chains, according to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ardak Zebeshev. Kazakhstan has accumulated $156.4 billion in foreign investment, making it the largest… The post Kazakhstan Shifts Investment Strategy From Capital Inflows to Economic Value Creation appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Central Asia is expected to remain one of the fastest-growing regions in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) economies in 2026 and 2027, although rising energy costs, water scarcity and tighter financing conditions could weigh on the outlook, according to the bank’s latest Regional Economic Prospects report. The EBRD forecasts economic… The post EBRD Projects Central Asia’s Strong Growth Despite Energy and Water Risks appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan exported a record 8.87 million tons of wheat from September 2025 to August 2026, as strong demand from Central Asian markets and Afghanistan helped drive shipments to the highest level on record, according to the Grain Union of Kazakhstan. The figure represents a 16.2% increase from the same period last year, said… The post Kazakhstan Sets Wheat Export Record as Grain Rail Shipments Rise appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Oman agreed to establish a $150 million joint investment fund and expand cooperation in oil and gas, transport and financial connectivity, as Kazakhstan seeks to diversify its investment partnerships and strengthen access to markets across the Gulf, Indian Ocean and beyond. The agreements were signed during Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al… The post Kazakhstan, Oman Sign Investment, Energy Deals, Agree on $150 Million Fund appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Central Asia faces growing pressure on its water resources as river flows decline, freshwater reserves remain below normal, and glaciers continue to lose mass, the Eurasian Briefing Telegram channel reported, citing data from the World Meteorological Organization. The assessment compares recent indicators with data from 2022 and earlier periods. It found significant declines… The post Central Asia’s Water Challenge Deepens as Rivers Decline and Glaciers Melt appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Oman outlined new opportunities to expand investment, financial cooperation, energy, logistics and agricultural ties at a Kazakh-Omani business forum held during Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said’s state visit to Kazakhstan on Oct. 6. Investment cooperation Addressing the forum, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the high-level talks during the visit had… The post Kazakhstan, Oman Push for Stronger Trade, Investment Ties at Business Forum appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan is moving its cross-border trade hubs from planning to implementation, with new production facilities, logistics infrastructure and cargo flows emerging along the country’s borders and Caspian coast. The five priority hubs are designed to strengthen trade with the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Russia, China and the Caspian region, attract investment and support the… The post Kazakhstan’s Cross-Border Hubs Take Shape as New Trade and Logistics Gateways appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – Turkmenistan has launched an electronic visa system and an online registration portal for foreign nationals, moving parts of the country’s migration procedures to digital platforms. The State Migration Service of Turkmenistan presented the new services with representatives of foreign diplomatic missions accredited in the country attending the event. Turkmen ambassadors abroad also joined… The post Turkmenistan Launches E-Visas and Online Registration for Foreigners appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Eleven years after Kazakhstan joined the World Trade Organization, the country trades across a far wider global market under internationally agreed rules. However, one of the central challenges that preceded accession remains: reducing its dependence on commodity exports. Kazakhstan became the WTO’s 162nd member in 2015 after nearly two decades of negotiations. Its… The post Eleven Years in WTO: What Has Kazakhstan Gained appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Oman agreed to deepen strategic partnership across energy, transport, logistics, agriculture and digitalization on Oct. 6, as Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said made his first visit to Central Asia. During the talks in Astana, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described Oman as a “time-tested and reliable partner” of Kazakhstan in the Arab… The post Kazakhstan, Oman Deepen Ties During Sultan’s First Central Asia Visit appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – The emerging AI order may look bipolar from a distance, with the United States (U.S.) and China dominating the most advanced models, chips and computing infrastructure. But the discussion at Digital Bridge 2026 in Astana on Oct. 2 suggested a more complex picture: the technology may be concentrated, while its applications, standards and… The post Digital Bridge 2026: New AI Order Beyond US-China Race — Who Gets to Act for You? appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Astana’s General Education School No. 101 has been named one of three finalists representing Europe and Central Asia in the Global High Schools category of the 2027 Zayed Sustainability Prize, organizers announced. The school was selected for an artificial intelligence-based system that monitors air quality in classrooms, allowing schools to detect