The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakh pop star Dimash Kudaibergen’s new composition “Smoke” is now available on all music platforms, the singer announced on his Instagram page on April 26. Photo credit: Dimash Kudaibergen/Instagram He first performed this song at his solo concert in Hong Kong in December 2023, which was dedicated to a memorable date: seven years ago, Kudaibergen arrived in China to participate in the project “I am a Singer.” “I am very grateful for the warm response it received,” he wrote. “I would like to give s ..read more

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Afghanistan reached an agreement worth over $ 12 million on the supply of sunflower oil, cereal products, and flour at the Kazakh-Afghan business forum in Kabul, the Prime Minister’s press service reported on April 26. Photo credit: primeminister.kz Alongside the forum, 35 Kazakh companies presented their products and services at a thematic exhibition during the delegation’s official visit to Afghanistan. Afghan companies expressed interest in motor oil, planning to sign the first con ..read more

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Three countries agreed to enhance transit and transport infrastructure in Afghanistan at an April 27 trilateral meeting between Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin, Director General of the Transport and Communications Agency under Turkmenistan’s Cabinet of Ministers Mammetkhan Chakyev, and Afghan Minister of Commerce and Industry Nooruddin Azizi in Kabul, reported the Prime Minister’s press service. Serik Zhumangarin at a trilateral meeting on April 27. Photo credit: primeminister.kz The ..read more

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – As per Kazakhstan’s proposal, the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia are due to meet soon in Almaty to advance negotiations on the peace treaty, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in a telephone conversation with United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, reported the President Aliyev’s press office. Antony Blinken with Ilham Aliyev. Photo credit: The America Times Blinken congratulated Armenia and Azerbaijan on the recent agreement concerning border delimitati ..read more

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA—Leading medical experts from across the globe, including Nobel laureates, convened for the Nobel Fest festival in Astana on April 27-28. The festival focused on innovations in medicine and discussed topics ranging from the unexplored mysteries of the brain to the ailments of the modern era and advancements in longevity.  Pascal Mayer during his presentation of Next Generation Therapy: talking about a Green Revolution. Photo credit: Nobel Fest “It is the first Nobel Fest in medical innovations in ..read more

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s manufacturing sector showed positive dynamics in 2023, with production value reaching 21.6 trillion tenge ($48.7 billion), Minister of Industry and Construction Kanat Sharlapayev said at an April 29 government meeting in the Mazhilis, a lower house of the Kazakh Parliament. Photo credit: Viewpoint Systems The growth was driven by a 38% increase in the woodworking sector, 25.4% – in mechanical engineering, 12.2% – in the light industry, and 6.1% – in the construction industry. The volume ..read more

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. Editor’s Note: The Astana Times introduces a new series, Exploring Kazakhstan, City by City. We are setting out to unveil the rich diversity of Kazakhstan’s cities. Starting with Zhezkazgan and Shymkent, we continue our journey in the wonderful city of Taldykorgan. By exploring each city’s unique history and culture, we aim to bring you closer to the heart and soul of Kazakhstan. ASTANA – Located in the picturesque southeastern expanse of Kazakhstan, the city of Taldykorgan embodies a blend of historical richn ..read more

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — Learning the Kazakh language is a rewarding journey paved with challenges. For those interested in embarking on this journey or just improving their proficiency, The Astana Times compiled a selection of Kazakh language-speaking clubs, offering readers an opportunity to connect with fellow learners.  Photo credit: batylbol.kz Kazakh language is a state language in Kazakhstan. People have increasingly embraced the Kazakh language and identity in the past decade. However, many still experience a s ..read more

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA—The tragic tale of environmental devastation in the Aral Sea is well-documented, marking it as one of the most significant ecological disasters of the 20th century. However, amidst the desolation lies a beacon of hope in the town of Aralsk, where the Aral Tenizi (from Kazakh – Aral Sea)  public association spearheads remarkable initiatives to combat the sea’s decline. Photo credit: USAID. Click to see the map in full size. The map is designed by The Astana Times Recently, I joined a comprehensive ..read more

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s golden age in animation lies ahead despite challenges such as the lack of adequate funding and commercial unfeasibility, according to the founders of Tasqyn Animation Studio. They attribute its success solely to the enthusiasm and innovation of idea-driven creators. In an interview with the Astana Times, the studio managers share what the future holds for animated movies in Kazakhstan, the country’s talent pool and the costs of production. Founders of Tasqyn studio: Yerkezhan Bekzhigitov ..read more