๐ฐ๐ฟ The Astana Times
Kazakhstan · EN · https://astanatimes.com
About The Astana Times
The Astana Times is published by the Regional Non-Profit Organization Guild of Independent Journalists, which has reported links to the Kazakh government. While one source also mentions Svezhaya Pressa LLP as publisher, the broader media environment in Kazakhstan indicates that most outlets are controlled by the state or government-friendly entities.
Media Bias/Fact Check assesses The Astana Times as having a Right-Center bias with a Pro-Government/Authoritarian Lean and mixed factual reporting, noting it functions primarily as a public diplomacy outlet for Kazakhstan. Reporters Without Borders and Freedom House consistently rank Kazakhstan as 'not free' in terms of press freedom, highlighting government control over media, harassment of independent outlets, and prevalent self-censorship. The provided headline samples generally cover cultural, economic, and technological developments in Kazakhstan in a neutral, informative tone, consistent with an outlet focused on relaying official information and promoting national interests.
Reading context
Media systems vary by law, ownership, and editorial custom. We preserve each outlet's framing and add context so readers can compare coverage without treating one country as the default.
Kazakhstan Backs EUโs New Connectivity Platform
- Kazakhstan has endorsed the European Union's new Connectivity Platform. - The initiative aims to coordinate investments and policy actions across Central Asia, the South Caucasus, the Black Sea regiโฆ
Ronaldo scores historic goal as Portugal defeats Uzbekistan 5-0
- Uzbekistan lost 5-0 to Portugal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a record-breaking goal. - Despite the loss, Uzbek midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev expressed pride in represeโฆ
Dutch Investors Invited to Explore Beyond Oil and Gas in Kazakhstan
- Kazakhstan is seeking to expand economic ties with the Netherlands beyond the oil and gas sector. - The country highlighted opportunities in agriculture, water management, logistics, and infrastructโฆ
Kazakhstan, Belgium Target Deeper Cooperation in Strategic Sectors, Connectivity
- Kazakhstan and Belgium agreed to boost cooperation in strategic sectors and connectivity during Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev's visit to Brussels. - Discussions focused on deepening polโฆ
Kazakhstan, China Pledge Deeper Trade and Connectivity Cooperation
- Kazakhstan and China have pledged to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, transport, and agriculture, reinforcing their strategic partnership. - Bilateral trade between the two nations exceeded โฆ
Kazakh President Tokayev meets EU leaders in Brussels, engages with diaspora
- Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with European Council President Antรณnio Costa in Brussels. - The meeting precedes official talks aimed at strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstaโฆ
Kazakhstan, Afghanistan to Establish Joint Water Resources Center, Boost Trade Ties
- Kazakhstan and Afghanistan will establish a joint educational and research center for water resource management in Kabul. - The center aims to support specialist training, knowledge exchange, and joโฆ
Astana to Host 2027 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships
- Astana, Kazakhstan, has been selected to host the 2027 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships. - The event, scheduled for February 9-14, 2027, will feature skaters from Asia, the Americas, Afrโฆ
EDB Gains Direct Access to Chinaโs Interbank Bond Market
- The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has obtained a license to operate in China's interbank bond market. - This grants EDB direct access to one of the world's largest bond markets. - The People's Banโฆ
Kazakhstan Delivers 319 Tons of Aid, Medical Mission to Afghanistan
- Kazakhstan delivered 318.8 tons of humanitarian aid, including medicines and essential supplies, to Afghanistan. - A delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin arrived in Kabul with mโฆ
Kazakhstan's Trade Driven by Commodities, Investment Targets Diversification