changes in… The post Astana School Named Finalist for 2027 Zayed Sustainability Prize appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan and international partners are stepping up efforts to address falling Caspian Sea levels, biodiversity loss and pollution, as Aktau hosted a high-level dialogue on Oct. 5 that also launched a Japan-funded monitoring and water management project. The Caspian Sea has been shrinking for decades, raising concerns over biodiversity, coastal communities, infrastructure and… The post Kazakhstan, Partners Target Falling Caspian Sea Levels With New Monitoring Project appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Officials discussed implementing Kazakhstan’s Digital Qazaqstan Strategy at a government meeting on Oct. 6, outlining plans to expand AI-powered public services, develop large-scale computing infrastructure, and accelerate digital transformation across the economy. The strategy, approved through 2029, covers digital government, data infrastructure, cybersecurity, telecommunications, IT, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies, the Prime Minister’s… The post Kazakhstan Accelerates Digital Transformation as Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Link Nears Launch appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan exported a record 76.3 million tonnes of crude oil in 2025, up 7.4% from the previous year and 20% from 2015, according to data from the Bureau of National Statistics. Italy remained the country’s largest buyer, while the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) continued to carry the bulk of Kazakhstan’s crude exports. Kazakhstan’s… The post Where Kazakhstan’s Oil Goes: Key Export Markets and Volumes  appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to Germany in September took place in Berlin and Munich and, judging by its formal results, became one of the most productive in the history of bilateral relations. The parties signed more than 30 commercial documents worth approximately $2 billion and adopted a roadmap for industrial, technological and raw materials cooperation… The post Kazakhstan-Germany Relations Through Lens of Global Instability appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered reforms in Kazakhstan’s Armed Forces after a commission investigating a military incident in the Mangystau Region revealed serious shortcomings in planning, oversight and personal safety, reported the presidential press service on Oct. 5. Tokayev held a meeting with members of the commission on Oct. 5, where its chair Aida… The post Tokayev Orders Defense Reforms After Inspection Finds Systemic Failures appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s population reached 20.62 million as of Sept. 1, while Astana surpassed 1.7 million residents, according to the Bureau of National Statistics. The capital’s population increased by 9,780 people in August alone and has grown by 61,209 people since the start of the year. Kazakhstan’s total population stood at 20,618,796 people as of… The post Kazakhstan’s Population Tops 20.6 Million as Astana Passes 1.7 Million appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said teachers are more important than ever as artificial intelligence and digital technologies reshape education, urging Kazakhstan to strengthen human capital and adapting its schools to a rapidly changing world. “A teacher is a key figure in every person’s life. I believe everyone would agree with this. Deep respect for… The post Tokayev Says Teachers Matter More Than Ever in AI Era appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – Kazakhstan has made significant progress in developing a market economy and attracting foreign investment, but regulatory uncertainty, localization policies and concerns over the rule of law continue to pose challenges for international businesses, according to the United States Department of State’s 2026 Investment Climate Statement for Kazakhstan. The report, released in September, said… The post US Report Sees Progress in Kazakhstan’s Investment Climate, Flags Tax and Regulatory Risks appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Central Asia is emerging as an increasingly important intercontinental bridge for global air cargo, with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan recording particularly strong growth, according to a new report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The report, Central Asia’s Growing Role in Global Air Cargo Flows, published Sept. 30, highlights the region’s growing importance… The post Central Asia’s Air Cargo Volumes More Than Double Since 2019, IATA Report Shows appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ALMATY – The seven OPEC+ countries participating in additional voluntary production adjustments, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman, have agreed to maintain their current oil production levels in November. The decision was made during an Oct. 4 virtual meeting to review global oil market conditions and the outlook. Under the agreement, the… The post OPEC+ Agrees to Keep Oil Production Steady appeared first on The Astana Times.

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan finished the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with 84 medals, 12 gold, 24 silver and 48 bronze, placing eighth in the overall medal standings, as the continental competition concluded Oct. 4. The result marks an improvement from the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, where Kazakhstan finished 11th with 80 medals, including… The post Kazakhstan Wins 84 Medals at Asian Games, Finishes Eighth in Overall Standings appeared first on The Astana Times.