- Kazakhstan's foreign trade reached $44.9 billion in January-April 2026, a 7.9% increase year-on-year. - Exports are dominated by commodities, particularly crude oil and petroleum products, which accโฆ
Balkhash Tour Fest Welcomes 35,000 Guests, Spotlights Volunteer Action
- The Balkhash Tour Fest 2026 attracted approximately 35,000 visitors from 11 countries on its opening day. - The festival featured sports, cultural events, and outdoor activities, highlighting the Baโฆ
Curtains Up: Kazakh Theaters Draw 2.8 Million Spectators as Attendance Rises Nationwide
- Kazakhstan's state theaters attracted over 2.8 million spectators this season, staging approximately 16,000 performances. - This surge in attendance reflects a growing public interest in performing โฆ
Kazakhstan, Montenegro Agree to Deepen Economic and Political Ties During Historic Visit
- Kazakhstan and Montenegro agreed to strengthen political and economic cooperation during Montenegro's President Jakov Milatoviฤ's official visit to Kazakhstan. - The leaders discussed expanding tiesโฆ
AIFC Report Maps Capital Market Trends Across Four Eurasian Economies
- Kazakhstan possesses the most developed capital market in Eurasia, according to an AIFC report. - The report covers Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan, identifying common challenges โฆ
Lufthansa to Suspend Flights to Kazakhstan for 2025-26 Winter Schedule
- Lufthansa will suspend flights between Frankfurt and Kazakhstan for the 2025-26 winter schedule. - This marks the second consecutive year the airline has halted winter service on the FrankfurtโAlmatโฆ
Kairat bids farewell to Chelsea-bound Dastan Satpayev
- Kazakh football club Kairat honored 17-year-old forward Dastan Satpayev before his transfer to Chelsea. - Satpayev joined Kairat's academy at age eight and played his final match for the club on Junโฆ
Tokayev Signs Law Establishing UN Regional Center for Central Asia and Afghanistan
- Kazakhstan has officially established a UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty. - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a ratification law, โฆ
Kazakh PM Calls for Deeper Regional Cooperation at Tashkent Investment Forum
- Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov urged deeper regional cooperation at the Tashkent Investment Forum. - He highlighted Kazakhstan's efforts to improve its investment climate, including a new visโฆ
Beyond the Spotlight: How Kazakhstan Becomes Visible in Indonesia
- Kazakhstan's cultural visibility in Indonesia is growing, partly due to individual artists like Dimash Qudaibergen. - This suggests cultural influence can emerge organically, not just through officiโฆ
Olympic Champion Mikhail Shaidorov to Launch Grand Prix Season in France
- Kazakhstan's Olympic figure skating champion Mikhail Shaidorov will compete in the Grand Prix series in France and China. - He aims to qualify for the Grand Prix Final in Chongqing. - Sofia Samodelkโฆ
Kazakhstan Secures Preferential Financing from IBRD and AIIB for Economic Priorities
- Kazakhstan plans to secure US$965.4 million in concessional loans from the IBRD and AIIB to fund economic development priorities. - The loans, denominated in Japanese yen, will support key governmenโฆ
Jiangsu Center Opens in Astana to Boost Trade, Investment
- The Jiangsu Provincial Center in Central Asia has opened in Astana, Kazakhstan, to enhance trade and investment cooperation between China and Kazakhstan. - The center will provide consulting serviceโฆ
Kazakhstan, Spain Reaffirm Strategic Partnership, Eye Economic Cooperation
- Kazakhstan and Spain reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding economic cooperation during their eighth round of political consultations. - Officials reviewed politicโฆ
Saudi Arabiaโs Mining Lesson: Real Mining Race is About Value, Not Resources
- Saudi Arabia is diversifying its economy beyond oil, focusing on mining as a strategic pillar under its Vision 2030 plan to reduce hydrocarbon dependence. - The Kingdom aims to become a leader in prโฆ
IMF Sees Kazakhstanโs Economy Growing 4.6% in 2026 Despite Inflation Risks
- Kazakhstan's economy is projected to grow by 4.6% in 2026, driven by high oil prices and strong domestic demand, according to the IMF. - Growth moderated in early 2026 due to reduced oil production,โฆ
Kazakhstan to launch unified digital transport platform by year-end
- Kazakhstan will establish a unified digital platform to manage its transport and logistics chain in real time by the end of 2026. - The platform aims to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and increaโฆ
Kazakhstan Explains US Visa Refusals, Signals Progress on Schengen Talks
- Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry states nearly half of US visa applications are denied due to documentation errors, not nationality. - The ministry is also progressing in talks with the EU for visa facโฆ
Kazakhstan Secures $10 Billion AI Investment With NVIDIA, Firebird
- Kazakhstan has signed agreements worth $10 billion with NVIDIA and Firebird to develop large-scale artificial intelligence infrastructure. - The Data Center Valley project in Ekibastuz aims to positโฆ
Kazakhstan Considers Under-16 Social Media Ban Amid Mental Health Concerns
- Kazakhstan is considering banning social media access for children under 16 to protect them from cyberbullying and harmful content. - The Ministry of Culture and Information drafted amendments to lโฆ
Kazakhstan, World Bank Bolster Partnership in Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity
- Kazakhstan and the World Bank are strengthening their partnership to boost digital infrastructure and AI development. - The collaboration aims to help Kazakhstan transition from a technology user toโฆ
Kazakhstan's Akmola Region Targets Two Million Tourists with Burabay Infrastructure Boost
- The Akmola Region in Kazakhstan anticipates two million tourists this year, with Burabay as the primary destination. - Infrastructure improvements include new tourist routes, observation decks, picnโฆ
Coal Accounts for Over 60% of Kazakhstanโs Electricity as Its Energy Mix Diversifies
- Coal remains Kazakhstan's primary electricity source, generating 62.1% of the nation's power. - Gas-fired plants contribute 23.4%, hydropower 7.5%, and renewable energy sources account for 7% of eleโฆ
International Boxing Hall of Fame Inducts Gennady Golovkin
- Kazakh boxer Gennady Golovkin was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) on June 14, becoming the first from his country to receive the honor. - Golovkin was inducted on his firโฆ
Kazakhstan's Adilet Party approves merger with Amanat Party
- Kazakhstan's Adilet Party has approved a merger with the Amanat Party, retaining the Adilet name. - The merger aims to strengthen national unity and advance the country's reform agenda. - President โฆ
Belgian firm plans $56 million logistics hub near China border as Kazakhstan boosts transit role
- Belgian company Sarens plans a $56 million logistics hub near Kazakhstan's border with China. - The project aims to ease cargo bottlenecks and strengthen Kazakhstan's role as a transit corridor betwโฆ
Ballet Dancer Adamzhan Brings Dracula to Edinburgh After Sold-Out London Run
- Kazakh ballet star Bakhtiyar Adamzhan is bringing his acclaimed portrayal of Dracula to Edinburgh, Scotland. - The performances follow a week of sold-out shows at London's Sadler's Wells Theatre. - โฆ
Kazakhstan-EU Relations Deepen Beyond Trade as Cooperation Expands Across Strategic Sectors
- Kazakhstan and the European Union are deepening their relationship beyond trade, focusing on strategic sectors like digital governance, critical raw materials, and transport. - Bilateral trade reachโฆ
Kick Off Your Summer Weekend With These Events
- Astana, Kazakhstan, is offering a variety of cultural and entertainment events to kick off the summer weekend. - Events include the Aqbozat Open Air Fest with live music and family activities, balleโฆ
Kazakh Titanium Dominates 20% of Global Aerospace Market, Officials Say
- Kazakhstan's titanium production accounts for about 20% of the global aerospace market, according to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. - The Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant (UKTMP) is a kโฆ
Kazakhstan and France Advance Long-Term Plan to Protect Lake Balkhash
- Kazakhstan and France have presented interim findings for a master plan to protect the Lake Balkhash ecosystem, with the final strategy due by year-end. - The project aims to provide a scientific frโฆ
Kazakhstan Opens 16th AMM Congress to Shape Future of Mining Sector
- The 16th Astana Mining & Metallurgy (AMM) Congress convened global leaders, investors, and policymakers in Kazakhstan to discuss the sector's future. - Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov highlighted Kazโฆ
Kazakhstan sees no immediate tenge impact from higher oil prices, central bank says
- Kazakhstan's National Bank chair stated that rising oil prices have not yet significantly impacted the national currency, the tenge. - He explained that currency fluctuations typically lag one to twโฆ
Kazakhstan Maintains Low Public Debt Amid Budget Efficiency Concerns
- Kazakhstan's public debt is manageable, totaling $74.7 billion or 22.8% of GDP, well below the 32% target. - Finance Minister Madi Takiyev stated the debt is within safe limits. - However, concerns โฆ
Kazakhstan, Netherlands Reach Deals on $185 Million in Joint Projects
- Kazakhstan and the Netherlands agreed to advance joint projects valued at $185 million. - The agreements were reached during a business forum in the Netherlands, focusing on agri-food, logistics, anโฆ
Kazakhstan Uses Financial Incentives to Drive ESG Adoption, Help Exporters Compete Abroad
- Kazakhstan is using financial incentives to encourage businesses to adopt Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. - The Export Credit Agency of Kazakhstan supports non-resource-based โฆ
Kazakhstan, South Korea deepen economic ties ahead of Tokayev's Seoul visit
- Kazakhstan and South Korea aim to deepen economic cooperation, focusing on trade, investment, energy, critical minerals, and technology. - Bilateral trade reached $3.17 billion in 2025, with South Kโฆ
IEA Oil Market Report Highlights Global Risks as Kazakhstan Seeks to Stabilize Production
- Global oil markets face sharp volatility with declining demand and supply disruptions, according to the IEA. - Kazakhstan, a major producer, is working to stabilize output amid these global shifts. โฆ
Kazakhstan Gains FMD-Free Status, Boosting Livestock Export Prospects
- Kazakhstan has officially achieved Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-free status for its livestock sector. - This designation is expected to boost agricultural exports and improve international market acโฆ
Dimash Fans Worldwide Turn Admiration Into Charity and Environmental Action
- Fans of Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen worldwide are initiating charitable and environmental projects inspired by his work. - These initiatives include fundraising for sick children in the Czech Rโฆ
Kazakhstan's Oilseed Export Revenue Quadruples to $1 Billion in Four Years
- Kazakhstan's oilseed processing industry has seen its export revenue quadruple in four years, reaching nearly $1 billion. - The sector is now a strategic economic pillar, accounting for 27% of the cโฆ
Cirque du Soleilโs OVO Brings Insect-Inspired Spectacle to Kazakhstan
- Cirque du Soleil's "OVO" production is captivating audiences in Astana, Kazakhstan, from June 4-7 with its insect-themed spectacle. - The show features 53 performers from 25 countries, showcasing a โฆ
Kazakh Tazy Places Fourth at World Dog Show 2026
- Kazakhstan's national dog breed, the tazy, achieved significant recognition at the World Dog Show 2026 in Bologna, Italy. - A young tazy named Chelsea placed fourth among junior sighthounds, while oโฆ
Kazakhstan Begins Construction of First Container Ship to Boost Middle Corridor Capacity
- Kazakhstan has begun constructing its first container ship at the Baku Shipyard. - This 780 TEU vessel is a key step in expanding the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Mโฆ
Kazakhstan's Bibisara Assaubayeva Wins Norway Chess 2026 Title
- Kazakh chess player Bibisara Assaubayeva won the Norway Chess Women 2026 title before the final round. - The 22-year-old secured the victory with a point against her closest competitor, Anna Muzychuโฆ
Kazakh National Bank Lowers Base Rate to 17%
- Kazakhstan's National Bank lowered its base rate to 17% due to easing inflationary pressures and updated macroeconomic forecasts. - Annual inflation decreased to 10.4% in May, with further declines โฆ
News Digest: Foreign Media on Middle Corridor Expansion, Cyprus Ties, and Hong Kongโs Central Asia Push
- Kazakhstan's role as a transit hub between China and Europe is set to expand with the full operation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. - Hong Kong's Chief Executive led a delegation to Kazakhstan anโฆ
Kazakhstan marks Day of State Symbols, reflecting national identity
- Kazakhstan celebrates the Day of State Symbols on June 4 each year, honoring its flag, emblem, and anthem. - These symbols, adopted shortly after independence in 1992, represent the nation's identiโฆ
Kazakhstan's exporters race to adapt to Europeโs carbon border tax
- Kazakhstan's aluminum, iron, and steel sectors face significant impact from the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). - A report presented in Astana assessed the potential effects of CBAM โฆ
Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway Capacity Boosted to 5 Million Tons, Strengthening Middle Corridor
- The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway's annual freight capacity has increased to 5 million tons after reconstruction. - This upgrade significantly enhances the railway's role within the Middle Corridor tranโฆ
Four Przewalskiโs Horses Arrive in Kazakhstan for Reintroduction in Altyn Dala Reserve
- Four Przewalski's horses arrived in Kazakhstan on June 1 as part of a reintroduction project in the Altyn Dala Reserve. - This is the third group of horses brought from European breeding centers, wiโฆ
Kazakhstan: A Turquoise Zone Connecting Ancient Horizons with the 21st Century
- Kazakhstan is presented as a potential "Turquoise Zone," blending natural beauty, cultural preservation, and technological advancement. - The country's strategic location in Eurasia and its history โฆ
Kazakhstan Targets 8.4 GW of New Renewable Energy Capacity by 2035
- Kazakhstan plans to commission 8.4 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity by 2035 as part of its low-carbon development strategy. - The country aims to double its renewable energy capacity over โฆ
Tokayev pushes Alatau City development, eyes major investment hub
- Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reviewed the development of Alatau City, a project aiming to create a major hub for investment, innovation, and logistics. - The city, spanning 88,000 heโฆ
Hong Kong Chief Executive Sees Kazakhstan as Central Asiaโs Gateway
- Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee visited Astana, Kazakhstan, on June 2. - Lee highlighted Kazakhstan's potential as a gateway to Central Asia and Hong Kong's role as a gateway to China. - He expโฆ
Kazakhstan Ranks Among Worldโs Top Rising Tech Hubs
- Kazakhstan has been recognized as one of the world's top rising technology hubs, ranking in the top 10 of the Global Tech Ecosystem Index 2026. - The index, compiled by Dealroom.co, evaluates ecosysโฆ
Experts Outline Three Scenarios for Kazakhstanโs Livestock Industry by 2031
- Kazakhstan's livestock industry may follow one of three development paths by 2031, according to a new report. - The findings were presented during a roundtable discussion in Astana, organized by theโฆ
Kazakhstanโs E-Commerce Market Reaches Nearly $8 Billion, Latest Statistics Show
- Kazakhstan's e-commerce market reached nearly $8 billion (3.8 trillion tenge) in 2025. - Online marketplaces accounted for 86% of this total, with 14% from retailers' own platforms. - Phones and gadโฆ
Kazakhstan's Tengiz Oil Field Sees Temporary Production Cut After Operational Disruption
- Oil production at Kazakhstan's Tengiz field temporarily decreased due to an operational disruption at a Tengizchevroil (TCO) facility. - TCO confirmed the disruption and stated that oil output is beโฆ
Kazakhstan and IAEA Sign Roadmap to Deepen Nuclear Cooperation Through 2036
- Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to discuss nuclear cooperation. - They signed a roadmap for deepening cooperation in nuclear energy, safety,โฆ
Kazakhstan Establishes 'Charter City' Alatau as Tech and Investment Hub
- Kazakhstan is establishing Alatau as a special "charter city" to become a technology and investment hub. - The city will operate under a special legal regime with expanded economic powers, AI regulaโฆ
Kazakhstan Expands Direct Flights to Prague, Hanoi, Izmir, and Baku
- Vietjet Air launched new direct flights from Almaty, Kazakhstan, to Hanoi, Vietnam, and Prague, Czech Republic, starting October 10. - These routes, operating twice weekly, mark Vietjet's entry intoโฆ
Kazakhstan Expands Safety, Transport and Resort Infrastructure Ahead of Summer Tourism Season
- Kazakhstan is enhancing its tourism infrastructure, including airports, transport links, and safety measures, for the upcoming summer season. - The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is implementing a cโฆ
Almaty Museums Stay Open Late to Celebrate International Museum Day with Record Turnout
- Almaty museums hosted a 'Night at the Museum' event on May 18, attracting nearly 17,000 visitors. - The cultural campaign offered free exhibitions, performances, and interactive programs from 6 p.m.โฆ
Kazakhstan Survey: Over 84% of Citizens View Country's Direction Positively
- A nationwide survey commissioned by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies found that 84.4% of Kazakh citizens believe the country is moving in a positive direction. - Support for the countrโฆ
Central Asia and China Bolster Regional Security Coordination
- Central Asian nations and China convened in Astana for a security dialogue. - Ministers discussed enhancing cooperation against transnational crime, cyber threats, extremism, and drug trafficking. -โฆ
Tokayev Launches Astana LRT, Becomes First Passenger on Capitalโs New Rail System
- President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev officially launched Astana's Light Rail Transit (LRT) system on May 16, becoming its first passenger. - The new 22.4-kilometer automated line features 15 driverless tโฆ
Kazakhstan Poised for Regional Leadership in Sustainable Development, UN Expert Says
- Kazakhstan has the potential to become a regional leader in sustainable and inclusive development, according to a UN expert. - A UN Special Rapporteur praised the country's economic growth, digital โฆ
Kazakhstan's Cities Offer Dynamic Weekend of Arts and Sports
- Kazakhstan's capital Astana and Almaty will host a variety of cultural and sporting events this weekend. - Offerings include jazz concerts, opera, a musical drama about a Kazakh wrestler, football mโฆ
Tokayev, Erdoฤan Boost Kazakh-Turkish Ties, Targeting $15 Billion Trade with Focus on AI, Logistics, and Industry
- Kazakhstan and Turkey aim to boost bilateral trade to $15 billion, focusing on cooperation in industry, transport, agriculture, and digital technologies. - Presidents Tokayev and Erdoฤan highlightedโฆ
Azerbaijan Joins Islamic Organization for Food Security
- Azerbaijan has officially joined the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), enhancing cooperation among OIC member states on food security and sustainable agriculture. - The accession agreemโฆ
Almaty Launches Low-Emission Zone Pilot to Test Air Quality Systems
- Almaty has launched a pilot low-emission zone (LEZ) in a central city block to test digital infrastructure and assess traffic's impact on air quality. - The pilot, running until December 31, operateโฆ
Kazakhstan Aims for Fully Digital State in Three Years, Showcases AI Ambitions at GITEX
- Kazakhstan aims to become a fully digital state within three years, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced. - Tokayev visited the GITEX AI Central Asia & Caucasus 2026 exhibition, highlighting AIโฆ
In the Rhythm of Samskara: Middle Powersโ Values for Values-Based World Order
- The current global order is experiencing a crisis not just of rules, but also of rhythm, as Western cadences of liberal democracy and free markets no longer universally organize the world. - New powโฆ
Kazakhstan Marks 120th Anniversary of Music Pioneer Ahmet Zhubanov
- Kazakhstan is celebrating the 120th anniversary of composer and musicologist Ahmet Zhubanov. - Zhubanov was instrumental in systematizing Kazakh music through education, research, and performance, mโฆ
Kazakhstan Accelerates AI Integration Across Key Sectors, Yielding Measurable Results
- Kazakhstan is rapidly adopting artificial intelligence across healthcare, transport, and energy sectors. - Early results show improved efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced public services. - AI sโฆ
TotalEnergies Approves $1.2 Billion Wind and Storage Project in Kazakhstan
- TotalEnergies has approved a $1.2 billion wind and battery energy storage project in Kazakhstan. - The Mirny project in the Zhambyl Region will feature 1 GW of wind capacity and battery storage. - Tโฆ
